HeroClix 2003, the year in review

[webhead817]

On behalf of all of the "staff" here at HCRealms, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

As 2003 draws to a close, let's take a look back on the year in HeroClix. Click on Comments below to see some of the milestones in the HeroClix game this year...and to add your own thoughts.

[webhead817]

2003 was a pretty big year for the HeroClix game. In it's second year, the game more than doubled in size, and added a new line with it's Indy set.

The Year's New Releases

The year kicked of in January with the release of the second "Big Fig" in the game, DC's Sinestro. March brought us the second Marvel expansion, Xplosion. In June we were treated to the first DC expansion, Cosmic Justice. Later in the summer the DC and Marvel Map Sets released in August. October brought us the third line of the HeroClix game system with the Indy HeroClix set. The year ended with Marvel's third expansion - Critical Mass.

Click here (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75520) to vote on your favorite set of the year.
Click here (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75556) to vote on your favorite add-on of the year.

New Exclusive Figures

2003 brought us no less than seven new exclusive figures. Playstation Magazine offered the only Marvel exclusive of the year, the Hulk. On the convention circuit, you could find DC's The Atom and Plastic Man (in mailbox form!) at WizKids booth. DC fans also saw the release of the "phasing" Green Lantern fig by Wizard Entertainment. Wizard didn't fail to deliver on the Indy side, offering both the "Ring of Blades" Boon figure as well a new Arwyn fig with her loyal dog Kreeg. To round out the Indy list, Scrye magazine entered the exclusive figure foray with it's Witchblade fig.

Click here (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67147) to vote for your favorite all-time exclusive figure.

Conventions and Tournaments

HeroClix players found this year's conventions to be their home away from home. Whether attending Origins (http://www.originsgames.com/) in Columbus, GenCon (http://www.gencon.com/) in Indy, or one of the various Wizard World cons (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/conventions/index.cfm/), HeroClix gamers were sure to find a fun event or twenty to compete in. The advent of the Battle Royale format usually meant there were plenty of le's to go around...with eveyone in the room receiving goodies from time to time.

News Stories and Events

Amongst all of the HeroClix news of the years, here are some of the standout stories...

ICv2 names WizKids Game Company of the Year (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21233)

Topps purchases WizKids (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=48770)

New set, new universe, brings new rules to the game (http://www.wizkidsgames.com/heroclix/indy/hc_article.asp?cid=38004)

JonL returns to the HeroClix helm (http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=75273)

...and 2004 is looking good already.

With DC's Unleashed being previewed already, 2004 looks to be another great year for the HeroClix line. Will it be able to top 2003? We'll know in 365! Happy New Year everybody!

[HCannonFodder]

I'd have to say that 2003 has been a mixed bag for Heroclix.

THE GOOD:
WK has been tweaking the formulas for the cost of characters and their abilities, and while the formula isn't perfect yet, it is pretty darn close. Granted, you will always want a Spider-Man/Iron Man/Batman <insert your favorite character here> with 11 clicks of life, impervious all the way down the dial, and about twice as much as the V con artist points-wise. Basically, now if you're trying to attack an unknown character, you can be pretty certain that if they're under 25 points, they're fodder. If they're over 100, you better have a friend help you out. A strong friend. with lots of other friends.

The new maps are are also pretty good, and for good reason - they are afraid of people giving up playing on their maps and moving to playing and buying 3D maps (dream mode: ON)
My final pick of the best parts in 2003 HC wise has to be the new Superman clix coming out...

so... beautiful... must keep breathing... I'm also looking forward to the other members with the Kingdom Come team ability.

THE BAD:
While I have learned to play by the new rules, I have never recaptured the speed and pace that the game once had. "I'm going to taxi Logan with Shadowcat and put him next to your paramedic... Now, Logan will sneer menacingly RAAA!!!" I'm missing something, now.

