CMON has set the board gaming world abuzz with its latest announcement: a Suicide Squad expansion for the DC Super Heroes United game. This $35 Crowdfunding Exclusive Add-On introduces Task Force X to the tabletop, blurring the lines between hero & villain in an exciting new way.
The DC Super Heroes United expansion brings six iconic members of the Suicide Squad into play: Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Polka-Dot Man, King Shark, & Rick Flag. Each character can be played as either a hero or a villain, reflecting the morally ambiguous nature of the team & adding unprecedented depth to the game’s narrative possibilities.
Check out our review of Marvel United Here
A New Era of Anti-Heroism
For noble missions, there’s the Justice League, the Justice Society of America, or other heroic groups. For those shady missions the government doesn’t want people to know about, Amanda Waller gathered the most useful villains she was able to find in prison, stuck a nano-bomb in their head, and set them off on their task with the promise of a commuted sentence. If they survive. Odds of that are not great, given the team was dubbed the Suicide Squad. But hey, only the good die young!
Harley Quinn: The Chaotic Trickster
As a hero, Harley Quinn embodies chaos on the battlefield. Her ability to knock down thugs while occasionally endangering civilians reflects her unpredictable nature. Her trusty mallet becomes a game-changer, allowing her to take out enemies or civilians based on the symbols revealed from her deck. Harley’s erratic combat style keeps opponents guessing, making her a wild card in any scenario.
In villain mode, Harley employs a special formula to confuse & control heroes. Her mastery of manipulation is represented by the distribution of Crisis tokens, forcing heroes to play cards randomly & potentially sabotaging their plans. With a penchant for mischief & mayhem, Harley Quinn is a force to be reckoned with, whether she’s fighting for justice or pursuing her own chaotic agenda.
Bloodsport: The Relentless Marksman
Bloodsport’s hero incarnation is a precision instrument of destruction. His unparalleled marksmanship allows him to deal devastating damage across the entire play area. His tactical acumen shines through in his ability to divert thugs, showcasing his strategic mind. Bloodsport is not just a brute; he is a calculated fighter who uses his environment to his advantage, making him a formidable ally.
As a villain, Bloodsport becomes a terrifying sniper, dealing unpreventable damage to heroes caught in his crosshairs. His threat cards create zones of danger on the board, forcing heroes to constantly reposition or suffer the consequences. With a relentless focus on his objectives, Bloodsport exemplifies the deadly efficiency of the Suicide Squad, making him a character that players will dread facing.
Peacemaker: The Iron-Fisted Idealist
In his heroic role, Peacemaker lives up to his name in the most ironic way possible. His ability to double the attacks of other heroes represents his willingness to use extreme measures for the greater good. The addition of his pet eagle, Eagly, adds a unique tactical element to his gameplay, allowing him to scout locations or distract enemies. Peacemaker’s unwavering commitment to his ideals makes him a complex character, often blurring the lines between heroism & villainy.
Peacemaker’s villainous side focuses on disrupting the heroes’ missions. His helmet becomes a powerful tool for neutralizing hero actions, while his threats deal damage to all heroes caught in their radius. This creates a challenging environment where heroes must carefully weigh the costs of completing their objectives. With his iron-fisted approach & unpredictable tactics, Peacemaker is a character that embodies the chaotic nature of the Suicide Squad.
Polka-Dot Man: The Unlikely Menace
As a hero, Polka-Dot Man‘s unusual abilities prove surprisingly effective. His polka dots serve multiple functions, from defeating thugs to creating versatile tools. This versatility makes him an unpredictable asset to any hero team. Polka-Dot Man’s quirky nature & unique attacks provide comic relief while still posing a genuine threat to his enemies.
In villain mode, Polka-Dot Man becomes an area-of-effect nightmare. His devastating attacks can clear entire locations of heroes, while his overflows threaten multiple areas at once. His unique victory condition of accelerating the villain’s plan adds urgency to the heroes’ efforts. With his bizarre yet effective combat style, Polka-Dot Man proves that even the most unconventional characters can make a significant impact in the world of superheroes.
King Shark: The Savage Predator
King Shark’s hero version is a primal force of nature. His powerful attacks & ability to “consume” thugs or civilians for card draws represent his animalistic nature. His connections to the Atlantean underworld add an interesting strategic element to his gameplay. King Shark’s brute strength & ferocity make him a valuable ally in combat, as he can take down enemies with ease.
As a villain, King Shark’s appetite for expanding his criminal empire takes center stage. His ability to spread tough sea-based thugs across the board creates ongoing challenges for the heroes, while his blood-in-the-water mechanics can quickly spiral out of control. With his insatiable hunger for power & chaos, King Shark is a character that players will find both terrifying & fascinating.
