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Collectible Game News

WizKids Release DC HeroClix: Icons
WWizKids Inc., creator of the runaway hit games HeroClix and Pirates of the Spanish Main, is proud to announce the release of the newest DC HeroClix base set: DC HeroClix: Icons!

“DC HeroClix: Icons contains some of the greatest names in comic book history,” said Mike Samora, vice president of Sales and Marketing for WizKids, “including Batman and Superman, who join the JLA and Titans in the fight against evil!” DC HeroClix: Icons features over 60 different figures from the DC universe, many of them more powerful than ever before!

DC HeroClix: Icons features a new Starter Set (MSRP $12.99) with updated rules and six unique figures not found anywhere else, a brand-new map, and four-figure Booster Packs (MSRP $7.99). Collectors can typically complete a set of DC HeroClix: Icons by purchasing less than one full case of Boosters.

www.wizkidsgames.com.

09-11-2005

MechWarrior: AoD World Champion Crowned
WizKids Inc., creator of the runaway hit game MechWarrior: Age of Destruction, is proud to announce that Mike Donovan of Madison, Ohio, defeated all opponents to become the 2005 MechWarrior: Age of Destruction Unrestricted world champion!

Held at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, the MechWarrior Unrestricted World Championship brought dozens of players from several countries together for two days of competition and fun. Donovan previously won the United States National Championship in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Donovan was offered a trophy painted in the colors of the faction of his choice: Clan Sea Fox. In the MechWarrior Unrestricted tournament format, players can play with any MechWarrior game pieces in a variety of different formats and scenarios.

The Fellowship prize, a special award for sporting play, went to Victor Basinger from Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

www.wizkidsgames.com.

09-11-2005

WizKids Launch Rocketmen: AoE Website
WizKids Inc., creators of the runaway hit games Pirates of the Spanish Main and HeroClix, are proud to announce the launch of www.rocketmen-csg.com, the website for their upcoming Rocketmen: Axis of Evil Constructible Strategy Game (CSG).

“The website offers a portal into the exciting, fun future Rocketmen offers,” said Mike Samora, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at WizKids Inc. “It will not only showcase the game, but act as the conduit through which the growing legions of fans will view each new episode of the Rocketmen cartoon series.” The game, set in a retro-space future, features the exploits of Nick Sion, Rocketman of Earth, and his exploits with the Alliance against the evil Legion of Terra.

New Rocketmen episodes are available online each week. The game releases in August, and Game Packs will carry an MSRP of $3.99. Everything one person needs to play comes in one Game Pack. A DVD collecting all 8 episodes of the first season, 2 exclusive episodes, and an exclusive Game Pack, will release at the same time.

06-25-2005

WizKids Announces MechWarrior Unrestricted World Championship Event
WizKids Inc., makers of the popular Mage Knight and HeroClix collectable miniatures games (CMGs), is proud to announce the first MechWarrior: Age of Destruction Unrestricted World Championship.

“This open event will be a fun way for MechWarrior players to find out who’s the best,” said Mike Samora, WizKids vice president of Sales and Marketing. The event, which will take place in September 2005 at Dragon*Con in Atlanta, Ga., is open to any MechWarrior player who wishes to compete.

In Unrestricted events, players may use any MechWarrior game piece. The winner of the event will be crowned the first-ever MechWarrior Unrestricted world champion.

For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

04-10-2005

First Wizard World HeroClix Champion Crowned
WizKids Inc., makers of the popular Mage Knight, HeroClix and MechWarrior collectable miniatures games (CMGs), is proud to announce that Roland Wellington of Las Vegas, Nev., won the winter cycle of the 2005 Wizard World HeroClix Championship Invitational Series, held March 20 in Long Beach, Calif.

“Roland’s spectacular victory is the culmination of months of competition,” said Mike Samora, WizKids vice president of Sales and Marketing. The Wizard World HeroClix Championship Invitational Series occurs in four cycles each year, with players beginning competition at their local comic stores and fighting their way toward championship events at four Wizard World comic and gaming conventions throughout the year.

