(Photo credit to WizKids)
Written by Ed Carter, Staff Writer
- Heroclix: Avengers vs. The Masters of Evil
- WizKids:
- Superhero miniatures, dice rolling, custom abilities
- 2-4 players
- 30-45 min
One of the first Superhero Miniatures games
Heroclix has been around for a while; since 20 years at least by today. There has always been a fan base despite many other miniature games that have come since then. WizKids has always had a license to make Heroclix for Marvel and DC since the game was first released.
Like Magic the Gathering, Heroclix is collectible; there are different sets released with new and different powers for the heroes and villains and new sculpts. With so many out there, where is a good place to start? A starter set is usually best for a new player, but which one? In 2019, one of the best starter sets was released; Avengers vs the Masters of Evil. While most give 4 heroes, this one gives you 10 and for the same price as the ones with 4.
A starter set is where new players and even returning players should go to get the latest rule book and powers and abilities card. In addition to heroes, this set comes with some bystanders that have move and attack values but do not click. This set comes with 3 maps, terrain tiles, and some special edition dice that have the Avengers symbol in place of the 6.
One unique part of this set is the campaign that comes with it; so in addition to regular Heroclix, you can play a special campaign that uses this kit exclusively.
Avengers Assemble! How to play
To start, players will pick their heroes and villains and determine what map you want to use. This set comes with 2 versions of each character, a simple version for beginners and a more advanced version for seasoned players. Some of the characters in this set were released before but were very rare and hard to find, but now are easily available and won’t cost a fortune to have.
After the players have chosen their characters and gathered their cards for them, it is time to see who goes first. Each player rolls 2d6 and the highest roll goes first. Players then place their characters in the starting area and make sure that they are all clicked to their starting line. The rule book goes over in detail a character’s base, but each one has a move, attack, defense, and damage value displayed on their base. In addition, the base shows any special powers the character has indicated by colored bars behind the numerical values. As characters attack and receive damage, they are clicked a number of positions. Characters are active until that character is KO’D; indicated by the KO symbol on their dial.
On a player’s turn, they can take one action with their character in addition to any free actions. Place an action token beside the character to indicate that they have activated. Range characters can attack at a distance as well as a single or group of targets which is indicated on their base. A player can give each of his characters one action. After that, the next player does the same, then the first player takes another turn again with actions. Once each character has taken 2 action tokens, then the only action they can take is to clear. This removes any action tokens allowing them to resume actions on their next turn.
Characters can move up to the indicated value, less any terrain effects that would slow them down. If a character moves adjacent to another character, they are engaged and neither one can move unless they try to break away. Adjacent characters can attack each other in combat.
To make a melee or ranged attack, roll 2d6 and add the result to the attack value indicated on the base, compare that to the defense of the target, if it is greater or equal to the defense value, the attack succeeds and the target receives damage indicated on the attackers base damage value. The defender then turns their character’s dial to the indicated number of clicks.
Ranged attacks work similarly, except the attacker must be in range and have a clear line of sight to the target. Some terrain hinders attacks, but some completely block it.
After the line of fire and range are determined, the attacker rolls 2 d6 and calculates the attack to determine a hit or a miss. If a target is hit, then damage is assigned.
The game continues until one player’s team is KO’d or a scenario-specific objective has been met.
In addition, to the basic actions, each hero has unique powers and abilities which are detailed on their character card and in the powers and abilities card. Players should reference these for how certain abilities and traits work. These modify the basic move and attack actions and simulate that hero’s unique abilities.
A set good for new and seasoned players
As I stated, in addition to this being a starter set, it comes with some unique sculpts, dice, and campaign adventures that make this appeal to seasoned players as well as new ones. Like any Heroclix set, they are all usable with other figures and can be added to your current collection.
I like that the game is simple and the combat dial replaces the need for charts and graphs to determine hits and damage. It is a simple 2d6 system that allows players to engage more in the game and strategy than in calculations.
Some miniature gamers find it too easy and since the miniatures are pre-painted and assembled, they don’t have the detail that Warhammer 40k miniatures have and other miniatures games. Heroclix does not require the use of 3d terrain like a lot of others do, so the immersion is not as deep as Warhammer.
Heroclix is definitely a simpler system but I feel that it works well; the powers and abilities are tied into each specific character, so it feels like that character when playing. The Hulk can hurl things, move far distances, easily, and has a punch like a freight train. Captain America is a leader, tactician, and strong fighter. He can hurl his shield or use it to block incoming attacks.
In summary, For the value, customization of characters, ease of play, and just plain fun, Heroclix may be worth considering for a simple yet satisfying superhero game. and the Avengers Vs Masters of Evil set is a great starting point.
Until next time, keep moving those meeples, and see you soon!
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.
Eldwenne’s Fantasy™ and Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted ™
Jodi invites you to explore your well-being with designs from Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted™ and to declare your favorite fandom proudly with designs from Eldwenne’s Fantasy™.
A riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a warm tortilla, served to you fresh using patented space-age technology. all games played on this channel are using original hardware and software whenever possible.
A positive podcast about video games. Chris and Ashley go over the video games we love.
*Bigs thanks to*
Chris and Lynn
Dustin Hatchett
If you like what you see, please consider joining our Patreon Family.
For as little as $1 a month, you can really help us out.