Added Feb. 15, 2000
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Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, announced recently that it has been granted the exclusive license to create trading card games and card game accessories based on the Marvel Universe, featuring some of the world's most popular superheroes, including Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man and Captain America.
The first release will be the X-Men trading card game in the summer of 2000, according to a company press release.
"The X-Men have long been among the most popular and exciting characters in comics and the upcoming movie will propel them even higher," said Stephen Horvath, brand manager for the X-Men trading card game. "We plan on producing a game that will be an integral partner with the comics and movie, as well as set the standard for future Super Hero TCGs."
"Wizards of the Coast is an important licensing partner helping Marvel fulfill its brand strategy for the X-Men character property. The X-Men TCG leverages the entertainment value of these ever-popular super heroes by inviting the player into the Marvel Universe," said Mike Dichter, senior vice-president, Marvel Characters Group.
Highlighting the popular heroes and villains from the X-Men movie and comic series, fans will be able to play their favorite mutant characters in the X-Men trading card game. Featuring the impressive graphics from the Marvel Super Heroes comics on full-color game cards, the X-Men trading card game will be packaged in starter decks, as well as booster packs.
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The MLB Showdown card game will combine the strategy of baseball with the collectability of baseball cards and the competition of fantasy baseball. The MLB Showdown 2000 Starter Set will be released in April 2000.
"The new game will give kids a card game that simulates authentic Major League Baseball play," said Vince Caluori, president of Wizards of the Coast. "MLB Showdown 2000 will also provide baseball fans with the excitement of owning and managing a professional baseball team."
The MLB Showdown card game is a multidimensional game that combines baseball tactics, fantasy baseball and collecting baseball cards all in one game. Game players become "owners" and "managers" of their own Major League Baseball "dream" teams by collecting and assembling lineups of their favorite Major League Baseball players to compete against other baseball teams. Managers can change their lineups, keep statistics, send in pinch hitters or relief pitchers, call for stolen-base attempts, catch fly balls and hit home runs, among many other realistic game-play features.
Each player card includes a picture of a real Major League Baseball player, along with characteristics and abilities based on the player's actual performance during the 1999 season. Game players will be able to collect and trade their cards with other players to improve their lineups and game strategies. Kids of all ages and levels can compete against one another in league tournaments that will be scheduled at Wizards of the Coast stores and other retail stores around the country.
"MLB Showdown 2000 will give fans, especially kids, the opportunity to learn and experience what Major League Baseball is all about through strategic game play," said Howard Smith, Major League Baseball Properties vice president of retail licensing. "We're fortunate to have Wizards of the Coast create this unique and fun Major League Baseball game."
"As with our Pokemon trading card game, we plan to develop baseball leagues where kids can compete against each other in both casual and competitive environments," Caluori said. "In addition, we will work closely with Major League Baseball teams, scheduling events involving Major League Baseball players."
The MLB Showdown 2000 card game will be available at retail, hobby and other selected stores in the United States in April 2000. The two-player Starter Set will retail for $9.99, and players will be able to get more cards in booster packs for $2.99. Each booster pack will contain 9 different cards for use with the Starter Set.
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