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The Brave and The Bold Preview: Cave Carson

Drew — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:15:56 +0000

This intrepid underground explorer is a Forgotten Hero no longer!

World famous spelunker and geologist Cave Carson pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an explorer while working to develop the “Mighty Mole” digging machine. Cave Carson experienced many bizarre adventures under the earth with the machine and a group of like-minded adventurers. Eventually, he began working aboveground with some costumed heroes in a loose grouping known as the “Forgotten Heroes.” He continues to police the sub-levels of the earth and on several occasions has alerted Wonder Woman and Superman to various underworld menaces he has encountered that were too much for him to handle alone.

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold hits comic and hobby shops nationwide on April 14, 2010 - just two days away! Featuring 55 new figures, including the best team-ups from DC Comics, all-new Alter-Egos and powers that will revolutionize your HeroClix games, DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold is a must-collect for all DC HeroClix fans. Keep checking back at wizkidsgames.com for more previews!

(gallery bb-figure-022)

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Finding a Phone Booth

Jake — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 02:34:59 +0000

Everyone needs an Alter-Ego!

Editor’s Note: Due to technical difficulties, this article is running a little later than usual. Thanks for your patience!

Hello Gang,

Welcome back to my second preview article for DC HeroClix: Brave & The Bold.

First, thanks to everyone for the great messages and kind words! It amazed me to hear from so many different people over the past week that it warms my cold Kryptonite heart (wait, wasn’t Metallo’s preview last week?). If you ever want to say hi or comment on my random musings, please feel free to find me on FaceBook. The number one message that I received was “Welcome Back!” Though, following in close second was, “please preview the following Brave & The Bold figures and mechanics…” I take both as nice compliments.

The mechanic that I was asked about most debuts in this very set- Alter Ego.

As I type this article, ESPNEWS is droning on in the background, replaying the same sports scores on a reel just visible in my peripheral vision. Hilariously, an extremely relevant commercial featuring Orlando Magic hoops star Dwight Howard (nicknamed Superman) has been on heavy replay along with the scores.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArwzCVru8Ss

Odd coincidences…

It’s amazing to me how powerful a storytelling device the alter ego is. Alter egos allow the reader to place themselves in the shoes (or usually boots) of the hero. They give the character strands of humanity that make us identify with them.

Superman is an orphaned alien that hurtles through the sky, swats away pesky bullets, tosses tanks like sacks of flour, and can heat vision a supervillain into a neat little pile o’ atoms.

In stark contrast, Clark Kent is a bespectacled “mild-mannered reporter” in a cheap suit struggling to hit deadlines (I can sympathize) with on-again-off-again romances hampered by his secret life.

Both of the characters that I mentioned above are pretty compelling. Also, they are the same person, which makes the story incredibly captivating. The story is so interesting, that variations of it have existed in print for more than 70 years.

Since the creation of the Brand Development team, I have tasked our designers to come up with a flavorful, yet easy to understand execution of Alter Egos that would allow us to bring these characters to game tables near you. In the approaching-a-decade-history of HeroClix, we had never released a standard, non-costumed Bruce Wayne. The opportunity seemed to good to pass up.

Here are the ground rules we started with:

1)       The Alter Ego must be a compelling character on its own. I wanted iconic, interesting figures that have separate lives that are explored in detail. Just because a character has an alter ego, does not mean that the character should be represented using the Alter Ego mechanic. The character also should have abilities or character strengths as their civilian version.

2)       Alter Egos should have the ability to “transform” into their costumed identities. As I mentioned in last week’s article, I wanted players to think about their collections in new ways when a set is released. A Bruce Wayne that has the ability to see the Bat Signal and put on the cape and cowl is great for our superhero combat simulation. I think we found an elegant and balanced solution to how to incorporate these characters in game form.

3)       The characters, if possible, should be available at lower rarities to ease collection of linked pieces. With the interchangeability of the pieces, the potency of the characters’ brands, and iconic nature of both the costumed heroes and their other halves, we wanted to find homes for our Alter Ego figures at low rarities. With B&B having Duos figures at the higher rarity levels, Alter Ego was a natural fit for the set. If you have Diana Prince, we want you to find Wonder Woman, and complete the two-figure set.

4)       The sculpt concept should indicate that the figure is in the process of transformation. I greatly enjoy characters that tell subtle stories through their sculpts.

Well without further hubbub, let’s get to show-and-tell.

