CMON has unveiled an expansive new addition to their “DC Super Heroes United” game. This Crowdfunding Exclusive Add-On, centered around the iconic Justice Society of America (JSA), promises to bring a wealth of new content & gameplay options to the superhero-themed tabletop experience.
Check out our review of Marvel United Here
The Legacy of the Justice Society
The Justice Society of America holds a unique place in comic book history as one of the very first superhero teams. This expansion pays homage to that legacy, bringing together a roster of heroes that embody the spirit of unity in the face of adversity. However, true to the complex nature of superhero dynamics, the expansion also explores the inevitable clashes between heroes, reflecting the diverse ideologies within their ranks.
The Thunder of Shazam: Billy Batson’s Mythic Alter Ego
Billy Batson’s alter ego, Shazam, harnesses the power of six mythological figures. His abilities include enhanced civilian rescue (Wisdom of Solomon), formidable fighting skills (Strength of Hercules), increased health (Stamina of Atlas), lightning strikes (Power of Zeus), damage resistance (Courage of Achilles), & swift movement (Speed of Mercury). These powers make Shazam a versatile & powerful addition to any team, capable of adapting to various situations on the battlefield.
In the game, Shazam’s diverse abilities allow him to perform a wide range of actions, from rescuing civilians to dealing significant damage to enemies. His unique combination of strengths makes him a valuable asset in both cooperative & competitive modes, providing players with numerous strategic options. Whether he’s summoning lightning to strike down foes or using his wisdom to guide his team, Shazam’s presence is sure to be felt in every game.
Wings of Destiny: Hawkman Soars into Battle
Hawkman, with knowledge gained from countless incarnations, can manipulate deck order & gain extra Action tokens. His Nth Metal equipment grants him protective abilities & enhanced movement. Hawkman’s ability to foresee & alter the flow of the game makes him a strategic powerhouse, capable of turning the tide in critical moments.
Equipped with his Nth Metal Wings & Thanagarian Mace, Hawkman can skip over locations & deliver powerful strikes. His Charged cards help prevent Overflows, adding a layer of defense to his team’s strategy. Hawkman’s deep knowledge & combat prowess make him a formidable hero, blending tactical foresight with raw power.
Arcane Mastery: Doctor Fate’s Mystical Prowess
Doctor Fate, master of magic, brings a deck filled with spells granting various additional Actions. He can manipulate time, heal, foresee the Villain’s plans, & even temporarily banish Threats. Doctor Fate’s magical abilities provide a unique & versatile gameplay experience, allowing players to adapt to different challenges & scenarios.
Doctor Fate’s magical artifacts, such as the Cloak of Destiny, Staff of Power, & Helm of Fate, enhance his abilities further. These items grant him additional Heroic & Attack Actions, & multiply the effects of his spells. With his vast array of magical powers, Doctor Fate can control the battlefield, support his allies, & counter the Villain’s moves, making him an indispensable member of the team.
Whirlwind of Justice: Cyclone’s Elemental Control
Cyclone, the wind-manipulating hero, can project air blasts to knock down enemies in all locations around her. Once her card is Charged in the Storyline, she can flip it to summon protective whirlwinds, shielding her from ranged attacks. Cyclone’s ability to control the battlefield with her wind powers makes her a dynamic & strategic hero.
Cyclone’s name is fitting, as she can create powerful cyclones to relocate heroes, henchmen, & villains across the board. This ability allows her to disrupt enemy plans & position her team advantageously. Her versatility & control over the battlefield make Cyclone a valuable asset, capable of both offensive & defensive maneuvers.
Small Science, Big Impact: The Atom’s Quantum Quests
Ray Palmer, known as The Atom, is a genius scientist whose abilities grant him versatility through Wild tokens. His shrinking technology allows for quick movement & damage avoidance, while mass alteration enhances his actions. The Atom’s scientific prowess & unique abilities make him a flexible & strategic hero.
The Atom’s Bio-Belt Equipment is key to his gameplay, allowing him to shrink to avoid damage or move quickly. His ability to recharge his belt by staying put adds a layer of strategic planning. The Atom’s combination of scientific genius & unique powers makes him a versatile hero, capable of adapting to various challenges & supporting his team in multiple ways.
Sonic Fury: Black Canary’s Martial Symphony
Dinah Lance, known as Black Canary, combines martial arts expertise with her signature Canary Cry. She can evade damage, strike unexpectedly, & even borrow equipment from archer allies. Black Canary’s combat skills & sonic powers make her a formidable & versatile hero.
Black Canary’s trusty Motorcycle grants her extra movement, while her ability to recharge it by forfeiting Location effects adds strategic depth. Her powerful Canary Cry can stun villains & henchmen, making her a valuable asset in both offense & defense. Black Canary’s blend of agility, combat prowess, & sonic power ensures she can handle any situation on the battlefield.
