Attacktix

Optimus Prime likes to hide behind words.

Attacktixis one ofHasbro's gaming properties. Players select an "army" of figures, then try to use the figures' special abilities (firing missiles, spring-loaded strike attacks, and the like) to knock down the opposing force. The games rules are set as such that the game can be played very simply and quickly between two players, or more involved battles with multiple players and more rules and turnarounds.

Initially, theAttacktixline consisted solely ofStar Warscharacters, the first wave being released in 2005 to coincide withRevenge of the Sith;however, Hasbro has since introducedTransformerscharacters to the mix -using a combination of characters from theUnicron TrilogyandGeneration 1series, even dipping intoUniverse,the2007 movie(nearly) and a few unique creations, plus recently added heroes and villains fromMarvel Comics.Most strikingly, the Attacktix line featured an "Intergalactic Showdown" crossover pack, pittingTransformerscharacters AGAINSTStar Warscharacters for utter supremacy of the Male Action market.Marvel Comicscharacters received their own assortments thereafter.

HA HA FETT.

Most of the pieces are available in randomized, blind-packed Booster sets. Originally these came three to a pack, but with the addition ofTransformers,the sets were reduced to cheaper two-packs. The Booster-pack figures are (somewhat misleadingly) rated "Rare" and "Super Rare": each pack contains one of each, but there are twice as many "Super Rare" pieces in an assortment as there are "Rares".

Allof the Attacktix characters are compatible and you can use multiples of any one; you can have a team consisting ofYoda,RansackandSpider-Manif you wish, or nothing but multipleDecepticlones.

Wicked.

The entire line was put on "indefinite hiatus" in early 2007, with a great many planned and revealed pieces intended for Series 2 placed in limbo.

Gameplay Basics

Tabletop gaming condensed down to simply knocking things over. Awesome.

The most basic setup of the game involves two players picking an equal number of pieces and placing them on a smooth surface about three feet apart. Players then move as many pieces as they wish as many "tix" as shown on their piece by "rolling" them. At any time during movement, the player can attack with a set number of their pieces; the last player to have any pieces standing wins.

Most pieces fall under two attack categories: Missiles or Melee. (There are a few special cases, but so far, allTransformerspieces are combat-only.) Missile-launching pieces can attack from a distance (the spring mechanisms in Attacktix pieces are very strong), but typically cannot move as many "tix" per turn. Melee pieces need to get up-close for their swipes, stabs, and lifting actions to be effective, so to counter that they typically can move a greater number of "tix" per turn.

More advanced methods of play are set up usingPoint ValuesandSpecial Powers.

Point Values

Every piece is rated a certain number of points. Typically, the higher the point value, the more effective the piece is in battle (more "tix" per turn, more effective attacks/special powers, wider bases to make knocking them down more difficult, etc.). While most pieces range from 10 to 40 points, the large and very powerful "Battle Master" pieces can be worth up to 80. Players may set a maximum total point value to even the playing field, adjusting strategy to match: use a large force of weaker troops to wear down the other team with multiple attacks, or only a few very strong ones in the hopes of overpowering the opponent quickly.

Special Powers

On the bottom of every piece's base is a Special Power that goes into effect when the piece is knocked over,ifthe "Attacktix Window" on the bottom shows white. These vary wildly, from giving you retaliatory moves and/or attacks, replacing the fallen figure with another piece of a specified Class, Allegiance or even a specific character, and such. It is a good idea to assemble a team whose Special Powers complement each other; while this typically means sticking with a "theme" (Imperials, Autobots), this is not always the case, thanks to the Class markings.

Transformers Attacktix pieces

Series 1

Transformers Attacktix initially concentrated on theEnergonandCybertronfranchises. Series 1 was sold in "Booster Packs", a single "Starter Set", a single "Battle Masters" set and a single "Star Wars vs. Transformers" crossover set. AGalvatronpiece was to be released with a "Battle Case", but was cancelled due to poor sales of theStar Warsequivalent. A whiteDecepticlonewas packed as a bonus piece with a Wal-Martexclusivere-release of the aforementioned "Starter Set".

Series 2

Transformers Attacktix Series 2 was set to expand the Attacktix universe to includeG1andUniverse,with fully-painted prototypes displayed at various Hasbro appearance. However, further Transformers Attacktix figured were placed "on hold", along with the rest of the line. According toAttacktixcreatorBrian Wilkin an interview atSan Diego Comic-Con2007, Hasbro was re-evaluating the presentation of the line, from packaging (how the pieces are presented, emphasis on the game, the whole blind-packed issue) to placement in the aisles to better grab kids before re-launching the line.

Game over. This Attacktix item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Other known pieces

Several additional Attacktix pieces from G1 and the live action movie were revealed at various conventions (oddly enough, most at the Star Wars "Celebration IV" convention), or through official solicitations, but ultimately never saw release. Some were slated to be in "starter packs", but most were likely boosters. Most of their in-game statistics are unknown.

Game over. This Attacktix item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

External links

• Official Hasbro Attacktix website
• Transformers Attacktix forum
• JoeAttacktix, fan-forum and news site for Attacktix (and semi-related lines)
• Attacktix Promotional Video