Rick Flag: The Ruthless Commander
Rick Flag’s heroic incarnation leverages his military background to great effect. His leadership skills allow him to support his teammates with crucial action tokens, while his weapons expertise makes him a formidable combatant in his own right. Flag’s tactical mindset & experience make him an invaluable asset to any team, as he coordinates attacks & strategizes against their enemies.
When played as a villain, Rick Flag becomes a ruthlessly efficient mission commander. His ability to use his accomplice as a shield & his focus on quickly advancing the villain’s plan make him a dangerous opponent that heroes can’t afford to ignore. With his unwavering determination & strategic prowess, Rick Flag embodies the complexities of loyalty & morality in the world of the Suicide Squad.
Gameplay Innovations
Suicide Squad Mode
At the heart of the expansion of DC Super Heroes United is the new Suicide Squad mode. Players take control of the anti-heroes as they attempt to complete morally questionable missions for Amanda Waller. This mode flips traditional superhero gameplay on its head, challenging players to hire criminal muscle, take hostages, & gather sensitive intelligence while evading capture.
The Suicide Squad’s Master Plan deck introduces a unique activation system, where players must adapt to the changing order of character actions. This unpredictability mirrors the chaotic nature of the team’s missions & keeps players on their toes throughout the game.
Villain Duos
When not operating as a full team, the expansion allows for dynamic villain pairings. Players can mix & match any two characters, with one taking the lead & the other serving as an accomplice. This system creates 30 unique combinations, each offering a distinct challenge for the heroes to overcome.
New Locations & Challenges
The expansion introduces four new locations that add strategic depth to the game. Belle Reve prison, Corto Maltese, Blackgate Penitentiary, & the Sanctuary mental health facility each present unique challenges & opportunities for both heroes & villains.
For those seeking an extra thrill, the Nano-Bomb Challenge simulates the explosive implants that keep the Suicide Squad in line. This mechanic adds a pulse-pounding urgency to every turn, forcing players to constantly reassess their priorities under the threat of sudden elimination.
Team Deck: Reinforcing the Squad’s Dynamic
The Suicide Squad Team Deck introduces mechanics that reinforce the group’s expendable nature & unorthodox methods. Heroes can make sacrificial plays, trading health for powerful actions. KO’d characters can aid their teammates from beyond, reflecting the Squad’s “win at all costs” mentality. The deck includes other heroes such as Katana, Wildcat, The Question, Batgirl, Steel, & possibly others, binding these misfits together in their missions.
Component Breakdown
The Suicide Squad expansion is packed with a plethora of new components:
- 1 Harley Quinn Figure
- 1 Bloodsport Figure
- 1 Peacemaker figure
- 1 Polka Dot Man Figure
- 1 King Shark Figure
- 1 Rick Flag Figure
- 12 Harley Quinn Hero Cards
- 12 Bloodsport Hero Cards
- 12 Peacemaker Hero Cards
- 12 Polka Dot Man Hero Cards
- 12 King Shark Hero Cards
- 12 Rick Flag Hero Cards
- 2 Equipment Cards
- 1 Harley Quinn Villain Dashboard
- 6 Harley Quinn Master Plan Cards
- 3 Harley Quinn Threat Cards
- 1 Bloodsport Villain Dashboard
- 6 Bloodsport Master Plan Cards
- 3 Bloodsport Threat Cards
- 1 Peacemaker Villain Dashboard
- 6 Peacemaker Master Plan Cards
- 3 Peacemaker Threat Cards
- 1 Polka Dot Man Villain Dashboard
- 6 Polka Dot Man Master Plan Cards
- 3 Polka Dot Man Threat Cards
- 1 King Shark Villain Dashboard
- 6 King Shark Master Plan Cards
- 3 King Shark Threat Cards
- 1 Rick Flag Villain Dashboard
- 6 Rick Flag Master Plan Cards
- 3 Rick Flag Threat Cards
- 1 Suicide Squad Dashboard
- 12 Suicide Squad Master Plan Cards
- 6 Suicide Squad Threat Cards
- 3 Mission Cards
- 6 Weak Spot Cards
- 4 Locations
- 1 Challenge Card
- 5 Nano-Bomb Cards
- 7 Team Cards
Check out our previous coverage of DC Super Heroes United Below
The Suicide Squad expansion for DC Super Heroes United is poised to revolutionize the game. By embracing moral ambiguity & introducing characters that challenge traditional notions of heroism, CMON has created an expansion that offers unprecedented depth & replayability. Whether leading the Squad on dubious missions, facing off against them as traditional heroes, or exploring the vast gray area in between, this expansion promises to deliver hours of thrilling, unpredictable gameplay. For fans of DC Comics, tactical board games, or those simply looking for a new twist on the superhero genre, the Suicide Squad expansion is an offer too tempting to refuse.
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