Efficiency- Check to see if your design is providing armies with turns/moves/etc. to a degree that would make it difficult or impossible for an opponent to keep up with your output.

1. Does your design allow itself or figures to move/attack/take a turn/etc. instead of/in addition to your normal turn for revealing an Order Marker? Is it granting these benefits to too broad a range of units? Does it combine with other powers to create overly long or powerful chains of actions?

2. Does your design allow you to take actions during an opponent's turn? Can it combine with other powers to create tediously long reactions to enemy actions or a restrictive environment?

3. Does your design allow you to rearrange your Order Markers or otherwise bypass the costs of Order Marker requirements on the special powers of other figures?

4. Is your design doing anything outside of a player's turn, at the start or end of the round? Is the effect too powerful by itself or when combined with other powers?

5. Does your design have any powers that trigger anytime it moves as opposed to only when it moves normally on its turn? Will it be too efficient when combined with figures that grant extra moves to figures?

6. Is your design adding or subtracting from initiative rolls? Will it pair too easily with other figures that alter initiative or have powers triggering on the results of initiative rolls?


Potency- Check to see if your design is wounding/removing/etc. enemy figures, increasing the chances of other figures in your army doing so, or otherwise directly affecting the number of figures available to players to a degree that would make it difficult or impossible for an opponent to recover from.

1. Does your design have a chance to inflict wounds or destroy figures? Is it getting these chances too frequently or having too high a chance of success? Is the power balanced against expensive targets that can cause a massive swing in the game when destroyed?

2. Is your design adding to the stats or 20-sided die rolls of other figures in your army? Is it boosting a broad enough range of units effectively enough to become a 'mandatory' draft or inhibit future design space? Can it be combined with other boosts too easily?

3. Will your design benefit from stat boosts or other enhancement to an overpowering degree? Will it restrict future growth within its faction or point cost by limiting available boosts to others?

4. Does your design take control of enemy figures permanently or temporarily? Is it too difficult for your opponent to regain control of their figure or recover from losing the figure? Does the method of taking control expose the enemy figure to the powers of other figures in your army that can easily destroy it?

5. Can your design heal itself or others or revive itself or others? Is it doing so in a way that an opponent cannot hope to overcome in certain scenarios?

6. Does your design place enemy figures on its card or otherwise have an unconventional method of temporarily removing enemy figures from play? Will it guarantee your victory against a single remaining enemy figure?


Chicanery- Check to see if your design is preventing your opponent from taking actions with too much ease or is otherwise causing negative play experience through tactics that make your opponent feel you're 'not playing fair'

1. Does your design restrict the movement of enemy figures, or allow you to move enemy figures? Can it do so in a way that results in an unwinnable scenario for your opponent if they are down to one figure, possess only figures with a range of 1, etc.? Can your design easily combine with other figures to greatly impede enemy figures or otherwise gain an excessive advantage?

2. Does your design effect/change the placement of an enemy's Order Markers, or remove their Order Markers entirely? Can it force Order Markers to go onto cards that have no figures on the battlefield? Can your design easily combine with other figures to completely dictate the placement of an enemy's Order Markers or remove all of their Order Markers?

3. Does your design inhibit your opponent from attacking your figures or make attacking a losing proposition? Are there scenarios or combinations that make your opponent totally unable to harm your figures through attacking?

4. Does your design directly negate the powers of enemy figures or otherwise ignore them in a way that can completely disrupt the opponent's strategy or leave them feeling like they are stuck playing figures without special powers?

5. Does your design become overly powerful in a podded group of figures, or provide significant benefit to your army without leaving your Start Zone?

6. You can attack your own figures in Heroscape, does your design have any powers that will trigger off of doing so or otherwise wounding/destroying your own figures? Is this intentional on your part? Will the design be too efficient or potent when doing so?

Consistency Concerns
Name and Identity
Verify character is named in a way that is clear, accurate and feels consistent with the way other characters are named.

