CMON has unveiled an exciting new expansion for their DC Super Heroes United game, bringing the infamous Arkham Asylum & its notorious inmates to the tabletop. The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion, priced at $50, introduces a revolutionary gameplay mechanic that allows players to step into the shoes of Batman’s most iconic villains.
This expansion adds six of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals to the game: Two-Face, The Riddler, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Killer Croc, & Scarecrow. Each villain comes with a unique figure, dashboard, & set of cards that reflect their distinct personalities & abilities. Players can use these characters in the standard game mode or dive into the new Breakout Mode, where they attempt to escape from Arkham Asylum while a hero-turned-antagonist tries to thwart their plans.
Check out our review of Marvel United Here
Gotham’s Most Infamous Villains
Located in the outskirts of Gotham City, the infamous Arkham Asylum keeps Batman’s foes who have been declared legally insane under lock and key. Or at least that’s the idea, but whether through the Villain’s cunning or the corruption in the institution, breakouts are far too common, forcing Batman and his allies to take matters into their own hands to keep society safe from this menagerie of deranged bad guys. They’re all crazy here, make sure you don’t become too!
Breakout Mode: A New Gameplay Experience
The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion for DC Super Heroes United introduces Breakout Mode, a completely new way to experience the game. In this mode, players take on the roles of Gotham’s infamous villains, working together to escape from Arkham Asylum while evading capture by a hero-controlled Antagonist. This innovative mechanic flips the traditional superhero narrative, creating a unique & engaging gameplay experience.
In Breakout Mode, players must fulfill specific conditions outlined on their Breakout Plan cards to escape. Each villain has unique abilities & strategies that they can employ to achieve their goals. The game board features various locations within Arkham Asylum, & players must navigate these areas, performing tasks such as inciting riots, taking down Civilians (Arkham personnel), & fulfilling specific conditions to execute their escape plans. The Antagonist, controlled by another player, uses their own set of abilities to thwart the villains’ escape plans, adding a layer of tension & strategy to the gameplay.
Antagonists: Heroes Turned Jailers
In Breakout Mode, the role of the Antagonist is taken on by one of three heroes: Batman, Superman, or The Flash. Each Antagonist has a unique dashboard & set of cards that reflect their abilities & strategies for maintaining order in Arkham.
Batman (Armor): The Dark Knight Enforcer
As the primary Antagonist, Batman dons his mechanized armor to become a formidable force. His BAM! ability allows him to defeat nearby Fugitives & Thugs while rescuing any Civilians in his vicinity. Batman’s arsenal includes Batarangs & antidotes, which he uses strategically to disrupt the villains’ plans & incapacitate them. His relentless pursuit of justice makes him a challenging opponent for the escaping villains.
Batman’s mechanized armor not only boosts his defensive capabilities but also enhances his offensive strategies. He can throw Batarangs to adjacent locations, use antidotes to rid himself of negative effects inflicted by the Fugitives, & employ his detective skills to prevent Fugitives from performing Attacks or Villainous Actions. His psychological warfare tactics further disrupt the Fugitives’ plans, forcing them to pass their Breakout Plan cards around, thereby increasing the difficulty of their escape.
Superman: The Indomitable Guardian
Superman serves as another possible Antagonist, focusing on rescuing Civilians & defeating Thugs. His superpowers allow him to create shockwaves & use his heat vision to damage Fugitives. Superman’s heroic nature means he is often busy saving others, providing the Fugitives with opportunities to slip away. However, his presence adds a significant challenge, as he can quickly turn the tide against the escaping villains.
Superman’s BAMs & Overflows are centered around rescuing Civilians & defeating Thugs, but he is not above using his heat vision to strike at Fugitives. His ability to create shockwaves & heat flares can damage multiple targets across the play area, while his Super Breath can blow Fugitives away, disrupting their plans. Superman’s mobility allows him to fly around the board, rescuing multiple Civilians at once, making him a relentless guardian of Arkham Asylum.
The Flash: The Speedster Sentinel
The Flash, known for his incredible speed, adds a unique dynamic to the Antagonist role. He can zoom around the play area, rescuing Civilians & attacking Fugitives as he moves. The Flash’s ability to remove cards from his deck forces the Fugitives to expedite their plans, creating a sense of urgency. His speed & agility make him a relentless adversary, ensuring that the villains must act quickly to escape.
The Flash’s Speed Force cards make him progressively faster, allowing him to cover more ground & rescue more Civilians as the game progresses. His ability to steal speed from the Fugitives, depriving them of Moves, adds another layer of complexity to the gameplay. By the end of the game, The Flash becomes a red blur, constantly thwarting the villains’ escape plans & keeping them on their toes.
