Heroscape: Age of Annihilation is here! Back it on Haslab!

[KRUG!]

Originally Posted by UtahScott

I watched the HeroQuest crowdfunding campaign, but didn't participate. There were two tiers, the game itself or "all in" --including two reprinted expansions from the original run, IIRC. The "stretch goals" were small and spread out, maybe every 100K for an additional figure or an extra "squad" of grunts. There weren't add-ons presented then--maybe some were in the Pledge Manager? It's been awhile, others here who participated can correct me.

I backed the HeroQuest crowdfunder through HasLab. You are correct, there were no add-ons during, or added afterwards. There was no real pledge manager, you backed during the campaign for either one tier or the other and your card was charged when the campaign ended. I think they missed a huge opportunity, as there was demand for add-ons such as extra dice packs, extra packs of monsters, etc. Since it’s the first, and only, game they’ve funded via HasLab, I think it was a bit of a trial run for them. Support for the game since delivery has been fantastic with an app, online downloads and multiple expansion packs with more on the way. I think they’ve figured quite a bit out, and am confident they will use what they learned from the HeroQuest launch to greatly improve the roll out for HeroScape.

[chas]

Do you have a link to HasLab for us old low tech folks who don't have a clue?

[Ericth74]

Originally Posted by chas

Do you have a link to HasLab for us old low tech folks who don't have a clue?

Here

[Hogg]

HeroQuest was the only HasLab project that was available for retail purchase later. Everything else has been a limited time exclusive product that was only available through HasLab.

[IAmBatman]

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 07 - "THE IRONCLAD COLLECTIVE" FACTION LORE - For eons unknown on their planet of Noxdorma, the Ironclad have been waging war using the cold logic of their data cogitators and the hardened steel of their inorganic weapon systems. The limitations and mortality of their organic species reforged and forgotten, as countless generations focused on perfecting their methods of absolute destruction. Every outcome on the battlefield is pre-calculated, every possible strategy is processed before the first shots are fired. The Collective’s military composition constantly adapts to new battlefield conditions, as they upgrade their cybernetics to counter enemy tactics, sometimes even relinquishing individuality to ameliorate themselves into combined monstrous war machines of searing intensity. Members of the Collective reflect their harsh philosophies of war in various death masks, creating metallic reflections of nightmares and creating a visual persona of fear and despair in the minds of their adversaries. Every potential edge in combat is analyzed, even the psychological advantages gained through uncompromising terror tactics.

[Justin The Critic]

Prepare to be assimilated. I love this! Drake had a grapple arm in SotM could we get evil cyborg Drake (or any other classic heroes for AoA.) Somehow my excitement keeps growing for the return of 'Scape. Can they give us the release date yet?

[skyknight]

I managed to set up a thing between two of my very close friends! Interview between Craig and Stephen Buonocore (owned Stonghold games). Great to see Craig so excited!

YouTube (Short URL)

[caps]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

This is very interesting; like high-tech Marro.

[BloodyBaroness]

Whatever this is... I NEED it. This is my jam.

[caps]

Regarding the shape of the army cards and what the community prefers (AH has discussed putting together a survey to get our feedback)...

Originally Posted by Encarmine

I’m extremely curious, because the data on this one points in multiple directions. Couldn’t really have the larger fan community weigh-in earlier without blowing the lid off all this.

What we’re seeing currently there is almost four equal perspectives: 1. The OG multi-hex. 2. A standard size playing card that can be sleeved. 3. A hybrid that is original to HS but doesn’t have quite the potential to get damaged like the originals. 4. No opinion.

And regarding a master set...

Originally Posted by Encarmine

I don’t believe anyone said “master set”

Master Set means something very specific to you all.

Need to wait and see.

Regarding shipping...

Originally Posted by Encarmine

And I think you’re relatively safe in Canada in terms of shipping destinations… just an educated guess.

[caps]

Aggregating all of the Designer's Notes so far + comments from Dad_Scaper about them in one place.

Originally Posted by Chris Nadeau AKA "Encarmine" on Discord

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 01 - "THE DAWNRAIDER SYNDICATE" A first look at our initial concept boards associated with one of Heroscape's new playable factions for the upcoming release of Age Of Annihilation. The DAWNRAIDER SYNDICATE represented an amazing opportunity to recognize some of our previous fan favorite species in the new product line, while also creating a platform to experiment with new creatures and unit types. Enjoy:

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 02 - FACTION LORE - The mercenaries of the syndicate call no Valkyrie their master, refusing to bend the knee to any of the warring factions on Valhalla. With motivations as varied as the composition of those species that call the Syndicate their own, the Dawn Raiders take to the battlefields of Valhalla for whichever side pays their high price for temporary loyalty. Often found in the shadows of the main advance, they fight for more than just the spoils, booty or carnage, but because they enjoy the challenge of battle. The Dawn Raiders are led by a charismatic council of captains, who collectively function as the Syndicates governing body in deciding the path of the Dawn Raiders, negotiate terms with the other factions on Valhalla, which contracts to honor, confirm new members into the group etc. With such a diverse mix of characters and specialties within their ranks, there is always a willing crew available for the required task at hand, coming into each battle hard, and making their impact felt, fighting like madmen.

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 02 FACTION POWERS - To highlight the awesome powers and synergy between our unique squads and the Dawn Raider Syndicate heroes, lets take a look how these "Monster Slayers" and "The Widow" work together to overwhelm their enemies on the field of battle:
THE CAPTAIN’S WAY - POWER OF UNIQUE SQUAD
At the start of the game, choose one Unique Captain you control to be their chosen assigned Captain. While within 4 clear sight spaces of their chosen Captain, roll one additional defense die against attacks from non-adjacent figures. Before taking a turn with ("The Monster Slayers"), you may first take a turn with their chosen Captain or a Dawn Raider hero you control.

