Justice League Unlimited

Justice League Unlimited

And just as I said I was done with the Lockdown posts my brick of Justice League Unlimited lands on my doorstep.  So let's a little peek at the latest set.


So There you have it, 10 Boosters worth, minus The Wonder Twins Chase (which I've left boxed).  

Not had a detailed look, but 022 Batman does have an ability similar to what the Grim Reaper has in the Undead set;  When Batman damages an opposing character with an attack, after resolutions deal that character 1 unavoidable damage. If that character is not KO'd, immediately heal it 1 click.

The Rare figures

Amanda Waller, Blight, Shade, Speedy, Supergirl, Green Arrow and Amazo.

Instant favourite there us Supergirl.  She doesn't get made as often as she should, and this is a nicely detailed figure for a Rare.

Super-Rare

Booster Gold, Big Barda and Ace (from the royal Flush Gang)

Well, Darkseid wold have been nice, but can't complain.

Team-Up Cards

There are around 100 of these to collect, so I won't be doing that.  I pulled four in my Brick.

These alternate cards give added Traits granting an extra power if your Team-Up mate is also on your team.

Now I just have to wait for Lockdown to be lifted so I can use them.  Stay safe.

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness - coming soon

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

COMING SOON!

Okay, I've done a week of this so this is my last Lockdown Randomness post.  I may well change the blog to be more generic gaming, by that I mean Role-Playing Games, Board Games and Wargames.

Anyway, what has Wizkids got in store for the future of Heroclix?

Well they certainly don't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.  Sure, there is a delay to shipping due to the Lockdown across the world, but here is what has been announced for the next 12 months...

Justice League Unlimited

This 5-figure booster release with a Starter set and Token set.

17 Commons (plus 1 Prime)
17 Uncommons (plus 1 Prime)
16 Rares (plus 1 Prime)
15 Super Rares (plus 1 Prime)
8 Chases

https://wizkids.com/heroclix/dc-comics-heroclix-justice-league-unlimited/

Fantastic Four Cosmic Clash

The Fantastic Four finally return to Heroclix.  This starter set contains everything up to 4 people need to play HeroClix.  The Starter is to be followed up by a full set. But the Starter set includes;

6 HeroClix Figures
6 HeroClix Character Cards – 18 Object and Terrain Tokens
4 Full-Color Maps
2 Six-Sided dice with the Fantastic Four logo
1 HeroClix Powers & Abilities Card
1 HeroClix Core Rulebook
Scenario/Campaign Rule Cards
12 Double-Sided Bystander tokens

https://wizkids.com/heroclix/marvel-heroclix-fantastic-four-cosmic-clash-starter-set-6-figure-starter-set/

HeroClix Spider-Man/Venom Absolute Carnage

Another full set is expected, so that probably means Fast-Forces and Tokens pack too.

House of X / Power of X

I've just bought the comic TPB so excited about this one.

Another full set is expected, so that probably means Fast-Forces and Tokens pack too.

And sorry, but that's all for now folks.  Take care.  Stay Safe.

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness - Heroclix Review

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

Heroclix Review

by Ugavine

So, Heroclix, where to begin on this quite epic Super Hero game?  Heroclix is a collectible Miniatures game primarily based on Marvel and DC comic characters and has been going now for over 15 years.  The game allows players to collect the figures which come pre-painted then build teams to fight each other on one of the many maps provided.

Heroclix uses the unique Clix mechanic, where the characters stats and powers are on the base which turns as they take damage to reveal different stats and powers; some figures get weaker while a few, like the Incredible Hulk, get stronger until they are KO'd.  Hey kids, no one dies, they're just knocked out or defeated.  Other than a few early sets each figure also comes with a stat card explaining the abilities and powers, and even adding a few special ones the characters can use.  There are many Powers such as Super Strength (allowing a character to use heavy objects in an attack), Charge (you can move and make a close combat attack), Outwit (cancels an opponents power) and so on and so on.  All of these are referenced on the PAC (Powers and Abilities Chart) which comes in starter sets.

