The Masters of the Universe Role Playing Game

[2] In 1981, Mattel released the first line of the Master of the Universe action figures and it rapidly gained in popularity, leading to a short-lived television series.

The game was published as a boxed set that included a 24-page book, a color board, two cardstock sheets, and dice with illustrations by Hilary Barta, Doug Rice, Willie Schubert, and Rick Taylor.

[3] In Issue 21 of Breakout!, Nick Calder pointed out that although the game is designed to be played without a referee, it can be long and drawn out as the players must randomly determine an encounter every time they enter a new room.

Calder suggested, "With only a few minor rule changes, a referee can be added and speeds things up considerably if just a few moments are spent before the game (perhaps half an hour) to draw up a list of encounters."

Calder concluded, "Essentially this is a kid's game and hardened gamers who like to spend hours on character development should probably stay away.