Villains: Gotham’s Most Notorious
Two-Face: The Duality of Chance
Two-Face’s gameplay revolves around his iconic coin flip, introducing an element of chance to every decision. His BAM & Overflow effects, along with his Master Plan cards, are resolved differently based on the flip of his Lucky Coin. This unpredictability makes Two-Face a challenging opponent, as he can either advance his Master Plan or create chaos in all Locations with Thugs.
As a Fugitive, Two-Face’s influence allows him to mobilize Thugs to attack, while his charisma can flip Thug/Civilian tokens. Even when controlled by a player, Two-Face’s actions are still guided by his Lucky Coin, making him a wildcard in Breakout Mode. The inclusion of a special Two-Face Coin token, & an exclusive metal version for early backers, adds a tactile element to his gameplay.
The Riddler: The Master of Puzzles
The Riddler brings a unique puzzle-solving element to the game. Heroes must solve riddles to progress, while The Riddler spreads Crisis tokens throughout the Locations. His Threats present clues that Heroes must decipher to advance, creating a battle of wits against time as The Riddler’s plan unfolds.
In Breakout Mode, The Riddler uses his intellect to stump the Antagonist, gaining advantages as he works towards escape. His ability to leave the Antagonist pondering complex riddles can buy valuable time for the Fugitives, showcasing his cunning & adaptability. The Riddler’s gameplay is a test of mental acuity, making him a formidable opponent for any hero.
The Penguin: The Crime Lord
The Penguin operates as a crime boss, focusing on completing his Master Plan while wielding an impressive arsenal of special umbrellas. Each umbrella has a unique effect, from dealing poison damage to hypnotizing Heroes or summoning Thugs. The Penguin’s strategic mind is reflected in his ability to play facedown Master Plan cards & the presence of his Henchmen, Lark & Ignatius Ogilvy.
As a Fugitive, The Penguin brings his full umbrella arsenal to bear in his escape attempts. Each of his cards represents a different umbrella with varied effects, allowing for a versatile playstyle. His gadgets make him a slippery opponent in Breakout Mode, constantly evading capture & creating challenges for the Antagonist.
Poison Ivy: The Botanical Manipulator
Poison Ivy presents a unique challenge with her pheromone control abilities. She can give Crisis tokens to Heroes, making it impossible for them to attack or influence her, & potentially damaging them. Her elusive nature is reflected in Master Plan cards that move her across the play area after influencing a Hero. Ivy’s most potent weapon is her control over Superman, who acts as an incredibly powerful Henchman.
In Breakout Mode, Poison Ivy uses her pheromone control to keep the Antagonist at bay. Her charm can manipulate Thugs & Civilians, while her Toxikinesis can damage or immobilize the Antagonist. These abilities make Poison Ivy a formidable Fugitive, capable of controlling the environment to facilitate her escape.
Killer Croc: The Sewer Predator
Killer Croc embodies the role of a terrifying predator, striking from Gotham’s sewers. His Threats place Sewer Hideouts in various Locations, which he uses to spread Thugs & launch surprise attacks. Killer Croc’s animalistic nature is reflected in his ability to scare Heroes away & grow stronger as the game progresses, especially if his Sewer Hideouts remain unchecked.
As a Fugitive, Killer Croc’s claws & fangs make him a devastating close-combat fighter. His regenerative capacity allows him to constantly replenish his hand when taking damage, while his underground leadership enables him to perform any Action when backed by Thugs. These abilities make Killer Croc a relentless force in Breakout Mode.
Scarecrow: The Master of Fear
Scarecrow brings psychological warfare to the game with his Fear Toxin. Heroes affected by fear struggle to attack Scarecrow or even engage Thugs effectively. His Master Plan cards spread fear throughout the game, turning Civilians into Thugs & making existing Thugs more dangerous. When Under Pressure, Scarecrow becomes even more threatening, bringing back cleared Threats & intensifying the fear effect on Heroes.
In Breakout Mode, Scarecrow uses fear as a weapon against the Antagonist, dealing extra damage when he himself has taken damage. His ability to spread Fear Toxin allows him to manipulate Thugs & Civilians, creating chaos that facilitates his escape. Scarecrow’s unpredictable & terrifying nature makes him a formidable Fugitive.
New Heroes: The Defenders of Gotham
Batman (Armor): The Mechanized Protector
When the situation in Gotham becomes dire, Batman dons his mechanized armor to face the most dangerous adversaries. This armored version of the Dark Knight brings new tactical options to the game. After charging his Mechanized Armor card, Batman can flip it to either ignore damage or dish out a powerful attack, showcasing the versatility of his high-tech suit.
