This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is the rest of the set’s Basic Action Dice

Surprise Attack

Art: Gabriele Dell’Otto, Secret War #1

Card playability: For a card like this I’m not as impressed by the ability as the cost. To pay 2 energy to then be able to get 2 energy down the road is helpful, though if that’s your goal there’s some Basic Actions that only cost 1 to do that.

Generally, there’s a lot of cards that are similar and are either the same cost, or cost 1 die more and do much more.

“Shocking Grasp” which costs them same does 1 damage and if it KOs a character that die then goes to the Prep area. I like that a bit more than this, but there’s a chance of dealing 2 damage.

Overall, this card may become a bit more important once set rotation becomes the norm, but as is, there’s better options out there. This could become more valuable the more we see “Iron Will” crop up in the game.

 

Upgrade – Fortification

Art: Greg Land, Iron Man #1 variant

Card playability: I feel like there’s something missing when it comes to this Starter Set and the cards marked “Upgrade.” I’ve looked in the rules and there doesn’t seem to be anything specific regarding this wording. My gut says “Upgrade” basic action dice are meant to stay on the table like we saw dice being equiped with the D&D sets… but that’s another discussion.

“Iron Will” is a pain in the but ability in this game. The short version is a die needs to be damaged twice to be KO’d. So, to be able to give a character die that is pretty solid. But, looks like you’ll need to make sure it’s a SHIELD character or you’ll lose some life.

I like the idea of these upgrade Basic Action cards, I just want to see them actually be like equipment we’ve previously seen.

Upgrade – Proton Cannon

Art: Lan Medina, Iron Man: Rapture #4

Card playability: The card “Hulk Out” is the same ability and the same cost except that it’s until the end of the turn, but there’s no KO chance.

With that being said, that makes me think the “Upgrade” Basic Action cards are meant to stay on the board much like equipment in D&D.

If this card does stay on the table then it’s an improvement on “Hulk Out” and I might go with it over that card instead. Overcrush can be a big deal in this game, so to have a die that “permanently” gives the ability like equipping a character die that could be a pretty big deal.

I’d expect a clarification over these “Upgrade” Basic Action cards.

 

Upgrade – Smokescreen

Art: Salvador Larroca and Frank D’Armata, Iron Man 2.0 #10

Card playability: Again, a cheap Basic Action die and if this is meant to be like equipment, then I like it a lot more than if it’s just for one turn.

This is a pretty cheap way to give a character die a little bit of a boost for the attack and there’s the bonus of getting them through unblocked if they’re a level 1 MASK character die.

I like the concept, but again it’s a big deal if this die stays out there or goes away at the end of the turn. At a minimum at least you’ve got a die that has some uses and also can get you two generic energy.

 

Upgrade – Unibeam

Art: Roberto de la Torre, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #26

Card playability: Similar to the card above, this one gives +2A instead of the +1A for the same cost. Instead of the possibility of bein unblockable this one possibly can give “Fast.”

Quite a few of the characters in this starter set are geared towards going on the offensive, so this is a die that adds to that focus.

Again, it’s not clear if this is supposed to be like equipment or not, but we’ll see if there’s further clarification. If it does stay like that, I’m much more gung-ho about this Basic Action card. If it’s for one turn only, I’m not quite there.

 

Final Thoughts: I expect “Upgrade” Basic Action card to get clarification or to be changed down the road to be like equipment which is something that’s not quite as present in the Marvel/DC aspect of the Dice Masters game. If so, the worth for all of these will increase.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is some of the set’s Basic Action Dice!

Armor Wars

Art: Brandon Peterson, Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #3

Card playability: A Basic Action that’s very specific to this set it allows you to KO a target character die with “Suit Up.” Each player then loses 1 life.

Unless you’re playing a team with “Suit Up” or know you’re facing one, it just doesn’t feel like you’d really need this.

The situations are limited, but to KO your own character and deal damage then be able to role that character next round could be handy.

 

Cone of Cold

Art: Adi Granov, Invincible Iron Man Vol. 2 #1 variant

Card playability: That’s a lot of damage to deal for a 3 cost Basic Action Die. To potentially knock out three different character dice in a turn is impressive.