Titanic Presence: Atom Smasher’s Colossal Might
Atom Smasher, with the ability to grow to colossal sizes, starts with a larger hand & can easily defeat Thugs. His mass-increasing ability allows for devastating attacks, making him a powerful & imposing hero. Atom Smasher’s unique abilities & sheer strength make him a valuable addition to any team.
Starting with a big hand gives Atom Smasher an early advantage, & his ability to draw additional cards after recovering from being KO’d adds resilience. His Charged card allows him to take giant strides & crush single targets, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. Atom Smasher’s combination of size, strength, & strategic advantages makes him a key player in any game.
The Dual-Mode Character: Black Adam
Champion of Kahndaq: Black Adam’s Heroic Persona
Black Adam, a dual-mode character, can be played as either a hero or a villain. As a hero, Black Adam is a stalwart defender of his homeland of Kahndaq, sometimes extending his protection to the entire world. Imbued with the power of ancient mythological figures, Black Adam’s abilities include the Stamina of Shu, Speed of Horus, Strength of Amun, Wisdom of Zahuti, Power of Aten, & Courage of Mehen. These powers make him a versatile & powerful hero, capable of handling various threats & challenges.
Black Adam’s heroic abilities mirror those of Shazam, providing players with a familiar yet distinct gameplay experience. His unique combination of powers allows him to perform a wide range of actions, from healing & movement to powerful attacks & strategic planning. As a hero, Black Adam’s presence on the battlefield is both inspiring & formidable, making him a valuable ally in the fight for justice.
Wrath of the Gods: Black Adam Unleashed
When played as a villain, Black Adam introduces the Deadly Sins mechanic, adding a unique & challenging gameplay element. The Sin Threats start facedown & activate when Black Adam acts, each adding a different ongoing effect to the game. These effects include Sloth, Pride, Wrath, Gluttony, Greed, & Envy, each impacting the heroes in various ways. Heroes must spell out “SHAZAM!” by clearing these threats to defeat Black Adam.
As a villain, Black Adam’s Master Plan cards bring about the powers he’s been imbued with, including healing, accelerated turns, additional damage, strategic foresight, & devastating attacks. His ability to confront heroes & discard their Action tokens adds a layer of strategy & challenge. Black Adam’s dual nature as both a hero & villain provides players with a dynamic & engaging gameplay experience, testing their skills & strategies in new ways.
New Gameplay Modes
Clash for Justice
This expansion introduces a groundbreaking Player vs Player mode, allowing heroes to divide into teams & compete against each other. Key features include:
- Teams of 2×2 or 3×3 players
- Point-scoring through civilian rescue, Thug defeat, location control, & opponent KOs
- Shield tokens for defense
- Location control mechanics
- New Event deck introducing varied effects every 4 turns
- Game end triggered by Event deck depletion or reaching 40 points
Black Adam as Villain
When played as a Villain, Black Adam introduces the Deadly Sins mechanic:
- Sin Threats start facedown & activate when Black Adam acts
- Each Sin adds a unique ongoing effect to the game
- Heroes must spell out “SHAZAM!” by clearing these threats to defeat Black Adam
New Locations
The expansion adds four new locations to the game:
- JSA Headquarters: Allows nearby Heroes to heal or perform free Actions
- Kahndaq: Enables trading of Action tokens for cards or Wild tokens
- Tower of Fate: Provides insight into player hands or deck tops
- Rock of Eternity: A unique location that can’t Overflow but has strict movement rules
Justice Society of America Team Deck
This new mechanic reinforces teamwork:
- All Heroes must be part of the JSA Team
- Players can choose to play a Team turn instead of their regular turn
- Team Display offers additional card options
- Includes a mandatory negative effect card that must be managed
Component Breakdown
Priced at $40, this Crowdfunding Exclusive Add-On is packed with an impressive array of components:
- 8 highly detailed miniatures (Shazam, Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone, The Atom, Black Canary, Atom Smasher, & Black Adam)
- 96 Hero Cards (12 for each character)
- 7 Equipment Cards
- 7 Team Cards
- 1 Black Adam Villain Dashboard
- 12 Black Adam Master Plan Cards
- 6 Black Adam Threat Cards
- 4 new Location boards
- 1 Player vs Player Dashboard
- Various tokens, cards, & other game components
This extensive list of components ensures that players will have everything they need to fully immerse themselves in the world of the Justice Society of America.
As a Crowdfunding Exclusive, this add-on is likely to be in high demand among collectors & enthusiasts. It offers a deeper dive into the rich history of the DC Universe, allowing players to experience the legacy & power of these classic characters in a new, interactive format.
Check out our previous coverage of DC Super Heroes United Below
The Justice Society of America expansion for “DC Super Heroes United” represents a significant evolution for the game. It not only adds new characters & locations but also introduces innovative gameplay modes & mechanics. From the thrilling Player vs Player “Clash for Justice” to the strategic depth added by the JSA Team Deck, this expansion offers something for every type of player.
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