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Hammer of Thor

Coming 11/18/2009!

Well, Wizkids Games finally posted an update on October 21 in the form of a press release to HCRealms.  In it, they confirm the November 18, 2009 release date for the latest Marvel Heroclix set: Hammer of Thor.  This is good and appreciated news since not much has been heard from them over the summer regarding the impending release.

For those that don't know, a little history.  Heroclix was the second game in the Clix line of collectible miniature games from Wizkids Games.  Topps bought the company in 2003 and eventually closed them down in November 2008.  After some efforts of former employees to purchase the properties, NECA officially purchased Wizkids Games in September of 2009.

This first new set under NECA was already designed and good to go before Topps shut Wizkids Games down, so there shouldn't be too many changes to the way the game will be played.  There are some new things though.

In an effort to boost sales at gaming and hobby stores compared to online Internet sales, Wizkids implemented the "Buy it by the Brick" program.  This involved purchasing a half case, or brick, which came with a mail in redemption coupon.  The customer then sent this in with S&H costs plus the UPC box bottoms from each booster.  Now each brick will ship to retailers with a figure taped to it.  It's officially then up to the retailer to decide how to distribute them.

Another recent announcement has to do with new mechanics that will premier with the next DC set: The Brave and the Bold.  They will be introducing Alter-Egos that will allow secret identity style figures to swap out for their costumed forms.  Whether this involves using two standard figures released in a set or a special Alter-Ego figure pairing designed just for that is yet to be seen.  They have announced that tBatB will be out March 2010 and features duo figures.  I'm a little concerned about their use of the phrase "dynamic sculpts", since the last time I remember them saying something similar was in reference to "dynamic flight poses" replacing flight bases.

There's also a big change involved with Approved Play, Wizkids Games tournament program.  Retailers can purchase prize kits that come with suggested prize and tournament schedules.  There is no program of volunteers and judges, with stores running tournaments however they see fit.  This shouldn't be a detriment to the community since Heroclix has never had a very competitive gaming environment.  In the old system, there was never a ranking setup, unlike some of Wizkids other games.

You can find more information about the upcoming releases for Heroclix from Facebook, HCRealms, and ICV2.

Charging Star Comics in Conklin, NY will be carrying Marvel Heroclix HoT and will also have tournaments scheduled in the months ahead!

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