There is a limitation in that you can only use this if there’s three different character dice, so you may need to do some damage to your own to really get a lot of use out of it.

But, to be able to do damage to a whole bunch of character dice and then also boost an attack for a blocked character is solid. This is all about offense and at a pretty decent price.

Hypervelocity

Art: Francesco Mattina, War Machine Vol. 2 #8

Card playability: New ways to do damage and get players to lose life is good by me. I like the idea of forcing players to attack and know that this being out could have greatly changed how things would have played out. Even forcing a Sidekick to die can really change a game, and if you were to wipe out their character dice, you’re guaranteeing two life gone each turn.

I have a feeling this card will get some clarification, but the way I read it, if you don’t role a star, this die is staying on the board and becoming a thorn in your opponent’s side (and yours potentially).

 

One Against Many

Art: Juan Doe, Iron Man: Legacy Vol. 1 #3

Card playability: Expensive by cool is what I think about this Basic Action Card.

To be able to do lots of damage easily, that’s a good thing. If this was a 4 cost die I’d be super excited about it, but the 5 reflects at potentially how big a deal this could be.

Though lots of games tend to go quickly now, to be able to do a lot of damage quickly and combo this with other dice that allow you to duplicate it, make this a Basic Action Die I expect to see in some builds.

 

Smash!

Art: Doug Braithwaite, Incredible Hulk Vol. 2 #74

Card playability: Similar to “Power Word Kill” but this one is just level 1 character with a possibility of a level 2 character. It’s two less to purchase so you take a chance on the level 2, but it’s cheaper to buy.

The global is interesting in that you can prevent a blocked character die from dealing damage. I like that and we see these Basic Action cards focused on that sort of function a bit. It’s a simple Global, but the simplicity will force your opponents to really think about attacking and blocking.

 

Final Thoughts: All five cards are pretty solid and for the most part introduce some new Basic Action Cards to the game. None are too specific to this set, and all could have their uses depending on one’s build.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is War Machine, the second time the character has appeared, the first being Avengers vs. X-Men.

Art: Salvador Larroca, Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1 #513

Comic origin: War Machine refers to the Iron Man armor mostly worn by James Rhodes. A Marine, who eventually works for Tony Stark and Stark Industries.

When Stark had to step aside due to drinking issues, Rhodes stepped in to the role if Iron Man.

Rhodes wore the original outfit off and on for some time, and after Stark “died” the War Machine armor was created.

Rhodes’ role has been all over the place as War Machine, acting as an Avengers, working for the US government and military, to being a solo superhero.

Rhodes recently was killed while battling Thanos during the start of  the Civil War II storyline.

Live action version: James Rhodes and War Machine have been depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Terence Howard and Don Cheadle.

War Machine: Model 11

Card playability: A cheap version of War Machine the previous were all 5 SHIELD to purchase. A little cheaper to field, with stats that are a little weaker than the previous version, this War Machine is all about a cheap addition to the Iron Man team affiliation.

There is “Fast” which is a decent addition for a relatively cheap die which allows you to deal damage before non-Fast characters in combat. With ok stats for attack and defense, this is a card and die that you can get out on the field relatively easily.

Card vs. Comic: The Model 11 was the original version of this armor that Tony Stark wore before more weaponry was added in later models for Jim Rhodes. So, this card having little as far as capabilities fits really well. This is the “basic” version of the armor and the card reflects that.

 

War Machine: JRXL-1000

Card playability: A little more expensive to purchase than the “Model 11” card, this is still cheaper than previous versions of the character in the game.

Like the “Model 11” this version has Fast which reflects the offensive capabilities, but it also has “Suit Up” with Iron Man and  also if it’s at level 1 Sidekicks can’t block it.

That star ability is rather blah due to the fact that “Suit Up” places the die in at Level 2. But, there’s not too many Iron Man dice I’d want to “Suit Up” with. The 3 cost Iron Man has 4A and 4D at Level 2, so it’s a decrease in attack, but gaining Fast.