Wellington beat out 6,000 other participants in the 2005 winter Championship Series cycle to claim the prize in Long Beach. Part of his prize package is a HeroClix figure of Roland’s choice, professionally painted by Chris Hart, WizKids’ award-winning artist.

The second 2005 Wizard World HeroClix Championship Invitational Series is already underway; it will culminate in the spring in Philadelphia.

For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

04-02-2005

Alderac Team Up With Cryptic: City of Heroes CCG Is Born
Alderac Entertainment Group, Inc. announced today the acquisition of the collectible card game (CCG) license for the highly successful City of Heroes online computer game (http://www.cityofheroes.com). City of Heroes is the creation of design house Cryptic Studios and publisher NCsoft Corporation. Award-winning game designer, David Williams (Legend of the Five Rings, Doomtown, Warlord, Initial D, Spycraft, Football Champions) takes the lead role to develop a game that brings together hobby and computer gamers for a new gaming experience. Top Cow Productions (Witchblade, Tomb Raider, Hunter-Killer), which is also producing the City of Heroes comic book, will illustrate the artwork for this new game.

City of Heroes has received mass market and critical acclaim in the gaming industry since its launch in April of 2004. The game was awarded PC or Console Game of the Year and Multiplayer Game of the Year by Billboard Magazine. It also received MMORPG of the year honors from Spike TV and Computer Gaming World.

The new card game will release its first set, City of Heroes CCG: Arena, this November. “With such a popular license, I see this as an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between card gamers, computer gamers, and comic book fans,” says City of Heroes CCG Brand Manager, Raymond Lau. “There’s no doubt that the joint efforts of high caliber companies like Cryptic Studios, Top Cow Productions, and Alderac Entertainment Group will result in a world class product.”

“We are thrilled to be working with Alderac Entertainment Group,” says City of Heroes Lead Designer Jack Emmert. “Alderac has a long history of producing quality products and providing the kind of complete support that we feel is core to the City of Heroes property.”

http://www.alderac.com

03-19-2005

WizKids Announce 'Rocketmen' CSG
WizKids Inc., makers of the popular Pirates of the Spanish Main and Pirates of the Crimson Coast constructible strategy games (CSGs), is proud to announce Rocketmen: Axis of Evil, a new CSG debuting this summer.

Rocketmen will be accompanied by both Web- and DVD-based cartoons that feature a cutting-edge animation style that updates the fun of a retro space serial. WizKids created the CSG genre in 2004.

"WizKids(r) is committed to creating innovative new games," said Mike Samora, vice president of Sales and Marketing at WizKids. "Rocketmen combines large-fleet strategy, resource management and a fun, "retro-space" universe." In the weeks leading up to the release of Rocketmen, an exclusive cartoon will debut on the WizKids website. Later, a DVD will collect all eight episodes of the cartoon, add two new episodes and come with exclusive Rocketmen game pieces.

The Rocketmen game will be sold in fine game, comic, and hobby stores everywhere. Its exciting fictional universe was created by Jordan Weisman, and the game was created by WizKids' award-winning game designers.

For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

03-18-2005

WizKids Release 'Crimson Coast' PotSM Expansion
WizKids Inc., makers of the popular Mage Knight, HeroClix and MechWarrior collectable miniatures games (CMGs), is proud to announce the release of Pirates of the Crimson Coast, a standalone expansion for the Pirates of the Spanish Main constructible strategy game (CSG).

“Pirates of the Crimson Coast introduces several exciting new game play elements,” said Jordan Weisman, WizKids® CEO. “A new faction – the French – has joined the race for treasure, and new schooner ships make for faster battles on the open seas.” Additionally, forts protect players’ plunder, and three new kinds of terrain can replace islands, with treacherous consequences for the unprepared sailor.

Pirates of the Crimson Coast can be played as a standalone game or as an expansion for Pirates of the Spanish Main, the best-selling CSG. Each Game Pack (MSRP $3.99) contains everything one person needs to play a basic game, including a ship, crew, complete rules of play, a terrain feature/island and a die. Additional Packs will expand a player’s collection. Parrots and monkeys not included.