Uniqueness and Type
Verify that the power text reflects the listed uniqueness and type, that the uniqueness fits the character, and that squad size is listed for squads.

Left Box
If the character's species, class or personality is reused, verify that the character feels thematically consistent with other figures that have that species, class or personality. If they are not reused, verify that there is no pre-existing species, class or personality that would make more sense.

Size and Height
Verify that the listed size and height are accurate. Standing the mini up next to a stack of tiles, and a few other minis of various sizes, is encouraged.

Super Strength and Flying
Verify that these special powers are present if they make sense, and not if they don't.

New Powers - Names
Verify that any new powers are not using power names identical to, or very similar to, pre-existing powers. Verify that any new powers are actually new and not old powers with new names.

New Powers - Effects
Verify that the effect and timing of all new powers is clear. Verify that any logical immunities, benefits, or weaknesses (whether those be necessary for thematic or mechanical reasons) are implemented: consider whether defensive powers that work against normal attacks should also work against special attacks, whether or not a power has an elemental component that some figures should resist, and whether or not unliving figures (such as Undead and Androids) should be affected.

Reused Powers
Verify that the design is reusing special powers in place of creating new ones (and, where relevant, reusing power markers in the place of creating new ones), where reused special powers (or power markers) could implement the same theme and mechanics with no differences or only trivial differences. Verify that any reused special powers have the correct text.

Power Level
Verify that the character's movement, attack, range, and defense (in conjunction with any special powers that enhance those stats) feel consistent with the capabilities of characters with analogous powers and abilities. Verify that the character falls into a similar point range to characters with comparative powers and abilities.

1. Are the character’s name and secret identity listed in a consistent format with the rest of the project? If the character shares a name and/or secret identity with another character is it properly clear whether or not they are the same character?

2. Consider the listed Species. Are the design’s power level, point level, and statistics (life, move, range, attack, and defense numbers) within the established range for that species? If it’s an outlier, is there thematic justification for this?

3. Consider the listed Uniqueness. Does the power text properly reflect whether the figure is a Hero or a squad, and whether it is Event, Unique, Uncommon, or common? If it’s Event, are the powers written with consideration for Event Hero rules? If it’s Uncommon, are the powers written to avoid stacking? If it’s common, are the powers written with this in mind?

4. Consider the Class and Personality. For each, is it a reuse? If so, is the character thematically consistent with other members of that Class or Personality? If not, is there a preexisting Class or Personality that would fit as well that could be used instead? Are there any existing synergies with that Class or Personality that are undesirable or that this Design would create that would be undesirable for preexisting members of that Class or Personality?

5. Consider the listed Size. If the figure is double based, is it Large or Huge? Is the chosen miniature’s physical size consistent with other miniatures in the chosen size category?

6. Consider the listed Height. If you stack hexes up next to the figure, does the number listed for the height match up the layers of stacked hexes that match the miniature’s physical height?
Consider the listed Life number. Is this number consistent with other figures of the same species?

7. Consider the listed Move number. Is this number consistent with other figures of that power level?

8. Consider the listed Range and Attack numbers. Is this number consistent with other figures that use the same type of weapon or power to attack?

9. Consider the listed Defense number. Is this number consistent with other figures of the same or similar species and with the same or similar armor or other defensive equipment?

10. Does the figure have Super Strength? If it does or doesn’t, was this determined on the standard of that character demonstrating three things: A. The ability to throw a car B. The ability to survive a fall from a tall building and C. The ability to knock back another person when punching them?

11. Examine all of the special powers. Are there other powers that fit the same theme already in existence in the project? If so, can they be reused? If they can’t, can those other powers be used as a basis for the mechanics and wording?

12. Examine any movement powers. Do they keep the figure’s speed consistent with other figures of their species and power level?
Examine any offensive powers. Do they keep the figure’s offensive potential consistent with other figures with the same powers and power levels or skills and weaponry?

