The latest update from CMON’s “DC Super Heroes United” board game introduces one of the most iconic villains in the DC universe: The Joker. Lead Designer Andrea Chiarvesio provides an in-depth look at the challenges players will face when going up against the Clown Prince of Crime.
Check out our review of Marvel United Here
A Formidable Foe
The Joker’s introduction to the game isn’t just another villain to defeat; it’s a complete game-changer. Chiarvesio explains that unlike other villains in the core set, The Joker requires players to complete all three missions before they can even attempt to damage him. This alone sets a new standard for difficulty, ensuring that players will need to bring their A-game to have any hope of success.
The Investigation Tracker: A Game of Cat and Mouse
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Joker’s gameplay is the replacement of the standard “Rescue Civilians” mission with a special “Investigation Tracker” mission. Chiarvesio affectionately calls this the “find the jester” mission, highlighting the cat-and-mouse nature of the challenge.
This new mechanic introduces a special thug token featuring The Joker’s face on one side. During setup and whenever thugs are placed in play, this special token is shuffled among the other thug tokens. The twist comes when players defeat a thug – they must flip the token to see if they’ve found The Joker or just another henchman. If The Joker is revealed, the investigation track advances. If not, it counts towards the “defeat thug” mission, which could inadvertently speed up The Joker’s nefarious plans.
Joker Toxin: A Deadly Threat
While players are engaged in this high-stakes game of hide-and-seek, The Joker isn’t sitting idle. With the help of his partner in crime, Harley Quinn, he’s actively spreading his infamous Joker toxin throughout Gotham. This adds a ticking clock element to the game – if at any point there are no civilians left in play, The Joker’s main plan succeeds, and the heroes lose.
The toxin isn’t just a threat to civilians, either. Heroes can also fall victim to its effects, potentially seeing their available actions reduced or their special abilities temporarily nullified. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must balance their pursuit of The Joker with protecting both civilians and themselves from the spreading toxin.
The BAM! Effect: Disrupting Hero Strategies
Perhaps the most devious weapon in The Joker’s arsenal is his BAM! Effect. This ability forces heroes to turn facedown their earliest card in the storyline, which can severely disrupt carefully laid plans. Chiarvesio notes that this is particularly devastating for heroes like Superman or The Flash, who rely heavily on having face-up cards in their storyline.
What’s more, The Joker’s BAM! Effect and other special abilities become even more potent when he’s “Under Pressure.” This escalation mechanic ensures that the longer the game goes on, the more dangerous The Joker becomes, adding a sense of urgency to the heroes’ mission.
Strategic Depth
The introduction of The Joker to “DC Super Heroes United” isn’t just about increasing difficulty – it’s about adding strategic depth to the game. Chiarvesio offers several tips for players looking to take on this formidable foe:
- Leverage Batman’s Abilities: Batman, unsurprisingly, has several tricks up his sleeve that can help see through The Joker’s deceptions and neutralize the toxin. Choosing the right equipment for the Caped Crusader could be key to victory.
- Timing is Everything with Harley Quinn: Finding the right moment to take down Harley Quinn can be crucial. Her presence aids The Joker’s plans, so neutralizing her at the opportune moment could turn the tide of the game.
- Anticipate The Joker’s Next Move: Knowledge is power, and understanding what The Joker might do next can help players stay one step ahead. This might involve careful observation of the villain’s deck or making educated guesses based on his past actions.
- Team Composition and Turn Order: Choosing the right team of heroes and determining their order of play could make or break a game against The Joker. Players will need to think carefully about how different heroes’ abilities complement each other and how to sequence their turns for maximum effect.
- Early Heroic Actions: While the game against The Joker might not require a large number of heroic actions overall, using them early and effectively could be the key to gaining an early advantage.
A Unique Villain Experience
Chiarvesio emphasizes that The Joker provides a unique and different challenge from any other villain in the “DC Super Heroes United” game. This isn’t just another bad guy to punch – it’s a battle of wits, strategy, and timing. The development team has clearly put a lot of thought into making The Joker feel true to his comic book counterpart, creating a gameplay experience that captures his unpredictable and chaotic nature.
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