Discuss this
topic on the
MESSAGE BOARD
MLB SportsClix
Pre-Release FAQ
WizKids Games
Rating: 1
2 3.75 4 5
Who can play MLB
SportsClix?
We think MLB SportsClix will be a popular game among baseball fans ages 8
and up, because a fundamental knowledge of baseball makes the game more
enjoyable to play. The figures, however, are fun and exciting for baseball
fans of all ages, and can be collected by kids ages 3 and up.
Does MLB SportsClix play exactly like baseball?
The game plays as much like baseball as can be played on top of a table,
and we’ve tried to make it as tactically realistic and challenging as
possible. In MLB SportsClix, players act act as managers their own
big-league ball clubs, and play includes a multitude of actual game
situations and strategies. All of the game’s managerial decisions, from
posting a lineup to setting the defensive alignment, are incorporated into
the rules.
Do the sculpts look like the real players?
Yes. All of the sculpts are based on actual player poses. The top
ballplayers in the set are featured in Unique sculpts fashioned after each
player’s specific characteristics. The Unique sculpts are less commonly
distributed in packages than the non-Unique sculpts.
How many figures are in the set?
We are still working to determine the final numbers, but there will
hundreds of different players, including the league’s top stars, and at
least one player from every major league team.
How does the game work? Is there hitting and pitching?
The game operates at a managerial level. Players are called managers, and
they control at-bats and fielding opportunities, but not individual
pitches. Like all WizKids games, SportsClix allows for incredible depth of
play. As in a real baseball game, each plate appearance is contested, and
to play a complete game, each side must retire a minimum of 27 batters. An
at-bat begins with the defensive team making the pitch selection and the
offensive team choosing a batting option. Rolling specially designed dice
decides the outcome of each at-bat. The defensive team may also roll dice
to decide the outcome of balls hit in play.
How does WizKids’ patented “clicky” dial work in this game?
The MLB SportsClix performance dial is similar in appearance to the
patented combat dial made famous by WizKids in its MechWarrior, Mage
Knight, and HeroClix games. It is a rotating disk under each player’s
base, and it is printed with player stats that change when the base is
turned. These changing stats represent the player getting “hot” or “cold,”
as he might in a real game.
How are teams assembled?
Managers can purchase a starting nine in either of two different MLB
SportsClix Starter Sets. They can add players to their team by purchasing
additional players inside Booster Boxes. Managers can field any
combination of position players from any teams they wish, building their
favorite hometown squad or their ultimate all-star team.
Each player has a field position and point value printed on his base. This
allows a manager to build or trade a team, and it adds the excitement of
keeping the team within a total number of points.
On average, how long does it take to play a nine-inning game?
An average nine-inning game will last about one hour, depending on the
type of game selected and the experience of the participants.
Will players be able to build a starting rotation of pitchers from a
single MLB team?
No single big-league team has its entire rotation represented in the first
set. Players can, however, build a starting rotation from the pitchers who
are available.
Are there "closing" pitchers? Middle relievers?
Final configurations are not yet available; however; we are planning to
include the game’s greatest closers in the set. Currently, there are no
plans to include middle relievers.
Are all major league teams represented equally in the set?
Every team is represented in the set; however, some teams will be more
represented than others.
How many game figures will be released every year?
Currently, we plan to release one new, complete set of MLB SportsClix each
spring, coinciding with the onset of baseball’s spring training. Each
player is based on team affiliations and player statistics from the
previous MLB season. We do not yet know the total number of players in
each set. There are currently no plans to introduce midseason updates or
to update the sets when players are traded.
Do starting teams have to be within a specified point value, as in
HeroClix and MechWarrior?
Rules are still being finalized; however, teams will likely be required to
stay within a certain total point value. Each major leaguer in the game
has been assigned an individual point value, and managers will create
their teams based on the total value of their players’ combined points.
Are there home and away uniforms?
All official Major League Baseball uniform styles are represented in the
set; however, not every player is available in each of his team’s uniform
options.
Can you explain the collectable nature of the product?
We feel that the miniature figures bring to life all the excitement and
fun of the big leagues, and that people will want to collect them whether
or not they actively play the SportsClix game, in much the same way they
enjoy bobblehead dolls or miniature batting helmets.
What are the similarities to trading cards?
SportsClix players are like 3-D versions of baseball trading cards, only
instead of simply trading, collectors can play a stimulating and
challenging game of baseball with their collections. There are sports
trading card games on the market; however, none equals the game experience
provided by MLB SportsClix, and none has 3-D player sculpts.
Where will the
game be sold and what will it cost?
MLB SportsClix will be available at leading retailers nationwide March
2004. It will be sold in Starter Sets and Booster Packs. Starter Sets will
contain a full team of nine players, a stadium playmat, dice, rules, and
everything else one player needs to field a team. The suggested retail
price will be $19.99. Booster Packs allow collectors to add major leaguers
to their teams. Two-figure Boosters will retail for $4.99, three-figure
Boosters for $6.99.
Will the game be supported like other WizKids games, with store demos,
tournaments, and promotions?
Yes. A full complement of demos, tournaments, and special promotions are
planned, starting with a number of events during spring training 2004.
How will Approved Play and tournament play work?
We are still working out all the details, but there will be fully
organized Approved Play tournaments in game and hobby stores across the
United States. Organized play will include tournaments, “series play” play
(best of three, best of five, best of seven), and many fantasy league–type
elements. Typical WizKids events like Draft and Preconstructed tournaments
are also in the works. Full details will be released at the appropriate
time.
What role did Topps play in the development of WizKids’ first
sports-themed game?
The core MLB SportsClix product was developed by WizKids’ experienced team
of game designers, and license agreements with Major League Baseball and
the Major League Baseball Players Association were approved based on these
designs. The Topps Company’s extensive baseball expertise played an
important role in fleshing out the details of the game and making the
product a more authentic big-league experience.
Will the game be branded “Topps” or “WizKids”?
SportsClix is a WizKids game that will carry the Topps brand. The high
level of consumer recognition and awareness of such a powerful name in
sports collectibles made this branding decision the obvious choice.
Are there other “click-based” sports games currently under development
by Topps and WizKids?
We envision a variety of games based on the SportsClix platform and
WizKids’ dial, but there are currently no plans finalized for additional
games.
(Posted 10-16-2003)