Superhero 2044

First released in 1977, Superhero 2044 was the first commercial superhero RPG.

The game began its existence as Superhero 44 and was self-printed by the game's designer; the rights were subsequently sold to Gamescience which released an expanded color edition in 1978. In 2017, Checker Book Publishing Group acquired the rights to the game and announced that they would be developing new releases based on the property.

Regarded as many as an incomplete game system, Superhero 2044 did not see much success in the marketplace as more comprehensive RPGs, such as Villains and Vigilantes and Champions, quickly supplanted it.

Rules Enhancements
In 2013, the game's designer, Donald Saxman, released rules enhancements focused on character creation. The additional rules are available for free online.

New Edition and Planned Kickstarter
After lying dormant for almost 30 years, the rights to the game were acquired in 2017 by Checker Book Publishing Group. The publisher also announced its intention to redevelop the RPG and launch a Kickstarter to fund the development.

Character Creation
Superhero 2044 uses a points-based system for character creation. The player is given 140 points to allocate between seven traits: charisma, dexterity, ego, endurance, mentality, stamina, and vigor.

Reception
More recent reviews have criticized the 1st Edition for its lack of comprehensive character creation guidelines.

Hazard IPSP / ISIS Official Map 7
Judges Guild released the only commercial supplement for the RPG in 1980.