For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

03-04-2005

Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig And Hall Of Famers Headline 2005 MLB Sportsclix
Topps Inc., makers of the best-selling MLB SportsClix collectible miniatures game (CMG), is proud to announce the all-new 2005 MLB SportsClix releasing March 30th. The game is produced by WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps.

The all-new game plays faster, with everything two people need to get into the dugout packaged in one low-priced Starter Set. Booster Packs expand collections with rare Hall of Fame players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, and they also include the elusive Master Piece Babe Ruth Red Sox figure (one recently auctioned on eBay for $1,300, which benefited the Boys and Girls Club of America).

It features real major leaguers sculpted as two-inch-high 3-D game pieces. MLB SportsClix gamers act as team managers, collecting and trading the miniature players to face each other on a ballpark playmat.

MLB SportsClix simulates real game situations by using specially-designed dice together with actual statistics that are contained in each player-specific figurine. The Alex Rodriguez figure, for example, will be a more powerful player in the SportsClix world just as he is in real life. And Randy Johnson will be an intimidating presence on the mound.

Starter Sets (SRP $9.99) contain four pre-selected figures, enough tokens to fill a dugout, complete rules, special dice, a playmat and a collector’s list. Booster Packs (SRP $4.99) contain two randomly selected figures. Learn more about MLB™ SportsClix online at www.wizkidsgames.com/sportsclix/mlb. 

02-20-2005

Decipher Offers New Promo Foils For The Lord of the Rings TCG
Decipher will be adding a new subset of collectible foil promo cards to The Lord of the Rings TCG, beginning with the March 18, 2005 release of Black Rider. The expansion will include exciting new game play for players and a whole new series of promo cards for collectors and fans of The Lord of the Rings. These new promo foils fall into two categories: the Legends foil subset and the Legends Masterworks foil subset.

“We have two very different audiences for The Lord of the Rings TCG,” said Dan Bojanowski, Decipher Brand Manager for The Lord of the Rings TCG. “Collectors have wanted more products that appeal to them. The players, on the other hand, are always excited to open a pack and find a cool card to put in their deck or trade to a collector for something else. The new Legends subsets now address both of these needs and does it in a way that adheres to the grand scale of The Lord of the Rings.”

• Legends Foil Subset - The new Legends series of foil inserts will be comprised of 18 of the best rare cards from the Black Rider expansion reproduced in diffraction foil and inserted in 11-card booster packs, replacing the rare card. The average chance of finding a Legends insert is one in every nine packs.
• Legends Masterworks foil subset - The Legends Masterworks series of foil inserts will feature nine cards from the Legends Foil Subset but will feature alternate art templates similar to the card treatment that Decipher used for its 2003 Countdown to the King retail promotion. The average chance of finding a Legends Masterworks insert is one in every 35 packs.

“The 18 cards that we have chosen for the Legends foil subset are really some of the best cards in the set. This means that you have a possibility of getting the rare Faramir non-foil, then again in the Legends foil treatment, and then also in the Legends Masterworks foil treatment,” Bojanowski explained.

The Black Rider expansion for The Lord of the Rings TCG releases on March 18, 2005 worldwide. The second set in the War of the Ring Block, Black Rider will continue the themes started in Shadows, which included the use of new keywords, new culture alignments, and a new site-path mechanic which allows for real-time game play decisions. One week after the release of Black Rider, Decipher will implement a rotation schedule for The Lord of the Rings TCG.

Black Rider is currently being solicited to hobby retailers worldwide and is available from any authorized Decipher distributor.

For more information, visit www.decipher.com.

01-30-2005

Blue Kabuto & Spiral Studio Team Up - More Fu Announced
Finally - signs of life from Blue Kabuto Games! Below is an official announcement posted on the Yahoo Groups 'Cookie Fu' forum regarding the much-delayed expansions for Cookie Fu, and a new game - Dojo Dice!

"Greetings Fellow Fu Fighters,

I have good news to report. Blue Kabuto will be entering into a partnership with Spiral Design Studios to release the new sets for Cookie Fu (Death by Dim Sum & Sweet and Sour Sorcery).

