The release of Earth X rapidly approaches, bringing a wave of iconic and fan-favorite characters interpreted through the epic lens of Alex Ross. Rising to that epic nature, we've retooled the classic Marquee Primer format for a 3-person panel and rated the set for 300 Sealed, 400 Sealed, and 300 Modern formats! Let JRuffing, saturnflight, and Ignatz_Mouse be your guides through this exciting new expansion.

Part 1: Commons
Part 2: Uncommons
Part 3: Rares
Part 4: Super-Rares
Part 5: Chases

Part 0: Introduction

With our Primer for Earth X, we're trying out a new review structure hoping to generate more discussion and provide insights for a variety of formats. JRuffing, Ignatz_Mouse, and saturnflight will each be assessing the Earth X setlist from the perspective of different settings. JRuffing is responsible for the standard 300 point Sealed tournaments that have historically acted as the framework for Primers. Saturnflight will be raising the Sealed point limit to 400, a popular request from our readers. And Ignatz_Mouse is boldly going where no reviewer has gone before, giving you early impressions on Earth X's role in 300 Modern Constructed events.

As you can imagine, each format will have its own considerations that shape the assessment of the figure.

300 Sealed: Every point matters. Efficiency is the name of the game, and strong attackers who can stand on their own will tend to score well. Inexpensive threats also excel in this format, though they need to have some stamina to prevent an early KO and point deficit. Theme teams are a strong possibility, but map choice has a small strategic role; named keywords are king, however, as they guarantee you access to Probability Control. Synergy-based powers are seldom seen as reliable.

400 Sealed: Higher point costs can be viewed as an advantage now, as a durable figure keeps their points safe. Low-cost characters are viewed as disposable, so they need to earn their keep before they're KOed, even if that just means keeping the heat off a priority figure. When you need to fill 400 points from 2 boosters, your odds of a theme team being your best roster are pretty long; as such, keywords get less consideration. Tentpoles have room for support, and are therefore seen as less of a risk.

300 Modern Constructed: With complete control over your choices and full access to the HeroClix releases of the past 2 years, synergy powers and keywords are now primary considerations and strong assets. These reviews are going to cover a spectrum from "terrible" to "works with a theme" to "will see play at the highest levels." As such, don't expect a lot of 4-shield reviews. The idea is "casual-competitive"-- where a lot of figures that would never see high level play still have a lot of value in filling out the theme or carrying their weight in a less competitive environment. And in the end, the rating isn't as important as the description-- because in constructed, there's always a way to make a character work and there's always a reason to play a figure even if they aren't the best thing going.

An Overview of the Set (so far):

With the theme of Earth X, you'd expect that keyword to get a good showing, and it does. By far the most likely theme team to assemble in Sealed, the Earth X keyword appears 15 times in the Commons and Uncommons alone, and 32 times overall. Winning the map roll isn't critically important in a Sealed event, where your map choice is likely limited to the two sides of the map released with Organized Play, but the Probability Control rolls from a named theme give a distinct advantage- especially as Probability Control appears only once in the lower rarities (Commons and Uncommons). Other useful Named keywords: Maggia (11), Sinister Syndicate (14), Spider-Man Family (9).

The Carry ability is common enough in this set, whether via or the Underworld team ability, and is available at all rarities. Willpower (or ) appears on the first click of 30 characters. Sidestep is available on the 1st click of 24 figures. All in all, this means that mobilizing your team shouldn't be too difficult, and most characters should be able to get into a position one turn and attack the next via some means. Notably absent in mobility: Telekinesis, which shows up on only one figure (SR Medusa).

Barrier is seldom talked about as a competitive option, but shouldn't be overlooked- it can keep teams safe while they set up, cut off options, and completely shut in a threatening opponent. It appears once in the lower rarities (Ezekiel). Prime Spider-Woman, Iron Man, and, unreliably, Loki also have it.

The traditional supporting powers have limited (and similar) distribution across rarities. If a character can easily push onto click 2 and gain the power, they're listed here too.
Outwit (14): 2 C, 2 UC, 5 R, 5 SR+
Perplex (12): 2 C, 1 UC, 3 R, 6 SR+
Probability Control (5): 0 C, 1 UC, 2 R, 2 SR+
Leadership (19): 2 C, 8 UC, 6 R, 3 SR+

Stats are pretty much in line with what we're used to, with a 10/17 baseline remaining the norm. 37 characters have an 11 or better on their first click, and counterbalancing that, 33 characters have an 18 or better for defense (not including powers that modify these stats). True to recent trends, range values stay pretty low (0-6 in all but the most impressive instances). 6 characters have a range value of 7 or better, being long enough to fire at a character while staying out of reach of a typical Charge.

The real story of this set, however, is the unexpected dynamics of damage reducers and penetrating damage. Only 16 characters have Invulnerability or better at any point on their dial; only 4 characters in the lower rarities have these 'heavier' reducers. Additionally, 7 of these 15 characters begin with Invincible, making them immune to penetrating damage. As such, there is VERY little need for Psychic Blast and Exploit Weakness. And that opens the field a little more to the characters who DO have those reducers, as their opponents may not be prioritizing those abilities. Oh, and Pulse Wave, the Great Equalizer? 1st click access is limited to one Super Rare and one Ultra-Chase, neither of whom could be called 'mobile'.

This may be the best article to date. I really like the breakdown of the set.

Thanks! It takes a lot of time to compile and analyze those stats!

Thank you guys very much for doing these. I always look forward to reading the Primers.

I am pumped for the primer, and love the new format! I think different perspectives on different areas of the game is awesome, with the nod to constructed making for a great bit of "who to trade for this weekend" advice.

Earth X is a weird one for sure. The Power Creep at 50 points makes me really dislike anyone over 90 that isn't a total monster. Interested to see your guys' scores!

Who to trade for this---So true!!!

Really looking forward to all three of you giving your opinions on this set.

So pumped for the primers. I'm excited to see the new format implemented.

Part 1: Commons are up!

Some boneheaded writer was unaware front page order was tied to thread creation date, so it's not showing up at the top of the page like it should...

Boneheaded error amended. Reposted to top of front page.

http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=602047