The use of alternate starting lines has been explored previously in HeroClix with characters like the Sentinel and Starro the Conqueror. With the advent of special powers, the idea was proposed to me of tracking metamorphosis (or in this case, Alter Ego change), by having one character evolve into another at pre-determined points in the dial that would be marked by alternate color “start” lines. I loved the idea, and we began to experiment with it. Because the alternate start lines have different valuations, we also could calibrate the value of transforming into the point cost of figures, enabling better balancing.

I am proud that our playtesting bore out that some playtesters had tough choices on whether to switch Alter Ego characters into their costumed versions. I love the decision of either holding onto the Perplexing Clark Kent or switching into the more tank-like Superman. The duality of that choice was exactly what we were shooting for. Players have to decide if they will switch into their costumed forms, or risk being KOed while still hiding their secret identities from the opposing force.

We’ll talk further about Alter Ego and its effects in-game over the coming weeks. I hope you like it as much as we do.

Until next week,

Jake

Special Bonus Section: By now, you’ve heard about Clark Kent/Superman, Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and Bruce Wayne/Batman. There is another Alter Ego character combo in The Brave and The Bold which fits the criteria I laid out above and will please even the most hardcore DC fan. Any quick guesses as to our fourth selection?

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Back to the Front! Plus, a Sneak Preview!

Jake — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:40:42 +0000

Hello… again!

My name is Jake Theis, and I am here to talk ‘Clix.

Over the past two years, I’ve lived and breathed HeroClix, creating new releases and promoting a beloved game around the globe. I have the extraordinary fortune to work on a game that has a rabid core of fans that have passionate ideas on well… everything. Since joining WizKids, I have built great friendships throughout the HeroClix community and across the game industry. I value the input and suggestions of our fans and you can rest assured that we are always listening.

Recently, I helped with the transition of WizKids to its new owners at NECA, and thanks to NECA’s flexibility, I remain based out of Seattle, partnering with a group of folks that we affectionately call “WizKids West.” I have operated primarily under the radar over the past few months, developing new products that will release over the coming months and years.

Justin, Drew, and Norm have done a fantastic job providing you with news, insights, and previews. My goal is to open up the Brand Development team, and show you, the player, all the cool things that we are working on or have completed. We’ve been up to our ears in dials and character cards, but with the convention season approaching and DC HeroClix: Brave & The Bold ready to preview, it’s a great time for show and tell.

First, though, I want to build a time machine, and take us back to the summer of 2008. *WHOOOSH* Alright, everyone still with me? Good.

I joined WizKids in March 2008 (exactly two years ago), but in the summer of that year, I was commissioned with building a Brand Development team that consolidated the departments of R&D and Brand. Hammer of Thor was the first HeroClix set to be designed and developed using this team-based approach. We incorporated many different opinions into the set’s design, and I am particularly proud of the success that Hammer has enjoyed. Thanks to everyone for checking out the release!

One of my goals with Hammer of Thor (and with HeroClix) was to deliver surprises to fans and have collectors think about their collections in new ways. With a couple thousand figures in the HeroClix universe, it is important to keep the game fresh and exciting without ratcheting up complexity.

With Hammer of Thor, we debuted a few new game mechanics (always exciting) and philosophies with the hope of getting people to approach force-building in new ways, while keeping rules “creep” at a minimum. When working on a licensed game, it’s perhaps most important to make sure the existing intellectual property syncs up neatly with the mechanics of the game. With a licensed comic book property and with comic book fans, it is especially critical. My favorite of our new mechanics in Hammer was what we called in playtesting- “Army Building.” You know it as “Minion.”

The “Minion” mechanic grew directly and organically out of the Thor-universe. The 1970s and ‘80s runs of Mighty Thor feature the Thunder God squaring off time-and-again against insurmountably large forces of fantastic creatures and monsters. Invariably, these armies are commanded by big, nasty “generals,” who Thor ultimately smashes after pulverizing his way through their ranks. To offset the high-point, “godly” figs mandatory in a Thor-themed set, we decided to incorporate army building mechanically. As designers, we thought it important to give players the option of playing huge, godly figs or swarms of figures balanced to take out one-man (or woman) forces. (There will be more on this topic in a second).

Additionally, the minion mechanic makes the common slot of a booster release much more intriguing. There is a definite value to having both high-profile, iconic characters at common, as well as non-unique figures that players will want a bunch of copies of for army creation. Also, it’s a lot of fun for Thor to Charge into a group of Rock Trolls, then Quake them to pieces, just like the comics.

I can’t leave you today without letting you guys peak behind the curtain at least once.