Sport clix: Why in the name of all things precious are you wasting valuable plastic that COULD be used to make more Nightcrawlers, WK?!? Please get out of this avenue, and get back to business.

While I enjoy the variety, I really didn't get too excited over Indyclix - ooh, stealth AND B/C/F Wow - that's the third char. I got in this booster with that combination. I know that WK didn't create the characters, but it just wasn't a must-have set for me.

Wizard World TX: WK has an awesome 3D map, and I really enjoyed watching them teach others how to play HC. $8 a booster, though?!? OUCH! Take thy beak from out thy heart, WK! I need to calm down - where was that booth with Cheyenne Silver, again?? ;)

Overall, though - a good year - keep up the good work, and I'll keep buying boosters!

[Earnan]

Wait a second. How can you argue that SportsClix is a bad idea?

Yes, it means that HC won't get quite as much attention. But, as the designer interveiws are showing, each system has it's own designers. And I doubt that WK is gonna run outta plastic anytime soon.

I've been playing HC from the beginning, and was a Judge up until recently. What you said about SportsClix is basically what MK players said about HC. But, you're missing an important fact.

By moving into a new market, WK will bring new gamers into the fold. People who never looked at a CMG and are big time baseball fams will pick up a starter. Then they'll buy more. Then they'll go to the gaming store and see these other games. And they'll buy them, and play them. This ensures that HC doesn't die, since it get's a new influx of players.

Now, not everyone is going to do that but there will be enough to make a difference. Trust me, if HC (at my old Venue) had stayed confined to just the "gamers" it would have had about 5 players. Total. Instead, I had 8 people at every tournament. And only half were regulars. In a small town, there were likely 24 people that had attended at least one tournemnt, and quite a few others who collected and played without needing to show up on Friday night.

A number of these players moved into MW when it came out, giving me a good starting pool of MW players. And the new MW players moved into other games. That's how you keep a game companing running. YOu need to tap into new markets. That's what SportsClix is, a new game that hits a new market.

-Earnan

[Silver Lantern]

When did Jeff Grubb leave/get booted? Anyone got the story on this? I missed the NEWS RELEASE on this one.

As for the best of 2003 two words baby:

MA KENT!!!

Take that Supes! :grin: :grin: :grin:

Actually the map sets & pogs are GREAT. But what I am reallt happy about is that they actually made Silver Surfer and a Green Lantern in 2003. My favorite Characters from both Universes respectively. Now if only all this indy stuff would just go away. :laugh:

[DaLuvster89]

Whoo hoo! Post #5 as I read this!

First up, I hope you's all are having a fantastic night. I love HeroClix as much as the next guy, but New Years Eve is all 'bout partying.

It's amazing when I stop and think about how heroclix has effected my everyday life. Even though I get to play at a minimal rate compared to many people on this forum, I still feel very connected to the game and what goes on with the people who care about it, in a large part due to the people who peruse this site over any other.

At this point, I don't necessarily feel qualified to comment on this complete year of 'clix. I haven't had enough experience with Critical Mass or Indyclix yet to feel validated enough to make a full-fledged comment.

Every day, we think of something new to try. Every day, someone is tallying 300 points in some fashion; some maniacal division. Whether it's 27 points, 82 points, 144 or 236. Looking for some type of flaw; something to exploit. Something that declares you "The Winner."

I'll say this; At this point in time, take a second or two to think about the people closest to you. Hero Clix is my favorite game [U]ever.[U] I'd rather play clix than Darts, Billiards, Sorry, Monopoly or Scrabble - Fuss Ball is close, but 'clix is better. I just hope that everyone who reads this has the good fortune of having someone to love. Anyone.
I honestly feel that love makes life worth living. I'm sorry if that came across as too mushy or anything like that. I'm a little buzzed, and it's New Years Eve, so who can blame me? :)

You guys keep doing what you do. How was this past year in HeroClix? Darn good. I've had hours of fun and met a handful of really cool people at the tourney scene. The awesome people I've met and conversed with on this site - have helped me pass the time in a very therapeutic and edifying manner.

