ICONS.jpgSteve Kenson, the man behind the fan favorite superhero RPG, Mutants & Masterminds has announced that his newest project, ICONS, is available for pre-order. What exactly is ICONS? ICONS is Steve’s tribute to 80’s style superheroes (that’s the late bronze age for all you comic aficionados…) using elements of the FATE system (the generic, lightweight system from Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue that’s probably best known from ENIE-nominated Spirit of the Century) featuring:

  • Simplified powers system focused on power groupings rather than a detailed powers system
  • Simplified universal resolution system
  • A great spin on the fate points system that allows the storyteller to better guide the story
  • Random character generation (you’re either going to hate it or love it – after reading Steve talk about it, I think I love it)

The game is advertised as a combination of old school super heroics with the pickup style of roleplaying (caveat emptor: I’m a fan of the FATE system, but there are many who fairly argue that the system isn’t real suitable for pickup games) and really seems set to deliver a unique and entertaining spin on the typical superhero RPG. Also, if you pre-order now, they’ll throw in a free PDF copy of the game and a whole bunch of extra content (including a rogue’s gallery and adventure). ICONS officially releases from Adamant Entertainment in June of 2010 with the release of the 128 page trade paperback and will retail for $29.95.

Update: Clarified the use of FATE based on publisher feedback!