Eric J. Moreels
May 3, 2002, 01:52 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/MarvelHeroClix_logo.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/MarvelHeroClix_logot.jpg" align=left alt="Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge CMG logo"></a>After much anticipation, WizKids' new Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge Collectable Miniature Game has finally arrived. And the verdict? It's an easy to learn and fun to play game that features a multitude of vibrant and colorful figures that can be used in an endless variety of scenarios!
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/TopDownSPidey1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/TopDownSPidey1t.jpg" align=right alt="Spider-Man combat dial close-up"></a>For those not familiar with what a CMG is, like its predecessor in Mage Knight, HeroClix is a set of pre-assembled, pre-painted, collectable miniature figures that are used to play a game with characters from the Marvel Comics universe. Unlike traditional miniature games, there are no charts or tables to refer to. Everything from name, point value, and various ability ratings and super-powers pertaining to each miniature can be found on a clickable combat dial on its base.
Taking a close look at the figures to begin with, and there are a total of 150 characters in the inaugural release for HeroClix, but only actually 50 distinct characters. 46 of those 50 characters are available in three experience levels - rookie, experienced, and veteran - which are denoted by a colored ring around the top of the figures' base. Yellow denotes a rookie figure, blue is for experienced, and veteran characters are red.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_thanos_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_thanos_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Unique Thanos figure preview"></a>There are also twelve unique figures, denoted by a silver ring around the figures' base top, of which most have sculpts that differ from the other experience levels. Four of the twelve - Vision, Quasar, Nightmare, and Thanos - are truly unique figures for which there are no other experience versions available in the game, making them especially sought after by collectors and players alike.
The sculpts of the figures, for the most part, do a terrific job in capturing the individual characters that they represent. For example, the Spider-Man figure has the web-slinging hero in a true Spidey pose, firing his web-shooters at his foes. Quicksilver is captured in a sprinting pose, whilst Wolverine lunges forward with his claws unsheathed. From those figures that X-Fan has seen, no two individual characters have the same pose. The sculpts of the unique figures are especially good. The Unique Wolverine wields a Katana in one hand, whilst the Unique Professor X sits in his Shi'ar hoverchair (as opposed to his conventional wheelchair). Of all the figure sculpts in the game, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Hobgoblin, Doctor Strange, and Thanos are easily the most impressive.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_blade_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_blade_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Veteran Blade figure preview"></a>Unfortunately, with such distinctive characters there are bound to be a few flaws. The sculpts of the Blade and Juggernaut figures has them with one leg raised, but this presents a problem as the figures only have one foot on their base which makes them very flimsy and easy to snap off when it comes to turning the combat dial. Reports of broken figures or mis-matched characters and bases have been reported, but thankfully WizKids have a Replacement Policy in effect (which you can learn about by clicking here (http://www.wizkidsgames.com/article.htm?cid=34155#replacement)).
On to the game proper, and as mentioned above it is quite easy to learn. Rather than read through the rulebook in its entirety beforehand, it's best to launch straight into a game and follow the rules as you play. This method provides for better absorption of the rules of the game depending on the various situations encountered. After your first game, you should have a good grip of the basics and be ready to try out some different team combinations or even try your hand at some of the scenarios provided.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_hulk_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_hulk_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Rookie Hulk figure preview"></a>Building a team is made easy thanks to each character having a point value located on the rear of the combat dial. Characters with a low point value are often weaker than those with a higher one. For example, a rookie S.H.I.E.L.D. Medic has a mere point value of 12, whereas a veteran Hulk has a hefty point value of 147! Typically a 100 point game will be played, meaning you can only have a total point value of figures in your team that is less than 100. The total point number of a game also determines how many actions you get per turn; for every 100 points you get 1 action. 100 point games are good for learning the ropes, but its the 200+ point games where the fun really begins!