I just wanted to give a shout out to the Ninja Clan. R.U.P. Represent, Holla Back.

Happy New Year, Everybody. I'm off to do a couple shots.

God Bless, the best to you and yours.

[Sartek1985]

Overall this has been a good year. New sets released, Xplosion and Cosmic Justice my two faves of the year. The controversial Indy rules change brought some animosity, but hey, no family gets along all the time. The map packs and new add ons are welcomed, but can we a map FAQ please? Overall this year was great, next year looks even better with Unleashed. Heres to 2003, may she rest in peace!

[GroovyBoy]

Wizard World Texas was bad??? Well, I guess that's one person not at the RUT!

The only bad thing this past year was Indy. Not even the rule changes that came with Indy, just the set. The figures have very little recognotion among the average (notice I said average fan, oh potential repliers) HeroClix player, and most have the same darn abilities. I get very little turnout for Indy events at my venue, and now even I feel like a schmoe for ponying up the cash to get all the nons and most of the Uniques.

Hmm. WWT was where they had the Indy Worlds, so maybe it was worse than I thought. Nah... I can't make it to Philly, so I needed Kyle D. to kick my %#@ in something...

[skyounkin]

Loved 'im or hated 'im the BIGGEST thing in heroclix 2003 was-

Indyclix rule changes and the flamming threads of spitfire that STILL flow to this day because of them.

[insurgo]

I, as the disciple seeing fire on the mountain, will take any heroclix they give me, probably. But Critical Mass is the first set in a while that hasnt pised me off a little. I'm hardcore Infinity Challenge and its irritating seeing Marvel underpowered. Expecially when we hit all the greats in there, Cap and everyone, and not likely to see them again. So this is great. Ulik and Marvell and Beta Ray Bill and Terrax - dont have a Surfer yet but looking forward to it. Great game. Thanks for this website.

[Noman]

I Absolutly echo the "thanks for the website" sentimants.

HCRealms is one of only 4 sites on the web I consider essential viewing - thanks to Draddog, Typhon, and the various moderators - and thanks also to the site "characters" who make this one of the most entertaining communities to belong to, anywhere.

As to the year gone by in Heroclix terms

Good :-

Lots more Heroclix figures, maps, tokens, Indy stuff, Critical Mass, and I FINALLY got to be an Envoy / Judge.

(Those of you with long memories will remember that I started trying for that back when the game was in pre-release...LoL...still, just for old times sake, let's here the old battle cry one more time "No DUPES except GENERICS !!!")

Also Good :- More HC players and tournies in the UK.
I won 9 LE's and 2 Uniques during the year. Also, we have DCU to look forward to.

Bad :- ScareyFreakyGeekyFreak Clix (or whatever it's called) Sank without a trace over here, and deservedly so, IMHO. What were they thinking ???

Somewhat Bad :- SportsClix. Needless but predictable diversification. Good news for American baseball / American football fans, and yawnsville for the rest of us. Having said that, if it was Cricket Clix, I'd be buying CASES.

Possibly Bad :- I have to wonder whether the two "limited interest" games villified above ARE actualy slowing down the HC releases - 3 months till DCU is a long wait - and will surely hit the cash-flow for the company. I know MK is the cash-cow, but HC is the WK flagship game over here - we need more figures...for example

IMPERIAL GUARD BOXED SET

ThunderAGENTS BOXED SET

and the old Lion/Tiger/Eagle characters, for us Brits.

All in all (NAAT notwithstanding) a good year for the HC game - now MORE FIGURES PLEASE !!!


LoL

All the Best

Noman

[Gacy's Clown]

Originally posted by GroovyBoy
Wizard World Texas was bad??? Well, I guess that's one person not at the RUT!

