When comparing Risus vs Marvel Super Heroes, the Slant community recommends Risus for most people. In the question“What are the best tabletop RPGs?” Risus is ranked 12th while Marvel Super Heroes is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose Risus is:
Risus has a very minimalist rule system that breaks down all actions to their core function. Risus comes with a super short, four page rulebook (available in many forms and formats) that's easy to read, includes examples and has a bit of humor thrown in to make the process or learning more enjoyable.
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Pros
Pro Can be taught in less than 10 minutes
Risus has a very minimalist rule system that breaks down all actions to their core function. Risus comes with a super short, four page rulebook (available in many forms and formats) that's easy to read, includes examples and has a bit of humor thrown in to make the process or learning more enjoyable.
Pro Very flexible rules
Risus is not confined to a selection of pre-defined character-classes, settings or abilities. Characters are described via clichés such as Witch Doctor, Gambler, Musician with a number of dice assigned to each cliché that are then used in challenges that relate to the appropriate cliché.
Pro A large following that provides a lot of content
A large amount of adventures, artwork, characters, clichés as well as optional rules can be found for Risus. An excellent resource for all aforementioned things as well as many others is Risusiverse, a fan-made website of all things Risus.
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 Little guidance can be found for GMs and players
Some prior understanding of how an RPG is played and what is the role of the GM is required as the rules cover only the very core of the system.
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.