I hold this game in such high regard, as we loved the original game it was inspired by in the 1980s. This game takes direct inspiration from the best superhero game ever made, and the second edition is even cleaner, better balanced, and play-tested than the original. The PDF is free, too, meaning anyone can play.
The art was redone with public domain comic art, which is terrific. The vibe is 1950s comics, and it fits the genre and game, giving it a very iconic comic look that is not modern but could be. I love that era—the cars, the gangsters, the post-war culture, and the entire feeling of the time. There is no reason why any modern team could not be reimagined there, and some of the best retro graphic novels for DC were amazingly set in that era.
A 1950s X-Men would be closer to the war that inspired them and to their origin in the 1960s. Something tells me this is where they belong. Even a 1950s Avengers would be fresh air, Cap would not be on ice, and Stark could be in the defense industry, making Cold War weapons. Many of the DC heroes were in their primes in this era.
You can play at any time, too; this is not limited to the 1950s. This system easily adapts to anything from cowboys to sci-fi, anywhere from the 1850s to the year 3000 and beyond. Lower the power level one step and have an Indiana Jones pulp adventure game.
The game is a simple beer-and-pretzels system. In five minutes, I had it figured out, with character creation. One book with a free PDF, and you are good to go. This is like the Star Frontiers of superhero games.
Highest recommendation.
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