Gameplay.  Players take it in turns to give their characters actions, the number of actions you have  depends on the size of the game or by the scenario rules you are using.  Each time you make an action you give your character a token.  The next turn you mostly rest, clearing the token. You can 'push' to take an action but take damage yourself (unless a Power says otherwise).  And I really cannot go into the full list of powers and their interactions, it can get complicated.  And that can be seen as either the strength or weakness of the game.  Some power interactions are complicated and, it's best to just go with the rules rather than think about the logic, but then there are enough players to please those that want simple play and those that want complicated strategy and synergy between their characters.

Teams.  One of the big plus's of the game is that all the figures from the sets are compatible meaning you can make some fun teams, especially with the vast array of characters available.  Also there are different versions of characters from their various comics, you can play a low 50 point Batman as a support character or the 200pt combat monster.  What about the Batmobile, and the Batcave?  Yep, available too.  Want to team Superman with the Green Goblin, Spider-Man with Batman or give Michaelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles the Infinity Gauntlet, all possible.  That's silly, you'll be saying you can team Spider-Ham with Ace the Bat-Hound next... yep.  As well as TMNT those extra sets also include Yu-Gi-Ho! Kick-Ass and Eddie from the heavy metal band Iron Maiden.
 

Collecting.  This is where you either love or hate the game.  There are all kinds of ways of getting figures, and some are pretty difficult to get, such as Convention Exclusives or Prize figures which end up fetching high prices on the secondary market.  Generally the figures are bought in packs of 5 random figures called a Booster.  Rarities in these sets are usually Common, Uncommon, Rare, Super-Rare and Chase.  As a minimum you should get a Rare figure in every Booster.  There is a 1 in 4 chance of getting a Super-Rare and 1 in 20 of getting the Chase.  Set sizes vary but are often around 60 figures.  If random collecting is not for you you can usually buy the figures from online shops or auction websites.  Many forums and trade groups also offer ways to get figures you want.

Quality.  This is a bit of a downside, but do remember you are buying mass produced pre-painted figures.  Figure quality can vary drastically, and mistakes are supposedly frequent, although to be honest the worst I've had is a misprinted stats card and a figure come off it's base, which was easily fixed with a dab of glue.  The Common figures generally, but not always, have less detail than the Rare's.  And while I have seen some poor figures, the recent Owl from Defenders/Avengers War set is quite poor, the Chase figure of Sunfire in the Uncanny X-Men is superb.  I genuinely believe that if quality could be addressed this would be one of the greatest games on the market.

Getting started.  Starter sets can be few and far between, but these do include a map the rules and several figures.  It also includes the PAC, this is the Powers and Abilities Chart, and is vital to understand the Powers.

Fast Forces give a group of related figures ready to play.  The early versions of these also included a map, the current ones sadly don't.

Maps.  For a starting player this seems to be the biggest problem, especially as starters are hard to find and Fast Forces no longer include them.  I generally get mine from playing in events at my local games shop, otherwise you will have to look online for these as they are not available to buy other than a couple of the expensive Premium quality ones.  But many Heroclix players will have spare maps they're sure to part with.

Overall.  It's a difficult game to judge, it has so many ups and downs.  For many gamers the collectible nature instantly puts them off, and the vast amount of hard to get figures means you will be extremely frustrated, or broke, if you are a completionist.  Quality is also a let down.  But at the heart of it all is this great fun game with Super Heroes with near infinite variety; a 300 point skirmish or a 2000 point epic fight against Galactus!  

I am going to give the game 4 Squirrels out of 5
Heroclix is one of my favourite games, but I cannot justify 5 Squirrels to a collectible game with varying quality.

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomess - A guide to Heroclix

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomess

A guide to Heroclix

First off, please note that I am far from an expert on Heroclix.  I play and collect Heroclix because it's a fun game and great to play with mates.  If you take the collecting too seriously it can become VERY expensive, especially as the game has been going since 2002.

The best place to start is by picking up a Starter Set (although they can be hard to find as they sell out quick) and just play with a few figures.  If you can't find a starter find a local games group.  The rules can be downloaded, as can the PAC, and maps can be bought cheaply online from Heroclix retailers and eBay.


What do you need?

• A Map
• Several six-sided dice
• Some tokens (poker chips are good, and there are official ones available)
• Some Heroclix

What is available?

