Yeah, I've been beating the 'can we not do (Un)commons where the name is just Species + Class' drum for a while now, but I think that's just me.
You're basically committing to ambiguous synergies, or never reusing the species + class combo, or never synergizing with it, when you do that.
I do actually have a real old Phalanx write-up that predates my current feelings on the Species + Class naming convention, though:
Quote:
The figure used for this unit is a Heroclix figure from the Hammer of Thor set.
Its model number and name are #008 / Phalanx Soldier.
NAME = PHALANX DRONE
SECRET IDENTITY =
SPECIES = PHALANX
UNIQUENESS = UNCOMMON HERO
CLASS = DRONE
PERSONALITY = SUBSERVIENT
SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 5
LIFE = 4
MOVE = 5
RANGE = 5
ATTACK = 4
DEFENSE = 5
POINTS = ???
PHALANX HIVEMIND
After revealing an Order Marker on this card and instead of taking a turn with this Phalanx Drone, you may either move any two Phalanx Drones you control or take a turn with one other Unique Hero you control that has the Techno-Organic Virus special power.
SELECT ASSIMILATION 18
After taking a turn with this Phalanx Drone, you may choose a Unique Hero adjacent to this Phalanx Drone that is not a Construct and roll the 20-sided die. Subtract 2 from the roll if the chosen Hero is a Mutant. If you roll 18 or higher, take control of the chosen Hero. For the rest of the game, the chosen Hero has the species of Phalanx and must use the Techno-Organic Virus special power. Whenever the Techno-Organic Virus special power refers to this Phalanx Drone or this Phalanx Drone's card, it refers to that Hero or that Hero's card instead.
TECHNO-ORGANIC VIRUS
If an adjacent figure receives one or more wounds from this Phalanx Drone's normal attack, you must roll one combat die. If you roll a skull, remove one Wound Marker from this card. If you roll a shield, place one Wound Marker on this card.
SUPER STRENGTH
_________________________________
Bio - The Phalanx are a species infected with the Techno-Organic Virus. The Virus drives them to assimilate and conquer as many worlds as possible. They became a threat to the entire galaxy when they assimilated Ultron and he directed their efforts to assimilate organic life.
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(Definitely
not claiming ownership. Got way too many things on my plate and this is an old write-up, like I said. Just comparing notes)
T-O Virus is off N'astirh - I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary to portray it the same way, but it felt like a cool little nod for consistency.
Could always go Invaders for class.
I'm not as up on the history of the Phalanx outside Annihilation: Conquest, but I'm not sure if the Annihilation Wave style 'choose a ruler' makes sense for them. My impression was more that they're usually doing their own hivemind-y thing and Ultron commandeered them. My thought on how to work Ultron in was always more to the tune of 'Phalanx Ultron' (because he does have his own mini and I'd love to get that 'Ultron on the throne' cover on a card.