HeroClix

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HeroClix is a collectible miniatures game produced by WizKids, Inc. Players construct teams of heroes and villains and play out a battle between the teams turn-by-turn on a grid map.

HeroClix logo

Contents

[edit] History

Example of a Clix figure

HeroClix was originally made by WizKids, who also made a number of other collectible clix-based games. Heroclix was designed to appeal to comic book fans, players of wargames, and collectors, and has proved to be even more popular than the now defunct Mage Knight. Topps, the parent company, announced that as of November 10, 2008, Wizkids was ceasing production of all its product lines, including Heroclix.[1] However, the property was expected to be sold to a 3rd party in May 2009, but the deal failed to close in April of 2009.[2] Topps is believed to be considering producing the next Heroclix expansion ( "Hammer of Thor" ) under its own banner, (possibly for release at the US Gencon Convention) prior to any future sale of the franchise to a third party. While a Marvel license "to manufacture figures and card games" has been acquired by Upper Deck, this licence does not specificaly relate to Heroclix. Topps still own all the rights and liscenses for all versions of Heroclix, and Justin Ziran of Topps has said that the Upper Deck deal will not prejudice the manufacture of further Heroclix product. Fans and stores are still anticipating the release of the Hammer of Thor set during the second half of 2009, with a sale of the franchise likely after that date.[3]

The original HeroClix figures were all from comic books printed by Marvel Comics, but have expanded to include sets from DC Comics and from independent comics. Later expansions added new card-based mechanics to the game and Battlefield Conditions, expanding the game beyond the addition of new characters. As at March 2009 , there are approximately 3,300 different Heroclix figures, maps, and game play items. (as listed on the BattlePlanner web site)[citation needed]

The expansions won three awards at the 2002 Origins Awards including Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Game Board Game for Marvel HeroClix: Infinity Challenge.[4] Tournaments are organized at comic book and hobby shops, as well as regionally and nationally, and are continuing while fans of the game wait for Topps to sell the game to a new company, after which it is expected that full scale organized play and prize support will resume.

List of HeroClix game designers
Person Time
Monte Cook 2002
Jeff Quick 2002
Mike Mulvihill 2002
Jon Leitheusser 2002-2003
Jeff Grubb part of 2003
Jon Leitheusser 2003-2005
Seth Johnson 2005-2008
Kelly Bonilla part of 2008

[edit] Sale of Wizkids

On November 10 2008, Topps announced it would cease operations of Wizkids Games. Topps expressed a hope for sale of all Wizkids products to a buyer company in order to continue viable game lines. It was anticipated that this would occur in May 2009, but 2 possible deals subsequently fell through. Justin Ziran, of Topps, has been entrusted with ensuring that Hammer of Thor is released and that Heroclix continues to be produced.

Scott Silverstein, CEO of Topps, said “This was an extremely difficult decision. While the company will still actively pursue gaming initiatives, we feel it is necessary to align our efforts more closely with Topps current sports and entertainment offerings which are being developed within our New York office.”[5]

There were three companies known to be interested in acquiring the Wizkids properties. Catalyst Game Labs, Piñata Games, and a third, newly formed company. Catalyst Game Labs is an established company that works primarily on print role playing games. Piñata Games was formed by Heroclix enthusiasts and former Wizkids employees with the primary purpose of buying and continuing the Heroclix line. A third company was known to be interested. Negotiations are ongoing and there is some speculation that other game companies may also make offers. However, after Catalyst apparantly withdrew, the third company failed to get funding, and Justin Ziran of Pinata joined Topps, it appears to be Topps' responsibility to release the new set. It is likely that, following that release, there will be further interest in "taking on the game" by third parties.[6] [7].

[edit] Gameplay

Each HeroClix figurine is modeled in roughly O scale and has five statistics associated with it:

  • Attack Value
  • Defense Value
  • Speed
  • Damage
  • Range

These statistics are all printed on a dial that serves as the base for the miniature. When a piece takes "damage", its base is turned a number of "clicks" clockwise, revealing altered stats to correspond to the damage it has taken. Most damage weakens characters, although some (like the Hulk) actually get stronger when wounded, to represent a transformation or rage.