Moving your characters around the provided maps couldn't be easier. A character's range determines how many squares they can move in a single turn. Characters can also change flight modes (from hovering to soaring or vice versa), climb up onto elevated terrain such as buildings, hide behind hindering terrain such as trees or desks, and, depending on your character's powers and abilities, some can move at super-speed, leap, climb, phase, or even move about stealthily.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_rogue_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_rogue_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Soaring Experienced Rogue figure preview"></a>HeroClix introduces a great new feature for CMGs with the flight level indicator, which is a clear plastic stand with a moveable indicator on it to show whether a character is hovering (lowest level) or soaring (highest level). The figure comes separate from the base, but easily plugs into a slot at the top of the indicator. Of all the characters with flight indicators that X-Fan has seen, only one - a rookie Rogue - had a faulty flight indicator that was slightly bent and thus made changing the indicator level difficult. A minor niggle, but something to be aware of.
Combat in HeroClix is also very simple - just add your character's attack rating to the result of a roll of two dice, and compare that to your opponent character's defense. If your total attack score is equal to or greater than the defense, you hit. If its less, you miss. Characters can also use ranged attacks to hit enemies at a distance, and some characters can even multiple foes with the one attack. Various powers and abilities can alter the outcome of attacks, as can certain dice rolls such as doubles, which causes a knockback effect that can damage a character even more if they are knocked into a wall or tree.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_wolverine_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_wolverine_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Experienced Wolverine figure preview"></a>The vast array of super-powers prevalent in the Marvel Universe might seem a daunting challenge to recreate in game form, but WizKids have done an admirable job via the Powers and Abilities reference card. For each of the major attributes that a character possesses (speed, attack, defense, and damage) there are seven different colored abilities for each. A quick look at a figure's combat dial reveals what powers they have at a given point in the game, and a quick check of the reference card tells you exactly what that power does. For example, yellow speed is phasing ability, which allows the character to instantly move to anywhere within range on the battlefield. Green defense means the character has an energy shield or deflection ability that gives them +2 against ranged attacks. Play a character often enough, and you'll soon find that you don't even need co check the reference card as you'll be intimately familiar with the different colored powers.
As a game progresses, characters may lose a particular power or ability as they are injured, but may gain others to replace them. With that in mind, it is crucial to click through a character's combat dial before selecting your team members to see all the powers and abilities that may arise from using them in a game. Some characters also have team affiliations, such as the Avengers, the X-Men, or the Sinister Syndicate. Team affiliations bestow extra bonuses, such as free movement, healing, or increasing the attack rating of teammates.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_jeangrey_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_jeangrey_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Experienced Jean Grey figure preview"></a>Another aspect of the game are objects that characters can pick up and throw (or manipulate via telekinesis). Sadly, though, having these items as simply cardboard tokens does take away a little from the realism aspect of the game. Thankfully, however, WizKids are aware of this and are soon to release Adventure Packs that contain actual 3D objects that you can use instead of tokens. It's also worthy to note that you can also subsitute objects of your own, such as Matchbox cars, plastic fences from toy animal packs, and the like. (It also helps when you have a wife who is very much into arts and crafts and is willing to make 3D objects for you! :) )
On the whole, the rules are very concise and do a good job at covering just about any situation that may arise with fairly simple explanations. However, some of the rules do seem quite inappropriate for a game involving super heroes and villains, such as soaring characters not being able to attack characters on the ground, even though grounded characters can shoot at soaring characters. A very odd decision, especially considering the game includes Spider-Man and his arch-enemy, the pumpkin bomb-throwing Hobgoblin. Also odd is the rule that a character cannot make a ranged attack against another character if their bases are in contact with each other (ie, in adjacent squares). Considering that the character you might want to take a shot at is soaring, even if your character is in base contact with the soaring character there should still be a provision for being able to take the shot.
Of course, this is a very simplified description of the game's rules. There are several other details which will appeal to both miniature game and comic book fans alike, such as arch-enemies, critical hits and misses, healing, pushing, breaking away, and more.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_sentinel.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_sentinel-t.jpg" align=right alt="Sentinel figure preview"></a>Overall, Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge is an excellent game that features great-looking characters, rules that are easy to learn, and gameplay that is limited only by the player's imagination. WizKids are definitely onto another winner, and with giant-size figures (such as the 6 5/8" Sentinel figure due out in June), extra maps and scenarios, a first expansion due out later this year, and compatability with the upcoming DC HeroClix: Hypertime game, things can only get better!