Additionally, in partnership, they will be releasing a new product line entitled "Dojo-Dice" that will license the "Fu mechanic" for use in this new line of martial arts fighting dice games. Dojo-dice will play very similar to Cookie Fu and (fingers crossed) will be 100% compatible with Cookie Fu. That way players can swap out dice from varying styles to create truly unique fighters!

The first set of Dojo-Dice to be released is the style of Tae Kwon Do. Others including: Karate, Judo, Kendo, and Streetfighting are planned.

Thank you for all your support and faith. More info when I have it.

Hope springs eternal,
Bryan Kowalski - Blue Kabuto Games"

Links:
http://www.bluekabuto.com (Note - the site hasn't been updated for some time now - use the Yahoo Groups if you want to keep up with the BK news.)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cookiefu/
 

01-16-2005

Decipher Releases First 'WARS' Expansion
Nowhere to Hide, the first expansion for Decipher’s WARS TCG release[d] [recently]. Nowhere to Hide is releasing a month earlier than a normal core expansion, based on the desire to inject a greater number of cards into the set for the ever-growing player communities.

“Nowhere to Hide works well on two levels,” said Chuck Kallenbach, WARS TCG Brand Manager for Decipher. “First, it offers terrific gameplay for all tournament formats including constructed, sealed deck and especially booster draft. Every faction gets impressive cards that will really ramp up the conflict. On the storyline side, NtH continues to explore the mysterious element known as Traginium. All of the factions want it for different reasons, and the theme behind this expansion is the battles that are fought to control it.”

Nowhere to Hide will be included in the $10,000 WARS TCG booster draft tournament at the Decipher Vegas Open on March 11 – 13, 2005, prior to GTS, the trade show for the hobby gaming industry. Details on the Decipher Vegas Open are still being finalized. Details will be posted shortly on www.decipher.com.

Nowhere to Hide contains 167 cards and an 18-card collectible foil subset available in 15-card booster packs ($3.69) and two 60-card starter decks ($10.99). To find a Decipher Platinum Preferred Retailer worldwide, visit www.decipher.com. For more information on WARS TCG, visit www.warstcg.com.

01-09-2005

Decipher Announces 2005 WARS TCG Schedule
Decipher has announced the 2005 product release schedule for WARS TCG the first proprietary trading card game the 22 year-old company has released.

“We have an exciting story to tell with WARS TCG,” said Chuck Kallenbach, WARS TCG Brand Manager for Decipher. “And, coupled with the industry-proven gameplay from our SWCCG, fans of all kinds will enjoy what we have to offer in 2005.”

The WARS TCG 2005 Release Schedule:
NOWHERE TO HIDE
Releases January 7, 2005
167 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Two 60-card starter decks $10.99 each, 15-card booster packs $3.69 each
The battle for Ganymede, and the rare element Traginium, begins here!

EDGE OF A SWORD
Releases May, 2005
167 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Two 60-card starter decks $10.99 each, 15-card booster packs $3.69 each
A bold Maverick heist, gladiators on Seyal, but who wins and who loses on Ganymede?

MOTION OF MIND
Releases September, 2005
330+ cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Four 60-card starter decks $10.99 each, 15-card booster packs $3.69 each
Becoming aware of themselves and each other, the kizen become a force to be reckoned with!

EYE OF INSIGHT
Releases January, 2006
167 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Two 60-card starter decks $10.99 each, 15-card booster packs $3.69 each
Governments, corporations, and armies try to halt the rise of the kizen and maintain the status quo.

*Exact product configurations subject to change.

WARS TCG takes place in our Solar System, 400 years into mankind’s future. Humanity is fractured and split over three groups. The Earthers live in a heavily structured and corporate Earth. The Gongen are the remnants of some of Earth’s Asian societies who colonized and then declared independence on Mars. The Mavericks are the misfits of humanity that populate the moons of Jupiter. Two additional factions enter play when an arrogant and dominating species known as the Shi enter our Solar System, pursued by the monstrous Quay who have suffered thousands of years of slavery at the hands of the Shi.

