Marvel Champions LCG Session Report: Star-Lord vs. Rhino Solo Test

(For those that haven't read/watched these reports before, I take heroes from the Marvel Champions LCG and test them out against the first scenario: Rhino. I do this with just the one hero, using the pre-constructed deck that you buy off the shelf. I (typically) do not mulligan the first hand, as I'm still figuring out the deck.)

For the future, I'll probably start bopping between new hero decks and older decks so that these are more "current" some of the time, but it's time for Mr. Quill himself, Star-Lord. The pre-made deck comes equipped with the Leadership aspect, which is one that I'm liking the more I play it. Having the ability to throw down allies - especially when you play a hero that has a lot of setup - can really help out those first couple of turns.

Mr. Lord sir

Speaking of which, this is exactly what happened in this game. I drew Beta Ray Bill in my first hand, and thanks to Star-Lord's ability, I was able to play Bill pretty easily. Also, Star-Lord's alter ego ability to swap out a card for a new one is pretty nice when you end up with a hand of cards you aren't happy with (and you already mulliganed). Beta Ray Bill throwing down 3 attack and being able to take out some threat if you've got a minion in play.

Encountering Encounters

Getting to the actual play, Bill and I managed to lay the smack down on Rhino pretty easily. "Daring escape" was great for getting additional encounter cards, which is key for activating some of Star-Lord's abilities. The best one to use for this type of combo is "Sliding Shot", where you are doing 2 extra damage for each encounter card set up on you. Typically, I get scared when these encounter cards start building up on you, but with Star-Lord you are actively trying to get more of them on you.

However, this ended up being my downfall. During one of the encounter phases, I flipped over 2 cards in order that were a perfect one-two punch that took me out. First card was "Charge"….second card was "Gang-Up". And I was only at 2 health, expecting to recover when I got back to my turn. I had already avoided one "Charge" previously with "Bad Boy", which was definitely my favorite anti-Charge card that I've seen so far in the game.

Where does he place?

I'm putting Star-Lord in at #13 for me. He's not as fun to play as Rocket & Groot, but I would definitely pick him over Gamora. The encounter card mechanic is interesting, but I'd be worried about how that would work when you are playing with other people. It feels like you're asking for your friends to hate you when you end up stacking too many cards on your character at the wrong time.

If those other friends are playing Guardians though, this might be a different story. Between "Leader of the Guardians" and "C.I.T.T.", being able to buff up the other Guardians players could make a big difference in the game. Sounds like I need to get together a Guardians group for playing through the "Galaxies Most Wanted" campaign box.

Have you played Star-Lord yet? If so, what are your thoughts on his "draw more encounter cards" mechanics?

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