When comparing Heroes Against Darkness vs Gumshoe, the Slant community recommends Gumshoe for most people. In the question“What are the best tabletop RPGs?” Gumshoe is ranked 31st while Heroes Against Darkness is ranked 33rd. The most important reason people chose Gumshoe is:
The system is built to avoid issues of running an investigative scenario with a common RPG systems where the probability of finding a clue will often be left to a dice roll. Instead, Gumshoe is not about finding clues, but about interpreting them.
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Pros
Pro Focuses on simplicity
The game uses a single "d20 + modifier ≥ target" mechanic for everything. Characters can be created in less than 5 minutes. The writing is concise and clear.
Pro Deep, without being cluttered
A lot of meta-tools such as templates, etc, that make combat encounters incredibly simple to construct. Great tools for creature-building. A lot of good information on world-building. You can make any type of game efficiently, from hack-and-slash to role-playing. If you have played in a D&D campaign, this is a great choice for your first outing as a GM.
Pro Great for investigative scenarios
The system is built to avoid issues of running an investigative scenario with a common RPG systems where the probability of finding a clue will often be left to a dice roll. Instead, Gumshoe is not about finding clues, but about interpreting them.
Cons
Con Requries prior knowledge of RPGs to completely understand
Some knowledge will be required to understand the rules as there are some unexplained conventions that are presumed to be understood.