The story from Decipher fits perfectly into the gameplay mechanics of Decipher’s popular Star Wars CCG, a top seller from 1995-2001. Some of the industry’s top artists, as well as some talented up-and-comers provided the images in WARS TCG.

“”If you’re a true gamer and you’re looking for the most strategic game, then WARS is for you,” said Kallenbach. “WARS TCG has more to offer than the standard card-flipping in other games. You use every card in your deck; all of the cards have game text, you battle in two different theaters and have multiple battles per turn. Plus, our Samurai have guns, so it’s a lot of fun to play.”

WARS TCG is available at hobby gaming stores worldwide, and has already been translated into German and Italian. Other translations are currently under negotiation.

Visit www.warstcg.com for more information.

01-03-2005

Decipher Announces 2005 Star Trek CCG Schedule
2005 will be a year of rejuvenation for Decipher’s first CCG. The game that introduced licensed properties to hobby card gaming, STAR TREK CCG, is entering its eleventh year of release. Though not always at the top of Decipher’s circle of trading card games, STAR TREK CCG has been consistently popular with its fan base of gamers and collectors. In 2005, Decipher will increase the marketing and promotion push for the game and re-introduce it to gamers who probably haven’t looked at it in a while.

“We’re very excited about STAR TREK Second Edition CCG in 2005,” said Erika Stensvaag, STAR TREK Second Edition CCG Brand Manager for Decipher. “With two sold-out products in 2004, the long-time fans of this game have spoken, and we’ve been listening. Our product schedule has lots of surprises in store! And with Enterprise growing in popularity each season, this is the perfect time kick STAR TREK Second Edition CCG up a notch!”

2005 Star Trek CCG Release Schedule

STAR TREK Second Edition CCG Strange New Worlds
April 2005
120 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
11-card booster packs, $3.69 each
The Ferengi officially become a full affiliation in Second Edition. Fans can also look for more holograms and Androids. And for the collectors and fans of spoilers, all new extended-art preview cards will appear first as part of the foil subset! Who will they be? Maybe a popular Vulcan, but not one you would expect!

STAR TREK Second Edition CCG The Anthology
June 2005
20 foiled cards
18 cards from previous Second Edition sets but reprinted with a decidedly STAR TREK-twist! Also look for two more extended-art previews!

STAR TREK Second Edition CCG To Boldly Go
August 2005
120 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
11-card booster packs, $3.69 each
A new Starfleet affiliation helps introduce the personnel and ships from Star Trek's newest property, Enterprise! Also look for some favorite STAR TREK cadets as we look back at the early years. To Boldly Go will incorporate a new and exciting game mechanic that will increase your deckbuilding and gameplay choices dramatically!

STAR TREK Second Edition CCG Captain's Log
December 2005
120 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
11-card booster packs, $3.69 each
Voyager and her crew make their Second Edition debut with a unique, new reporting ability. Plus, some favorite captains and their ships get their due in this expansion that wraps up a huge year of game-changing cards, highly desirable promos, and engaging play formats.

*Exact product configurations subject to change.

STAR TREK Second Edition CCG is available at hobby gaming retailers and Decipher Platinum Preferred Retailers worldwide. Visit www.decipher.com for more information.

01-03-2005

Decipher Announces 2005 Lord Of The Rings TCG Schedule
Decipher has announced the 2005 product release schedule for The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game.

“2005 is going to be a great year for The Lord of the Rings TCG,” said Dan Bojanowski, The Lord of the Rings TCG Brand Manager for Decipher. “There’s been a lot of talk and speculation about what we’d be able to do with the game once the films were done and the DVDs released. Starting with our November 2004 release of Shadows, we’ve been able to open up the gameplay and take it in a new direction. We’re now able to design sets based around themes that are woven through all three films, and not just one at a time. It will be very exciting for new and existing players alike.”

