Which is Better

[The Bat]

So the last few weeks I have been playing themed teams, but have not been doing that hot. I have been getting beaten by teams that have no theme. So my question is am I playing the game wrong? Should I not do themes and just put characters together that would work well?

[Ringer]

hi there,

i am assuming that you are kinda new to the game, as you have a recent joined date. if this is incorrect, i apologize. i would suggest two things...

1. play pieces you like, first and foremost. doing anything else can take a lot of fun out of the game.

2. try to play pieces that synergize well together. this can be tough with a limited collection, so at first you may be better served with playing pieces that work together without going with a theme. as your collection grows, building good theme teams can definately be accomplished. i am almost an exclusive theme player, and do pretty well.

you may want to post the teams that have been losing for you. that is one of the easiest ways to get good feedback.

good luck!

[The Bat]

Thanks! Yeah i am a brand new player and yes I have a very limited collection. The only theme team I have made that has worked well is Gotham City. I played Justice League of America today and got mine handed to me. I want to have a few teams because I don't want to play the same thing week after week. Thanks alot and I will do that until I get a bigger collection.

[WolvieFan9]

The Bat Family is a great team, but they generally don't have the ability to generate a lot of damage. This can be a problem in big point games, where your opponent may have lots of deep-dial figures with big damage reducers.

Just a couple of hints to new players (if any of this is "D'uh", sorry).

1) As ringer said, play characters you like. This is a GAME. If you like Bat teams, play Bat teams. If you like Howard the Duck -- well, I can't really help you, but play Howard the Duck anyway.

2) In the tournament scene, be prepared to lose when you start. A LOT. Unfortunately, this is just the way it is... the tournament scene is the toughest way to learn the game. Try playing a lot in friendly, non-uber-competitive games. This will allow you to learn the rules in a "non-threatening" environment.

3) If you are playing in the tournament scene, learn all you can. Every time you get beat, you should learn something. Try not to get frustrated.

4) Read HC Realms! This is a FABULOUS site with talented players who can help you a lot. Read the Rules forum and the Tactics forums... you can get help with the latest rules, the latest tactics, and with team-building. The Units section is an awesome database for team building.

5) You don't need to own every figure to play, but the more figures you have, the more options you have for team-building. The important thing is to know the figures you have and understand the best ways to employ them.

[The Bat]

Thanks alot. Yeah almost every game I have played has been a tournament game, even my very first "teaching" game was in a tournament.

[WolvieFan9]

This may or may not be obvious advice, but see if any of your tourney regulars want to meet either before or after the tourney for a "fun" game. Just agree on a point total and a scenario, and then play a non-competitive game... the most fun games I have ever played have have been non-competitive ones.

When it's non-competitive, feel free to discuss tactics ideas you have... some players might not want to do this during a tourney, but if they know you're new and in a "fun" game, they may be more relaxed about it.

[The Bat]

Thanks alot, I will do that.