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The Archetype Archive 1 is an electronic book expanding the material first seen in Green Ronin’s Mutants and Masterminds, Second Edition. Like the core rulebook, these archetypes are presented in a graphically sound format and include color illustrations representing each model. As an additional bonus, a preview power from the upcoming Masterminds Manual has also been included, a necessity for one of the builds.
The first archetype presented is the Android. While the build is solid, I thought that there could be some other options included, as well as a more “android-esque” image. However, I could easily see how it could be useful as an example if nothing else.
The next archetype is the Bulk. Fans of characters such as Marvel’s Blob would find some parallels in this build. Though some may not realize it, this is also a good build for a Brick as well. Between its strength, super-strength feats and toughness, this character would be great on the front-line of a fight.
Next up is the Fortunate Hero, which utilizes the preview power, Probability Control. Personally, I think this would make an awesome villain rather than a hero or, at the very least, an anti-hero like the X-Men’s Gambit used to be. At the core of this character is a thief with some lucky streaks, emulated by both Probability Control and her levels of Luck. This makes for an interesting character that, with the proper background, could be a blast to play.
A compliment in build style to the Fortunate Hero, the Illusionist archetype seems to work off the core idea of a trickster. It’s this foundation that would easily make her an interesting character and, with some minor tweaking, a great build overall. For example, with a few minor changes, this archetype goes from being a mystical mistress of mirrors to a psionic protagonist of prestidigitation.
From a mystic maven to a Mystic Warrior, our next archetype deals with someone who’s empowered by a mystic weapon of some kind. With various options, the two that are briefly discussed are the “chosen one” and “trained from birth”. Like the Illusionist, with a few minor tweaks, the Mystic Warrior could easily become the Cosmic Warrior or even a Technological Warrior.
Next up is the Psychic, a hero that is an alternate concept of the Psionic archetype from the core rulebook. A versatile character, the Psychic could easily emulate characters such as Jean Grey or Professor Xavier of X-Men fame.
Fans of the Teen Titans’ Starfire may like the next archetype, The Star Child. Of the characters in represented in this PDF, this has got to be my favorite. Not only do we get a solid build for such a character, but there’s a great image for the Star Child also. Though the general concept could be altered with only a few minor changes, I really prefer this archetype the way it is.
A staple of the comic industry, the Super Soldier has become iconic thanks to Captain America. But, unlike the star-spangled icon, this variant is equipped with various high-tech goodies such as wrist-blasters and a jet pack. Personally, I thought it was a great move to not suffer the cookie-cutter symbol that most associate with a super solider and take a bolder approach. In some ways, the character reminds me of an amalgam of Captain America and Adam Strange.
In recent years, the X-Man Storm has become quite popular. And, looking at the Weather Controller, one could see why. Here’s a build that’s both versatile and powerful at the same time, having access to a wide array of power to use both in and out of combat. Add on top of the powers several ranks of Fearsome Presence and you have a complete package that almost anyone would fear.
The final archetype is the Wealthy Thrillseeker. While I think of characters such as Moon Knight or Green Arrow, the character chosen for this archetype uses a hyped-up hoverboard and a small range of gizmos to fight crime. In many ways, the image really reminds me of a Johnny Storm that never became the Human Torch, but rather uses Reed’s intellect to build his gadgets for him. An interesting idea …
Overall, the PDF is a steal at the price and presents some solid ideas. I know that I’ll be using them to represent both heroes and villains in my Mutant and Masterminds campaigns and I hope you do as well.