The Lord of the Rings TCG 2005 Release Schedule

BLACK RIDER
Releases March 2005
194 cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Two 63-card starter decks $10.99 each, 11-card booster packs $3.69 each
What began in Shadows is now expanded and enhanced in the newest War of the Ring block expansion for The Lord of the Rings TCG: Black Rider. Featuring enhanced strategies using the keywords Muster, Lurker, Toil and Resistance plus a host of new companions and minions to invigorate and intensify gameplay. Your epic adventure lies before you. But peril follows in the form of a Black Rider!


BLOODLINES
Releases July 2005
180+ cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
Two 63-card starter decks $10.99 each, 11-card booster packs $3.69 each
The third and final set in the War of the Ring block, Bloodlines will add new minions and strategies to The Lord of the Rings TCG.


WAR OF THE RING ANTHOLOGY
Releases August 2005
18 foil Tengwar language cards from the War of the Ring Block, one random starter deck, six booster packs (two from Shadows, two from Black Rider, and two from Bloodlines), a comprehensive card list for the War of the Ring Block, all packaged in a beautiful and sturdy 600-card capacity collector’s box. $39.95


THE HUNTERS
Releases November 2005
250+ cards, 18-card collectible foil subset
four 63-card starter decks $10.99 each, 11-card booster packs $3.69 each
The Hunters base set begins the new block and will feature new versions of the hunters — Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli! When the Fellowship fell apart, the Hunters stayed true to each other. But will it be enough to overcome what’s hunting them?

*Exact product configurations subject to change.

The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game is available at hobby gaming retailers and Decipher Platinum Preferred Retailers worldwide. Visit www.decipher.com for more information.

01-03-2005

This Just In From Wizards: "Games Help Kids"
This just in from the Wizards of the Coast PR dept.:

Trading Card Games helpful in social and cognitive development

Parents looking for games that educate as well as entertain their children this holiday season may want to consider trading cards games. Although youth are constantly stimulated by movies, video games and music, they may be missing out on a key component of cognitive and social development - constructive, interactive play. This is especially important for older, school-age children as it helps them build relationships and life-long strategic thinking skills.

Trading card games foster constructive interaction and cooperation among the players. Introduced in the 1990s, this genre continues to be especially popular with youth who are looking for fun games to share with friends. And, parents are also embracing trading card games because they teach math and strategy skills while promoting social interaction.

"Trading card games can help children develop important organizational and reasoning strategies," said Dr. Helen Boehm, psychologist and author of Fearless Parenting for the New Millennium and The Official Guide to the Right Toys. "In addition to providing a fundamental approach to divergent thinking and socialization, these interactive trading card games encourage creative planning and problem-solving skills."

Trading card games are designed to engage the player's imagination and sharpen sound reasoning as the child becomes successful in playing the game. Not only do children learn new skills with these interactive card games, but it also provides parents with the opportunity to teach their children good sportsmanship and fair play.

"Learning to respect rules, take turns and follow directions - all taught and reinforced during trading card game play - are time-tested and necessary skills for success in school and throughout life," said Dr. Boehm.

There are dozens of games to choose from, so parents should always select subjects and play levels that are age appropriate and aligned with the needs and interest of their children. Some of the most popular trading card games currently on the market that appeal to a variety of audiences include:

Trading card game purists will recommend Magic: The Gathering for those looking for a game with never-ending possibilities. Released as the first trading card game in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast, it remains the No. 1 trading card game today, with more than 6 million players. Each player represents magic users who have gathered to do battle with their spells (deck of cards) and attempts to beat their opponent with their spells. The player can assemble his or her deck to reflect their mood, style or opponent.

Neopets Trading Card Game is an entry-level experience for 8-12 year olds and is a simple way to introduce the strategy and fun of trading card games. Based on the on-line world of Neopia (www.neopets.com), players use their favorite Neopets to compete in areas of strength, agility, magic and intelligence.

Duel Masters Trading Card Game combines the artwork of some of Japan's finest artists with fast and intense game play that brings alive a dimensional realm of mighty and mysterious civilizations where players can battle and cast spells to break the other player's defense.