Pieces have point values representing how powerful they are. Opposing teams are restricted to a predetermined total point value, which is usually a multiple of 100.

Battles are played out on maps, overlaid with a grid of 35 mm x 35 mm squares. These maps come in two different sizes 3ft by 3 ft (36" by 36") or 2ft by 3 ft (36" by 24") (with the exception of the Marvel Universe Starter Map which was 13 by 13 squares) The maps used are of different locations found in a typical comic book story. The older maps were generic places but recently the maps have taken on more comic book Specific places, such as the Justice Society Museum.

[edit] Rare figures

The rarest figures released for the game include:

  • Some of the early Limited Edition ("LE") figures (also called "bronze-ring") that were given away as tournament prizes, are rare and highly sought after, commanding high prices among collectors and on eBay. These include Bruce Banner (The Hulk), Victor Creed (Sabretooth) and Irene Adler (Destiny), among others.
  • Four super-rare Marvel chase figures, with a rarity of 1 per hundred boosters in the Supernova set. All figures are zombies from "Marvel Zombies" including: Hulk, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Colonel America. Each figure comes with a HorrorClix card and is compatible in HeroClix or HorrorClix.
  • Four super-rare DC chase figures; exact rarity is as yet unknown, but seem to be approximately one figure in every eighty Origin boosters: Lois Lane, Alfred Pennyworth, Queen Hippolyta, and the Wizard Shazam.
  • Two further super-rare DC chase figures, the Superman from Earth 2 (Kal-L), and the Superman from the Kingdom Come story line. The two figures are the same sculpt, but with different costumes and game statistics / dials. These are found in the DC Crisis boosters, with approximately 1 per eighty boosters.
  • World's Finest. (Part of the DC Crisis expansion set) This is a single (large based) figure of Superman and Batman. It has a game value of 500 points. This figure was released in March 2008 as a mail away promotional piece, in a limited and numbered edition of 5,000.
  • Two further super-rare Marvel chase figures, The Skrull Queen / Jessica Drew version of Spider Woman; and the Skrull Lyja Lazerfist, impersonating Susan Richards, the Invisible Woman. These are seemingly as rare as the two Superman figures mentioned above, ie approximately 1 per 80 boosters of the Secret Invasion set.
  • The "Illuminati" Skrull. This is a representation of the Skrull who had the powers of Namor, Mr Fantasic, Prof Xavier, Iron Man, and Black Bolt, as seen in the Secret Invasion story line. It is a standard sized figure. This figure was released in September 2008 as a mail away promotional piece, in a limited edition of 5,000. (However, it was anticipated that there would be a second "print run" of this figure. In the event, Topps moved to sell the game before a second print run could occur.)
  • The Joker (escape from Arkham). This is a 2 x 2 based figure, showing the Joker escaping over the wall of Arkham Asylum. It is a mail away promo for the Arkham Asylum set. This figure employs a 'prison break' mechanic, in the comic book flavor of villains being knocked out and taken to jail. Each time the figure is KO'ed, the controlling player places it in his starting area, randomly selecting one of 3 dials that the figure possesses. Despite the closing of WizKids, orders for this product were filled on a time-sensitive basis. Those orders received by Friday, November 14, 2008 were honored.
  • Two further Super-Rare DC chase figures, Batman with the Sinestro Corps ring, and a modern continuity Batman, (known by collectors and players as the "Lampost Batman") were released in the Arkham Asylum expansion, with similar rarity to those above. These are the two highest-point-value versions of their respective representations (modern continuity and alternate/limited appearance) edging out the Veteran from Legacy and the Kingdom Come version from Unleashed, respectively.
  • The "Judges Exclusive" LE figures that were given to judges for the Marvel "Coming of Galactus" and DC "Starro" tournaments are considered rare. These included Sentinel of the starways, Pyreus Kril, Oliver Queen, Hal Jordan, Barry Allen and Arthur Curry.
  • Some of the first Indyclix set were characters published by 2000AD and were only released in the U.K. Among these was the Judge Death figure from the comic Judge Dredd.