Starter set
Usually comes with 6 figures, a map and the rules.

Fast Forces
Usually includes 6 figures.  The older Fast Forces also included a map, current ones don't.

Heroclix Boosters
These are the regular boosters of 5 random figures.

Counter-top display and Gravity Feeds
Smaller sets sold in single boosters.




Limited Edition figures
These can be Monthly Organised Play kits (OP Kits), Prize figures, Convention Exclusives and the occasional retail figures and scenario packs.

Super-Boosters
A few sets come with Super-Boosters.  These large packs may include Colossal figures or Team Bases depending upon the set.

Token Sets
A set of six Superhero themed poker chips with themed dice.

Figure Rarity

The most common rarities are;

Common, Uncommon, Rare (1 per booster), Super-Rare (1 every 3 boosters), Chase (1 per case).

Unique figures (Silver border) - only one of this figure can be on a team.

Prime (Green border)- only a single Prime figure can be on a team.

There are also Limited Edition,Tournaments Prizes, Promo figures and more.  
Vampire Batman (above) is both Limited Edition and Unique.



What are the best figures?

Go to HC Realms and ask that.  It's all personal.  While some figures really are better than others, some figures usefulness is determined by play-style and the team.  And also by what you want out of the game.  Some people like ultimate winning teams, some people just collect favourite characters or sculpts.

Are Chase and Super-Rare figures better?

Not necessarily, though you may find they often have better sculpts than say a Common figure.  There might be the odd good one, but there are just as many great Common figures too.  So while collecting figures can get addictive it doesn't have to be expensive if you don't want it to.

Have fun.

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness - Favourites

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

Favourites

Well, I wouldn't play the game if I didn't like the figures.

What is slightly annoying, and embarrassing to some degree, is that a lot of my favourite figures are among the Super-Rare or Limited Edition category.  So sorry if I'm tempting you with difficult to get figures, these are my favourites without any relation to rarity.

Mr. Mxyzptlk

When the SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN set was released there was only one figure that was a MUST HAVE.  The Imp from the 5th Dimension, Mr. Mxyzptlk.  And his powers allowing him to swap dice makes him so fun, if not infuriating to play against.  I do believe I've won most of the games I've played using him.

The Super Pets

Ace the Bathound

Was always a want, even before he was produced.  Annoyingly he was a Tournament Prize figure, but I managed to trade for him (trade cash that is).

Krypto the Super Dog and Streaky the Cat (Supergirls pet cat)

Dex-Starr

Okay, not actually one of the Super-pets, mainly because he is a Red Lantern villain, but when I saw the figure I had to get him.  And that then led me to having to seek out the comics with him in too.

The Black Order

Thanos has been one of the most prominent on-screen villains of recent years.  

And quite right too, his appearance in the Avenger movies was fantastic.  But it's his lackey's that I enjoy bringing to the table.  Ebony Maw, Black Dwarf, Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight and Supergiant (who wasn't in the films)

Death's Head

Truth be told I'm a bigger fan of Death's Head II, but there is no figure of him yet.  One of the best characters tom come out of Marvel UK is the galaxy's best Freelance Peace-Keeping Agent (not a Bounty Hunter).  There are two versions of him (both the same sculpt); a Prize figure, and a Rare in the Invincible Iron Man set.

Batman

Okay, I'm a big fan of the Bat.  May favourite versions are the one from Arkham Asyum and the other is the one below, armoured Batman from the Batman v Superman movie set.

Gwenpool

For those who don;t know her she has little to do with Deadpool.  Transported from the real world into comics, her 'power' is the fact she knows all the heroes and villains secret identities.  Gwenpool was again a much wanted figure, so it was frustrating when she was a top prize figure.  With only a couple available in the UK I was lucky that the winner was happy to part with her.

Hellcow

She's a vampire cow.  What's not to love.

Oni Hulk

And if Hellcow wasn't daft enough take a look at part of the Oni Hulk collection.  Based on the events in an issue of What If? and from the set of the same name.  The Oni Hulks came about when the the Gamma Bomb that created the Hulk was instead detonated over Japan.

