Upper Deck’s new game stacks up as a winner

Considering that since 1993, at least 200 collectible trading-card games (TCG) have been attempted but only about 10 have caught fire with fans, introducing one is a risky venture. Especially when powerhouses such as Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon and Magic the Gathering still consume players’ time and money.

So can popular-culture lovers digest another card challenge?

Upper Deck is betting $1 million in cash prizes they will through its new TCG and the initial release of its Vs. System game, Marvel Origins, pitting multiple players against one another in the world of Stan Lee’s favorite superheroes and villains.

Each of the 220 cards features original illustrations from familiar sequential artists such as Howard Chaykin, Brian Steelfreeze, Andy Kubert and Chris Bachalo. They will apply their talents to an arsenal of characters, including Wolverine, the Human Torch, Thomas Cassidy of Hellfire Club fame and the powerful Onslaught.

However, what really makes the game special is its expansive possibilities in the DC Comics set to arrive in June, when cross-branded heroes will team up and battle one another.

“Since we have both the DC and Marvel licenses, this will let players do what comic-book collectors since the dawn of comics have wanted to do,” says Mike Hummel, lead game designer for Upper Deck, who has spent 11 years playing and creating trading-card games.

“Which is [to] find out what, would happen if Superman and Spider-Man teamed up? Or what would happen if Batman had to face off against Dr. Doom? Things that rarely happen in the comics can frequently happen in the card game.”

The game requires a 30- to 60-card deck, depending on tournament rules, created by purchasing booster packs priced at $3.49 per 14-card pack. To win, the players must stun the opponents’ characters until a predetermined number of their endurance points are wiped out.

A deck’s strengths can be built around classic comic-book teams such as the X-Men, Brotherhood of Mutants, Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom or by setting up a rogue deck using any characters that lean toward defensive postures or quick offensive charges.

It’s a complicated mix that should satisfy the advanced card gamer looking for a pop-culture, multiplayer challenge.

To help boost the game’s start-up, Upper Deck is catering to the professional TCG player by developing weekly, officially sanctioned contests and a $1 million Pro Circuit tournament in which $250,000 will be awarded during four events.

The series of tournaments will last throughout the year.

“Games like this are fueled by organized play programs and are social events,” Mr. Hummel says. “The key to success is reaching a critical mass with players who buy the product, can visit their local hobby store and can interact with others who are enjoying the game.”

The TCG virgin

Having never tried to immerse myself in a collectible TCG, I thought Marvel Origins might be a great starting point for this comic-book fan.

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