The only bad thing this past year was Indy. Not even the rule changes that came with Indy, just the set. The figures have very little recognotion among the average (notice I said average fan, oh potential repliers) HeroClix player, and most have the same darn abilities. I get very little turnout for Indy events at my venue, and now even I feel like a schmoe for ponying up the cash to get all the nons and most of the Uniques.

Hmm. WWT was where they had the Indy Worlds, so maybe it was worse than I thought. Nah... I can't make it to Philly, so I needed Kyle D. to kick my %#@ in something...

Don't forget Nipple Chick was in Texas also...

[Gacy's Clown]

What a GREAT year for clix indeed!

I guess I'll do my good/bad as well:

Good:
Discovering a venue running tourneys back in February and started playing there with friends, weekly, winning a few, coming in 2nd more times than I cared to remember, and losing some as well.
I finally became a Judge as well and just recently started running events, which has been a blast, even though we could have a better turnout.

The Conventions:
We thought it would be cool to go to Philly for the Marvel Worlds and see what it was like. Little did I know, that I and at least someone else from our crew would also end up going to Origins, GenCon, Chicago, DragonCon, and Texas as well. Winning a boatload of LEs was nice too. I met so many fellow clixers and Wizkids staff members that were great guys and become friends with quite a few of them.

The Ninjas:
The clan everyone loves to hate. What started as a thread just for fun talking about the RealUltimatePower website, EXPLODED, turned into a clan (with over 50 members), got deleted after Ninja and pirates were plastered all over the Realms (what else were we supposed to talk about that wouldn't get us banned about talking about the new rules;)), came back, became the #1 Clan on the Realms for quite awhile now, got split (thanks azs, jk), and is on it's way to being split again probably. TOONGA!!!
Not only has it, for the most part, been a tightknit clan, it's one of the few clans, if not the only one, where most of the members actually have met and know each other. While many despise the clan for whatever reason, it's been a great thread to talk with friends, joke with them, keep in touch, etc...which I think many people don't even realize.

I hope next year is just as much a blast as this year was and I plan on going to whichever Cons I can, so I hope to see you all there!

STAY PUMPED UP!!!

[Gacy's Clown]

Well, I guess I forgot my Bad List, so here it is:

Bad:

There's not much I can say in the Bad department. I wasn't a big fan of NAAT at first, but have adapted and can play just as well with it. It's still not a favorite among my players, but we just deal with it and play anyways and have a great time (that's what it's about, isn't it?).

I SHOULD'VE PLAYED Amazo/Vet. Swamp Thing in the DC Worlds (only person to pull Amazo from what I understand and saw). That two man army would've been tough to deal with after seeing many of the teams there. I didn't think a two man army could do that well, so sadly, I went with a six man squad of glassjaws...:(

IndyClix: I'm not sure there's anything I can add to this that hasn't already been said.

Getting my camera stolen at WWTexas.

pirates...

[HCannonFodder]

I'd like to clarify - WWTexas as whole wasn't bad - just the $8 per booster sales. I thought WK had a very well-designed booth, and I also wish they hadn't have sold out of CM like a jackrabbit on a date.

Who/where was the nipple lady?

overall, I really enjoyed WWTexas.

[IceHot]

Happy New Years Guys:

Don't forget what a great job you all have done at HCRealms in the past year!!!!

[GroovyBoy]

As Nipple Chick was not related to HeroClix or WizKids, I didn't feel right putting her in a good/bad column here. In her case, I put the blame firmly on hair10...

[Captain_Comet]

Happy New Years all. I'm still in love with Heroclix.
JonL returns is Awesome! Unleashed LOOKS AWESOME!
I hope 2004 is another outstanding year for all.

[tyroman]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FELLOW CLIXERS!!! :laugh:

The good and the bad? well, i generally think its all good. :-) Flight rule changes took some getting used to but I can appreciate the change. I was a bit disappointed with the Map sets and felt they coulda done a better job with them. Added more detail to them.

