Greetings HeroClix Fans!
Welcome to Part Two of our preview of the Marvel HeroClix: All-New X-Men Fast Forces Pack which coincides with the Marvel HeroClix:Uncanny X-Men set available in 5-figure booster packs.
As we stated last time in the Marvel HeroClix: All-New X-Men Fast Forces – Part 1 article, all the figures in this Fast Forces come in at a svelte 50 points; easy for team building with a wide range of options. All five of the original X-Men are represented and have the All New X-Men and Past keywords, the X-Men team ability and a trait; Time Locked, that prevents opposing characters from using Probability Control on attack rolls either made by or targeting themselves.
Continuing with the classic X-Men line up we have the telekinetically powered Jean Grey.
Jean starts off with Willpower and a special attack power Coordinated Movement that lets her use Telekinesis normally, but also as a free action if she has no action tokens. So, when she has no action tokens, she can potentially use Telekinesis twice– once as a free action then again as a power action. This means she can reposition two friendly characters, make two different object attacks, attempt to reposition two opposing character— or any combination of these effects. A few clicks down she switches over to Super Senses and regular Telekinesis.
Completing the original five X-Men we have Iceman, who has a very straight forward dial design with no special powers or abilities aside from the Time Locked trait. Iceman has nearly a full dial of Sidestep to stay in motion as a free action and starts off as a competent ranged attacker with Energy Explosion to make the most out of his 6 range with two targets. His utility shifts a little when he goes from Toughness to Barrier on defense and picks up Precision Strike in place of Energy Explosion.
The 6th and final figure in the All-New X-Men Fast Forces is a present day ally the team picked up on their travels through time to meet their future selves, X-23.
Though she retains the X-Men team ability and the All-New X-Men keyword, X-23 lacks the Past keyword like her teammates, but gains Circle of Four, Weapon X, X-Force, and X-Men. She also does not have the Time Locked trait but she does have Improved Movement: Ignore Hindering Terrain and the trait Let ‘em Bleed; when she damages an opposing character with a close attack you can attach the Slash marker to that character and they take 1 penetrating damage whenever they are given an action token, removing the Slash marker whenever the recipient heals or clears action tokens. Looking at her dial, she starts off ready to get into the fight with Charge, Blades/Claws/Fangs with a high attack value, and Toughness that is replaced with Combat Reflexes for the next two clicks. Late dial she needs to step back and lick her wounds, so she has Stealth and Regeneration but still can be a close combat threat with Exploit Weakness.
Now let’s get to some team building and strategy.
Each of the figures in the Marvel HeroClix: All-New X-Men Fast Forces Pack has a point value of 50 so all 6 can be included on a standard 300 point team.
50 Cyclops
50 Beast
50 Angel
50 Jean Grey
50 Iceman
50 X-23
Total
300
All-New X-Men named themed team
+6 to map roll initiative, 3 uses of Themed Team Probability Control
This team makes up for any lack in durability with sheer volume of actions and options. With 6 characters on your force you should be making use of all 3 of your actions a turn, and even more if you succeed with Cyclops’ Leadership rolls. You will probably want to choose a map with lots of open space and clear lines of fire to make the most of Jean Grey’s Telekinesis. Jean Grey can move up half of your team with Telekinesis, and Angel can carry Jean to keep her close to the fight. After that initial movement you may want to split your team up; have Jean place Cyclops or X-23 and make them ready for attack the same turn while Angel can swoop in and place Beast adjacent to an opponent and force that free attack for himself or a friendly to use.
If you need to be a bit more defensive (or perhaps sneaky), you can push Iceman to his Barrier clicks. This will not only give you some cover but you also may be able to make use of Cyclops’ Force Blast powers to knock opposing characters back into Bobby’s Barrier markers.
Between the sheer volume of characters, beguilingly simple dial designs, preventing the use of an opposing character’s Probability Control, and having their own Probability Control access, this team can do so many things in one turn it will make your mutant-loving head spin.
That’s all for today, HeroClix fans! Remember to sign in or sign up on the WizKids Info Network to find local tournaments, including the Marvel HeroClix: Uncanny X-Men Pre-release tournaments at select venues.
Until next time, you miss all the attacks you don’t make, so keep those dice rolling!
