X-Men Dice Throne: A Board Game That Expertly Utilizes Its License

Marvel’s influence is undeniably widespread, so spotting their iconic heroes and villains across various forms of media is hardly a surprise. Whether it’s the animated series X-Men ’97 or the digital battles of Marvel Rivals, their presence is felt everywhere. Venturing into tabletop gaming, Marvel spins into fresh collaborations, from the strategic team game Codenames to the enduring allure of Magic: The Gathering. This spring, Marvel makes another compelling move with the X-Men’s entry into the fast-paced, dice-rolling contest of Dice Throne. From my early hands-on experience, the game retains its core mechanics from previous versions, yet introduces an intriguing twist through new characters and unique skills, offering seasoned fans an exciting and different superhero tabletop encounter.

The journey of bringing this new X-Men version of Dice Throne to life began on Kickstarter. Both the Kickstarter and the Battle Chest editions available online have distinct features compared to the retail sets I played with. This mainly revolves around the quality of tokens and game pieces, along with enhanced storage trays for each hero. Retail options are split into two boxes, each featuring four X-Men characters. One box has Cyclops, Gambit, Rogue, and Jean Grey, while the other showcases Iceman, Psylocke, Storm, and Wolverine. Each set offers a mix of beloved characters, with difficulty ratings from one to six listed on the box’s back. If you’re new to the game, the set with Wolverine and Storm is a friendly starting point, since none of these characters exceed a difficulty level of four. Conversely, for players seeking a challenge, the set featuring Gambit and Jean Grey presents characters at the highest difficulty, rated six, making it crucial to align your choice with the experience level of your group.

Sticking to its roots, Dice Throne gameplay involves players rolling dice to decide which abilities their chosen character will deploy against opponents or in defense. Characters have eight abilities, typically including defensive and passive skills, alongside several offensive ones. The ultimate ability takes center stage, though it demands a favorable roll, a real testament to the game’s element of luck. Each character set comes with dice, a card deck tailored to the character, resource-tracking dials, and detailed character sheets. Understanding each character’s mechanics and synergy can take practice, but gameplay boils down to what outcomes the dice roll presents. Cards can tweak these rolls, allowing you to either strengthen your attack or weaken your opponent’s defense, leading to victory once their life reaches zero. While the goal is simple, it’s the journey and strategy that make the game intriguing.

Replayability is where Dice Throne shines. Different characters provide varied gameplay experiences. Take Wolverine; his straightforward style makes him formidable as he grows stronger when attacked, due to the accumulation of rage. Storm, on the other hand, can amplify her powers for additional effects and even borrows dice from fellow players to complete straights, akin to poker, which are needed for some offensive moves.

On the more complex side, there’s Jean Grey, who alternates between her base persona and the formidable Dark Phoenix. This duality tweaks her passive abilities, allowing resource gain as Jean Grey, followed by skipping phases to unleash powerful attacks as Dark Phoenix. Strategic planning is key, especially if opponents can disrupt your rhythm. Then there’s Gambit, whose style involves kinetically charging cards for future advantage, adding another layer to the strategy. Each hero encapsulates their comic counterpart’s essence; adapting to their unique dynamics is crucial for smooth and effective gameplay.

Although Dice Throne is often played head-to-head, it supports various modes like the free-for-all King of the Hill for odd-numbered player groups or even team battles. Since turn-taking can extend game length, particularly for new players, starting with 1v1 matches is advisable to grasp the basics before progressing to larger groups. Familiarity with trading card games, especially those like Magic: The Gathering, will ease the learning curve as the card mechanics in Dice Throne align closely with typical TCG phases, such as upkeep, income, and the specific timings for playing cards.

While Dice Throne’s premise hadn’t captivated me initially, often being overshadowed in crowded board game aisles, this Marvel-themed edition piqued my interest. Being a Marvel aficionado, the superhero twist made all the difference. If you love the Marvel Universe and you’re seeking a fresh board game to enjoy on game nights, X-Men Dice Throne could be the perfect addition, especially if your circle shares your enthusiasm for these legendary characters and their thrilling universe.