Like the previous two archives, Archetype Archive 3 presents ten new archetypes for Mutants & Masterminds 2nd Edition. The format is identical to the previous archives. The art is as good or arguably a little better. The archetypes presented continue to focus on some of the major heroic archetypes found in comic books. You get Amphibian (Sub-Mariner, Aquaman), Archer (Hawkeye, Green Arrow), Living Flame (Human Torch), Ring Bearer (Green Lantern), etc. You even get a nod to the pulp era with the Dark Avenger, a Shadow clone.
I was happy to see a nice implementation of Alternate Powers with the Living Flame. However, I wish that the Archer had been fleshed completely, instead of just given example power feats. For the Gamemaster, the Revenant, an almost unkillable character, would make a nice villain for a group of heroes. Similarly, the Demon and Dark Avenger could also be used as villains with no or little modification.
If you are looking for extremely clever and/or unique character designs or characters that ?push the limits? of the Mutants & Masterminds game system, Archetype Archive 3 may disappoint you. The characters are all pretty straightforward and as I have mentioned earlier, the archetypes are all typical comic book fare. However, if you are a busy (or just lazy) Gamemaster like me, these archetype collections are a good value. I will gladly pay fifty cents a character for the convenience that the Archetype Archives provide. It cuts down on my prep time and lets me concentrate on things other than grinding out characters. They are also useful for one-shots and as NPC heroes. Check out the whole series and see for yourself.<br><br>
<b>LIKED</b>: Classic archetypes are a boon to the busy Gamemaster.<br><br><b>DISLIKED</b>: Characters are all pretty straightforward. I would like to see at least a few in future collections that 'push' the game system a bit.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Very Good<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>
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