C3G Playtesting Strategies, Builds and Tips Thread

[IAmBatman]

Great post, TB. I've definitely fallen into the "test the thematic build" trap far too often. I'm probably the most guilty of this one of anyone. Definitely something I'm going to work on, though!

Any tips for standard builds for different types of units? Like defensive figures to consider playing a unit with if they have a big defensive power, or if they're a multi-attacker without super strength, always try them out with Enchantress? If they're a Mutant, always try them out at least once with Prof X to see what they can do as part of a one-two punch?

[TrollBrute]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Great post, TB. I've definitely fallen into the "test the thematic build" trap far too often. I'm probably the most guilty of this one of anyone. Definitely something I'm going to work on, though!

Any tips for standard builds for different types of units? Like defensive figures to consider playing a unit with if they have a big defensive power, or if they're a multi-attacker without super strength, always try them out with Enchantress? If they're a Mutant, always try them out at least once with Prof X to see what they can do as part of a one-two punch?

Standard builds are tricky to come up with now that we're at 560+ units. I'm hoping to have a post on building armies later on, though. Enchantress is a great one for any unit that doesn't have SS. Cap, John Stewart, Hawkeye (II), Ms. Marvel, Iron Patriot, Valkyrie, Bizarro, Mastermind, Beat Cops are also all units that I use often in testing.

Mutants are at least a post of their own, if not a thread. Prof X is the top one, yeah. Magneto (II)+Destiny+Mystique if they have a D20 power. Sage and/or Black King if the unit relies on its normal attack.

[IAmBatman]

Yeah, good call on Cap + Hawkeye (II)/Ms. Marvel. That's a great combo to use for a figure that doesn't otherwise have any synergies.

Martian Manhunter is a big one for any unit that has passive Move abilities.

[Dysole]

Someone with the ability to move opponent's figures. Test them with someone like Blob or War Machine. Someone who gives a passive bonus to attack should be tested with someone like Vertigo and Bane and some awesome multi attacker like Punisher. Someone who relies on revealed numbered OM should be tested with OZymandias. Someone who has to play OM tricks or needs OMs in the right places at the right time should be tested with Rogers/Sage (assuming they don't get reworked). Those are the ones that immediately jump out at me.

~Dysole, noting that Meteorite/Doctor Light also serve a similar purpose to Mastermind with a few additional tricks

[Tornado]

Martian Manhunter was in a lot of my early builds for playtesting.
He just works well with everyone.

[IAmBatman]

TB, if you get time, it'd be awesome to get a list of these in the OP as a resource for testers.

[Tornado]

I think we've always given players that option. Griff always tested with Knockback, for instance.

Does anyone currently use KB rules when playtesting?

[Karat]

Originally Posted by Tornado

Does anyone currently use KB rules when playtesting?

I have a couple times, but not often. Recently, I have thought about starting again though.

[Tornado]

Can you describe the difference? More accurately how it affects the testing.

We only used the Knockback rules a few times in for fun games. We usually play in a city setting so it really changes things with figures being punched off of roofs.

[IAmBatman]

It probably adds a little value to SS figures and provides a bit of a counter to pod figures, since you can knock them out of place more easily.

[fret_gurglo]

I rarely use KB, but I remember I using it during my Spawn playtest. His chain grab only works on non-adjacent figures, so I would grab, attack, and (hopefully) knockback to set up for next turn. For normal playtesting I doubt I would use it, but for specific figures with powers that can be enhanced from KB I think it necessary for costing evaluation.

[Viegon]

I enjoy using Knockback for casual games, but I don't use it in testing. Partly because it tends to lengthen the game and adds more to keep track of, but mainly because it changes the balance of the game. For most units it's easier to judge results when variables like that are avoided (Knockback, glyphs on the map, etc.).

My .

EDIT: Fret makes a good point though, certain units should probably be tested with Knockback due to how their powers work.