Back in 2003, Robert Kirkman and Image Comics unleashed Invincible on the world. Since then, it has grown into an unstoppable franchise with a TV series on Amazon Prime. Now it is Free League Publishing’s turn to put their magic to it with the release of the Invincible Superhero Roleplaying game. I was lucky enough to get it to review, so let’s see how it plays and what you get in the amazing starter pack.
Think of the Rules Mark!!
The Invincible – Superhero Roleplaying game by Free League Publishing brilliantly captures the drama and bone-crushing action of Robert Kirkman’s iconic comic book universe. It uses a modified version of the acclaimed Year Zero Engine. The gameplay relies on a fast, d6 dice pool system that moves at high speed. This approach saves the players the hours of tedious combat found in older superhero titles. It replaces it with flowing, narrative-forward showdowns.
True to the source material, the rule mechanics nicely balance personal relationship drama with visceral, superhero violence. A ruthless critical injury table ensures every planetary threat or cityscape brawl carries genuine danger. You can even modify the rules to easily scale the gore back for family-friendly tables. Players can assume the roles of iconic characters like Atom Eve, Rex Splode, and Invincible himself. Or construct entirely custom heroes, choosing from nearly seventy unique superpowers and archetypes to defend the globe.
The beauty in violence
Visually, the Invincible starter set’s quality is outstanding. It serves as a love letter to the original comics. This is not a surprise, as they have the original artists, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, as lead artists on this project. This just makes it for an Invincible fan. The core rulebook is packed from cover to cover with art that could be straight out of an Invincible comic or episode. It really immerses you in the world and would give any GM inspiration.
Free League provides an impressive treasure trove of physical components that will elevate the entire table experience. It includes ten beautifully engraved custom d6 dice featuring the iconic lower-case “i” and Viltrumite symbols. A thick double-sided action map and high-quality illustrated cardboard standees for heroes and villains alike. The starter set also includes custom cards for social scene cues and power cards. There are six fully pre-generated character sheets. Best of all, a three-act introductory adventure called “Metro Mayhem” to get groups playing immediately. If you have no group, there is Crisis Mode so you can play solo.
Viltrumite or Viltrumite not
Invincible the Superhero Roleplaying game is an absolute must-have for both tabletop and die-hard comic fans. Free League has once again proven its masterful design capabilities. They have delivered a beautifully packaged, brutally fun roleplaying game that truly feels invincible.
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