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HeroClix gets a TabApp, combining physical figures with digital gameplay
HeroClix is an official superhero collectible figure game that's been around for a while -- I remember the thing first starting to get popular when I was a kid. The company has just released a tie-in app for the iPad called the TabApp, and it sounds very interesting. You can supposedly use the app to unlock special maps and scenarios figures, plus there's a game to play that's tied in to the collectible game. HeroClix fans should give it a download. Unfortunately, for the rest of us, it sounds like the app is disappointing. While there is a little interaction with the figures (you need to place one on the screen at a certain point), it's not like this is a full version of the collectible game, and the app won't do things like animate your own figures. There's one review on the app right now, and it's pretty devastating: Apparently the game has nothing to do with the figures you own, and the feature where you place your HeroClix figure on the iPad is nothing but a button. That's a shame. I'm intrigued by the possibilities of the interaction between established physical games and iOS releases, and an app that really took advantage of the large HeroClix universe would be really cool. It could be that Wizards of the Coast doesn't want to cannibalize the existing figures game, but the Magic app was finally released and that seems to have done well, so maybe the company will reconsider in the future.
Street Fighter HeroClix in the worx
We are almost certainly too old to love HeroClix as much as we do. For us, the miniature action figures/strategy game pieces aren't a fondly remembered childhood pastime but rather a secret, shameful army in a single Ziploc freezer bag that we prayed our loved ones would never find. The toys may not be as popular as they once were (even with those for whom they're age appropriate), and we've gotten a little older ourselves, but if you think that's going to stop us from buying the newly announced line of Street Fighter HeroClix, then you're off your gourd. This new line includes a six-figure starter pack and 27 other assorted Clix (available in single-character boosters) to help you fill out your O-scale outfit. Look for them on store shelves in August.
Go get your Halo ActionClix today
Today, WizKids sent word that their Halo ActionClix board game (whose game pieces also double as desktop decorations) is available for purchase at retail. This Bungie endorsed Halo ActionClix game is available in various packs and expansion sets that are as cheap as $10 a pop or as hefty as $250 for the Halo Scarab which is the largest game piece ever created. But we wouldn't recommend dropping hundreds of dollars on a little Halo board game, $10 to $20 and a geeky enough friend is all you need to get started. Otherwise, if getting a friend to share your ActionClix passions is too much of a chore, simply play against yourself or use them to decorate your crib. Halo ActionClix are the versatile man's tabletop game. Check out the full press release after the break and head to your local Target, Fry's, Gamestop and other hobby stores to get yourself some Halo ActionClix.Oh we almost forgot. If you pre-ordered your copy of Halo 3 at Target you'll be happy to know that you're getting two free Halo ActionClix when you pick up the game. Can you say free Halo swag sweetness?%Gallery-4408%
WizKids offers one giant (and expensive) Scarab
Those somewhat geeky, but totally cool Halo ActionClix will be releasing later this year and what better way to build hype for the game than by creating the largest game piece ever created and charging $249.99? Well, that's exactly what creators WizKids are offering up at Comic-Con, a limited edition battle damaged Scarab that's not only a big game piece ... it's huge! But if $250 is out of your range and you still want some Halo ActionClix Scarab love, don't fret because WizKids will be offering a "plain-Jane" Scarab as part of the series later this year. Dare we say Halo 3 Scarabs roxorz?
