These days, it seems like Marvel is just about everywhere, from the highly anticipated X-Men ’97 show to the engaging gameplay of Marvel Rivals video game. On the tabletop scene, Marvel has also been making waves with exciting crossovers like Codenames and even Magic: The Gathering. Now, brace yourselves for another thrilling Marvel collaboration coming this Spring, pairing the iconic X-Men with the dice-rolling brawler, Dice Throne. Having had a taste of this latest version, I can confidently say it feels familiar yet refreshingly distinct, thanks to the introduction of new characters and their special abilities, offering fans a unique twist on the superhero tabletop experience.
The journey of this X-Men edition of Dice Throne began on Kickstarter, and there are some notable distinctions between the Kickstarter version and the Battle Chest edition available on their website compared to the retail sets. Primarily, these differences lie in the quality of the tokens and game pieces as well as organizational upgrades like individual storage trays for each hero. If you’re considering the retail versions, you’ll find yourself choosing between two boxes, each featuring four X-Men. One box includes Cyclops, Gambit, Rogue, and Jean Grey, while the other showcases Iceman, Psylocke, Storm, and Wolverine. Regardless of your selection, you’re in for a blend of fan-favorite characters. Each character is assigned a difficulty level ranging from one to six, indicated on the back of the box, making it easier to gauge which set suits your group’s skill level. For newcomers, the Wolverine and Storm box is ideal, as none of its heroes exceed a difficulty level of four. Meanwhile, the Gambit and Jean Grey box introduces more complexity, with both characters rated at a challenging six.
True to its roots, Dice Throne maintains its core gameplay mechanics, allowing players to roll dice and choose abilities to either bolster themselves or outmaneuver opponents and allies. Each character board hosts eight abilities: a defensive one, a passive, and a mix of offensive powers, all centered around the ultimate ability which is a tricky feat to achieve in this luck-based game. Accompanying these boards are character-specific dice, card decks, and dials for tracking resources, complete with character sheets offering detailed insights. Initially, understanding each character’s synergy might take some time, yet it’s the dice roll that ultimately decides the play’s outcome. Cards enhance your strategy, allowing you to tweak your roll or disrupt your opponent’s moves, creating a tactical layer in your quest to reduce opponents’ life points to zero.
The simplicity of the base gameplay offers a platform for replayability largely driven by character choice. Take Wolverine: his straightforward playstyle involves building rage when hit, which in turn boosts his attack power. Then there’s Storm, who can amplify her abilities with added effects and even borrow dice from others to nail complex combinations akin to poker straights, needed for some of her moves.
For a heftier challenge, there’s Jean Grey, whose dual persona toggles between standard Jean and the formidable Dark Phoenix, impacting her passive abilities every turn. This switch-up keeps her play unpredictable as she gathers resources one moment and skips to capitalize on offensive output the next. Meanwhile, Gambit charges his cards kinetically, adding future effects, demanding strategic pacing in managing these charged assets. Each character truly embodies their comic book essence, requiring players to adapt to their specific playstyle for seamless gameplay.
Dice Throne allows for versatile play, with options for one-on-one duels or other formats like the captivating free-for-all King of the Hill, well-suited for odd player counts, or team battles. Given the turn-based mechanics, games can run lengthy, especially for those still warming up to the game’s intricacies, so a 1v1 match might serve as a great starting point. If you’re familiar with trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, you’ll find Dice Throne’s mechanics reminiscent, with cards functioning similarly to spells throughout different phases, from upkeep to the critical dice roll phase.
Initially, I didn’t give much thought to Dice Throne amid the array of board games. Dice games evoke a fun and intriguing lure, yet personal taste often dictates preference. However, as a Marvel enthusiast and superhero aficionado, this X-Men twist on Dice Throne captured my curiosity, encouraging me to dive in. If you adore Marvel’s heroes and are on the lookout for a delightful addition to your gaming collection, X-Men Dice Throne promises an engaging experience perfect for board game nights, especially when shared with fellow fans who appreciate this iconic universe.