MLB Showdown combines the fun of collecting sports cards with the strategy of trading card games. Acting as the manager and owner of the team, players can assemble the perfect squad, create starting lineups, and make the calls - from steals, squeeze plays, to going to the bullpen for late-inning relief.

GI Joe Trading Card Game, based on the popular action figures, gives the player strategic control of the heroic GI Joe troops as they battle the forces of Cobra. As the general, players can deploy their troops, engage the enemy in one-on-one combat, and then launch an all-out firefight.

The Star Wars Trading Card Games hold all the weapons, characters and ships necessary to recreate the intensity and action of the Star Wars movies. Players can recreate lightsaber duels, space battles and ground assaults based on their armies, strategies and plans.

Getting Started:
With most trading card games, you can get started with a two-player game starter set, which includes two decks of trading cards (one for each player), a playing mat and detailed instructions. It also includes special accessories (such as a die or coins) that are unique to the specific game.

As players become more familiar with their trading card game of choice, they can expand on their starter deck by adding cards from expansion or "booster" card sets. Adding these cards will allow players to personalize their decks to reflect their preferences for certain strategies and clever card combinations. With variations in rules and setup, there is simplicity balanced with strategy for all levels of play.

NGG Note:
While we totally agree with what Wizards is saying here, we'd also like to point out that there are PLENTY of other games available made by other fine companies that you should check out. Do your research before getting into a trading card (or collectible card) game.

12-19-2004

WizKids Offer Rebate For SportsClix '05
Next spring, MLB SportsClix 2005 will be a whole new ballgame! Because the expansion is not compatible with MLB SportsClix 2004, WizKids is giving current MLB SportsClix players the chance to participate in a limited-time trade-in offer!

Current MLB SportsClix players who purchase one MLB SportsClix 2005 Starter Set and one MLB SportsClix 2005 Booster Pack can download a rebate form from the WizKids website www.wizkidsgames.com. Those customers may send the completed rebate form — along with any nine players from the MLB SportsClix 2004 set, the UPCs from the bottom of the MLB SportsClix 2005 Starter Set and Booster Pack and the original sales receipt — to WizKids at the address indicated on the rebate form.

Those customers will then receive a rebate check for an amount equal to the cost of the Starter Set and Booster Pack (up to $14.98); customers are responsible for any sales tax. The offer ends April 30, 2005; the nine 2004 figures, coupon, UPCs and original sales receipt must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2005. Only one rebate per household.

The coupon will be made available on the WizKids website before MLB SportsClix 2005 releases in spring 2005.

12-10-2004

Marvel HeroClix: Mutant Mayhem Announced
WizKids Inc., makers of the best-selling Mage Knight, HeroClix, and MechWarrior collectable miniatures games (CMGs), is proud to announce the release of MarvelHeroClix: Mutant Mayhem, the next expansion for the Marvel HeroClix CMG.

“Mutant Mayhem adds several exciting elements to HeroClix play,” said Jordan Weisman, WizKids CEO. “The fan response to the new mechanics — feats, battlefield conditions and bystander tokens — has been amazing.” Mutant Mayhem also introduces giant-sized figures (the HeroClix debut of Ultimate Giant-Man) and super-rare figures, which were previously available only as tournament prizes.

Marvel HeroClix: Mutant Mayhem Booster Packs contain either four randomly selected miniature figures or three randomly selected miniature figures, one of which is the oversized Giant-Man figure, and one randomly selected card and a rules insert. Each carries an MSRP of $7.99.

Learn more about Marvel HeroClix online at www.wizkidsgames.com/heroclix. 

11-28-2004

MLB SportsClix 2005 Announced
Topps Inc., makers of the best-selling MLB SportsClix collectible miniatures game (CMG), is proud to announce the upcoming 2005 MLB SportsClix release, next season’s new SportsClix release. The game is produced by WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps.

“The 2005 MLB SportsClix set offers more options for collectors and players alike,” said Mike Samora, WizKids vice president of Marketing. “Everything about this great game has been expanded, improved and tweaked for this exciting release.” 

