Diablo4485
03/29/2003, 12:06
Finally got in a few matches w/ my friends last night, our first using Xplosion figs. Here's what I thought based on it:
Con Artists: These things were all over the place. I think I can honestly say that they're going to change the way the game is played in a BIG way.
Shadowcat: All 3 regular versions got play time at one point or another, and each is fairly useful. She'll definitely end up being the cheap taxi of choice of the set (following Wasp and Doombot from the others), especially the Experienced version, which seems to be the best bargain.
SWAT: No Officers present, just Specialists. Nothing big or fancy, but a nice pick to fill in extra points or to break down walls in indoor matches for cheap. That and they look so derned cool. :)
Paramedics: Even cheaper Support (12 points for Veterean) at the cost of losing a team affiliation and any offensive capabilities is a mixed bag. Whether you prefer them over the other medics all depends on how you use them.
Storm: Can you say "glass jaw"? Someone on another thread called her "Firelord's little sister", and I can't think of a better way to put it. The Veteran goes from 10 Speed and 10 Attack to 8 Speed and 8 Attack in just one click! Definitely give her her own taxi and keep a medic nearby at all times.
Crimson Dynamo: One of my personal faves from this set. He needs a taxi to take full advantage of his monster damage rating, but aside from that I've got no complaints. I ripped my friends up in a 300-point match teaming him with a Veteran Annihilus, with an AIM Medic offering Hydra for Annihilus to copy and a Con Artist beefing up whatever needed it most. I can see this guy getting a LOT of play time in the future.
Mandarin: Only Rookie and Experienced versions were present, but even they didn't have much trouble tearing into some of the bigger guys. Mind Control and Outwit is such a subtle yet ingenious combo (Outwit the Defense power on one guy, then MC his buddy next to him to pulverize him! Love it!), and the RCE that pops up in the middle of his dial lets him keep taking powerful shots once the opponent starts tiring. Can't wait to pull the Veteran.
Destiny: Actually not that bad as long as she's kept back behind the tougher figures. Cheap and useful as she is, she's still an eyesore compared to Scarlet Witch and Black Cat. :grin:
Taskmaster: :) Had to trade for a Rookie one, but he was worth it. Stealth and Energy Shield/Deflection seems redundant, but it gives him extra protection almost anywhere on the map. His Doom team affiliation definiely adds loads of versatility, and an 11 Attack with B/C/F on a Rookie is unheard of! He wins the Bullseye Award (best fig for cheapest price) for this set.
Phoenix: The only useful Unique pulled between our collective 20-something boosters (unless you count Leader or Lady Deathstrike), Phoenix definitely has possibilities. From the looks of her and her performances in our matches she's best when used similarly to Magneto or Moondragon (i.e. Keep her back to direct traffic, then bring her out when they start showing a little damage. Unfortunately, my friend that pulled her used her purely offensively, and I took it upon myself to instruct him that that's not how she should be played (KOed her in every match. Hee hee...)
All in all, very exciting matches all around. This set is anything but a disappointment.
Con Artists: These things were all over the place. I think I can honestly say that they're going to change the way the game is played in a BIG way.
Shadowcat: All 3 regular versions got play time at one point or another, and each is fairly useful. She'll definitely end up being the cheap taxi of choice of the set (following Wasp and Doombot from the others), especially the Experienced version, which seems to be the best bargain.
SWAT: No Officers present, just Specialists. Nothing big or fancy, but a nice pick to fill in extra points or to break down walls in indoor matches for cheap. That and they look so derned cool. :)
Paramedics: Even cheaper Support (12 points for Veterean) at the cost of losing a team affiliation and any offensive capabilities is a mixed bag. Whether you prefer them over the other medics all depends on how you use them.
Storm: Can you say "glass jaw"? Someone on another thread called her "Firelord's little sister", and I can't think of a better way to put it. The Veteran goes from 10 Speed and 10 Attack to 8 Speed and 8 Attack in just one click! Definitely give her her own taxi and keep a medic nearby at all times.
Crimson Dynamo: One of my personal faves from this set. He needs a taxi to take full advantage of his monster damage rating, but aside from that I've got no complaints. I ripped my friends up in a 300-point match teaming him with a Veteran Annihilus, with an AIM Medic offering Hydra for Annihilus to copy and a Con Artist beefing up whatever needed it most. I can see this guy getting a LOT of play time in the future.
Mandarin: Only Rookie and Experienced versions were present, but even they didn't have much trouble tearing into some of the bigger guys. Mind Control and Outwit is such a subtle yet ingenious combo (Outwit the Defense power on one guy, then MC his buddy next to him to pulverize him! Love it!), and the RCE that pops up in the middle of his dial lets him keep taking powerful shots once the opponent starts tiring. Can't wait to pull the Veteran.
Destiny: Actually not that bad as long as she's kept back behind the tougher figures. Cheap and useful as she is, she's still an eyesore compared to Scarlet Witch and Black Cat. :grin:
Taskmaster: :) Had to trade for a Rookie one, but he was worth it. Stealth and Energy Shield/Deflection seems redundant, but it gives him extra protection almost anywhere on the map. His Doom team affiliation definiely adds loads of versatility, and an 11 Attack with B/C/F on a Rookie is unheard of! He wins the Bullseye Award (best fig for cheapest price) for this set.
Phoenix: The only useful Unique pulled between our collective 20-something boosters (unless you count Leader or Lady Deathstrike), Phoenix definitely has possibilities. From the looks of her and her performances in our matches she's best when used similarly to Magneto or Moondragon (i.e. Keep her back to direct traffic, then bring her out when they start showing a little damage. Unfortunately, my friend that pulled her used her purely offensively, and I took it upon myself to instruct him that that's not how she should be played (KOed her in every match. Hee hee...)
All in all, very exciting matches all around. This set is anything but a disappointment.