This February sees the newest release for WizKids‘ Dice Masters, Marvel Dice Masters: Iron Man and War Machine Starter Set. The first starter set has an Iron Man focus introducing new mechanics.

I’ll be reviewing a card a day until the whole set is completed and then general thoughts on the whole set. But, beyond discussing the cards and how they fit into the Dice Masters game, I’ll also focus on the characters themselves and if the card reflects their comic history.

Up today is Hulkbuster Iron Man which makes its debut in the Dice Masters game.

Art: Gerald Parel, Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #19 2nd printing cover

Comic origin: This version of Iron Man’s armor debuted in 2007 in Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. #19. This particular design was an updated version of the Hulkbuster armor built to deal with the Hulk.

In particular, this version of the armor was used during the “World War Hulk” storyline. The armor was built to battle the Hulk after the character returned from his exile in space. The new armor was built as a large exo-skeletal shell which fits around his normal armor and is equipped with rocket-boosted gauntlets, capable of punching the Hulk back several miles. It is also equipped with Adamantium-tipped injector needles, which Stark used in an attempt to suppress the Hulk’s power with S.P.I.N. Tech nanites.

Live action version: A version of the Iron Man Hulkbuster armor appeared in both Iron Man III and Avengers: Age of Ultron, but not this particular version of the armor.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Bustin’ Makes Me Feel Good

Card playability: It’s getting easier to field large characters in the Dice Masters game, so this particular is made to deal with expensive competition. Pretty expensive itself, it’s an interesting card that I think is just too limited in use until high-cost characters become more prevalent. The relatively pricey fielding costs don’t help matters. Still, it’s an easy way to knock out an opposing character die.

Card vs. Comic: Since this armor was built to take on the Hulk, the flavor of this version of the card feels like it works well.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Model 36

Card playability: Again this card is focused on expensive dice. I know I’m not playing against a lot of teams built around high-cost dice so not sure how useful this card is, especially since it can still be blocked by dice with a purchase cost of less than 6. The high cost to field isn’t helping.

Card vs. Comic: So there’s some debate about the model number for this model. Originally, it was identified as Model 37 in an All-New Iron Man Annual and then identified as Model 36 in the Iron Manual… so yeah.

Hulkbuster Iron Man: Rocket Powered Punches

Card playability: Out of the three, this one is the version of this card I like the most.

The ability to get it fielded quickly ups the playability factor for me, especially if someone is playing an “Iron Man” team. At level 2, the character has a 6A and 6D so it’ll do some damage and take some too.

The bonus with “Suit Up” is that the high fielding cost which was an issue I had with the two other versions is gone for the most part. The fact that this triggers “when purchased” means this die is getting into the field quickly bypassing the bag and rolling. To guarantee fielding a 6A 6D character is pretty solid.

Card vs. Comic: This card out of the three really fits this particular armor. Since it fits another Iron Man armor inside the swap out function of it works really well to bring that aspect of the character and comic to the game.

Final Thoughts: Out of the three versions, there’s one that works for me. A high cost to purchase is hurt and a high cost to field doesn’t help matters. Plus, having such a limited focus for two versions makes it pretty clear which of the three is the best. A team focused on  “Rocket Powered Punches” could work really well and quickly get high attack characters into the field.

 

WizKids provided Graphic Policy with FREE product for review.