The game plays faster, with everything two people need to get into the dugout packaged in one low-priced Starter Set. Booster Packs expand collections with rare Hall of Fame players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, and they also include the elusive Master Piece Babe Ruth figure.

Starter Sets (MSRP $9.99) contain four pre-selected figures, enough tokens to fill a dugout, complete rules, special dice, a playmat and a collector’s list. Booster Packs (MSRP $4.99) contain two randomly selected figures. Learn more about MLB SportsClix online at www.wizkidsgames.com/sportsclix/mlb.

11-12-2004

Decipher WARS Tour: November 2004 Dates Announced
Decipher, after just releasing their new game "Wars" using their old Star Wars game engine, have announced the "Wars" tour and the November dates. Here's the details:

"In celebration of the October 6 launch of our new WARS TCG and the November 3 release of the initial set of The Lord of the Rings TCG's "War of the Ring" block, Decipher staff will once again take to the road "on tour" in November, on the Decipher WARS Tour!"

"In the spirit of our previous Black Rider and Level Up! tours, Decipher Sales, Marketing, and Game Studio staffers will travel around the U.S., Canada, and Europe, promoting the games through WARS TCG booster draft and Lord of the Rings TCG sealed deck tournaments. The "Black Riders" and "Hackers" are now the Decipher "Warriors", and as always will have a bounty on their heads – beat them in a tournament round and win a bounty prize! In addition, an exclusive premium card for each game will be available at each stop."

On the Decipher website is a list of major city areas each warrior will be visiting in North America and Europe.

For more information about the Decipher Wars Tour, see the initial announcement at the link on the website (http://decipherstore.fanhq.com/Articles/Article.aspx?ID=506). Let the wars begin!

11-01-2004

Upper Deck Offers New Entertainment and Sports Collectibles
The Upper Deck Company rings in the holiday season with an array of new and returning products guaranteed to make the season merry and bright. This year's Upper Deck holiday All-Stars include the Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, Bratz Trading Card Game, Marvel Trading Card Game, Disney Holiday Treasures, and U.S. History trading card sets - not to mention, exciting collectible box sets perfect for the sports enthusiast. All Upper Deck holiday products will be on display at the Toy Industry Association and Toy Wishes Holiday Preview Event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City on Tuesday, October 5.

Last month, Upper Deck released: the holiday favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Collectible Tins, which includes an assortment of the game's top-selling booster packs, and brand new cards; the Disney Holiday Treasures Collectible Card Set, which highlights favorite Disney holiday scenes and characters, special holiday figurines, and the upcoming Disney CGI video, "Twice Upon a Christmas"; Upper Deck's new U.S. History trading card set, which celebrates American history's most beloved places and people of all time; and Upper Deck Rivals -- Red Sox vs. Yankees Box Set, highlighting the greatest rivalry in sports, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

Later this year, Upper Deck will release: the Marvel Trading Card Game Deluxe Collector Tin (mid-October), which includes four Marvel TCG booster packs, and one special variant card available only in these spectacular tins; the first-ever Upper Deck Rivals -- LeBron vs. Carmelo (mid-October) Box Set, featuring autographed cards of two of the most collectible players to enter the NBA; the Disney-Pixar Treasures card set featuring the upcoming Disney-Pixar flick "The Incredibles" (late October), as well as additional Disney-Pixar favorites; Flashback Fever! Collectible Fashion Packs, the newest additions to the Bratz Fashion Party Fever Game series (November); and the new Yu-Gi-Oh! TCGMaster Collection (late November), which includes the first six Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG boosters ever released, and six variant cards, including the highly sought after "Exodia the Forbidden One" card.

Upper Deck's list of spectacular holiday gift items currently on store shelves include: the Bratz Fashion Party Fever Game - UDE's new cooperative trading card game made especially for girls; the NBA Jox Box series; and Upper Deck's newest sports collectible -- Rollerz -- a unique collectible featuring top athletes in a "wobbly" fashion in which fans of all ages can roll, collect, trade and enjoy.

For additional information on Upper Deck and its products, log onto www.upperdeck.com.

10-11-2004