Basic Action Super Heroes!

One character in our campaign wants to be able to control computers. In my opinion X Mastery is not really * as it would be to powerful to be able to control all electronic devices in a mile-radius. So I am thinking about adapting Mind Control.

Computer Control is supposed to enable him to manipulate any device operated by a computer. This would include modern cars, television sets etc. Like with mind control he should be able to use the appropriate skill (Computers) to try to log in and do mischief with the computer's programs while the power is supposed to work on any one (if not bought with area) computer in sight. In my opinion the character should not be supposed to speak as I imagine the power as some mental log in.

My question is: How many points should a power like this cost. On one hand it can be powerful, especially when opposing the killer robot. On the other hand in my eyes it cannot be compared to Mind Control as it is not as strong as controlling other persons (or heroes). It also differs from Mind Control in that it is possible to manipulate Computers if you have some means of accessing them (a panel, a plugged in keybord etc.) while it is - in general - not possible at all to control people. So my call would be a cost of 3 points with a range of sight and Concentration. What do you think?

Hi Sunslinger

There are always ways to make game mechanics more detailed and complicated. One example in superhero games is the evolution of Champions editions 1 through 6. I start with this, because I think that Mastery has the flexibility as the base game mechanic.

Mastery gives you Mind Checks to change the environment which computers control. Breadth of change, like if you want to remove/modify the identity of a person on every computer that touches the Internet, should effect the target Mind score like geographic size. Also if the computer or activity is particularly protected, then increase the target Mind score. Plus, Mastery is easily power stuntable.

If the character wants to reprogram a robot, he could power stunt to Mind Control or Immobilize.

If he wants to give a machine artificial intelligence, he could power stunt to Animate.

The key to the power is the preparation to clarify as many things that the character can do ahead of time, so you're not making too many rulings on the spot without thinking them through.

my two cents