13. Examine any defensive, healing, or other tanking powers. Do they keep the figure’s survivability consistent with other figures of the same powers or power level or species and armor class?

14. Examine any leadership powers. Do they exceed the activation potential of the best existing leaders? If so, is there thematic justification for this?

15. Consider any powers that reference darkness, electrical, figure movement, fire, gas, ice, kryptonite, light/sensory, magical, poison, psychic, stealth, or water-based abilities. Do these behave in similar ways to other powers of this type, including mentions of immunities?
Is it clear for all special powers what phase of the turn and how they are triggered, what phase of the turn they are active in, and when and how they cease being active?

16. Are special powers listed in game, round, and turn order?

17. If a special power includes a D20 roll, does it make sense to list a number by the title?

18. If a power is being reused, are the title and wording copied accurately?

19. Has the power title or a very similar one been used before with vastly different mechanics?

(Done right before or as part of a Proposal to Finalize a Cost and move to Final Editing)
[Tester] Initial Tests:

Game 1: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

Game 2: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

----------------------------------------
[Tester] Public Test: (Changes since last test)

Game 1: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

Game 2: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]
----------------------------------------
[Tester] Public Test: (Changes since last test)

Game 1: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

Game 2: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]
----------------------------------------
[Tester] Public Test: (Changes since last test)

Game 1: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

Game 2: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]
----------------------------------------
[Tester] Public Test: (Changes since last test)

Game 1: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

Game 2: [Team 1 (points)] vs. [Team 2 (points)]

Results: [Remaining figures and life]

---------------------
Overall W/L Record:
Comments on Figure's Impact on Results:

(Done in Final Editing before or as part of Proposal for On Deck)
Capitalization Checklist:

1. normal attack
2. defense die
3. defense dice
4. attack die
5. attack dice
6. Move number
7. Range number
8. Attack number
9. Defense number
10. card
11. Army Card
12. Order Marker
13. wound
14. Wound Marker
15. destructible object
16. unblockable
17. Unique
18. battlefield
19. opponent
20. special power
21. special attack
22. Event
23. Hero
24. Common
25. Squad
26. Super Strength
27. Flying
28. army
29. tiny
30. small
31. medium
32. large
33. huge
34. species
35. class
36. personality
37. size
38. height

Style Checklist:

Single-space, not single-spaced; double-space, not double-spaced.

(Done when reviewing a Wave before it is released and moved to Release Holding)
OP Formatting

• Wave Title: Is there one? Is it the same for all designs in the wave (exc: Marvel/DC/Indy).
• Wave Title: Is Marvel/DC/Indy correct? Does it match the cards?
• Is Comic above the Mini? Does the linked text say “Comic PDF” and “Mini PDF”?
• Figure used: Check Troll and Toad (or another ‘Clix site) to verify set, #, and name. Look at mini to see if it matches the one on the cards.
• Character bio: If it quotes a wiki page or Comic Vine, I typically let spelling/grammar slide, since you’re quoting another source. If it’s written by a C3G member, I’ll check.
• Rulings and Clarifications: If someone posts a FAQ in the thread, make sure it’s posted to the OP if approved.
• Rulings and Clarifications - FAQ consistency: Questions in blue, Answers in red.
• Playtests: Are all the playtests posted and linked in the OP? Check all links to make certain they take you to their respective playtest. You’ll have to skim the thread to confirm all playtests are listed.
• Art by: Check to make certain the Art Department is credited.
• General formatting: Check spacing and centering to ensure the OP looks good. I’ll sometimes see extra line spacing.