Card vs. Comic: “Suit Up” along gives the card an ability that works really well with the Iron Man character in comics where different suits are used based on needs. The inclusion of “Fast” fits the offensive capabilities and it’s Level 1 ability feels like it fits the character taking out lower level drones in a comic.

War Machine: Rhodey

Card playability: At 4 SHIELD to purchase, again this version of the character is cheaper than the previous set’s take on it.

I do like this version which again has “Fast” but also does damage to your opponent when you KO an opposing character die in combat. To be able to do 2 damage on top of KOing an opposing character is nice and at Level 1 the character die is now 3A instead of the previous version’s 2A.

This version is clearly about getting it in combat, doing damage first, and then doing additional damage to your opponent. Getting it out early to take on Sidekicks is solid and out of the three, this is one I really like.

Card vs. Comic: Like the other two this does have a lot that reflects the character in comics. Again it has “Fast,” but the additional damage really reflects how much firepower this character has and the damage he can do.

 

Final Thoughts: All three are interesting additions to the Iron Man world of Dice Masters. Each has their good and bad and all three are worth working with to see how they do in an Iron Man team. I particularly like “Rhodey” with the additional damage it does when you KO an opposing die. Any damage is a good thing.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Space Armor Iron Man, the first time this particular Iron Man suit has been featured in Dice Masters.

Art: Mike McKone, Scarlet Spider #16 (variant cover)

Comic origin: This suit of armor debuted in 1981 in Iron Man #142 and goes by “Model 5” or “Armor #14c.”

This suit was designed to be used in space (not surprising based on the name of the card) and was first used to confront Sunturion.

The suit is heavy and awkward in normal gravity with controls geared towards zero gravity.

The suit has the usual repulsors and unibeam but that could be used to deflect and push objects. It has concussion beams in the epaulets.

Live action version: No appearances that I’m aware of.

Space Armor Iron Man: Model 5

Card playability: I like the “Suit Up” mechanic as it brings in dice much quicker than going through the normal purchase, bag, draw, roll, and buy process. It gets characters out on the table quickly and in this case at a decent attack and defense value.

I’d be tempted to use the 3 cost Iron Man “Big Man” from the Age of Ultron set. By doing so, you get a higher defense character die that can take a decent amount of damage.

Card vs. Comic: Iron Man suits switching out for each other is common in the comics so to be able to have this as a mechanic fits the character really well.

 

Space Armor Iron Man: Deep Space

Card playability: Similar to the character above but one die more to purchase. I personally am not the biggest fan of high cost characters so when we get to 5 and higher I begin to back off, but that’s a personal style of play.

What this card does have going for it is the combination of
“Suit Up” with its starred ability. The card will give you a character that has a defensive stat of 7 and you gain life each time an opposing character die deals damage to it. So, force some of your opponent’s dice to attack or trigger a character ability to do damage and you can gain some life.

Card vs. Comic: “Suit Up” along gives the card an ability that works really well with the Iron Man character in comics which I mentioned above. I’m not sure the gaining life really fits in, but maybe there’s something I’m missing from the comics.

Space Armor Iron Man: #14-C

Card playability: 6 cost is where I begin to get really trigger shy in using it. But, for that you get a die that can take some damage and stick around.

Instead of being KO’d by combat damage you’re able to pay a SHIELD and spin the die up 1 level and clear all damage from him. So, get stronger and stick around? The high cost could be worth it.

The die also gets Overcrush when fielded at Level 1 and Level 2. With a 3A that’s not a lot, but if you combo that with the ability to flip the attack and defense value you’re now looking at getting some damage in. Add in the fact a SHIELD will just spin the die up a level if it’s KO’d in that instance and you have a resilient character you’ll want to go on the offensive with at low levels.

Card vs. Comic: This one I’m not sure I know enough about the stories this armor has been in to say how much the character’s abilities fit the flavor of the comics.

 

Final Thoughts: All three are interesting additions to the Iron Man world of Dice Masters. The higher the cost the more aggressive you’ll want to get and that 6 cost, while expensive, also creates some interesting play combinations and a character die that’ll stick around for a while.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Rescue, the second time we’ve seen this character/die. Rescue originally was featured in the Marvel Dice Masters: Civil War set.