Looking forward to 2004 with Unleashed and more heroclix sets! Click on! :grin:

[DS-00-0, FSD]

The Good:

Great releases all year long, including Indy clix. No love for the set from others, but man oh man, I love several of these clix.

Convention season. I hit WWC as my first "gaming con". I'd been to Chicago about eight years ago for comic book conventions, but was not into gaming. Hitting the con for nothing but gaming was fantastic. WK really pulled out all the stops. Great formats and tons of LEs flowing like mana from heaven. Plus playing against Mister Pink and getting to proclaim that "Cosmic Boy Doesn't Suck" was a great way to end the weekend.

WWTx was icing on the cake. Had a blast with fellow Realmers and was astonished to walk away with Fellowship at Indy Worlds. The RUT was a blast and even confirmed that Ninjas can, in fact, fly.

Local play. It's fluctuated in attendance every now and then, but I could not ask for a better group of guys to game with. Plus the sponcership of other Judges in the area has made it so I actually get to play more often!



The Bad:

Nipple Chick. *shudder*

Groovy's sig...:rolleyes:

All the bad press that Indy gets. There are quite a few great pieces and peopel should give the set a chance.

My "Tiger Lily Incident".

[DaLuvster89]

"My "Tiger Lily Incident"." - DS


Should we even ask? ;)

[bullseye100]

Happy new year to everyone who posts here or reads the threads, may everyone's year be filled with happiness...

[DS-00-0, FSD]

Originally posted by DaLuvster89
"My "Tiger Lily Incident"." - DS


Should we even ask? ;)

Here's the skinny:

On Friday at WWTx, we enter our first Battle Royale, trying out the Indy format. My draft contains V Tiger Lily. As I'm moving my figs my second turn I jokingly say, "Look out people. Here comes Tiger Lily with her Blades/Claws/Pistol Whip superpower."

A voice comes from beside me, "For the last time, when I made the dial, I had no idea the sculptor was going to give her Uzis". Unbeknownst to me, this "spectator" sitting beside me is none other than Jon L.

Funny moment. Very humbling, but funny in a twisted sort of way. :)

[dolemite199]

The Good.

Having a great, competative gaming group to play with. DS is an awesome judge with a penchant for having outlandish tournaments. All of you must play in a "Hero Chix" format. Its really fun! And Hair10 comes up with some really fun formats to play. The "Hero-to-Zero" tournament rings a bell. There is nothing like having a medic a with Charge, Impervious, and CCE for a little while.

Getting lots of LE's at the summer conventions.

Being the victim of a DSF mooning! ;) Sorry, DS, but I had to say it.


The Bad.

Indy Clix as a whole. A terrible set when played exclusiively. When the Indy Clix figs are mixed with the other sets it is fun to use them, but using just Indy Clix or playing an Indy only game blows.

Silver Surfer. I am glad we finally have him, and Wizkids did a decent job with him. However, we've all known and witnessed Wizkids under-power a figure for the games sake (Superman from Hypertime, Thanos, Doomsday). I was saddened to see it happen to the Surfer. The whole, "this is the earth bound Surfer" ploy is a tired attempt to cover up the obvious. He should be a little more powerful. Where is the energy explosion, RCE, and a few more clicks of running shot?

Other then Surfer and Indy, clix has been ok. The rest of my life has been the downer. Women suck is all I have to say.

[DaLuvster89]

That is too funny, DS! :)

[DS-00-0, FSD]

Originally posted by dolemite199
The Good.

Being the victim of a DSF mooning! ;) Sorry, DS, but I had to say it.




That's under your "Good" section?!

Dude, that's just not right. I feel soooooo dirty right now! :ermm: :confused: :surprised


:laugh:

[dolemite199]

DSF wrote,



Dude, that's just not right. I feel soooooo dirty right now!

You should! Mabye this will teach you to not prance around in your skivys!