Today’s preview piece comes straight out of DC HeroClix: Brave & The Bold. Earlier I said that in Hammer, we wanted to provide more options beyond the godly Asgardians. Well, to balance the awesome, heroic duos found in B&B, we thought it was important to also provide some force-building options.

The army building/Minion mechanic found in Hammer was very well received during our testing and early discussions, so we included some more options for it in B&B. In the coming weeks, we’ll take a look at some of those characters. Additionally, we wanted to make sure that there were higher-point, powerful individual figures that could stand toe-to-toe with the heroic team-ups. We included a group of exciting, powerful villains in Brave & The Bold to fulfill this task. Luckily for us, the DC Universe is loaded with monstrous baddies that can give any team a run for its money.

Today’s preview fig was “built” for this opportunity. I give you the cyborg-

Metallo!

[caption id="attachment_899" align="alignnone" width="135" caption="Metallo"][/caption]

Ready to trade blows with Superman and his friends, Metallo starts off with a bang (and a dangerous Kryptonite Core)- Charge, Poison, Super Strength, and Impervious are complimented by an opening click of five damage. After trading killer blows in the early game, the devious Metallo can Rebuild (Steal Energy), all while using his Malleability to tie-up (and carve up) opponents. All-in-all, he provides a great threat for heroic duos at just 182 points. His fighting skills are sure to warm even a metallic heart. I hope you have as much fun with him as we have.

[caption id="attachment_903" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Metallo Card Front"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_902" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Metallo Card Back"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_900" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Metallo Dial"][/caption]

Well, it’s great to be back, and showing off all of our cool new toys.

Until next time,

Jake

P.S. It’s great to be officially back!

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The Brave and The Bold Preview: Power Girl – UPDATED 03/15/10

Drew — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:39:40 +0000

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold previews continue with a real powerhouse: Power Girl!

After many false revelations and years of confusion, Power Girl has finally learned her true origins: she is the Supergirl of Earth Two, a survivor of the first Crisis. Blessed with all the strengths and some of the limitations of Kryptonians from that universe, Power Girl’s independence and impulsiveness led to problems in earlier years. Recently, she has comfortably settled into the Justice Society, becoming its first chairwoman. After disappearing for a time to help Supergirl in the city of Kandor, she has now re-adopted her civilian identity of Karen Starr and is trying to restart her software company.

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold hits comic and hobby shops nationwide on April 14, 2010! Featuring 55 new figures, including the best team-ups from DC Comics, all-new Alter-Egos and powers that will revolutionize your HeroClix games, DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold is a must-collect for all DC HeroClix fans. Keep checking back at wizkidsgames.com for more previews!

UPDATE: 03/15/10

HeroClix fans are among the most comics-savvy people on the planet, and they know that among the key abilities all Kryptonians share are the ability to Lift And Toss Very Heavy Things and the ability to Hit Other Things With Lots Of Oomph. So when our fans saw the preview of Power Girl I posted on Friday, they realized something was missing - Super Strength. Good catch HeroClix fans!

Power Girl originally was playtested with a trait which reads "Power Girl can use Super Strength" - but that line was unintentionally edited out when we created the print master for the art team to lay out the cards. Thanks to the miracle of Print and Play, you can play her the way the design team intended. Power's corrected cards are below, and are officially considered legal for all HeroClix play.

Keep on clickin'

-Drew

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The Brave and The Bold Preview: Green Lantern and Green Arrow

Drew — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:27:56 +0000

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold previews continue with a mighty green machine against evil!

Hal Jordan’s conservative and socially neutral beliefs were put to the ultimate test when he teamed up with Oliver Queen, liberal, social conscience, and activist. Encouraging Hal to spend time traveling across America and helping his country rather than the universe, they encountered capitalist robber barons, cults, Native American culture, racial persecution, poverty, and even drug addiction close to home. Though they eventually went their separate ways again, both men were forever changed by what they had seen on their long journey together.

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold hits comic and hobby shops nationwide on April 14, 2010! Featuring 55 new figures, including the best team-ups from DC Comics, all-new Alter-Egos and powers that will revolutionize your HeroClix games, DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold is a must-collect for all DC HeroClix fans. Keep checking back at wizkidsgames.com for more previews!

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The Brave and The Bold Preview: Mikron O' Jeneus

Drew — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:56:16 +0000

A dwarf genius inventor of the highest order, Mikron O’Jeneus (also known by his villain name Gizmo) can turn ordinary household objects into weapons worthy of any super-villain within minutes. Bored with his technological success and wealth, he was not afraid to be involved with the criminal element and developed a jetpack for himself. Seeing an ad in a criminal newsletter, he became a charter member of the Fearsome Five. Fighting against the Teen Titans and Outsiders again and again, Mikron O’Jeneus was believed killed by Dr. Sivana, but the truth of that remains to be seen.

DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold hits comic and hobby shops nationwide on April 14, 2010! Keep checking back at wizkidsgames.com for more previews!

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The Brave and The Bold Update!

Drew — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:46:28 +0000

I think it's time for a montage...and two new DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold previews!

Let's recap what you know about The Brave and The Bold: in comic and hobby stores on April 12th 2010, 55 new figures, including Alter Egos like Clark Kent / Superman, and duo figs like The Flashes with awesome new special powers. We received a bunch of production samples (figures pulled from the first run of boosters at the factory to check for quality) here at WizKids HQ. I took new photos of figures which we had released earlier images of! Click on the thumbnails for high-quality versions:

Now, I know you've been keeping track of The Brave and The Bold figures which have been confirmed as being in the set, so I know that you're eagerly awaiting new images of: Bruce Wayne / Batman Alter Ego, The Flash and Green Lantern, Batman and Green Arrow and Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn. When I get production figures, I'll photograph them and put them up on this blog. But two weeks ago I hinted at a new TB&TB figure...he was hidden in a bunch of Clix on my desk. Did you find him? Look closer! The mystery figure is: KID ZOOM.

And here's Kid Zoom's character card and dial:

Kid Zoom spent most of his criminal career as the villain Inertia. There's something very interesting about the Kid Zoom and Inertia costumes...they are essentially the same costuming just in different colors. This happens occasionally in comics, and we are occasionally going to take advantage of the opportunity to add more characters into HeroClix. This means that The Brave and The Bold also includes Inertia!

Inertia and Kid Zoom, while both identities used by Thaddeus Thawne, are very different characters, and as such have different powers and dials. Check out Inertia's stats:

Also, be sure to check out the preview of The Flash from the DC HeroClix The Brave and the Bold Starter Game appearing right now on www.icv2.com!

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News Flash

Drew — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:05:40 +0000

You've probably gotten the sense that I like teasing information out (hint: if I'm posting photos of my desk...). But no teases today - I've got a figure from DC HeroClix The Brave and The Bold for you! With no further ado...

THE FLASHES

Time and again, The Flash has proven why he is called The Fastest Man Alive. The only thing which can keep pace with The Flash when he's running full-speed is...The . When Barry Allen and Wally West tap directly into the Speed Force and the barriers between times and dimensions shatter. Together, The Flashes have faced the resurgent Anti-Monitor, Darkseid or the deadly new Zoom. The Flashes are the fastest figure in HeroClix, and (like most new duo figures) they come with two amazing special powers.

First, The Flashes accelerate to 14 speed and start circling the globe several times a second. How fast is that?

Around the World in 80 Microseconds The Two Flashes can use Flurry. Before each attack while using Flurry, you may place The Two Flashes adjacent to any opposing character on the map if their entire base is adjacent to the target character and in clear terrain.

You can place them anywhere on the map that’s adjacent to an enemy, make and attack, and then move them and make another attack against someone completely on the other side of the map! Now that’s a Flash-worthy power!

They both have to have a clear shot, so both parts of their “peanut” base has to be adjacent to the opponent and completely in clear terrain. So there are ways you can avoid The Flashes showing up out of nowhere and disappearing just as fast. But that’s not even the most impressive special power on their dial. As they accelerate throughout their dial, they go faster, and faster and faster, beyond mortal ken, until on their final click they hit 21 speed (a new record for HeroClix ) and go:

Into the Speed Force Give The Two Flashes a power action. Remove all objects and up to 300 points of other characters from the map. Place all removed objects back on the map and then place all removed characters on the map. All placements must be legal. Deal The Two Flashes 1 unavoidable damage.

Once they leave the map and enter into the Speed Force itself, as a parting shot to help their friends they can alter time and space, go into the past and re-arrange EVERYTHING on the map to your liking. (Well, within some gameplay limits. Colossal Spectre and Anti-Monitor don’t like to be moved without their say so.)

What can you do with this power? Well, what CAN’T you do with this power? You can turn a losing tactical situation into a winning one. You can cut off opponents from their minions, taxis, healers, or mastermind fodder. You can surround your opponents. Now, it comes at a steep cost, as you have to give up 225 points of Flashes to get there. But I hope you’ll manage to find a way to turn this power into a game-winning advantage.

Oh, they have a kickin' dial and card, too:

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