Attacktix

Attacktix is one of Hasbro'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, the Attacktix line consisted solely of Star Wars characters, the first wave being released in 2005 to coincide with Revenge of the Sith; however, Hasbro has since introduced Transformers characters to the mix -using a combination of characters from the Unicron Trilogy and Generation 1 series, even dipping into Universe, the 2007 movie (nearly) and a few unique creations, plus recently added heroes and villains from Marvel Comics. Most strikingly, the Attacktix line featured an "Intergalactic Showdown" crossover pack, pitting Transformers characters AGAINST Star Wars characters for utter supremacy of the Male Action market. Marvel Comics characters received their own assortments thereafter.

Most of the pieces are available in randomized, blind-packed Booster sets. Originally these came three to a pack, but with the addition of Transformers, 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".

All of the Attacktix characters are compatible and you can use multiples of any one; you can have a team consisting of Yoda, Ransack and Spider-Man if you wish, or nothing but multiple Decepticlones.

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

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, all Transformers pieces 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 using Point Values and Special 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, if the "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 the Energon and Cybertron franchises. 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. A Galvatron piece was to be released with a "Battle Case", but was cancelled due to poor sales of the Star Wars equivalent. A white Decepticlone was packed as a bonus piece with a Wal-Mart exclusive re-release of the aforementioned "Starter Set".

Series 2

Transformers Attacktix Series 2 was set to expand the Attacktix universe to include G1 and Universe, 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 to Attacktix creator Brian Wilk in an interview at San Diego Comic-Con 2007, 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.

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.

External links

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