[hair10]

Originally posted by GroovyBoy
As Nipple Chick was not related to HeroClix or WizKids, I didn't feel right putting her in a good/bad column here. In her case, I put the blame firmly on hair10...
What the ?!?!

Well, OK... I'll take some of the blame. ;) But I didn't twist your arm to get you to start playing quarters with her!!

[hair10]

Originally posted by DS-00-0, FSD
The RUT was a blast and even confirmed that Ninjas can, in fact, fly.
If the wind conditions are just right. ;)

[joecoolCRB]

Happy New year everybody. Here's my thoughts:

The Good:

Cosmic Justice, for those of us who can't afford to collect both marvel AND DC, and have chosen the smaller, this was just awesome to see this set, thank you WK.
Sinestro, Awesome piece
Finding Arthur Curry for an amazing ten dollars, I don't think the dealer realized what he had.
The announcement of Sportsclix, finally something for those of us who like things OUTSIDE the comic world as well :-)

The Bad:

............hmmm, that ones tough.........

have a good one guys.

[Frontman]

The Good

Xplosion and Cosmic Justice. Two great sets, and nice variety on Xplosion, Incredible variety on CJ.

The DC map set is awesome! Battles in the Batcave, baby!

Marvel map set is great as well!

The Bad

The lack of organization for Indy Clix. I think I'd be much more into the set if I could of gotten a checklist on the figures. Sure, even being a DC fan, there are characters I'm not 100% familiar with, and checklists help the collector. As of this writing, the last time I checked, Wizkids has YET to do a checklist. Sure, I can get the homemade one here, but sucess for something is sometimes in the presentation. Wizkids doesn't think much of Indy, hence they won't bother with a checklist. And sending out the message of "We don't care." isnt' going to draw people to the game. Just take a look at...

Creepy Freaks. The game is fine. Two major problems though. Only 2 kids in the set. If 10 people show up for a tourney, odds are you are playing most of your games against one of the two choices. ABSOLUTELY Zero support from Wizkids. Heroclix is successful in tourney play since there are prizes to play for. What's the point of playing in a Creepy Freaks tourney? Again, Wizkids did it, they don't care now that its out, hence the "Buy 1, get 1 free offer."

Critical Mass. Finally, WK does the powerhouses of Marvel, only to water them down and also totally blow on the non-uniques. I called this last year at this time. I, as well as other folks, said WK should stop making a ton of redoes. You don't need Wolverine, Spiderman, Hulk and Elektra in EVERY set. But what did they do? Yet another Spiderman? Patch? And, Holey Toledo, yet another FREAKIN Hulk? Come on WK, if you keep churning out Marvel stuff, make it worth the money! And the sorting on CM blows chunks. I've bought over 20 boosters, and only one unique, no Spiderman, and only one Venom? Come on, I should of at least seen one more unique, and/or a Spiderman of any kind! Let's get this moving in the right direction, Wizkids! Constant re-does and no effort into the set has now begun to annoy even the Marvel fans!


The Ugly-

Shadowrun duels. Great concept, bad idea on scale. Sure, its playing with action figures. But can someone point out where they sell action figure sized scenery?

Sportsclix. Like pro atheletes need any more of an ego stroke. Sport collectables are major money, but only when some money is put into their manufacturing. Clix figures won't appeal to the mass market. If anyone doubts me, look at Wizards of the Coast with their sport card games and need I say more.

Whelp, that's the Frontman's rundown of 2003. Let's hope that 2004 has more of the greatness of "DC Unleashed" (buzz, awesome choices on figures and characters, etc.) and less of "Marvel Redux."

PEACE!!!

Tim "Frontman" Scallon

[me_bizarro]

maybe its all the psm hulks that people didn't recive yet lol just kidding

[newbrains]

The Bad: Cruddy paintjobs on Critical Mass completely ruined the big build up waiting for the set. What a downer. WK obviously figures we'll keep buying just as many no matter how cruddy they look.