When comparing ICONS vs Marvel Super Heroes, the Slant community recommends Marvel Super Heroes for most people. In the question“What are the best superhero-themed tabletop RPGs?” Marvel Super Heroes is ranked 1st while ICONS is ranked 6th. The most important reason people chose Marvel Super Heroes is:
MSH has a quick and easy character generation process. Characters are created by rolling for origin, ability scores, powers, talents and deciding on a name. It usually takes less than 10 minutes and offers an impressive variety in characters created.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Creating characters with random rolls is fun
While the game has an option for a point based character creation system, there's a random roll system that often produces exciting, unexpected results.
Pro Random character generation is quick and allows for some truly memorable superheroes
MSH has a quick and easy character generation process. Characters are created by rolling for origin, ability scores, powers, talents and deciding on a name. It usually takes less than 10 minutes and offers an impressive variety in characters created.
Pro Designed to be beginner-friendly and narrative-focused
The game has a light ruleset that encourages roleplaying. Most conflicts are resolved with a percentage roll and a consulting table with the GM having a lot of flexibility due to rules being mostly just guidelines.
Pro Character advancement is optional
Pro Power Stunt mechanic encourages creative use of powers or abilities
(not available in the basic set)
Pro Karma system rewards heroic roleplaying
Karma is a resource used for character advancement and increasing chances in a conflict. It's gained by performing actions that a moral hero would perform.
Cons
Con The book is poorly organized
A lot of jumping around different parts of the book is required to perform certain actions, like create a character.
Con High level of randomness
Power balance between characters can be highly varied since all attributes are decided with a dice roll.
Con Designed with a single interpretation of a superhero in mind
MSH's karma system rewards ethical behaviour, as such anti-heroes like Deadpool or Punisher are almost impossible to play as.
Con Some of the karma system potential is lost
Karam system is used for 2 things in the game - advancing the character (getting new powers, abilities and raising ability scores) and improving character's rolls. Since most players tend to focus on advancing the character, the secondary function of the karma system is often wasted potential.