Batman’s focus on his enemies is reflected in his ability to deal extra damage to Villains & Henchmen. He can even tie them down, preventing them from leaving his location. As always, Batman’s greatest asset is his preparedness, allowing players to choose any three Equipment cards from his arsenal of six, including the new Exoframe Batsuit that doubles an Attack or Heroic Action.
Robin (Damian Wayne): The Young Assassin
Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne & Talia al Ghul, brings a unique blend of skills to his role as Robin. He inherits his father’s resources, allowing him to give Wild tokens to any Hero, as well as his genius intellect, which enables him to manipulate symbols on the previous Hero card. From his mother, Damian gained assassin training, making him particularly effective against Henchmen.
Robin’s martial arts prowess is represented by his ability to charge a card & flip it at the right moment to evade damage or deliver a surprise attack. His equipment includes a versatile rope for swinging or pulling Thugs & Civilians, & his signature battle staff capable of knocking down several Thugs in a row.
Batgirl (Cassandra Cain): The Silent Avenger
Cassandra Cain, taking over the Batgirl mantle from Barbara Gordon, brings her intense League of Assassins training to bear against wrongdoers. Her skills are reflected in her ability to quickly take down Henchmen & use her Stealth ability to move & act immediately after the Villain moves, catching them off guard.
Batgirl’s tactical analysis allows her to flip a Master Plan card in the Storyline, disrupting the Villain’s plans. She also has a special synergy with Spoiler, allowing them to team up for attacks or Heroic Actions when in the same location. Cassandra’s arsenal includes not only traditional bat-gadgets but also her own Batcycle for quick movement & Smoke Pellets to protect locations from attacks.
Spoiler: The Vigilante Hacker
Stephanie Brown, operating as Spoiler, brings her criminal expertise to the fight against villains. Her hacking skills provide extra Heroic tokens while clearing Threats, representing her ability to disrupt enemy plans. Spoiler can also investigate the Villain, getting close to reveal their next Master Plan card & gain specific Action tokens based on the Movement listed.
Like Batgirl, Spoiler has a team-up ability, allowing for coordinated attacks or Heroic Actions when they’re in the same location. Her equipment includes a Grapnel for manipulating Thugs or Civilians, a Batcycle for mobility, & her signature Three-section Staff capable of striking three different targets at once.
New Locations: Expanding Gotham’s Dark Corners
The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion for DC Super Heroes United introduces new double-sided Location tiles, each with unique effects that add depth to the game world:
- Arkham Asylum: Thugs in this location attack Heroes, representing the constant threat within the asylum’s walls.
- Gotham City Police Department: If kept free of Thugs, the police can assist in taking out Thugs elsewhere on the board.
- Ace Chemicals Processing Plant: A coin flip determines whether players gain an Action token or lose a card, adding an element of chance.
- Gotham City Zoo: Thugs & Civilians can be easily dispersed to other locations, reflecting the chaos of the zoo.
- Gotham City Cemetery: Players gain Action tokens for each Hero currently KO’d, symbolizing the somber inspiration drawn from fallen comrades.
- Gotham Sewers: Always crawling with Thugs, this location places Underground Tunnel tokens in distant locations, allowing Heroes to move directly between them & the Gotham Sewers.
Crowdfunding Exclusives: Unique Additions for Backers
Backers of the Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion for DC Super Heroes United will receive exclusive content not available in the retail version. This includes two additional villains, Mr. Freeze & Man-Bat, along with their respective dashboards, Master Plan cards, & Threat cards. These characters add depth & variety to the game, allowing players to explore new strategies & challenges.
Mr. Freeze: The Cryogenic Criminal
Mr. Freeze brings his cryogenic abilities to the game, freezing Civilians & Heroes alike. In Breakout Mode, he can freeze entire Locations, making it difficult for the Antagonist to rescue Civilians or defeat Thugs. His unique abilities create a formidable challenge for players attempting to escape Arkham.
Mr. Freeze’s helmet is a clear piece that will come separate from his figure, allowing players to paint the figure before attaching the dome. This attention to detail enhances the customization & immersion of the game.
Man-Bat: The Winged Terror
Man-Bat presents a unique challenge as a villain who cannot be damaged directly. Instead, Heroes must collect parts of an antidote to cure him. In Breakout Mode, Man-Bat uses his radar sense to stay one step ahead of the Antagonist, showcasing his elusive nature. His presence adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay, as players must strategize to overcome his unique mechanics.
Man-Bat’s occult knowledge prepares him for any task that may lie ahead, making him a versatile & unpredictable Fugitive. His partnership with She-Bat, who acts as a Henchman, adds another layer of complexity to his gameplay.
Additional Fugitive Decks: The Joker & Harley Quinn
The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion for DC Super Heroes United also includes exclusive Fugitive decks for The Joker & Harley Quinn, allowing these popular characters to be used in Breakout Mode even if players don’t have their standard villain components.
