Nomad Tue Aug 13, 2013 2:54 pm
NAME OF THE TEST UNIT: Bionic Gladiator Hero
THEME TEST: Are there are any powers or stats on the test unit card that do not accurately reflect the theme or likeness of what the character should be able to do? Also consider whether or not this character's powers should affect destructible objects. Good to go. Powers should affect destructible objects.
FUN TEST: Was the unit fun to play? The Lightning Hammer was useful. I only got in one bionic leap and didn't really benefit from Spartacus' Inspiration. Didn't use Shockwave either. Could be funner in a different build or with better strategy perhaps.
FUN OPPOSITION TEST: Was the unit acceptable to play against? Could it be considered annoying? Acceptable and not annoying.
USAGE TEST: Were all of the powers on this card used, or at least usable? All powers are usable, I couldn't get opponent's figures lined up to use Shockwave.
STRATEGY TEST: Does the unit offer any real strategy or interesting tactics to the overall game? Tons of strategy in placing the figure and deciding which power to use. Offers placement and strategy considerations for the opponent as well. Very nice.
BONDING TEST: Compare the unit card with all currently existing Bonding abilities. Are there any Bonding loops that do not stop appropriately? No bonding loops
SYNERGIES TEST: Think of all the current cards that would have synergy with the unit card. Are there any factors that could break the game by making a unit too powerful or too weak? Getting Gladiator Inspiration was good . . . for one move and a couple of rounds of extra defense. Together with Spartacus, that is a lot of points though. If playing larger point games this army would be awesome!
POWER CHECK: When considering the test unit against all existing units (including released C3V and SoV units) and all glyphs, are there any powers that could be overamplified and break the game? Each power should define when it takes place, who or what it affects, and what conditions (if any) apply. All good here.
DRAFTING TEST: Is this unit worth drafting? Yep - more playtests to follow.
MIRROR TEST: Consider the test unit against itself. Are there any loops that would upset the balance of the Game? No
ARMY TEST 1
Did the unit perform adequately? What should be the unit's point value? Give a brief summary. [insert pass/fail, point value, and brief summary] Nope . . . only killed 4 stingers, not close to his points. This was probably a function of the player, the army choice, and not the figure.
Map: Sirocco
Units:
Army 1: Spartacus, Bionic Guy, Priscus, Isamu = 490 points
VS
Army 2: Tor-Kul-Na, Stingers x3, Nagrubs x3 = 490 points
Rd 1. Spartacus and Bionic Guy split directions to the hill on either side of the map. Stingers did the same and got in 4 attacks but no damage.
Rd 2. Bionic Guy used the Hammer to take out two Stingers and Spartacus took out another one. Stingers dealt out 1 wound to Spart and 3 to Bionic Guy.
Rd 3. Bionic Guy managed to take out only 1 Stinger in three turns with the Hammer and managed to fend off attacks, but Spartacus took a couple of wounds.
Rd 4. Utgar team finally won initiative and promptly killed Spartacus. Einar team lost #1 OM. Stingers placed 4 wounds on Priscus by shooting down into the start zone. Bionic Guy took 1 wound but killed 2 Stingers with the Hammer, finally clearing his side of the map of Stingers.
Rd 5. Utgar wins initiative and kills Priscus. #1 OM gone again. Priscus didn't get to play. Tork and the Nagrubs moved up to challenge Bionic Guy.
Rd 6. Bionic Guy throws a couple of 6 attacks on Tork, but does not damage. Tork takes him out and moves toward Isamu, who gets in a couple of vanishes.
Rd 7. Stingers back into play. After a couple of vanishes, a dead Nagrub, Isamu finally dies.
Final thoughts: Not a successful army build or strategy for Gladiators. Bionic Guy was not worth his points in this battle. I'm going to try something different. I really like what he brings to the table. 180 points is a lot and I'm not sure if it is too much at this point, even if he does have the bonding.
