The new Heroscape Master Set, Age of Annihilation, brings the classic minatures game back to the … [+]
One of the joys of playing with toys as a kid is mashing up different toys from different genres. Barbie and Optimus Prime can live together in the Paw Patrol Lookout Tower with nary an IP lawyer in sight. That can also go for battles where superheroes can throw down with LOL dolls for all sorts of reasons.
One of the games that best captured this giddy everything and the kitchen sink sense of play was Heroscape. Not only did players build forces from multiple styles of heroes and villains, they built the battlefields using a set of interlocking and stackable hexagons. For the game’s 20th anniversary, Hasbro and Renegade Game Studios are teaming up to bring Heroscape back to life in the Age of Annihilation.
“For 20 years, Heroscape has introduced players to a deeply strategic, yet highly entertaining tabletop game that continues to gain momentum thanks to our passionate community of fans,“ said Brian Baker, Senior Vice President of Board Games at Hasbro. “Renegade Game Studios’ genuine enthusiasm and dedication to the brand makes them the perfect partner to reinvigorate the Heroscape brand. Together, we will deliver what our fans really want – a renaissance of miniature gaming experiences that surprise and delight, while inviting newcomers to join in on the fun that started two decades ago.”
“Stewarding a brand that is as prestigious and impactful on the tabletop gaming landscape as Heroscape is a genuine honor,” said Jordan Gaeta, Marketing Manager at Renegade Game Studios. “We’re not only bringing back an incredible game; we’re carrying forward a legacy, inviting fans and newcomers to forge unforgettable adventures and memories on the battlefields of Valhalla.”
Heroscape quickly became a fan favorite after its release in 2004 for two main reasons. The first were the wide variety of genres that combined in simple yet roboust gameplay. Not only could players play out battles between dragons, World War II commandos and undead warriors, sometimes they could even be on the same side of a battle.
“Heroscape had a very low bar to entry but created a very massive array of gameplay options,” said Dan Bojanowski, Senior Producer at Renegade Game Studios. “This accessibility came in several forms. Physically, it was widely available in mass market stores. This led to lots of eyes on the game, and many young gamers asking for it for holiday gifts!”
The second was the bountiful hexes that could be built and rebuilt into terrain in minutes. The more boxes purchased, the bigger and more intricate the battlefield could be. It was also a hit with more traditional miniatures gamers who could use it with their favorite games that they already played.
Gameplay also reached across the divide between new players and seasoned veterans. It was often a training ground for parents who enjoyed miniatures to teach their kids the joy of tactics. It also became a perfect game for players who didn’t want to invest the time and effort in assembling and painting an army.
“Out of the box, there are two modes of play,” said Bojanowski. The ‘Basic Game’ has stripped down rules which serve as a great introduction to the movement system and the dice combat. The ‘Master Game’ unlocks special powers for every figure, adding layers of strategy and tactics. Finally, the setting and theming of Heroscape has something for everyone! Warriors from all over have been summoned to Valhalla to fight! This includes everything from dinosaurs to vikings to robots to winged bug creatures!”
The initial releases will come in August 2024. The first Battle Box, called the Battle for the Wellspring, offers a small collection of miniatures and terrain perfect for new fans to try out the system. Larger sets in this release will offer pre-painted and unpainted versions of the miniatures in each set.
For experienced fans looking to dive back in, there will be a new Age of Annihilation Master Set, includes 20 new figures, 74 interlocking hex pieces, 4 maps and 9 new scenarios. These sets make up the bulk of the first wave of products. The second wave is due out in October of 2024.
The first release in the Heroscape Terrain System will be The Grove at Laur’s Edge, which features tall jungle trees and underbrush terrain features. The Heroscape Terrain System is aimed at fans who want to expand their terrain collection for use with Heroscape without necessarily buying figures to play the game. It also appeals to those long term fans who use the hex terrain for countless other minis games like Battletech.
“We have an amazing and passionate team working on the game,” said Bojanowski. “Fans of Heroscape can look forward to Renegade’s support bringing new life to the game with the development of new expansions and other exciting game content. Renegade’s dedication to fostering community engagement also means organized play events, tournaments, and opportunities for fans to connect and share their love for the game. For fans looking to engage with the growing community of Heroscape fans, join our Discord.”