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/TopDownSPidey1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/TopDownSPidey1t.jpg" align=right alt="Spider-Man combat dial close-up"></a>For those not familiar with what a CMG is, like its predecessor in Mage Knight, HeroClix is a set of pre-assembled, pre-painted, collectable miniature figures that are used to play a game with characters from the Marvel Comics universe. Unlike traditional miniature games, there are no charts or tables to refer to. Everything from name, point value, and various ability ratings and super-powers pertaining to each miniature can be found on a clickable combat dial on its base.
Taking a close look at the figures to begin with, and there are a total of 150 characters in the inaugural release for HeroClix, but only actually 50 distinct characters. 46 of those 50 characters are available in three experience levels - rookie, experienced, and veteran - which are denoted by a colored ring around the top of the figures' base. Yellow denotes a rookie figure, blue is for experienced, and veteran characters are red.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_thanos_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_thanos_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Unique Thanos figure preview"></a>There are also twelve unique figures, denoted by a silver ring around the figures' base top, of which most have sculpts that differ from the other experience levels. Four of the twelve - Vision, Quasar, Nightmare, and Thanos - are truly unique figures for which there are no other experience versions available in the game, making them especially sought after by collectors and players alike.
The sculpts of the figures, for the most part, do a terrific job in capturing the individual characters that they represent. For example, the Spider-Man figure has the web-slinging hero in a true Spidey pose, firing his web-shooters at his foes. Quicksilver is captured in a sprinting pose, whilst Wolverine lunges forward with his claws unsheathed. From those figures that X-Fan has seen, no two individual characters have the same pose. The sculpts of the unique figures are especially good. The Unique Wolverine wields a Katana in one hand, whilst the Unique Professor X sits in his Shi'ar hoverchair (as opposed to his conventional wheelchair). Of all the figure sculpts in the game, Spider-Man, the Hulk, Hobgoblin, Doctor Strange, and Thanos are easily the most impressive.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_blade_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_blade_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Veteran Blade figure preview"></a>Unfortunately, with such distinctive characters there are bound to be a few flaws. The sculpts of the Blade and Juggernaut figures has them with one leg raised, but this presents a problem as the figures only have one foot on their base which makes them very flimsy and easy to snap off when it comes to turning the combat dial. Reports of broken figures or mis-matched characters and bases have been reported, but thankfully WizKids have a Replacement Policy in effect (which you can learn about by clicking here (http://www.wizkidsgames.com/article.htm?cid=34155#replacement)).
On to the game proper, and as mentioned above it is quite easy to learn. Rather than read through the rulebook in its entirety beforehand, it's best to launch straight into a game and follow the rules as you play. This method provides for better absorption of the rules of the game depending on the various situations encountered. After your first game, you should have a good grip of the basics and be ready to try out some different team combinations or even try your hand at some of the scenarios provided.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_hulk_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_hulk_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Rookie Hulk figure preview"></a>Building a team is made easy thanks to each character having a point value located on the rear of the combat dial. Characters with a low point value are often weaker than those with a higher one. For example, a rookie S.H.I.E.L.D. Medic has a mere point value of 12, whereas a veteran Hulk has a hefty point value of 147! Typically a 100 point game will be played, meaning you can only have a total point value of figures in your team that is less than 100. The total point number of a game also determines how many actions you get per turn; for every 100 points you get 1 action. 100 point games are good for learning the ropes, but its the 200+ point games where the fun really begins!
Moving your characters around the provided maps couldn't be easier. A character's range determines how many squares they can move in a single turn. Characters can also change flight modes (from hovering to soaring or vice versa), climb up onto elevated terrain such as buildings, hide behind hindering terrain such as trees or desks, and, depending on your character's powers and abilities, some can move at super-speed, leap, climb, phase, or even move about stealthily.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_rogue_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_rogue_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Soaring Experienced Rogue figure preview"></a>HeroClix introduces a great new feature for CMGs with the flight level indicator, which is a clear plastic stand with a moveable indicator on it to show whether a character is hovering (lowest level) or soaring (highest level). The figure comes separate from the base, but easily plugs into a slot at the top of the indicator. Of all the characters with flight indicators that X-Fan has seen, only one - a rookie Rogue - had a faulty flight indicator that was slightly bent and thus made changing the indicator level difficult. A minor niggle, but something to be aware of.
