Iceman Slides into Action

Bobby Drake, also known as Iceman, is introduced as a new playable hero complete with fifteen signature cards. A founding member of the X-Men known for his ability to generate cold and manipulate ice, Iceman brings a unique set of skills to Marvel Champions. The pack includes a pre-built Aggression deck, allowing players to jump right into the action and put the villain’s forces on ice as soon as they open the box.

Frostbite Upgrades and Slick Abilities

Iceman’s signature ability, “Freeze!”, lets him attach Frostbite upgrades to enemies, reducing their SCH and ATK stats. This ability, combined with cards like Frozen Solid, Ice Wall, and Arctic Attack, allows Iceman to control the battlefield, locking down foes and enabling his allies to handle other threats. Additionally, Iceman has a variety of other skills, including generating Snow Clones, using his Ice Slide for a stat buff, and a Power Belt to help pay for his ice-themed abilities.

Bringing the Heat with Firepower

Despite his icy nature, Iceman’s pre-built deck packs considerable firepower. Characters like Shark-Girl can increase their attack power against enemies with upgrades, and Iceman himself can use Surprise Move for a powerful attack and immediate readiness for further action. The deck also includes cards for threat removal and thwarting player side schemes.

Encounter with Sauron

The Iceman Hero Pack also introduces a new modular encounter set featuring Sauron, a member of the Brotherhood of Mutants. This set includes Sauron’s Life Drain ability and the Eye of Sauron, adding a challenging element to any scenario. Players must be cautious and strategic to defeat this formidable foe.

Availability and Pre-Order

The Iceman Hero Pack, symbolizing Iceman’s versatility and status as an iconic X-Men member, is set to launch in May. Players and fans can pre-order their copy at local retailers or online through Fantasy Flight Games’ webstore. This expansion is not just a new character addition; it’s a chance to experience the unique abilities of one of the X-Men’s coolest heroes in the dynamic world of Marvel Champions: The Card Game.

According to Fanchi, the changes made in this new update are designed to address some of the more common questions and concerns players had with the previous version of the Rules Reference. A main focus of this update is to enhance the game’s immersive qualities and avoid scenarios that may break that immersion.

One such example of immersion-breaking scenarios was the “change the game” rule, which allowed players to initiate certain abilities even if they did not affect the game state. The update replaces this rule with more precise targeting rules that restrict the activation of abilities to instances where there is a valid target.

These valid targets, as Fanchi explained, are any that can be affected by the ability. This change allows for more dynamic gameplay, while also maintaining the spirit of the original rule.

Another substantial modification in this update is the refinement of the “permanent” keyword rule. Cards with this keyword will no longer count towards a player’s minimum or maximum deck size. As these cards are never shuffled into a player’s deck or the encounter deck, they instead will be set aside at the start of the setup.

The design team has also introduced a more formalized setup process, integrating steps for campaign setup and the setup keyword. This aims to make setting up the game more streamlined and consistent, as well as addressing the varying setup conditions of the game’s 35 scenarios.

Errata have also been given a fair amount of attention in the update. Several technical edits and clarifications have been made to better articulate the game’s rules and interactions. Of note, the cards Cosmo, James Rhodes, Ms. Marvel, and “Go for Champions!” have all seen changes aimed at balancing their effects and limiting problematic interactions.

Fanchi concluded the announcement by assuring fans that, as Marvel Champions continues to grow and evolve with every release, so will its ruleset. The design team is committed to making the Rules Reference as complete and navigable as possible.

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Warren Worthington III, also known as Angel, has a storied history as a member of the X-Men. However, his life took a dark turn when he fell under the control of the villainous Apocalypse, who transformed him into the Archangel of Death. Though he managed to break free from Apocalypse’s influence, Warren continues to grapple with the power and brutality that comes with his alter ego.

The Angel Hero Pack introduces Angel as a playable hero, accompanied by fifteen signature cards and two different hero forms. Players will find a pre-built Protection deck ready for action right out of the box, allowing them to shield their allies from harm. Angel’s adaptable nature and a wide array of Aerial events make him a versatile hero capable of facing any challenge.

Marvel Champions players can look forward to unleashing the power of Angel and exploring his unique gameplay mechanics when the Angel Hero Pack and Psylocke are released in September. The pack is available for pre-order at local retailers or through Fantasy Flight Games’ webstore now.

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Gambit, the former member of the Thieves Guild in New Orleans, has joined the X-Men and is now making his way into the game. With his ability to charge objects with explosive energy, Gambit is a fierce fighter in the game. The Gambit Hero Pack includes a pre-built deck of 40 cards and a modular encounter set with Magneto’s herald, Exodus.

Rogue, on the other hand, has the power to absorb memories and powers of those she touches. She’s a versatile hero that can attach her Touched upgrade to other characters, borrowing their powers to use against her enemies. The Rogue Hero Pack also includes a 40-card pre-built deck and a modular encounter set with the cybernetically-enhanced Reavers.

Both Hero Packs also feature 15 signature cards for Gambit and 16 signature cards for Rogue, as well as an assortment of Justice and Protection cards unique to each character. These new cards will give players even more options to build their superhero decks and take on Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants.

Marvel Champions: The Card Game is a living cooperative card game where players team up to fight against the game’s villains. With the addition of Gambit and Rogue, fans of the game can add two of the most popular X-Men characters to their roster and continue their fight for justice.

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