Winning Hand – A Marvel Champions Podcast

"This is a fun card." - VillainTheory

In this episode of Winning Hand, Boomguy and Villain Theory discuss their experiences with various Marvel Champions heroes, including Fantomex, Nightcrawler, and Iceman. They delve into the mechanics and design of these characters, sharing their thoughts on what works and what doesn't. The conversation also touches on the challenges of card design, particularly for characters like Rogue and Valkyrie, and the evolution of multi-villain scenarios in the game. The episode culminates in a detailed discussion of the new card 'Come Get Me, Bub,' highlighting its thematic elements and artwork. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of card design in Marvel Champions.

They discuss its thematic consistency, mechanics involving minions, and how it synergizes with various characters, particularly in the protection aspect. The conversation also touches on the challenges of using certain characters like Valkyrie and evaluates the overall fun factor and gameplay experience provided by the card. The hosts conclude with their final thoughts and ratings, expressing high praise for the card's design and utility in gameplay.

Here is a link to VT's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VillainTheory

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

"Hulk is one of our top selling heroes." - Caleb Grace

In this episode of the People's Podcast, Boomguy and Leethus sit down with Caleb Grace, the senior card game designer at Fantasy Flight Games, to discuss his journey in game design, his favorite heroes in Marvel Champions, and the intricacies of character design. Caleb shares insights into the development of the game, the importance of player experience, and how his background in education influenced his approach to game mechanics. The conversation also touches on the transition from designing for Lord of the Rings to Marvel Champions, highlighting the thematic elements that make each character unique. In this segment of the conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of game design for Marvel Champions, focusing on the development of protection-focused heroes, the importance of community feedback, and the challenges of understanding player preferences. They reflect on the evolution of the game's release model, the design of iconic characters like Hulk, and the overall success of the game over its first five years. In this conversation, Caleb discusses the evolution of game design, particularly focusing on the Marvel tabletop game and the challenges faced in character development and licensing. He reflects on the success of the game over the past five years, the excitement surrounding new characters, and the importance of community feedback. The discussion also delves into the design process for Magneto as a capstone character in the X-Men wave, and Caleb shares insights on the future of the game and the potential for more characters to be introduced.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Caleb Grace and Marvel Champions
03:01 Caleb's Journey in Game Design
05:55 Favorite Heroes and Player Counts
09:06 Designing Encounters and Mod Sets
12:04 Transitioning from Lord of the Rings to Marvel Champions
15:05 Character Design Insights
18:08 Thematic Elements in Game Design
20:52 Favorite Characters and Their Mechanics
25:48 Exploring Protection-Focused Heroes
30:06 Community Feedback and Game Design
34:46 The Challenge of Understanding Player Preferences
38:40 The Evolution of the Release Model
42:07 Reflecting on the Hulk's Design
50:40 Five Years of Marvel Champions: A Reflection
54:34 The Evolution of Game Design and Character Development
57:27 Success in Game Development: Reflections and Future Plans
01:00:01 The Challenges of Licensing and Character Inclusion
01:01:01 Passion Projects: Designing Heroes and Community Feedback
01:08:36 Magneto: The Capstone of the X-Men Wave
01:12:30 Reflections on the Mutant Wave and Future Aspirations

"We have people in Singapore that listen." - Boomguy

We are celebrating our 50th episode, and welcoming back one of the founding fathers of the podcast, Kaeko! He joins us to talk about the king of Player Side Schemes, Build Support.

"I'm excited to be back!" - Kaeko

In this milestone episode 50 of the Winning Hand podcast, Boomguy, Lazy Titan, Leethus, and returning guest Kaeko discuss the evolution of the podcast, Kaeko's life updates since leaving, and the latest speculations surrounding new Marvel Champions heroes, particularly focusing on Silk. The episode also highlights listener engagement through reviews and suggestions for improving the podcast experience. In this episode, the hosts engage with listener feedback, reflecting on the global reach of their podcast and the diverse audience they have attracted. They introduce the card of the day, 'Build Support,' and delve into the mechanics of player side schemes, discussing their impact on gameplay. The conversation highlights the thematic elements of the card and evaluates its power within the game, emphasizing its significance in various deck strategies. In this episode, the hosts delve into the dynamics of deck building in Marvel Champions, focusing on the impact of support cards and the strength of basic cards. They discuss the fun factor of the Build Support card, its thematic relevance, and how it influences gameplay decisions. The conversation culminates in final thoughts and ratings on the Build Support card, highlighting its utility and appeal to different player styles.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Episode 50
01:39 Keiko's Return and Life Updates
04:15 Speculation on New Heroes
11:07 Deep Dive into Silk
18:07 Listener Reviews and Community Engagement
21:48 Engaging with Listener Feedback
23:41 Global Reach of the Podcast
26:56 Introduction to Card of the Day
27:26 Understanding Player Side Schemes
30:44 Impact of Build Support Card
34:34 Deep Dive into Build Support Mechanics
40:55 Thematic Analysis of Build Support
42:57 Evaluating the Power of Build Support
44:41 Deck Building Dynamics
47:49 The Role of Support Cards
50:52 Basic Cards and Their Strength
54:34 Fun Factor of Build Support
01:01:28 Final Thoughts on Build Support