Combat in HeroClix is also very simple - just add your character's attack rating to the result of a roll of two dice, and compare that to your opponent character's defense. If your total attack score is equal to or greater than the defense, you hit. If its less, you miss. Characters can also use ranged attacks to hit enemies at a distance, and some characters can even multiple foes with the one attack. Various powers and abilities can alter the outcome of attacks, as can certain dice rolls such as doubles, which causes a knockback effect that can damage a character even more if they are knocked into a wall or tree.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_wolverine_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_wolverine_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Experienced Wolverine figure preview"></a>The vast array of super-powers prevalent in the Marvel Universe might seem a daunting challenge to recreate in game form, but WizKids have done an admirable job via the Powers and Abilities reference card. For each of the major attributes that a character possesses (speed, attack, defense, and damage) there are seven different colored abilities for each. A quick look at a figure's combat dial reveals what powers they have at a given point in the game, and a quick check of the reference card tells you exactly what that power does. For example, yellow speed is phasing ability, which allows the character to instantly move to anywhere within range on the battlefield. Green defense means the character has an energy shield or deflection ability that gives them +2 against ranged attacks. Play a character often enough, and you'll soon find that you don't even need co check the reference card as you'll be intimately familiar with the different colored powers.
As a game progresses, characters may lose a particular power or ability as they are injured, but may gain others to replace them. With that in mind, it is crucial to click through a character's combat dial before selecting your team members to see all the powers and abilities that may arise from using them in a game. Some characters also have team affiliations, such as the Avengers, the X-Men, or the Sinister Syndicate. Team affiliations bestow extra bonuses, such as free movement, healing, or increasing the attack rating of teammates.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_jeangrey_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_jeangrey_01t.jpg" align=right alt="Experienced Jean Grey figure preview"></a>Another aspect of the game are objects that characters can pick up and throw (or manipulate via telekinesis). Sadly, though, having these items as simply cardboard tokens does take away a little from the realism aspect of the game. Thankfully, however, WizKids are aware of this and are soon to release Adventure Packs that contain actual 3D objects that you can use instead of tokens. It's also worthy to note that you can also subsitute objects of your own, such as Matchbox cars, plastic fences from toy animal packs, and the like. (It also helps when you have a wife who is very much into arts and crafts and is willing to make 3D objects for you! :) )
On the whole, the rules are very concise and do a good job at covering just about any situation that may arise with fairly simple explanations. However, some of the rules do seem quite inappropriate for a game involving super heroes and villains, such as soaring characters not being able to attack characters on the ground, even though grounded characters can shoot at soaring characters. A very odd decision, especially considering the game includes Spider-Man and his arch-enemy, the pumpkin bomb-throwing Hobgoblin. Also odd is the rule that a character cannot make a ranged attack against another character if their bases are in contact with each other (ie, in adjacent squares). Considering that the character you might want to take a shot at is soaring, even if your character is in base contact with the soaring character there should still be a provision for being able to take the shot.
Of course, this is a very simplified description of the game's rules. There are several other details which will appeal to both miniature game and comic book fans alike, such as arch-enemies, critical hits and misses, healing, pushing, breaking away, and more.
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_sentinel.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/games/heroclix_sentinel-t.jpg" align=right alt="Sentinel figure preview"></a>Overall, Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge is an excellent game that features great-looking characters, rules that are easy to learn, and gameplay that is limited only by the player's imagination. WizKids are definitely onto another winner, and with giant-size figures (such as the 6 5/8" Sentinel figure due out in June), extra maps and scenarios, a first expansion due out later this year, and compatability with the upcoming DC HeroClix: Hypertime game, things can only get better!