The highly anticipated DC Super Heroes United board game from CMON continues to tantalize fans with exclusive insights from lead designer Andrea Chiarvesio. In the second installment of Dev Diary, Chiarvesio pulls back the curtain on the villains, heroes, and locations that players can expect to encounter in this thrilling tabletop experience.
Check out our review of Marvel United Here
The Ruler of Apokolips: Darkseid
Towering over the villainous roster is the formidable Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips and one of the most powerful beings in the DC universe. Chiarvesio and his team recognized that Darkseid’s immense power warranted a departure from the traditional villain mechanics, leading to an innovative gameplay approach.
Unlike other villains, Darkseid does not rely on henchmen or threats. Instead, his objective is to gain control over the Anti-Life Equation, a cosmic force that can subjugate the will of all living beings. Darkseid’s “threats” are replaced by five fragments of the Anti-Life Equation, and his sole focus is to collect them all, thus winning the game.
However, this pursuit is far from straightforward. Darkseid will unleash his devastating powers, notably the Omega Sanction, to inflict massive damage on the heroes. Players must strive to prevent Darkseid from collecting the equation fragments while simultaneously completing other missions. Only by accomplishing these tasks can they hope to weaken Darkseid enough to defeat him, a feat that promises to be a monumental challenge, even for powerful heroes like Superman.
Chiarvesio believes that the battle against Darkseid represents an innovative and challenging gameplay pattern that will delight United aficionados and entertain newcomers alike, solidifying Darkseid’s status as a true menace, even when confronted by the mightiest of heroes.
The Evasive Cheetah
On the opposite end of the spectrum lies the Cheetah, a classic enemy of Wonder Woman. Chiarvesio describes her as the villain with the most linear game plan, making her an ideal first opponent for players new to the United system.
However, her straightforward approach should not be mistaken for simplicity. The Cheetah embodies the quintessential evasive villain, capable of fulfilling her master plan before the heroes can land a significant blow. Chiarvesio offers a valuable hint: Wonder Woman is likely the perfect hero to face the Cheetah, but for a true advantage, players should consider bringing along a hero who can match or exceed the Cheetah’s speed.
The Cybernetic Powerhouse: Cyborg
Shifting the focus to the heroes, Chiarvesio introduces Cyborg, also known as “Vic” Stone. Players might be surprised by his apparent lack of equipment, but the reason is simple: Cyborg is his own equipment.
A well-rounded and flexible hero, Victor Stone can provide mobility through his Boom Tubes, unleash firepower with the Mechano arsenal, and perform incredibly powerful and flexible turns when activating his Cybernetic Enhancements. Cyborg promises to be a solid addition to any lineup of heroes, bringing both flexibility and a wealth of actions to the team.
The Ruler of the Seas: Aquaman
Next in the spotlight is Aquaman, the ruler of the seas. Chiarvesio highlights the Trident of Poseidon as one of the most powerful and flexible pieces of equipment in the entire game. This trident can be used to heal Aquaman, damage his foes, or rescue civilians in danger almost anywhere on the board. Its potency was so great that the design team had to increase its recharge cost not once, but twice during development.
However, Aquaman’s true power lies in the flexibility and reach granted by his Atlantean Physiology and Life Force Connection, as well as the ability to summon a Tidal Wave once per game. If players need a hero capable of recovering quickly from damage while providing balance to the team, Chiarvesio asserts that the king of Atlantis is an unparalleled choice.
Locations: Thematic Challenges and Opportunities
Chiarvesio also offers a glimpse into the locations featured in the core set, with two of them – Apokolips and the Hall of Doom – directly linked to specific villains. While these locations can be used with other villains, their negative effects have been tailored to complement the game plans of Darkseid and the villains associated with the Hall of Doom.
Apokolips, for instance, is designed to disrupt the gameplay of heroes, making it easier for Darkseid to knock them out and secure a swift victory. On the other hand, the remaining locations offer helpful end-of-turn effects, even if some, like Gotham City and Central City, come with double-edged side effects.
Gotham City, true to its reputation, seems to make even regular villains more dangerous, while Central City’s crowded streets can easily lead to overflow situations. Atlantis presents an intriguing choice: players can speed up the evacuation process, gaining a precious wild action token, but risk causing overflow that facilitates the villain’s plan.
While adhering to the overall need for token-gaining effects, Chiarvesio and his team have crafted location effects that are both thematically connected and provide interesting variations and challenges to the gameplay. Experienced players might notice the absence of movement-enhancing locations, a deliberate choice given the excellent mobility ratio of the heroes in this set.
Conclusion
Chiarvesio’s insights into the core box design continue to build anticipation for DC Super Heroes United, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the innovative mechanics, thematic elements, and strategic depth that await players. As fans eagerly await the game’s release, the design team’s commitment to capturing the essence of these iconic characters and creating a truly immersive experience shines through.
With Darkseid’s looming presence, the Cheetah’s evasive tactics, the versatility of Cyborg and Aquaman, and the thematic challenges posed by the game’s locations, DC Super Heroes United promises to be a captivating addition to the United series, delivering an unforgettable tabletop adventure for DC fans and strategy game enthusiasts alike.
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