Art: Salvador Larroca, Invincible Iron Man Vol. 1 #12

Comic origin: Pepper Potts might mostly be known as Tony Starks employee, but in Marvel comics, she also has taken on the role as a superhero herself donning the “Rescue” armor that Tony made her while on the run during the “Dark Reign” storyline.

This suit of armor designed by Tony Stark is mostly defensive with the focus on helping individuals with tools like electromagnetic fields and repulsors with little to no weapons systems.

Live action version: Gwyneth Paltrow has depicted Pepper Potts in the Marvel live action films but has not donned the Rescue armor.

Rescue: Catching a Jet

Card playability: I like the “Suit Up” mechanic as it brings in dice much quicker than going through the normal purchase, bag, draw, roll, and buy process. It gets characters out on the table quickly and in this case at a decent attack and defense value.

The ability of the card is similar to the “Pepper” card from the Civil War set, but also allows you to field any Iron Man affiliated dice you draw at level one instead of shield characters. Great if that’s the team you’re running.

Card vs. Comic: It fits well in that she isn’t offensive and is supposed to be support, so bringing out another Iron Man character just feels right and fits in a way.

 

Rescue: Mark 1616

Card playability: Straight and to the point, this character card is cheap to buy and relatively cheap to field for a decent character. The Iron Man team affiliation is a bit pricey at times so to be able to get an option that’s just 2 energy is a big deal.

The stats are good for the die, but I think it should be more defensive than offensive, but I’m not complaining.

She’s the cheapest version of Rescue that’s out there.

Card vs. Comic: There’s not much to really compare. She has higher attack values than defensive and that’s about the only thing to go off of here. It really should be flipped since that’s the type of comic character she is, meant more as a defensive option and one to help save folks than fight super villains.

Rescue: Resilient

Card playability: Not bad at a 3 cost die. It has “Suit Up” which above I explain is a nice new mechanic that I like.

This character die is similar to “Stark’s Equal” from the Civil War set, but the difference is with that card you gain a life and here your opponent loses a life.

I like the card more as it’s an easy way to knock some life off of your opponent and you get energy at the same time. This is my “Tim” to steal a Magic reference.

Card vs. Comic: Again this is a card that does damage which feels a bit odd considering the character isn’t meant to be that way. Rescue is about saving/helping people so doing some damage doesn’t quite feel right.

 

Final Thoughts: All three are improvements on the previous versions of the characters with either a little extra for the same cost or a slight twist to what we’ve seen. The stats aren’t as good, but the previous version was more expensive to field and definitely geared towards defense. So, maybe the stats are weaker to represent the weak offensive capabilities of this suit. We also get a nice cheap no-thrills version which is much needed. A definite add if you’re running an Iron Man team.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a group of cards a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Jarvis which makes his debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: George Pérez and Terry Austin, The Avengers #201

Comic origin: Edwin Jarvis is best known as the butler for the Avnegers. He first came into his position as the butler for Howard and Maria Stark and then Tony Stark.

Jarvis was present at the first meeting for the Avengers since Stark donation the mansion to the group as their headquarters. Jarvis remained as their servant and confidant.

Live action version: Edwin Jarvis appeared in the two seasons of Agent Carter played by James D’Arcy. Tony Stark’s AI in the Iron Man films is also named J.A.R.V.I.S.

Jarvis: Butler

Card playability: There’s a lot packed into this card. Based on the stats of the die, we’re not looking at an offensive machine here, it’s meant for defense.

First, the character is an Ally which makes it a Sidekick in the field zone. There’s good and bad about that with other cards that can impact Sidekicks in positive and negative ways.

I like the “when fielded” ability to deal “X” damage to a target character die when the die is fielded. So, you’re doing at least 1 damage which might not seem like a big deal, but it’s a nice added. And I tend to field a few dice at once in my style of play, so this one definitely works for me when it comes to that.

Finally, there’s the Global Ability which allows you to spin an Iron Man character down to field an Iron Man Affiliation die for 1 less. There’s some pricey Iron Man affiliated dice out there, so anything cheaper is a good thing.

