Marvel superheroes, HeroClix, and iPad gaming: what can go wrong? WizKids is now producing HeroClix TabApp, 3-packs of mini-figures that you can use to play in a traditional HeroClix game, or as part of an iPad-based video game. Unfortunately, one of these experiences does not live up to the hype.
Miniatures games have been around for a long time, and relatively speaking, HeroClix's 10-year run has made it an industry standard. But miniatures have always had a marketing problem, whether it be high-priced metal figures, the work required to paint and assemble models, or collectible distribution putting up a barrier to entry. Now, WizKids is hoping to leap over that wall by appealing directly to the younger generation and letting them use HeroClix figures directly in an iPad video game.
Let's get the obvious comparisons out of the way: Skylanders. One year ago, nobody could have predicted just how big of a hit Activision's toy and video game franchise would be. It's only natural for the producer of small-scale superheroes to want to get a piece of the video game pie. Marvel and DC characters surely have more stock with kids than Spyro the Dragon, so WizKids should easily be able to riff on the Skylanders formula, right?
Yet unlike Skylanders, HeroClix TabApp is a tale of two games: one which is an enjoyable miniatures combat game, while the other is a fairly poor excuse for a video game. There's a bit of confusion in the split itself, so let me be clear. What you're getting in the TabApp package is not a digital version of HeroClix at all (that already exists here). Instead, placing the HeroClix figure on your tablet simply unlocks three stages of a fast-tapping action game.
Using the figure is completely optional, though. It's really only there to prove that you own the rights to play through that character's campaign. If you can get the figure to register on the app by placing a character on the iPad's screen, it simply unlocks three character-specific levels for the TabApp video game. If you can't get your figures to register (not all of mine worked), you'll have to enter a manual code to unlock the levels.
The TabApp levels are all played from a top-down perspective, where your superhero character (or his outline, if you choose to go sans-figure) will be permanently affixed to the top of the screen. The background will scroll automatically to show your character's movement along a pre-set path, and enemies flood the map. It's your job as a player to tap away at these villains, while mixing in the occasional swipe to activate your character's superpower.
If that doesn't sound like compelling gameplay, that's because it's not. The TabApp is recommended for ages 8 and up, but I can't see it entertaining anyone other than children of a much younger age.
Character models in the TabApp actually look like HeroClix figures, with stats and health dials, so when the game itself has so little to do with actual HeroClix, all of that extraneous information just becomes a distraction. The figures move around like a HeroClix figure would, too. Characters have zero animation, and glide slowly across the screen as they travel. There simply isn't a whole lot of visual engagement in this game, and after a few minutes of tapping, I expect most players will tune out.
The game gets in the way of itself, with a tutorial that is difficult to locate. It's genuinely hard to figure out how to play the game. There is a tutorial level included, but you'll only ever be made aware of it if you click the "don't have a figure" button.
Perhaps the worst sin of all, though, is that the total package does little to move players from the lackluster TabApp to the much more enjoyable HeroClix miniatures game. The packaging and its contents provide barely any indication that there is another game to be played.
Traditional HeroClix is a lot of fun. It'll always be on my list of ways to get kids gaming (as long as parents are OK with its collectible nature). It's just a shame that this product isn't serving as an on-ramp for getting kids to play the superior of the two games.
As it stands, the HeroClix TabApp package could be a great way for a GeekDad to get a kid into gaming, but only if you're prepared to steer them in the right direction. The TabApp was such a letdown that up until this point, I haven't even mentioned the figures, which have a deformed (large head) art style that that actually looks awesome. Unfortunately, if there is no strong influence to guide a kid over to the real HeroClix game, I can only see them getting bored after picking up the TabApp to play on their own.
