Atomic Mass Games has unveiled two new characters for Marvel: Crisis Protocol from the notorious Weapon X Program: Weapon X and Maverick. This announcement not only expands the roster of playable characters but also delves into the dark and gritty origins of one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes, Wolverine, and his fellow operative, Maverick.
The Origins of Weapon X
Before he became the legendary superhero Wolverine, Logan was known as Weapon X, a product of the infamous Weapon X Program. This secretive initiative aimed to create super soldiers through a combination of mind control, implanted memories, and advanced physical enhancements. The scientists behind the program initially succeeded in creating a team of highly effective soldiers devoid of loyalties. However, their most ambitious project was Logan, whom they transformed into a living weapon by fusing his skeleton with unbreakable adamantium.
While the goal was to create a programmable killing machine capable of executing high-risk operations, the scientists underestimated the consequences of their actions. Logan broke free from their control, becoming a savage warrior devoid of memories that might temper his rage. This escape allowed him to live as a free man and eventually find his way to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, setting the stage for his heroic journey.
Gameplay Mechanics: Weapon X
In Marvel: Crisis Protocol, Weapon X embodies his brutal nature through a focus on close-quarters combat. His gameplay mechanics reflect his savage origins and relentless fighting style:
- Berserker Rage: This ability grants Weapon X an extra die when attacking a target for a second time, making him particularly dangerous in sustained engagements.
- Pierce: This mechanic allows him to deal more damage than a typical Strength 5 attack would suggest, enhancing his offensive capabilities.
- Uncontrollable Weapon: When he has 4 Power, Weapon X can unleash this powerful attack, rolling 7 dice and potentially damaging all characters within range 2. This ability also allows him to make a second free Uncontrollable Weapon attack on the same target, making him a formidable threat.
Unique Abilities and Injured State
Weapon X’s unique abilities further enhance his effectiveness on the battlefield:
- Adamantium Skeleton: He counts as Size 3 for effects that want to Throw or Push him, making him a difficult target to manipulate.
- **Healing Factor **: This ability allows him to recover from damage more effectively, increasing his survivability.
- Savagery Protocols: While this ability prevents him from interacting with Extract tokens, it sharpens his instincts around Secure tokens, allowing him to gain 2 attack dice while removing 1 defense die when within range 1 of Secure tokens.
As Weapon X becomes injured, he transforms into an even greater threat. His Berserker Rage ability becomes A2, encouraging opponents to spread out or risk attracting his wrath. He loses Savagery Protocols but gains Berserker Wrath, which maintains his inability to control Extract tokens while losing the ability around Secure objective tokens. Additionally, he gains Aimless Aggression, a unique ability that can damage all characters within range 2 when he is KO’d, making him a dangerous liability for opponents.
Maverick: The Skilled Mercenary
Joining Weapon X is Christoph Nord, better known as Maverick. As a skilled mercenary and a former member of the Weapon X Program, Maverick brings his own set of dangerous abilities and advanced weaponry to the game. His arsenal includes:
- Plasma Blasters and Adamantium Knife: These weapons provide Maverick with strong options for energy and physical attacks.
- Agent Zero Attack: This powerful attack allows him to roll 7 dice and Throw an enemy character of size 3 or less, showcasing his combat prowess.
- Anti-Healing Factor Corrosive: This ability prevents nearby characters from removing damage, making him a strategic threat against opponents relying on healing.
- Kinetic Energy Absorption: After being damaged by a physical attack, Maverick can gain 1 Power and make a short advance in any direction, enhancing his mobility and tactical options.
Team Tactics and Synergy
The Weapon X and Maverick pack introduces new Team Tactic cards that enhance the Weapon X affiliation, allowing for dynamic gameplay:
- Implanted Memories: This card enables an allied Weapon X character to damage an enemy after being damaged by an enemy effect. This ability can trigger even if the effect is not an attack, allowing for strategic retaliation against powerful opponents like Magneto after his throws.
- Maverick’s Weapons Stash: This tactic reflects Maverick’s preparedness for any situation. He can spend 3 Power to place a Stash token, granting cover to allied characters. Alternatively, he can remove the token from the board to gain 2 additional dice on the next attack, providing a significant boost in offensive capabilities.
The introduction of Weapon X and Maverick brings a new dimension to Marvel: Crisis Protocol, allowing players to explore the darker, more militaristic side of the Marvel Universe. Their abilities and tactics reflect their origins in the Weapon X Program, providing a unique playstyle focused on aggression, adaptability, and survivability.
As players incorporate these characters into their rosters, they can expect to leverage Weapon X’s savage nature and Maverick’s versatility to dominate the battlefield. The new Team Tactic cards further enhance the Weapon X affiliation, providing synergies that can catch opponents off guard and encourage innovative strategies.
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