by Aaron Einhorn
I’m a big fan of the free-to-play Super Hero Squad Online MMO. It’s cute, it’s fun, it’s a superhero game I can share with my kids, and it’s free.
One element of the game is a Trading Card Game built-in to the video game, where you can have superheroic battles. My girls love watching me play the card game, and I’ve been sad that there wasn’t a print version.
Apparently, that’s changing, thanks to Upper Deck and Marvel. Coming this April, a physical version of the Super Hero Squad TCG is arriving, and while I may not buy a lot of it, I will definitely be buying a starter deck or two so I can begin teaching my kids the joys of card games.
The full press release follows:
Upper Deck has partnered with Marvel and Gazillion Entertainment to provide fans with the first-ever “Super Hero Squad” trading card game (TCG). Based on the rules and card design of Marvel Super Hero Squad Online’s player vs. player card game, the TCG brings a whole new dimension to the popular “Super Hero Squad” franchise.
Marvel’s “Super Hero Squad” began as a Hasbro toy line in 2006 where they depicted popular Marvel characters with a cartoon-like style. Marvel created the Super Hero Squad Cartoon series in 2009, and then went digital in 2011 with a massive multi-player online game (MMO) that has taken off with younger Marvel fans. To provide additional connectivity and make the game even more exciting for online users, the TCG is enhanced with exclusive loot cards and reward codes that can be used to unlock exciting features in Marvel Super Hero Squad Online.
“Marvel fans, fans of the toy line and fans of Super Hero Squad Online will all enjoy the new ‘Super Hero Squad’ TCG,” said Jason Masherah, Upper Deck’s vice president of Marketing & Business Development. “The game play is easy to learn and fast paced. It is designed to draw fans right in so they can get right to the battle against their opponent.”
The new “Super Hero Squad” trading card game will feature a 300-card base set that includes beloved Marvel heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Thor, Captain America, The X-Men and more. With great art and fast-playing game action, the “Super Hero Squad” TCG will really pack a punch with gamers. Reward codes can be found in every pack and can be redeemed in Super Hero Squad Online for exclusive digital rewards like silver or prize wheel tickets. Rare loot cards randomly inserted into card packs can be redeemed for exclusive items including playable characters within the online game.
Fans can pick up four distinct single player intro packs themed around Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine and Hulk. Each of which includes one super-rare foil card and a collectible coin per intro pack. A unique two-player intro pack is also available, pitting The Avengers® against the X-Men. The two player intro pack includes two exclusive play mats and a collectible coin. Additionally, gamers can add to their decks by grabbing booster packs consisting of six common cards, three uncommon cards and one rare foil card. Get ready to “Hero Up!” when Upper Deck’s “Super Hero Squad” trading card game releases in stores April 24, 2012.