One I forgot from yesterday...

Dune Buggy

Not a great piece, in a dull brown.  So I repainted a few.

And finally...

GALACTUS

I have three different versions of the planet eating monster.  This one is from Chaos War set, and one of the largest Heroclix made.  I believe the largest is the earlier Galactus.

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

It's a sensible game

Well, most of the time.  

Occasionally.

Maybe.

Lets take a look at size.  I do like the large figures.
Here we have Black Cat, The Joker, Giganta and Zombie Galactus. 

Tiny, Standard, Giant, Colossal.

But make sure you take not of the symbols on their base.  

Here we have Tess One (Standard), Golden Minotaur (Large) and Slattern (Colossal).  Confused yet?

But I digress.  It's a serious game.... oh, yeah, these guys; some of my favourites;

Somewhere in Time (Iron Maiden), Batman, Sangan (YU-GI-OH!), Aquaman, Kuriboh (YU-GI-OH!) and Leonardo (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

Heroclix LOCKDOWN Randomness

Rules vs logic

Okay, before I begin I have to say that this is all in jest.  Heroclix is an abstract game.  I am very happy with rules as they are.  This is just a bit of fun.

Also, I'm no Heroclix rules expert.  Leave that to the guys over at HCRealms if you have any questions.

Line of Fire

Here we have Lex Luthor and Joker teaming up against Batman, Robin and Commissioner Gordon.
On his current click Lex Luthor can only do 1 damage (ignoring Critical hits), but Batman has Toughness (obscured, sorry, I'm as bad at photos as I am at Heroclix) reducing damage by 1.  Lex Luthor has Outwit, which can counter a Power, but despite being adjacent, and able to make a Close Attack against Batrman, Lex Luthor does not have Line of Fire to Batman; the diagonal is blocked by Commissioner Gordon and Robin.  

So Lex Luthor can punch Batman, but can't see him?

Okay, Robin is gone and Batman has moved onto Hindering Terrain.
So thanks to the Batman Family Team Ability, Batman has Stealth.

STEALTH: When it is not your Turn hindered Lines of Fire to this character are blocked.

Ah, so neither Joker or Lex Luthor can target Batman.  They can't see him.  And that applies to Range Attacks and to Lex Luthors use of Outwit.  Yes, Batman can be tricky.

So now Lex Luthor has got away from Commissioner Gordon and moved Adjacent to Batman.  Lex Luthor can make a Close Attack, but because Batman is in Hindering Terrain, and has Stealth, Lex Luthor still does not have Line of Fire to him so still cannot use Outwit.  

So again, Lex Luther can attack Batman, even though he can't see him?

Right, Commissioner Gordon is back.  Not only is Commissioner Gordon in Hindering Terrain (not that it matters, he doesn't have Stealth) but Batman is between him and The Joker.  

In this example;

- Commissioner Gordon does NOT have Line of Fire to The Joker.

- Batman DOES have Line of Fire to The Joker

- The Joker does NOT have Line of Fire to Batman, because of Stealth he cannot see Batman.

Yet, even though The Joker cannot see Batman he cannot target Commissioner Gordon because Batman is blocking Line of Fire?

Adjacent characters and Elevated Terrain

Hawkman can fly.  He has Flight.  Yet despite that he cannot  attack the Suited Henchman from his current position.  He will have to move to the lower level, fortunately he has Flight and Sidestep to allow him to do that.

Riddle me this, who wears green and a bowler hat, and can and can climb up and down, just like that?

The Riddler has the Leap/Climb Power now.  So despite being on a higher elevation and having zero Range he can still make a Close attack against Commissioner Gordon, where the winged Hawkman couldn't.

Force Blast

Commissioner Gordon has Force Blast, meaning he can knock back a character.  If a character is knocked back off a higher elevation they will take 2 damage.

However, the Suited Henchmen has Charge, which means he can't be knocked back.

But Hawkman, despite having Flight can still be knocked back.  And if those steps were not there he would take falling damage.  Yes, a flying character can fall of the ledge?!

Okay that's all today.  
As I said, all in jest, I have no issues with the rules.  Tomorrow will have a bit of silliness about it.

Have fun, and take care.