SP and abilities

• Check to make certain everything looks correct. I don’t worry too much about this section being perfectly consistent regarding minor formatting things (e.g., bold text, whether SPECIES is all caps or Species not all caps), because each LD tends to have his own style. It is important that the abilities and other text that will go on the cards is correct and matches what is on the cards.
• If it’s a squad, make certain number of figures is mentioned in the Uniqueness section.
• Have any of the abilities already been used in another design? If so, check some of the other cards that use the ability and verify consistency.
• If the character’s name is used in the text, make certain the correct name is used. For example, I’ve seen instances where an ability will be copied from another character, and the other character’s name will still be listed. Also verify that the gender matches the character.
• If an ability affects a “figure,” consider impact on destructible objects, which are considered figures.
• Check order in which abilities are listed. Would it make sense to change the order in which they are listed for clarity or consistency?
• Squad Effect: This happens particularly when dealing with order marker removal when abilities impact a targeted figure.
• Event Heroes: Check to see if Event Heroes need to be included or excluded. I’ve seen abilities which impact Unique Heroes where it’s thematic to also include Event Heroes.

Cards

• Confirm that pdf files will download and do so. I also download the jpg images. I’ll compare the jpg files using Windows’ Preview and toggle back and forth between the comic and mini to see if there are any differences. I’ll open both pdf files, size both images the same size, and position one pdf window directly on top of the other, with each pdf card positioned in identical positions on the screen. I’ll then toggle back-and-forth between the two pdf files. With the cards in the same position, you can notice any changes by going back and forth. Finally, I’ll compare one of the pdf cards with one of the jpg cards (at this point, you’ve already confirmed whether or not the pdf cards match each other and the jpg cards match each other). I haven’t mastered positioning them both in the same spot, so I’ll compare them side-by-side and manually scan back-and-forth.
• Check all text and stats with the SP to make certain they match.
• Check hit zone and target point.
• Check Superstrength and Flying symbols. Superstrength is listed before Flying.
• Check for any wonky bolded single letters. The lower-case L is a common victim. This will usually jump out at you when you see the card on the screen.
• Check that any extraneous features (markers, glyphs, etc.) have finished art and threads as appropriate.

Thread

Skim the thread and check:

• Are all playtests linked in the OP?
• Are there any spoilers (very doubtful since the Great Christmas Blast!)?
• Are there any outstanding discussion items that haven’t been resolved?
• Are there any wording changes, particularly towards the end of the thread? If so, see if the wording changes have been approved and updated in the SP/cards.

(Done in Final Editing before or as part of Proposal for On Deck)
Capitalization Checklist:

1. normal attack
2. defense die
3. defense dice
4. attack die
5. attack dice
6. Move number
7. Range number
8. Attack number
9. Defense number
10. card
11. Army Card
12. Order Marker
13. wound
14. Wound Marker
15. destructible object
16. unblockable
17. Unique
18. battlefield
19. opponent
20. special power
21. special attack
22. Event
23. Hero
24. Common
25. Squad
26. Super Strength
27. Flying
28. army
29. tiny
30. small
31. medium
32. large
33. huge
34. species
35. class
36. personality
37. size
38. height

Style Checklist:

Single-space, not single-spaced; double-space, not double-spaced.

OP Formatting

• Wave Title: Is there one? Is it the same for all designs in the wave (exc: Marvel/DC/Indy).
• Wave Title: Is Marvel/DC/Indy correct? Does it match the cards?
• Is Comic above the Mini? Does the linked text say “Comic PDF” and “Mini PDF”?
• Figure used: Check Troll and Toad (or another ‘Clix site) to verify set, #, and name. Look at mini to see if it matches the one on the cards.
• Character bio: If it quotes a wiki page or Comic Vine, I typically let spelling/grammar slide, since you’re quoting another source. If it’s written by a C3G member, I’ll check.
• Rulings and Clarifications: If someone posts a FAQ in the thread, make sure it’s posted to the OP if approved.
• Rulings and Clarifications - FAQ consistency: Questions in blue, Answers in red.
• Playtests: Are all the playtests posted and linked in the OP? Check all links to make certain they take you to their respective playtest. You’ll have to skim the thread to confirm all playtests are listed.
• Art by: Check to make certain the Art Department is credited.
• General formatting: Check spacing and centering to ensure the OP looks good. I’ll sometimes see extra line spacing.

