ICv2 has learned that WizKids is preparing to launch a HeroClix Online game that will debut in the late spring or early summer. The PC-based game was created by the North Carolina-based Icarus Studios LLC, developers of the Fallen Earth MMO.
WizKids’ Lax Chandra explained that Magic Online was the model for what WizKids is trying to do with HeroClix Online: “We definitely don’t want to cannibalize sales with the online game. This is meant to be completely non-cannibalistic, as much as we can. Our goal is to bring back players. We want to recapture players who got married or whatever, stopped going to the stores, and stopped playing the game. We want to give them a way to play at home, play against someone online. We’re going to have rewards (in the online game) that drive players into the stores.”
The HeroClix Online Game will present a computerized version of the HeroClix tabletop game with screens and gameplay that duplicate as closely as possible what occurs in an actual HeroClix game.
Wizkids announced today the addition of "The Lord of the Rings" property to their 2011 HeroClix release schedule through a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. The first products of the new "The Lord of the Rings" line will be a HeroClix miniatures game followed by a HeroClix strategic board game, both of which will release in the back half of 2011.
"The Lord of the Rings" HeroClix miniatures game will be sold in two different packages: a campaign style box set and the traditional booster format. The all-in-one campaign style box set will include everything a player needs, including NEW epic level rules and maps. The booster format includes the figures, similar to other previous HeroClix releases. With whichever format chosen, all of the twenty or more figures will be compatible with other HeroClix miniatures games.
The second release is a unique semi cooperative HeroClix board game, following in the similar format of our other HeroClix board game products. HeroClix figures, a gameboard and several decks of cards provide all the components needed to play this unique take on "The Lord of the Rings" story. The fun twist in the game is that players get to play as the Nazgul working with and against other Nazgul trying to capture the One Ring before it reaches Mount Doom.
WizKids will release Star Trek Expeditions, a new Co-Operative HeroClix game designed by Reiner Knizia, on June 15th. The game, based on the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie released in 2009, is for one to four players and takes roughly 60 minutes to play.
Star Trek Expeditions will include six HeroClix minis (Kirk, Spock, Uhuru, Dr. McCoy, the Enterprise, and a Klingon Battle Cruiser), a game board, cards, tokens, and dice.
In the game’s new storyline, players must lead an away team to the surface of the planet Nibia. It includes random side missions, a unique branching mission tree, and three difficulty levels, which provides a high replayability factor.
Retailers that pre-order five copies will receive a free demo copy for in-store demos (one per store).
WizKids’ Star Trek license includes all the TV shows and feature films (see “WizKids Gets Star Trek”).
WizKids/NECA has announced plans to release a retail version of the Colossal Dr. Manhattan figure for the Watchmen HeroClix line in April. This will be a new version of the company’s 2010 convention exclusive miniature, with an updated paint scheme.
The model stands nearly 15 inches tall, with a base measuring 10 inches by 6 inches. It weighs about two pounds. Along with the model, the package includes re-designed campaign rules, character card, dials, and a 24-inch by 36-inch map of Dr. Manhattan’s “Crystal Palace.” The model offers three different power levels, at 600, 800, or 1200 points.
The Colossal Dr. Manhattan model is scheduled for release on April 6, 2011. It will have a suggested retail price of $79.99.
ICv2 has learned that WizKids is preparing to launch a HeroClix Online game that will debut in the late spring or early summer. The PC-based game was created by the North Carolina-based Icarus Studios LLC, developers of the Fallen Earth MMO. 
