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Marvel Champions Kang Overview
Just like every corner of the multiverse, Marvel Champions the Card Game must have its version of the indomitable Kang. But why stop at one when you could face Kang, after Kang, after Kang?
The designers have done an interesting job bringing the concept of time travel to life as a captivating game mechanic in this new scenario pack. Understanding Kang’s mechanics may require some time as it deviates from the standard formula, but the execution is remarkably well done.
Unlike other villains, Kang starts with three stages, and expert cards are included to optionally increase the difficulty for the second stage. Each stage of Kang is separate, and status cards or attachments are not carried between stages. It’s as if you and your fellow heroes are embarking on a different fight through time with each stage.
After overcoming the first stage, each character must randomly face Kang or rather one of the four other Kangs. In multiplayer mode, each player engages with a different version of Kang in a separate game area, so their actions taken in one area don’t impact the others, and players cannot assist each other until they defeat their respective enemy and rejoin their fellow heroes.
Kang the Conqueror
While you are likely used to dealing with the player obligations that are unique to each hero, Kang introduces a new mechanic of villain obligations that are attached to each hero, that can really slow you down, often requiring you to go to alter-ego to remove them.
Ignoring obligations can prove costly, because many of Kang’s encounter cards are boosted by how many are in play, like Time Travel Tactics which inflicts damage based on the number of obligations in play.
Apart from obligations, Kang is a well-rounded villain, capable of launching strong attacks, summoning minions, and disrupting your cards. Each encounter against Kang feels like a battle against an awe-inspiring intellect, wielding futuristic technology, who counters your every move. His ability to nullify your setup, such as destroying an Avengers Mansion, adds to the challenge. Fighting Kang can be frustrating but in a satisfying way.
During stage three, Kang intensifies the battle by introducing your nemesis minion, providing a personal touch and increasing replayability. This was a great move by the designers, because (even though I dread pulling Shadows of the Past) the nemesis cards are criminally under-utilized. Few villains have any way of teaming up with these nemesis, so this is a great touch. Properly resolving nemesis minion effects adds another layer of strategy to the game.
Kang’s mechanics align seamlessly with the thematic elements of the game. Obligations like stolen memories limit your choices, while the depowered obligation strips away your superhuman abilities. This cohesive blend of mechanics and theme enhances the overall gameplay experience.
Master of Time
In Marvel Champions Kang’s second stage, players are divided and encounter one of four random versions of Kang, adding an exciting and unpredictable element to the game. You never know if you’ll face Iron Lad, Rama Tut, Scarlet Centurion, or Immortus.
This stage also introduces a unique kind of anxiety, as some players may struggle against their assigned Kang or find themselves in a more challenging position. However, if a player defeats their own Kang, they can join one of their fellow heroes in their game area to provide assistance.
What sets this stage apart is that you can’t outright lose unless your hero is defeated – because there is no main scheme, the threat cannot cause you to lose. Instead, if your scheme pops, you are penalized with a particularly nasty side scheme, Kang’s Dominion, going into the final battle. The cost of this penalty can significantly impact your strategic decisions.
While I think this makes some sense, I do think that, unfortunately, players can take advantage of this and the penalty isn’t quite steep enough to discourage them from healing up before facing a future Kang.
The time-traveling second stage is a standout feature of Kang, but it does have potential drawbacks. While Marvel Champions can be enjoyed both solo and in multiplayer, Kang is really only interested in multiplayer. Splitting into different play areas is very cool, but when there is only one play area, even with a random version of Kang, it just doesn’t feel interesting enough in solo play.
It’s also easier to take advantage of stage 2 to build out your board solo because the penalty of Kang’s Dominion is exponentially worse per player. The worst-case scenario in solo is three threats. In a four-player game, you could be looking at four side schemes each with twelve threats on it. Ouch! Managing your resources effectively during this stage is crucial to avoid overwhelming penalties.
To be clear, Kang’s second stage offers an engaging and challenging experience in Marvel Champions. The random encounters with different versions of Kang, the strategic decisions to join other players’ game areas, and the dynamic progression of Kang’s final form create an exciting gameplay environment. But unfortunately, only really in multiplayer. In solo, this one just feels really long.
