By this point, the hype train is real.
And I am pleased at the well met reception we've seen so far. So instead of a formal preview I thought i'd take a brief moment and go over the design philosophy of one of my favorite branches of the Remix project:
Secret Society.
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| Pissing off the JLA since 1977 |
Historically, Secret Society have featured a large number of ne'er-do-wells as they attempt to subvert the superheroic population of the world in a variety of schemes. Some amazing schemes,
Their first incarnation was actually a function of Darkseid, (going by the title "The Director") collecting some of the worlds elite villians in a bid to steal a big ole pile of the worlds deadliest nerve gas. This roster included the likes of Captain Cold, Gorilla Grodd, Clayface, Star Sapphire, and what list is complete without a Manhunter clone.
Unfortunately, even these villains got wise to Darkseid's plan to enslave all humans and decided they should create some sort of Secret Society to work against him. Rebelling and foiling the nefarious plot.
Mirror Master, Copperhead, Sinestro, Shadow Thief and the Wizard. Were soon added to the roster under the heroic tutelage of Captain Comet, but over the years we've seen varying incarnations of the squad as later on, Lex joins their ranks, along with Black Manta, Riddler, and many others.
How things change.
So when looking at repackaging a remix of what is widely considered one of the most unique and fun villainous deck themed teams, choosing the roster was a concern. Ultimately we focused on a heavily DCL themed approach for legacy content. grabbing from Charaxes utility, Chemo and Poison Ivy was always a mainstay combo. So we weren't looking to completely rework the team by any stretch, but there was definately an underlying desire to focus on some new legend content.
Choosing Legends of course, became a bit of an issue. Where to start? Who is a big enough baddie to really rep the squad thematically?
We knew we wanted two main legends, and perhaps a semi-legend nod tucked in there too, but I was hesitant to go with Gorilla Grodd right out of the gate.
A friend, knowing I am a pretty big Lex fanboy, Asked, "Well why not Lex?" In the past Lex was a mainstay of the Revenge Squad, And a main focus on the Injustice gang as well, so adding a draw theme felt, forced. He wasn't going to work, he wasn't the type that did much other than draw cards right?
I dug deep into some Lex Lore, and found my way to Forever Evil. And I was instantly hooked.
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| Porn. Straight-up. |
With only Batman and Catwoman functioning as the only remaining surviving members of the JLA, the world quickly succumbs to the Kryptonite-powder-sniffing Ultraman, and the rest of the crime syndicate rather handily. In apparent victory, the Syndicate broadcasts proof of defeat of Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman to the world from the ruins of JLA's headquarters. Oh snap.
Enter, Lex Luthor, one brilliant every-man that knows it is time for some shit to go down.
Lex heads into the bowels of Lexcorp and releases Project B-Zero, here, we see the new 52's take on the first ever attempt to clone a Kryptonian, The childlike mind of B-Zero is rudimentary at best, misunderstanding it's own name as Bizarro, rather than B-Zero, the monicker sticks. But Bizarro's power is undeniable. Even better, it's childlike willingness to obey was instant. The "Injustice League" now had it's beginnings. Adding Black Manta, Captain Cold, Black Adam, Sinestro and others to flesh out its ranks.
Lex Luthor of Earth-0. Leader of the Injustice League, Savior of Earth, Liberator of Apokolipse and true successor to Superman. No Big deal really.
And behind him, project B-Zero himself. The most loyal evil puppy you've ever seen.
The sub-theme of Remix's Secret Society is, of course, The new 52's IN-Justice League. As the final bastion against earth 3's invading forces, It's up to these unorthodox and lethal protectors(?) of earth to secure mankind... So THEY can better rule it of course.
The reasoning on those lower stats is clear as we delve deeper into his effect text and support. Got at least 2 adjacent characters? Dig and draw good sir!
Also, Property of Lex Luthor.
Remember it is target PLAYER for the replacing, not target resource. so he won't snipe key locations unless an opponent wants to, however, he can still use this disruption to fantastic effect in a pinch. Even on yourself! Its clutch targeted recovery or KO is just a massive board threat, most opponents will feel pressure to answer The KO control potential with swift action. But specifically, it is the recovery effect that comes in pretty handy when used in tandem with Flawless Strategy.
Obviously a strategy like this is going to dislike Equipment Hate like the previously spoiled Catastrophic Failure, a spiritual successor to Hellboy Essential Collection's A Proud Zinco Product. Or batman sporting a From the Darkness to wreck your day AFTER you've paid the stun cost. (OUCH!)
Subject B-Zero himself. Or, as he understands it:
It was an obvious sub-theme that Bizarro would constantly check and contribute to Lex Luthor and his antics, while also carrying a unique aspect into Secret Society that we hadn't seen until this point. A bruiser in the truest sense of the word, Bizarro's 4 cost, never makes direct swings, but enjoys quite a substantial power increase while Lex is in play for, shall we say, "proper" instruction. While his 7, is actually able to play split duty, as a solid defensive option, and a spiritual successor to Mark Desmond, Blockbuster on offensive turns (provided he is protecting Lex).
As a really fun nod, I just want to toss in a cult fave for some time now.
Captain Cold. With only 1 character and one nod in a support piece I'd call this a mini legend. One of the goals of remix was to standardize some legend support to areas where they have a general use but a profoundly better use if applied to that particular legend. Captain Cold is a great example of this.
The KO and mill we've grown to love, paired with a free ready if Captain Cold does the deed himself! Not a bad way to keep legacy support fresh.
But the captain Cold love doesn't stop there. We might not have been able to justify him as a major theme, but his art sure is present! Everyone Loves Captain Cold!
That's just about going to do it for today! I hope everyone is as excited as I am to throw down some Remix games on OCTGN, and further explore the new interactions to be found!
Until next time, remember, sometimes the worlds greatest heroes, are some assholes banded together with questionable morals.