Behind the scenes with Halo ActionClix
So, how do you take a tabletop game and turn it into something that the average Halo fan will enjoy? Bungie.net has an article up explaining just that. Lukems took some time to sit down with Mike Elliott, senior game designer for Wizkids, to discuss the upcoming Halo ActionClix. Easily the most interesting aspect of this new Clix series is that Wizkids didn't just take the old rules and apply them to Halo branded miniatures. Instead, Wizkids took some of Halo's core gameplay elements and melded them with the Clix game. First and foremost, Halo ActionClix has players set up respawn points and games are played to a certain number of kills. When a character is killed, it respawns, unlike other Clix games in which that character is simply removed from play. You can also choose to switch that character with another of the same point value. You know what, you'd better just read the article if you're interested. If we keep talking about this, you'll discover what nerds we really all.(Psst! Does anyone want to trade a Master Chief for my Arbiter? Hello? Anybody?)%Gallery-4408%
Click your way to the Halo ActionClix website
Wizkids has unveiled the official Halo ActionClix website, where you can learn all there is to know about the collectible miniatures game. Well, actually, you can't learn everything. Right now there is only a basic description of ActionClix in general and a blurb about the new Halo ActionClix. We assume that once the various units and vehicles are revealed, you'll be able to learn about them at the official site. In the meantime, there are forums for the obsessed Halo and tabletop gaming fans everywhere. There is one tasty bit of new info, though: it looks like you can get your hands on pre-release figures at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con and Gen Con Indy. These conventions roll out in July and August respectively, so if you've just got to get some HaloClix before September, you'd best start making travel plans.[Via Evil Avatar]
Halo ActionClix take shape, due in September
The Halo ActionClix series is going to be out this September and we've got some pics of everybody's favorite Spartan: Dude with a Battle Rifle. If you've never played a Clix game, it basically allows tiny versions of your favorite heroes to fight each other with math. (It's more fun than it sounds.) WizKids says this first series, which features characters from all three Halo games, is set to contain nearly 100 different pieces -- don't let the pictures worry you, we're confident at least one will look like Master Chief.Ten bucks will get you four of the figures, four stat cards, two die and one start-up map, which seems like a pretty good deal until your dog gets hungry. Then it gets exponentially worse. Which character do you hope to get when you open up your first box?%Gallery-3667%
Halo figurines molded for WizKids' Clix wargame
Halo is now the latest brand to be miniaturized for WizKids' tabletop 'Clix' wargame system. The HeroClix maker has reached a deal with Bungie and Microsoft to design a collectable miniatures game (CMG) based on the Halo universe, dubbed Halo ActionClix. The first set will include more than 80 figurines, including representations adapted from Halo 3. Figures will be sold in randomized booster packs, while vehicles and a 'Starter Game' will be sold in diorama display format.Halo ActionClix is expected to go on sale in September. Pre-release promotional figures will be featured at San Diego Comic-Con (July 26-29), and at Gen Con Indy (August 16-19).WizKids founder Jordan Weisman and Microsoft share a history of business ventures, likely explaining how the coveted Halo license has landed in WizKids' hands. Weisman, who co-founded FASA Corporation, sold the company's video game division (FASA Interactive) to Microsoft before eventually departing FASA to form WizKids. WizKids has produced CMGs based on MechWarrior, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies; notable because Microsoft has or will publish video games also based on these IPs. Now we add Halo to that list.[Thanks, Jonah]
Best Buy gets exclusive Mage Knight promo
Namco Bandai Games has announced an exclusive retail promotion with Best Buy for Mage Knight Apocalypse, which will be available next Tuesday. This limited edition version of the action-RPG includes a redemption coupon for a free Mage Knight dragon figurine from the popular WizKids tabletop game. According to a Namco Bandai spokesperson, the collectible is intended to give gamers "extra incentive to dive into the Mage Knight universe." Hopefully, Apocalypse will live up to its expectations, or we could be seeing lots of little dragons on eBay in the near future.See also: Mage Knight Apocalypse web site goes live Single player RPGs are alive and well
Single player RPGs are alive and well
WorthPlaying has posted 25 new screens from Mage Knight Apocalypse, which is now just five weeks from release. Namco Bandai's take on the WizKids IP joins a solid lineup of 2006 single player RPGs that began earlier this year with Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Titan Quest, and continues with this week's Dungeon Siege 2: Broken World. The next few months will also see the releases of Gothic 3 and Neverwinter Nights 2, while a sequel to the underappreciated Sacred arrives in 2007. Although many of these games offer multiplayer components, their development teams have focused on producing deep campaigns that offer significant replay value. In Apocalypse, for instance, each of the five playable races will have unique quests to complement the main missions. How many of these titles do you plan to purchase, and do you think they are better values than MMOs?
Mage Knight Apocalypse web site goes live
Namco Bandai Games has launched the official web site for Mage Knight Apocalypse, the action-RPG set in the popular Wizkids tabletop universe. Promising an involved storyline to go along with its hack and slash sensibilities, Apocalypse should be available by the end of the summer. Read GameSpot's recent interview with senior producer David Georgeson, and check out the trailers and gameplay vids at GameTrailers.