"This is a good card and wins." - LazyTitan

In this episode of the People's Podcast, the hosts discuss the new Marvel Champions card, Kid Omega, provided by Fantasy Flight Games. They explore the card's abilities, speculate on the character's backstory, analyze the artwork, and discuss the thematic elements and power of the card. The conversation is filled with humor and insights into the Marvel universe, making it an engaging listen for fans of the game and comics alike. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the card Kid Omega from Marvel Champions, discussing its abilities, potential strategies, and overall impact on gameplay. They explore the card's strengths, weaknesses, and how it fits into leadership decks, particularly within the X-Men trait. The discussion also touches on the fun factor of playing with Kid Omega and concludes with the hosts sharing their final thoughts and ratings on the card.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the People's Podcast
01:08 Unveiling Kid Omega: The New Card
02:46 Speculating on Kid Omega's Backstory
05:47 Analyzing the Art of Kid Omega
11:40 Thematic Elements of Kid Omega
13:32 Power and Synergy of Kid Omega
14:58 Exploring Kid Omega's Abilities
19:24 The Fun Factor of Kid Omega
24:09 Final Thoughts and Ratings

"This is the People's Podcast." - Boomguy

In this episode of the People's Podcast, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Magneto's hero card and the newly revealed Magnetic Bubble card. They discuss the mechanics, thematic elements, and artistic representation of the cards, while also engaging in light-hearted banter about the character's history and powers. The conversation highlights the strategic implications of the cards in gameplay and the excitement surrounding their release. In this episode, the hosts delve into the mechanics and thematic elements of Magneto's powers in a card game context. They discuss the implications of the retaliate mechanic, the thematic representation of Magneto's abilities, and evaluate the power and fun factor of the Magnetic Bubble card. The conversation highlights the strategic depth of gameplay and the potential for unique deck builds centered around Magneto's unique character and signature cards.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the People's Podcast
01:00 Exploring Magneto's Hero Card
06:49 Unveiling the Magnetic Bubble Card
09:57 Art and Theme of the Magnetic Bubble
13:50 Discussion on Card Mechanics and Strategy
14:51 Understanding Retaliate Mechanics
19:43 Thematic Exploration of Magneto's Powers
25:38 Evaluating the Power of Magnetic Bubble
30:11 Final Thoughts and Ratings

"There is nothing scarier than putting Christmas decorations up before Halloween." - Leethus

In this episode, the hosts discuss the transition to video format for their podcast, the replayability of Marvel Champions as ranked on Board Game Geek, and engage with fan emails about potential expansions, particularly focusing on the Maximum Carnage storyline. They explore the characters involved in this storyline and share their thoughts on the game's mechanics and replayability. The hosts engage with fan mail, discuss Halloween themes, and explore custom content within the Marvel Champions community. The conversation shifts to spooky scenarios and thematic encounter sets, culminating in a detailed discussion about the card of the day, Scare Tactic, from the Venom Hero Pack. In this conversation, the participants delve into the art and thematic elements of the card 'Scare Tactic' from Marvel Champions, exploring how the art influences their understanding of the card's mechanics and thematic implications. The discussion transitions into a critical analysis of the card's effectiveness in gameplay, particularly in relation to its timing of release and the evolving strategies within the game. 

Here is the link to the article on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3371361/top-500-games-on-bgg-sorted-by-replayability

Here is the MC custom discord information about the Halloween special content: https://discord.com/channels/641317998442971146/1286157532850688053

Here is VillainTheory's Halloween special from 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuvSRUSh144

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent announcement of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. campaign for Marvel Champions, exploring the implications of the new characters and mechanics introduced. They delve into the silhouettes of potential new heroes, engaging in speculation about their identities and roles within the game. The conversation also highlights listener reviews, emphasizing community engagement and the hosts' excitement for the game. In this episode, the hosts delve into the character of Nightcrawler from the X-Men universe, discussing his powers, backstory, and thematic elements in gameplay. They explore how Nightcrawler's unique abilities, such as teleportation and his blue appearance, translate into the mechanics of the Marvel Champions card game. The conversation also touches on the fun factor and overall power of Nightcrawler as a playable character, culminating in a rating discussion where the hosts express their enjoyment and thoughts on his design and gameplay.

In case you somehow haven't read the preview article for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2024/9/26/agents-of-shield/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Dynamics
07:32 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Announcement
11:45 Campaign Mechanics and Thematic Elements
18:28 Silhouette Speculation and Character Predictions
28:41 Listener Reviews and Community Engagement
31:16 Exploring Nightcrawler's Powers and Backstory
34:51 Thematic Elements of Nightcrawler in Gameplay
44:32 Assessing Nightcrawler's Power and Fun Factor
01:02:19 Final Thoughts and Ratings on Nightcrawler

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we go are over the moon to talk about Moon Girl, the basic ally card. Is the card good? Maybe. Is Moon Girl a fun character? Almost certainly. 