[edit] Released sets

All the newest sets have also included "Key Words" for each character, which allow comic-specific teams to be constructed, and give such teams a slight advantage versus non "themed teams". These have now been extended to all previously released sets, giving a list of "keywords" for all existing characters, via an Adobe document available from the Wizkids site.

[edit] DC

  • Hypertime (released September 2002-retired July 2006)
  • Cosmic Justice (released June 2003-retired July 2006)
  • Unleashed (released March 2004-retired July 2006)
  • Legacy (released March 2005-retired)
  • Icons (released September 2005-retired)
  • Collateral Damage (released February 2006)
  • Giants
  • Green Lantern Corps
  • Origin (released February 2007)
  • Legion of Superheroes
  • Justice League (released September 2007)
  • Spectre
  • Starro
  • Crisis (originally Teen Titans) (released February 2008)
  • Batman : Alpha (released June 2008) It should be noted that Batman Alpha is a separate game to standard Heroclix, but that the figures are legal in normal Heroclix play. The colours on the dials take precedence over the card descriptions, with only the theme team names and point values on the cards being used in standard Heroclix.
  • Arkham Asylum (released October 2008)
  • Brave and the Bold (originaly, release intended for 2009)

[edit] Indy

  • Indy (released October 2003-retired September 2005)
  • City of Heroes
  • City of Villains

[edit] Marvel

  • Infinity Challenge (released May 2002-retired June 2004)
  • Clobberin' Time (released November 2002-retired December 2004)
  • Xplosion (released March 2003-retired December 2004)
  • Critical Mass (released December 2003-retired September 2005)
  • Universe (released May 2004-retired July 2006)
  • Ultimates (released June 2004-retired July 2006)
  • Mutant Mayhem (released November 2004-retired)
  • Fantastic Forces (released July 2005-retired)
  • Armor Wars (released November 2005)
  • Danger Room (released June 2006)
  • Sinister (released June 2006)
  • Supernova (released November 2006)
  • Days of Future Past (released November 2006)
  • 2099 (released December 2006)
  • Avengers (released June 2007)
  • Mutations and Monsters (released November 2007)
  • Secret Invasion (released July 2008)
  • Fantastic Four
  • Hammer of Thor (originally, release intended for 2009)
  • Galactus (2 Versions)
  • Fin Fang Foom (3 Versions)

[edit] Teams

[edit] Marvel teams

[edit] D.C. teams

[edit] Indy teams

[edit] Convention Exclusive Figures

The following figures were generally only available at comic book or gaming conventions, but in January 2007, WizKids announced that a selection of these figures would be available through general retail.

There are currently three different versions of Foom - the standard Green version, the much rarer Orange Limited Edition (Only at San Diego Comic Con and Essen Spiel'07), and the "Purple Pants" Foom (Only available at Venues participating in the 2008 Wizkids Convention Weekend).

  • Batman: Knightfall This figure is referred to among players as the Azbat LE. (Plays at 90 pts.) - free with $50 purchase during 2008 convention season.

(see Announcement)

A repainted version of the Galactus figure was released alongside the Avengers set (again, as a Tournament exclusive), as were new versions of Terrax, Firelord, Silver Surfer and Stardust. Players should note that there are several printing errors on the Firelord dial (He is missing three clicks of Toughness, followed by three clicks of Energy Shield/Deflection).

  • The repaint Galactus has the same combat dial as the original, but the timer dial and scenario have changed.

Starro the Conqueror was released in October 2007 (Tournament exclusive, linked to the Justice League release), as well as Starro-controlled versions of Aquaman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Flash.

  • Anti-Monitor - Guardian of Fear (Can be played at 600, 800, or 1000 points. This figure was available at selected conventions in 2008. It represents the restored Anti Monitor, as part of the Sinestro Corps story line.

[edit] Other large figures

These large figures were available for purchase – all are on a 2x2 round base

[edit] Collector sets

[edit] Starter sets

The Infinity Challenge, Hypertime and Indy starter sets contained random characters from the full set. Starting with Universe, Starter sets contained collectible figures not found in boosters.