Encounter Sets
The Once and Future Kang expansion features three modular encounter sets that can be used with any villain: Temporal, Master of Time, and Anachronauts.
Temporal is packed with minions with interesting effects, like the Ancient Warrior with Quickstrike or the Chitauri Soldier’s boost effect that can leave you stunned. But the thing everyone should be excited about in the encounter set is Tyrannosaurus Rex. My only complaint is that he should be a bit stronger, and should really scale by player count.
Master of Time gives you one more version of Kang with a different subtitle to the Kang villain deck, so it can still be added to this scenario. However, it works best with villain Kang due to the Fear of Kang’s obligation, which prevents attacking Kang, making him a pretty nasty minion to deal with. He also introduces the Villianous keyword, which means that, even as a minion, he gets a boost card when he attacks or schemes – so no matter what scenario you add this one to, you can ignore the indomitable Kang.
The Anachronauts is a challenging set with powerful minions that cause trouble when they hit the board or appear as boost cards. They provide boost effects and additional boost cards to the villain, often with the surge keyword.
These were the nastiest minions in the game at the time of release, whether they came into play, or just got you with their boost effects. Apocryphus can discard your supports or allies, Deathhunt 9000 gains the villainous keyword, Sir Raston is tough with guard and retaliate, Terminatrix has quick strike and piercing, while Wild Run discards cards from your hand. Minion abilities can trigger various effects that complicate the game further.
As someone who loves to shake up the encounter sets, this was one of the hallmarks of this pack and has really helped improve the replayability, just like the extra modular sets they included with the Green Goblin scenario. Picking up a great and challenging set that focuses on minions, might be worth the price of admission. If you’ve got the stomach for it, try pairing it with Zola from Rise of the Red Skull campaign expansion for an extra challenge. Cards like widow’s bite can be crucial in managing these tough minions.
Overall, I enjoy all three modular encounter sets they included. Temporal is a bit forgettable, Master of Time is a little weak outside of the Kang Scenario Pack, but Anachronauts remains one of the best minion sets in the game.
Conclusion: Must Have For Multiplayer, Skipper For Solo
Few villains are as unique as Kang and his mechanics offer a refreshing and distinct gameplay experience. The implementation of the time travel mechanic is exceptional, while the thematic cards further enhance the overall enjoyment. However, solo play just isn’t as satisfying due to imbalanced mechanics that can be exploited.
The encounter sets are solid, and I really liked the introduction of the new villainous keyword. It’s used a lot later in the game, but it all started with this pack.
This one follows in the tradition of the Green Goblin Scenario Pack, adding more richness to Marvel Champions the Card Game, with a lot of value and ideas packed into a small box. While solo players may have a slightly diminished experience, but you won’t hate having it in your collection – even if it is just for the encounter sets.
I’d say, talk some friends into exploring this new scenario pack with you, so you can truly savor Kang’s mechanics and immerse yourself in this unique gameplay experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Kang’s Dominion be avoided if you’re playing carefully?
Kang’s Dominion is a challenging penalty that players will encounter if their version of Kang’s scheme is completed. While it is difficult to completely avoid, players can minimize its impact through strategic play and team coordination.
Is the “Once and Future Kang” suitable for newcomers to Marvel Champions?
The scenario is more complex than the core set’s due to its unique time-travel mechanic. It’s recommended for players who have a good grasp of the game’s basics and are looking for a more challenging and thematic experience.
How do the different versions of Kang interact in a multiplayer game?
Each player faces a different version of Kang during the second stage, separate from their fellow players. They must deal with their own Kang’s threats before they can aid others.
What makes the Anachronauts set stand out?
The Anachronauts are a challenging set due to their powerful minions and their disruptive abilities. These minions add a significant challenge to any scenario they are included in.
Are there any specific hero recommendations for this scenario?
Heroes that are versatile and strong in both solo and group combat are recommended. Characters with good control and multi-target abilities can excel in the chaos of facing Kang and his various minions.
Remember, detailed planning and adaptability are key to conquering the challenges that Kang presents. Enjoy the journey through time and the epic battle against the Conqueror!