mrswing Posted May 13, 2003 Report Share Posted May 13, 2003 I've read some of the old discussions about 4th/5th ed products and I'm still in doubt about getting this one or not. Specifically : how much material is new/altered here and what (globally speaking) are the differences between the two editions? Thanks in advance for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur Face Posted May 13, 2003 Report Share Posted May 13, 2003 UMA differences Hey mrswing, I have both products, and both are very well done. Their primary focus was real world martial art styles, some ficticional martial art styles, advanced ninjitsu, martial art armor & weapons, and how to build your own martial arts. I was originally introduced to the Hero System because of the 4th edition UMA. I playing DnD at the time, but I could never get a good reference on martial arts. My FLGS told me should try the 4th Edition UMA, and it was so well written that I was sold. Things made so much more sense that I began to question why things worked in DnD. I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. The 4th edition was larger, but now things that were only there are now in the new Champions line, such as Yengtao Temple abilities, (or how to make special abilities using powers). Their weren't any examples of martial art characters, you had to have the 4th edition book "Watchers of the Dragon", which introduced characters and special tournament (also a great reference). Now this is covered under Ninja Hero, which is also an exceptional martial arts sourcebook. Just my humble opinion:) If you are looking for sample characters, go Ninja Hero or Watchers of the Dragon. If you are looking for the true ins and outs of martial arts in the Hero System, then its the UMA's you want. If you don't care about conversions and just want as much info as possible, the 4th Edition UMA is larger (extra 60 pages or so). Either way you decide, you won't be sorry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrswing Posted May 13, 2003 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2003 Hi Furface, Thanks for the reply! I already have the original 4th ed, as well as Ninja hero (both versions) and Watchers Of The Dragon which is indeed a very good sourcebook. Are there any important rules changes and/or additions in 5th compared to 4th, though? I know there is overlap, I just wonder if it's worth spending +/- $30 on (living in Belgium, so that's what postage will do to prices...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fur Face Posted May 13, 2003 Report Share Posted May 13, 2003 Hey mrswing, When you put it like that, I would wait. I can't afford all the books I want when I want them, so I prioritize. Right now I'm puttion off Millienum City while waiting the the UNTIL superpowers database. When funding comes in, then I buy. It sounds like you have all that you need. No, there are no earth-shattering rules changes. I postage gets easier with more bulk, I would wait until you want to order something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killer Shrike Posted May 14, 2003 Report Share Posted May 14, 2003 Between the old Ninja HERO and 4th UMA, you pretty much have the bases covered. 5th UMA is clearer in some areas than the older product, but its not 'new' material for the most part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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