  • Universe - Includes Spider-Man, Wolverine, Wasp, Sabertooth, Elektra, and Hobgoblin, a smaller 24x24 map, and a rulebook.
  • Icons - Includes Batman, Robin, Hawkgirl, Joker, Harley Quinn, and Man-Bat, as well as a full-size two-sided map and updated rules.
  • X-Men Danger Room - Includes Jean Grey, Cyclops, Beast, Angel, Colossus, Storm, and two 3D objects (Broken Drone & Generator), along with a full-size two-sided map and updated rules.
  • Legion of Superheroes - Includes Saturn Girl, Phantom Girl, Timber Wolf, Young Superman, Cosmic Boy, Lightning Lad, Ultra Boy, Shrinking Violet, and two 3D objects (Com Dish & Newsbot), along with a full-size two-sided map and updated rules.
  • Fantastic Four - Includes Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, The Thing, Human Torch, Doctor Doom, Doombot 3095, Doombot 5953, a new Power and Abilities Card with revised powers and team abilities, as well as a new rule book with changes to TK, Flight, Perplex, and the Giants rules, as well as changes to some of the "Team Powers".

[edit] Action packs

WizKids is releasing action packs, themed sets of figures, as well as maps and cards, which are available via retail outlets.

  • Marvel HeroClix: Days Of Future Past-Figures include: 1 Advanced Sentinel (150/300/400 pts.), Hound [Phoenix] (130 pts.) and Colonel Logan [Wolverine] (70 pts.). The set also includes a (24 x 36) map that can be linked to the Danger Room map. (Released November 2006)
  • DC Heroclix: Anti-Monitor- (released April 2008) It includes a Sentinel-sized Anti-Monitor, a Qwardian Thunderer, and a "Shadow Demon" as well as a Pariah Event Dial.

[edit] HorrorClix crossover products

The WizKids HorrorClix game was designed in a similar way to HeroClix, however, it has only a limited compatibility with HeroClix. WizKids have produced products that are compatible with both gaming systems but HorrorClix figures are not tournament-legal for HeroClix.

[edit] Limited edition figures

[edit] Marvel Zombie Figures

Four Ultra-rare chase figures are available in 1 out of every 100 Marvel HeroClix Supernova boosters: Colonel America, Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk. These are technically the first dual-branded figures as they appear in a HeroClix set yet come packed with HorrorClix monster cards, making them fully compatible. Although further Zombies appeared in the 2007 set Mutations and Monsters, the original four figures were not reprinted. These 4 figures may be used in both Heroclix and Horrorclix games.

[edit] Action packs

[edit] Indy HeroClix

Hellboy/B.P.R.D.

This action pack has seven figures, which may be used in both Heroclix and Horrorclix. The Figures include Hellboy, Abe Sapien, Liz Sherman, Hellbaby, Johann Kraus, Roger the Golem, and Captain Ben Daimio. It should be noted that a production error resulted in Johan Kraus being misrepresented as a flyer, and with some numbers missing from both his and Liz Sherman's dials. There was a replacement policy in place for the former.

[edit] Heroes HeroClix

At conventions during 2008 (notably UK Gencon) Wizkids advertised the expected release of a Heroes Heroclix set. The writers strike caused a slow down in the Heroes TV series, and this seemingly pushed back the supposed release. It remains to be seen if the set is released by whichever company purchases Heroclix from Topps.

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.wizkidsgames.com/wk_article.asp?cid=41914
  2. ^ http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14740.html
  3. ^ http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/15251.html
  4. ^ "Origins Award Winners (2002)". Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design. http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/2002/list-of-winners. Retrieved on 2008-08-15. 
  5. ^ http://www.wizkidsgames.com/wk_article.asp?cid=41914 Topps announcement on closing of Wizkids
  6. ^ http://catalystgamelabs.com/2008/11/17/catalyst-game-labs-submits-offer-for-wizkids-properties/#comments Catalyst Games bid announcement
  7. ^ http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/13760.html icv2.com article on Pinata Games

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HeroClix"
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