SP and abilities

• Check to make certain everything looks correct. I don’t worry too much about this section being perfectly consistent regarding minor formatting things (e.g., bold text, whether SPECIES is all caps or Species not all caps), because each LD tends to have his own style. It is important that the abilities and other text that will go on the cards is correct and matches what is on the cards.
• If it’s a squad, make certain number of figures is mentioned in the Uniqueness section.
• Have any of the abilities already been used in another design? If so, check some of the other cards that use the ability and verify consistency.
• If the character’s name is used in the text, make certain the correct name is used. For example, I’ve seen instances where an ability will be copied from another character, and the other character’s name will still be listed. Also verify that the gender matches the character.
• If an ability affects a “figure,” consider impact on destructible objects, which are considered figures.
• Check order in which abilities are listed. Would it make sense to change the order in which they are listed for clarity or consistency?
• Squad Effect: This happens particularly when dealing with order marker removal when abilities impact a targeted figure.
• Event Heroes: Check to see if Event Heroes need to be included or excluded. I’ve seen abilities which impact Unique Heroes where it’s thematic to also include Event Heroes.

Cards

• Confirm that pdf files will download and do so. I also download the jpg images. I’ll compare the jpg files using Windows’ Preview and toggle back and forth between the comic and mini to see if there are any differences. I’ll open both pdf files, size both images the same size, and position one pdf window directly on top of the other, with each pdf card positioned in identical positions on the screen. I’ll then toggle back-and-forth between the two pdf files. With the cards in the same position, you can notice any changes by going back and forth. Finally, I’ll compare one of the pdf cards with one of the jpg cards (at this point, you’ve already confirmed whether or not the pdf cards match each other and the jpg cards match each other). I haven’t mastered positioning them both in the same spot, so I’ll compare them side-by-side and manually scan back-and-forth.
• Check all text and stats with the SP to make certain they match.
• Check hit zone and target point.
• Check Super Strength and Flying symbols. Super Strength is listed before Flying.
• Check for any wonky bolded single letters. The lower-case L is a common victim. This will usually jump out at you when you see the card on the screen.
• Check that any extraneous features (markers, glyphs, etc.) have finished art and threads as appropriate.
  

Thread

Skim the thread and check:

• Are all playtests linked in the OP?
• Are there any outstanding discussion items that haven’t been resolved?
• Are there any wording changes, particularly towards the end of the thread? If so, see if the wording changes have been approved and updated in the SP/cards.

Hey guys! I know that we seem to have a lot of power updates we make after release, so I'm wondering if, like with adding the CRB to lessen competitive issues that slip through the cracks, if we can't bake something into the process to help prevent the Art Dept. from having to do so much work on the backend, after release, sometimes almost immediately after release, just because we didn't notice it!

I was inspired by the checklist they use in the Editing Department over at C3V, as well as all the work Ronin's been spearheading to clean up working or power clarity issues. SirG's Special Eyes aren't always going to be around, and Davidlhsl isn't going to be here to do final reviews for us anymore, so I figured we should add in something that we could all use to pitch in.

That said, I need your help figuring out what would be helpful to have or not have on a checklist and how you'd like to see that implemented in the process (if at all). Should the LD fill it out before a final vote? Should we just check on something before release? Is this a silly waste of time that would slow things down too much because we're not going to catch it all anyway? You tell me! :-)

Anyway, I'm posting a modified, pared down version of the C3V checklist below as a possible starting point. I'm totally open to adding, removing, moving, or substituting anything in it. Just let me know (and let me know if you think this is worth doing!). Thanks, guys! I think this could, hopefully, help improve our quality control in terms of editing. :-) (We probably need to start a similar thread and have a similar discussion addressing dok's concerns on how the playtesting phase proceeds and is reported, but that's for another thread!):