{"id":14905,"date":"2021-02-02T14:14:15","date_gmt":"2021-02-02T19:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/67272bb316.nxcli.io\/heroclix\/?p=14905"},"modified":"2021-02-02T14:14:15","modified_gmt":"2021-02-02T19:14:15","slug":"heroclix-2021-rules-3-less-is-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wizkids.com\/heroclix\/2021\/02\/02\/heroclix-2021-rules-3-less-is-more\/","title":{"rendered":"HeroClix 2021 Rules 3 \u2013 Less is More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey Masterminds!<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve previously mentioned that typically we\u2019re only delivering a \u201cslice\u201d of a character in a HeroClix dial \u2013 that slice might range from as wide as a particular storyline to as narrow as a particular scene. Most players have appreciated this because it leads to lower point characters so they can get more of what they want onto a team. It also means they can have more choices to build fun teams instead of feeling like most of their team is locked-in after including their ~150 point tentpole and a key support character at ~50 points.<\/p>\n

We wanted to apply that same advantage to Standard Powers. Take a look below for some of our thoughts on these Standard Powers and the before-and-after takes. We also want to note: just because a Standard Power isn\u2019t doing everything it used to, doesn\u2019t mean that we can\u2019t (on a case by case basis) give the older flexibility to characters as part of a Special Power or Trait.<\/p>\n

Leap\/Climb<\/b><\/p>\n

The 2018 version of Leap\/Climb has two parts.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Elevation does not affect adjacency when choosing targets for a close attack.<\/li>\n
  2. MOVE: Improved Movement Elevated, Hindering, Outdoor Blocking, Move Through, BREAKAWAY +2. Move.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The first part is seldom relevant. When we did an informal survey of our most competitive playtesters, we found that between playtesting and tournaments they utilized this function of Leap\/Climb about twice per year at most. It felt great when they did it, but as part of our goals in simplifying the rules we felt it was not worth the tradeoff of inclusion.<\/p>\n

    Leap\/Climb isn\u2019t most people\u2019s favorite Standard Power, but it adds great flavor and flexibility to plenty of characters. Leap\/Climb was worth rebalancing and improving. We wanted to make sure the upcoming PAC reflected the leanest Leap\/Climb that players would be likely to utilize and recognize, especially if it meant a power boost.<\/p>\n

    2021 Leap\/Climb<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Improved Movement Elevated, Outdoor Blocking, Move Through<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      This new version is all about moving, and not about punching while clinging to a wall. This new version is also always on<\/i>. So even if you\u2019re moving with Charge, Sidestep, or Hypersonic Speed you\u2019ll be able to use your improved movement capabilities instead of choosing between Leap\/Climb and another Standard Power. Also, it may look like there was a nerf to Leap\/Climb, but when you see the new rules for breakaway and Hindering Terrain, you\u2019ll see why that isn\u2019t the case.<\/p>\n

      Telekinesis<\/b><\/p>\n

      What CAN\u2019T telekinesis do? We jest \u2013 but the 2018 version of Telekinesis gives a lot of options. Skipping the technical speak, you can:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Make a Range Object attack with an object.<\/li>\n
      2. Move an object.<\/li>\n
      3. Move a friendly character.<\/li>\n
      4. Move an opposing character, as if you\u2019re hitting with an attack.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        It\u2019s a lot to choose from! While the contrast between which modes you use and which ones you seldom use might not be as stark as with Leap\/Climb, we found that when talking with experienced players their motives to use Telekinesis were usually:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Repositioning and advancing their own characters<\/li>\n
        2. Repositioning objects for the sake of their own characters<\/li>\n
        3. Repositioning objects to keep them away from opposing characters<\/li>\n
        4. Repositioning an opposing character to set up a KO<\/li>\n
        5. Attacking with an object<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          By limiting Telekinesis to just the first two options, which are the majority of uses of Telekinesis, we were able to dramatically reduce the amount of text in the power and thus the learning\/memory tax of what the power does and more importantly the on-map complexity of the decision of when and how to use telekinesis. Furthermore, low-point characters with Telekinesis won\u2019t represent outsized gameplay options for their point cost. Finally, the reality of most strong attackers that could utilize Telekinesis is that they\u2019d rather make range attacks than utilize the object attack mode of Telekinesis.<\/p>\n

          2021 Telekinesis<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Power: Minimum range value 6. Place one target friendly single-base character or object within range and line of fire into another square within range and line of fire. That square must be placed within 6 squares and line of fire from the target\u2019s current square. Characters placed with this power can\u2019t use Telekinesis this turn.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            As stated earlier, the design team will from time to time re-inject some of the flavor and options of Telekinesis for certain figures through a special power or trait for more advanced options.<\/p>\n

            The Combat Experts and Perplex<\/b><\/p>\n

            Perplex, Ranged Combat Expert, and Close Combat Expert might not seem like complex powers \u2013 but they actually make players choose between some basic modes for close and range attacks respectively:<\/p>\n