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For the uninitiated: HERO is a universal roleplaying system that allows you to build your world from scratch. No random generation is necessary; you, the player, design each aspect of your character to your specifications. It also has the distinction of being (arguably) the best system for “Super Hero” roleplaying on the market and holding that title for twenty plus years. Sidekick, written by HERO System Line Developer, Steven S. Long, is a streamlined collection of the basic rules of HERO, as well as including chapters on character creation, environment, equipment lists and sample characters. It was created with the intention of providing gamers with a tool with which to integrate new players into the ever-so-slightly intimidating HERO System.
The book itself is an utilitarian, softbound affair, sporting the familiar “Hex Hero” logo on its cover and weighing in at a feather light 128 pages. Compare this to the Core Fifth Edition monster weighing in at 380 and you begin to understand the necessity of a book like Sidekick in the HERO System library. Sidekick is a complete set of rules that stand alone available at the bargain price of 9.99 at most stores and at the HERO GAMES official website. The interior is done in the standard format of 5th edition products and it’s a pleasant read. What I find most satisfying about the design of the book is the inclusion of “goodies” in the sidebars from other supplements. Steve Long really knows how to get the most out of each page.
True to its promise, Sidekick is an excellent introduction to the greater HERO world. The “streamlining” consists of the omission of optional rules and edited definitions of skills/perks/talents/powers. The mechanics of Sidekick are identical to HERO proper, allowing for an easy transition into the big book when you and your group are ready. The charts with real (and mythical) examples in relation to the characteristic numbers are particularly brilliant. When I play-tested the product with people who had no prior roleplaying experience to speak of, they suggested that something like this would expedite the character creation process greatly by giving complete neophytes a basis for reference.
Other highlights include a solid step-by-step example of creating a character from scratch. It’s not exactly a new concept, but it’s well done and useful for delegating the creation process. I’m confident (and I’ve done it) you can hand this book to someone who’s never seen a six-sided die and with minimal guidance they will be able to generate a character.
Any complaints I harbor are easily offset by the attractive price. For example, the artwork is recycled from other books. This is common for the company, but forgivable. Art is expensive and I’d rather have a cheap book that I can convince others to buy than a pricey, pretty book they might not take a chance on. Ditto for the cover. This book is a steal for 999 pennies.
So if you want to have powers beyond that of mortal men and you haven’t tried the HERO System, this book was written for you. Steve Long was sitting at his desk and said, “Hey, (insert your name here) needs a book to introduce him to the HERO System,” and Sidekick sprung from his head fully grown and took flight. OR, if you need a book to help your D20 buddies get in the game, this book was written for them. You gotta love the tagline too, “Every HERO needs a Sidekick.” Clever.