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

This time, Boomguy welcomes Andyr to the show to discuss a newer card in the card pool. People say Boomguy doesn't like new cards, so Take That! Join us as we discuss Valkyrie, what it's like to be a celebrity, and Andyr's new realization that social media exists. 

Here is Andyr's deck for the episode: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/748440

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this special bonus episode, we welcome Tony Fanchi, one of the principal designers of Marvel Champions LCG, to the show! Big thanks to Tony for taking the time to speak with us. 

We also have a spoiler card for the upcoming Nightcrawler hero pack, so stay tuned to the end of the podcast (41:00) to listen to us discuss the new card. 

You can see all of Nightcrawler's spoiled cards (including Kurt's Chapel) here: https://hallofheroeslcg.com/nightcrawler-kurt-wagner/

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or whatever podcast platform you listen to us on. It really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, Boomguy welcomes ScarletRhodey onto the show to discuss the aggression ally, Wasp! We talk lore, size-changing family trees, and what makes Wasp such an endearing character. But will Boomguy fall for it? And will he end up enjoying aggression, or stay true to protection? Find out in the episode!

Here is ScarletRhodey's deck for the episode that focuses on Wasp: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/725852?deck_name=All%20about%20Janet

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / ScarletRhodey

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we return home to the comforts of the classic core set card, Avengers Mansion. But things look a little different since the Age of Apocalypse. It feels different too. Does the card hold up?

Apologies to everyone for some slight audio issues we had while recording! 

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this special bonus episode, we welcome MJ Newman, formerly of Fantasy Flight Games, who helped to design and play test a number of products within Marvel Champions. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode where we discuss the designs she provided to the game, some designs that didn't see the light of day, her love of Arkham Horror, and what she is up to now that she is no longer with FFG!

You can find Maxine at her website here: https://www.bewaretheblackcat.com/

She also has a book that you can purchase here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178184630-the-key-and-the-crescent

She also has an X (Twitter) account here: https://x.com/NatsunoYoru

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

Boomguy welcomes back Astrodar and Josseroo to discuss this early-wave justice staple. But is it still good? Is it worth its weight in gold, and how much does it actually weigh?

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, Boomguy welcomes Bendrix on the episode to discuss a really unique card from Phoenix's identify specific cards. What do we think? Find out in the episode!

Here is an awesome deck to showcase the card by an excellent deckbuilder: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/35074/phoenix-is-a-beast-master-1.0

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we order a long espresso and welcome Amerikano to the show! Longtime co-host of the Marvel Champions Monthly podcast, Amerikano stepped away last year to refocus on other things. We discuss which Spider-Man suit is the best, why protection is the best aspect, and await more hot takes from Leethus!

Here is the Con of Heroes print and play content we mentioned in the episode: https://conofheroes.com/print-and-play/

Here is Boomguy's weird Otto Octavius Iron Man deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38974/the-superior-iron-man-1.0

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode we discuss Vivian, who is a very versatile and powerful ally. Is she the best? Maybe. Is she fun? Maybe. Do most Vision players single her out as Vision's best card? Very likely. 

Join Boomguy, Leethus, and LazyTitan as we wrap up our month-long series on Vision and his kit! 

Here is the legendary Tonee Tales' classic Vivian deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/16008/command-the-rebooting-vivian-1.0

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode, the pod crew discusses another Vision card, and we compare it to Sunfire and Phased Strike, and decide which is the best way to discard nasty attachments. We also go on a tangent about Agent Venom, and try to decide if androids dream of electric sheep. Enjoy!

Here is a random Vision deck to use Phase Disruption with: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/31780/minion-control-viz-3.0

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy / Leethus / LazyTitan421

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

In this episode the pod discusses the versatile event card, Solar Beam, and we muse on the nature of thwarting as an abstraction, Vision's family, and wonder if synthezoids have lungs. Join us as we continue our deep dive on Vision!

Here is Boomguy's Captain America deck discussed in the episode: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/38720/cap-in-a-fist-fight-1.0

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast

This month we are doing another 4-episode deep dive! It's our first hero deep dive, and we hope to do more of these in the future. This month will be all about everyone's favorite Android hero. We will spend the next four episodes dissecting different cards in his hero kit and give a holistic review of the character in Marvel Champions LCG.

Vision is objectively the best Android hero in the game, and it's not even close! Join us as we discuss what makes him great, and look forward to the next few episodes of the deep dive.

Here is Boomguy's appearance on his "Best Hero" series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIes4WYDo50&t=67s

Here is the Tom King Vision run: https://www.marvel.com/comics/series/20897/vision_(2015_-_2016)

And here is a review of the story, which was incredible: https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-wisdom-of-the-vision-a-superhero-story-about-family-and-fitting-in

We are looking for feedback from the community that listens to this show, so please get in touch to let us know what you think of the podcast, and please take time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it really makes a difference!

Email: [email protected]

IG: @winninghandpodcast 

Discord: Boomguy

Facebook: Winning Hand Podcast