This Halloween week, Heroclixin’s focus continues on the simple fact that resources are scary.
Last time, we looked at the one that started it all, the Infinity Gauntlet. But far from being limitless and never-ending, it has gone by the wayside. And more than anything else, the second resource is responsible. ______
UTILITY BELT
Folks once griped that the 40-point full Gauntlet was undercosted. Oh, for those innocent days to return.
WHY IT IS NOT F.U.N.: Though it’s been corrected via Watch List and a game-wide rule change or two, The U-Belt is still a busted element because it essentially makes any old character into Batman.
Here’s the thing, though. Batman’s utility belt isn’t what makes Batman, well, Batman.
Actually being BATMAN makes Batman Batman.
The dumbness doesn’t stop there. The underpriced items — ONE point apiece! — are also better than anything Bats has ever packed in his yellow britches-bearing waistband.
- Gas Grenades/Smoke Pellets: Free penetrating damage? This should be plain Smoke Cloud or Incap or something.
- Batarangs: Oh, wait, HERE’S the Incap. :/
- Rebreather: So this mouthpiece is supposed to make him swim as fast as Aquaman? Really?
- Handcuffs: Why would any Super Strong or Phasing/Teleport character care about these?
And these are just the basic ones. Look at the convention exclusive items that further upped the arms race:
- First Aid Kit. Because someone wearing Batman’s clothes is somehow a better medic than an ACTUAL MEDIC. (Never mind that ALFRED is the real combat medicine expert.)
- Night Vision Goggles. So it’s not enough that they see Stealthed characters, but they see them BETTER? Not great game balance.
One would think perhaps the limited number of these items would rein in their abuse. But no, the UB is designed to refill itself and/or prevent the items from being “used up.” Because God forbid you actually have to risk losing A) the Willpower that toting 3 items gives you or B) the team-ability-squishing skill that having 5 items does.
Then there’s the dial’s penchant for frequent stat boosts, all guaranteed. It starts with a blanket +1 to stats, that the IG had to push and wait and push and wait for. This boost reappears on stop clicks throughout the dial. Worse, there are the +2 clicks. Sure it’s only “godhood” for a turn, but good freakin’ grief.
Finally, there’s the Costume slot: Get a Batman Cowl to make you extra-Stealthy or a Robin Uniform for Teen Titans team ability or a Suit of Sorrows for Super Strength because that’s a power Batman has for some reason.
It’s 14 points of clothes that make a fig into Batman. That’s dumb. And a horror.
It’s hard to figure how resources could get worse. But they do. Check in next time, if you dare.