PIRATE COMMANDER - POWER OF UNIQUE HERO
If there is an Order Marker on ("The Widow"), all Dawn Raider figures you control gain one additional attack die when attacking adjacent figures.

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

So, the pirate faction is one that I spent a lot of time with. What you're looking at here is a couple of powers that are (of course) not final, but are pretty far along in the design stage. "The Widow" is a pirate commander, and the "Monster Hunters" are a pirate squad.

One of the coolest things about pirates, both real and fictional, is the colorful personalities of the captains. So, when setting out the basic structure of the faction, I wanted the relationship of captain and crew to take center stage. What you're looking at here is what I came up with: a sort of bonding power, that interacts with (among others) captains, who in turn might reflect effects back onto the pirates themselves. It's sort of like a Greenscales army, if only the dragons/lizardfolk synergy was a two way street.

I can't reveal entire designs, but I can talk about the faction a bit. I have a few minutes now and I'll have more later.

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

Currently 3. Some people already correctly discerned that we are looking at a multi-species squad here.

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

Cap:

1. They are pirates, as you now see. The “Dawnraider Syndicate” is the name of the faction.

2. This squad is unique. There are other Syndicate squads, though.

3. Yes they have other powers.

4. Captain is a new thing.

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 03 - RECOGNITION OF OUR PAST AND A PATH TOWARDS OUR FUTURE – For almost two decades, players have endeared themselves to the faces and forms of so many interesting personalities on the surface of Valhalla. When we initiated the project and started development, we made the decision to drastically expand our universe. Giving existing players an opportunity to build out a world they have only seen a small fraction of, while also providing new players a chance to own something themselves. We wanted every new player to feel they possess a level field to begin their collections alongside the original generation of Heroscapers. However, this game means so much to so many players, and the memories it has created for fans are simply the stuff of strategy gaming legend. To that point, we wanted to ensure existing fans were able to affirm that those creatures and narratives they loved could live on into this new era. The Dawn Raider Syndicate provided us with that perfect opportunity to reintroduce many of our most beloved and recognizable species back into The Battle For All Time, reminding us all that the war never ended on Valhalla, and grounding our next chapter in a foundation of our past, while also providing everyone something fresh to spark their imaginations for our future together.

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 03 – BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE, BUT FULL OF NEW TWISTS – For so many strategy gamers, HEROSCAPE represented something different and accessible. It reached new players and jump-started a generation of gamers looking to plunge into tabletop wargaming who could stand proud over their armies of battle and apply their competitive spirit. It was a REQUIREMENT from Day 1, that anything we produced would be backwards compatible with existing rule systems and game mechanics. However, it couldn’t simply be “more of” and the team took on the task with zeal to unlock greater depth in the range of abilities and powers. For the team, nothing excites us more then to see how YOU will dive into all new army builds, combinations and strategies, using all new powers to once again march to war upon the surface of Valhalla. And, for those who love their historical ties, perhaps a closer look is needed.

A MASTER OF DISGUISE
If (Pirate Queen Bonny) is targeted with a normal or special attack, roll a 20-sided die. If you roll a 12 or higher, the attacking figure may not attack (Pirate Queen Bonny).

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

What we're looking at here is more parts of the pirate faction, aka the Dawn Raider Syndicate.

There are pirates all over the world, and pirates historically and famously pressgang civilians into service. So it makes sense that our pirates - Heroscape pirates - would be a mishmash of this and that. What a perfect way to include some of our old friends! So here you see "Marro Pirate," a Marro unique hero. I'm reluctant to answer, at this moment, whether we're looking at a Captain or not, but he's a unique pirate hero, so certainly it's a reasonable guess that he might be.

You're also looking at another human, "Pirate Queen Bonny," a master of disguise. Over the course of the coming releases you will see a *lot* of new members of the Heroscape family - new genres, new races, and so on - so the pirates are also an effective way to make sure that we have humans present in the new set.

Originally Posted by Dad_Scaper

Of course!

And art being what it is, I won’t say that it’s *not* a “space pirate” faction, but I prefer thinking of it as a “Valhalla pirate” faction.

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 04 – Wow, those dragons grow up really fast don't they... (Have a great weekend everybody!)

Originally Posted by Encarmine

DESIGNER'S NOTES - DAY 07 - "THE IRONCLAD COLLECTIVE" FACTION LORE - For eons unknown on their planet of Noxdorma, the Ironclad have been waging war using the cold logic of their data cogitators and the hardened steel of their inorganic weapon systems. The limitations and mortality of their organic species reforged and forgotten, as countless generations focused on perfecting their methods of absolute destruction. Every outcome on the battlefield is pre-calculated, every possible strategy is processed before the first shots are fired. The Collective’s military composition constantly adapts to new battlefield conditions, as they upgrade their cybernetics to counter enemy tactics, sometimes even relinquishing individuality to ameliorate themselves into combined monstrous war machines of searing intensity. Members of the Collective reflect their harsh philosophies of war in various death masks, creating metallic reflections of nightmares and creating a visual persona of fear and despair in the minds of their adversaries. Every potential edge in combat is analyzed, even the psychological advantages gained through uncompromising terror tactics.

[Hogg]

I hope the cards stay the same, changing things will erode HeroScape's identity.

So they won't call it a "Master Set" but there has to be some kind of "Base Set" or "Starter Set" with figures, terrain, and rules. If they sold terrain and figures completely separately, then new players would have to make two purchases to be able to play and that is a restrictive barrier to entry. I believe RotV was sold at a loss to draw new players in.