When comparing Heroes Against Darkness vs GRIN, the Slant community recommends Heroes Against Darkness for most people. In the question“What are the best tabletop RPGs?” Heroes Against Darkness is ranked 33rd while GRIN is ranked 36th. The most important reason people chose Heroes Against Darkness is:
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.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
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 Zero dice required
GRIN uses a a standard deck of playing cards instead of dice.
Pro Narrative focus
With no intrusive dice or math players can focus on the story, with every action being resolved by the simple draw of a card.
Pro Creates excellent tension
GRIN uses a a standard deck of playing cards to create a fast paced and deadly feel that evokes modern horror films. One of the best horror games made, its ideal for Halloween or horror movie nights.
Pro Its great for single session games
Like any horror film, characters will die. Grin lends itself to deadly games and rally shines with 4-6 players and narrative arcs lasting 3-4 hours.
Pro Easy to improvise
With the intrinsic arc of a classic horror narrative built into the core mechanic, Grin can be an intuitive framework for improvised play.
Pro Unique mechanic
In true horror movie style, death becomes increasingly likely as the game's story moves irrevocably forward.
Pro Easy to pick up
The game has just one page of rules. It can be explained in a minute -- even to people who have no rpg experience.
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.
Con Can be seen as too simple for some
Because each encounter has just two possible outcomes - success or death - there's little wiggle room in terms of roleplaying.