- The Joker: Remains totally unpredictable, sometimes playing his card randomly. He can influence Civilians to commit Villainous Actions & redirect Antagonist attacks to those Civilians. The Joker’s devious nature makes him a challenging & unpredictable Fugitive.
- Harley Quinn: Excels at inciting prison riots, using Location effects while keeping Rioting Prisoners in place. Her acrobatic skills & partnership with Poison Ivy make her a formidable Fugitive, capable of manipulating the environment to her advantage.
Component Breakdown
The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion comes with:
- 1 Two-Face Figure
- 1 The Riddler Figure
- 1 The Penguin Figure
- 1 Poison Ivy Figure
- 1 Killer Croc Figure
- 1 Scarecrow Figure
- 1 Batman (Armor) Figure
- 1 Robin (Damian Wayne) Figure
- 1 Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) figure
- 1 Spoiler Figure
- 1 Two-Face Villain Dashboard
- 12 Two-Face Master Plan Cards
- 6 Two-Face Threat Cards
- 1 The Riddler Villain Dashboard
- 12 The Riddler Master Plan Cards
- 6 The Riddler Threat Cards
- 1 The Penguin Villain Dashboard
- 12 The Penguin Master Plan Cards
- 6 The Penguin Threat Cards
- 1 Poison Ivy Villain Dashboard
- 12 Poison Ivy Master Plan Cards
- 6 Poison Ivy Threat Cards
- 1 Killer Croc Villain Dashboard
- 12 Killer Croc Master Plan Cards
- 6 Killer Croc Threat Cards
- 1 Scarecrow Villain Dashboard
- 12 Scarecrow Master Plan Cards
- 6 Scarecrow Threat Cards
- 12 Batman (Armor) Hero Cards
- 12 Robin (Damian Wayne) Hero Cards
- 12 Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) Hero Cards
- 12 Spoiler Hero Cards
- 16 Equipment Cards
- 8 Breakout Plan Cards
- 3 Antagonist Mission Cards
- 1 Batman Antagonist Dashboard
- 12 Batman Antagonist Cards
- 1 Superman Antagonist Dashboard
- 12 Superman Antagonist Cards
- 1 The Flash Antagonist Dashboard
- 12 The Flash Antagonist Cards
- 10 Two-Face Fugitive Cards
- 10 The Riddler Fugitive Cards
- 10 The Penguin Fugitive Cards
- 10 Poison Ivy Fugitive Cards
- 10 Killer Croc Fugitive Cards
- 10 Scarecrow Fugitive Cards
- 6 Double-Sided Locations
- 1 Challenge Card
- 3 Underground Tunnel Tokens
- 1 Two-Face Coin Token
And if you acquire this Add-On in this campaign, you will also get two extra Crowdfunding Exclusive bonus Villains: Mr. Freeze and Man-Bat, as well as Fugitive cards to use The Joker and Harley Quinn in Breakout Mode!
- 1 Mr. Freeze Figure
- 1 Mr. Freeze Villain Dashboard
- 12 Mr. Freeze Master Plan Cards
- 6 Mr. Freeze Threat Cards
- 10 Mr. Freeze Fugitive Cards
- 1 Man-Bat Figure
- 1 Man-Bat Villain Dashboard
- 12 Man-Bat Master Plan Cards
- 5 Man-Bat Threat Cards
- 10 Man-Bat Fugitive Cards
- 10 The Joker Fugitive Cards
- 10 Harley Quinn Fugitive Cards
Check out our previous coverage of DC Super Heroes United Below
The Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion for DC Super Heroes United represents a significant evolution in the game’s design & narrative possibilities. By introducing the Breakout Mode, CMON has created a unique gameplay experience that allows players to explore the moral complexities of the DC Universe from a villainous perspective.
The addition of iconic Batman villains, each with their own unique abilities & strategies, adds tremendous depth to the game. The inclusion of new heroes & the ability to use Superman & The Flash as Antagonists further expands the replay value & strategic options available to players.
The crowdfunding exclusives, particularly Mr. Freeze & Man-Bat, offer backers additional content that enriches the game experience. These exclusive villains, along with the Fugitive decks for The Joker & Harley Quinn, provide even more variety & challenge for players.
The attention to detail in the component design, from the double-sided Location tiles to the clear helmet piece for Mr. Freeze, demonstrates CMON’s commitment to creating a high-quality, immersive gaming experience.
Overall, the Arkham Asylum Breakout expansion promises to deliver a thrilling, strategic, & narratively rich addition to the DC Super Heroes United game. Whether players choose to defend Gotham as armored Batman or attempt a daring escape as one of the iconic villains, this expansion offers countless hours of engaging gameplay & storytelling possibilities.
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