HEROCLIX is a tabletop miniatures game put out by WizKids. Like most miniatures games, it is played out on a table (usually with a gridded mat) with miniature figures representing the forces on each side used to enact battles. UNLIKE other minis games, the system is streamlined and easy to learn, without huge tomes of rules weighing down each decision. Nothing against those in-depth kinds of games, mind you! But you can't play Napoleonics every day and keep your sanity.
No, in HEROCLIX, each figure is mounted on a dial, where all pertinent game information is kept. Attack, Defense, Movement, and Damage values are on the dial, along with some other static game information printed on the base itself. Each stat may or may not have a color overlay, indicating various super powers (this is, after all, a superhero game!). As the figure takes damage, the dial is turned, or "clicked", and new stats show on the dial. This indicates that the character has been damaged, and isn't quite as effective as before. Well, except for guys like Hulk, who just get meaner and more dangerous!
There isn't the constant reference to a rulebook that you might find in other minis games. Everything you need is right there on the dial, with a card that outlines all the superpowers. It won't be long before you have those memorized anyway!
On top of all the ease of use, these figures come FULLY PAINTED! While painting minis is a hobby unto itself (for me included), it's great to be able to jump right into a miniatures game without having to play with gray pieces or wait until you've found the time to paint all your guys. Instead, you have beautifully sculpted, professionally painted minis to play with...
...and collect. One fun aspect of HEROCLIX is that it's collectible. You buy them in starters, which contain the rules, maps, dice, markers, and enough figures to have a battle; or boosters, that contain four figures to expand your collection. While a strain on the wallet that's hard to resist, there's something exciting about cracking open a sealed booster, hoping for that one fig you've been looking for. The figs come in three different levels, each one more experienced (better stats) than the previous. There are also Unique figs, which are usually very good in game terms, and the Holy Grails for collectors.
A side hobby that has sprung out of HEROCLIX is that of modding the figs. There are a lot of folks out there that take existing clix, and use modelling and repainting to make them into completely different figs! Click here to go to my mods page.