Card vs. Comic: Jarvis in the comics feels like he does a ton, and this card definitely matches that giving us three different functions packed into it.

 

Jarvis: Chief of Staff

Card playability: I like the ability to gain life in the game, but there’s easier ways that are cheaper, so this character card isn’t quite as good as I’d hope. Yes, it’s a bit more straightforward with less trings than others, but at 5 to purchase I’d only see it come into play in later parts of the game.

If there gets to a point where you can gain more than 20 life my opinion might change, but right now, not a fan of this for the price.

Card vs. Comic: I guess? Jarvis does help bring the Avengers together often, especially when it comes to patching each other up, so in that sense, it works well to reflect that aspect.

Jarvis: Loyal Confidant

Card playability: Again this card is focused on fielding, a theme all three cards have. This one has the Ally, but it also allows you to field ANY die for 1 less as long as it’s the next one. That one also gets +1A and +1D.

The bad is it’s just one die, but the fact it’s any of them is a bonus and helpful to lessen the impact of some of the dice from this set (and elsewhere) that’s a bit expensive to field. Add in the fact that even at level 3 Jarvis costs nothing to field, this is a solid bonus and function.

Card vs. Comic: Again this is a card that helps others, which fits Jarvis’ role within the Avengers. He helps boost other dice and helps you field them cheaper. It’s solid and feels like Jarvis helping support an Avenger and making sure they’re in their best shape to fight.

 

Final Thoughts: I generally like all three versions. Out of the two “Butler” and “Loyal Confidant” are the two that stick out and I can see me adding them to a team to help set up some sort of combination.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.

This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a card a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Iron Spider which makes its debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: Tyler Kirkham, Amazing Spider-Man #530

Comic origin: The Iron Spider armor first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #529 and was designed by Joe Quesada where it was based on a sketch by Chris Bachalo.

Supported by a system similar to that of Stark’s classic Iron Man design, The Iron Spider armor features many gadgets, including three mechanical spider-arms, or “waldoes”, that can be used to see around corners (via cameras in the tips) and to manipulate objects indirectly. It also had short-distance gliding capability, limited bulletproofing, built in fire/police/emergency scanner, and more. Think a Spider-Man suit mixed with Iron Man.

Live action version: So far this particular design has not, but it looks like some capabilities may exist in the suit Tony Stark designs for the brand new Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Iron Spider: Waldoes

Card playability: A cheap character die that works for both Spider-Man and Iron Man teams. I like the idea and the next time I have to participate in a two affiliation event, I think I might try this out.

I particularly like “Suit Up” and to be able to get this in quickly at level 2 is not bad. That gives you a 4A 2 D character, though that’s just 1 to field otherwise.

Card vs. Comic: The Waldoes are the arms the suit has so I guess it kind of works? The bigger is switching up the suit and being part of team Stark was a big part of the original Civil War storyline.

 

Iron Spider: Version 2.0

Card playability: This card also works for both Iron Man or Spider-Man affiliations. This one gives affiliated dice a +1D until the end of turn. If you get a star dice of both affiliations get the +1D.

It’s an ok ability, but compared to “Waldoes” it doesn’t work as well, I’d probably lean towards that one.

Card vs. Comic: I guess? I don’t remember specific versions, but maybe the second version had better defensive abilities?

Iron Spider: Too Cool For Words

Card playability: A bit more expensive than the first two cards this one deals damage to a target character. 2 damage is not something to sneeze at and since it’s for each Iron Man and Spider-Man character die, it can add up quickly and possibly take down some big competition.

Compared to the other two, I personally like the one with “Suit Up” more, but potentially this could work in some teams depending how they’re set up.

Card vs. Comic: Not quite sure about this one other than some of the offensive capabilities of the suit… I guess.

Final Thoughts: “Waldoes” is my favorite of the three and I’m working through my head a combination Iron Man and Spider-Man team to take advantage of it. I don’t see any of these making their way into regular competition, but in events with limitations, this could be an interesting card to build a team around.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.