by Patrick Yapjoco
This was the last chance for someone to come away with a first round Bye and a FREE entry to the Main Events. This also served as a preview of the Modern Age Main Event of sorts, with people possibly playing their teams the night before the big event. There were 14 players and all brought their “A” game, so to speak. There were plenty of Metrons, Nightcrawlers, Johnny Quicks, and even Superman running around, but in the end, it was Matthew McGraw who won with his X-Men Team:
| 1st Place (4-0)
Professor X 123 |
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He used his range and ability to hit from anywhere to take down opponents. With Storm’s TK, Professor X could conceivably hit from just about anywhere on the map. Psychic Blast, coupled with Outwit served as a brutal combo, taking down Supermen and Metron. The strategy is a similar one used by Stephen Plasco at the Worlds Qualifier in Philadelphia last month, but opted to use a Theme Team to maximize map choice and get a couple of Theme PCs.
In second place, Justin Cole used the anti-HSS strategy with Metron/Kid Zoom, which is the exact list that National Champion and Worlds Runner-Up John Rowe used:
| 2nd Place (3-1) Metron 195 Kid Zoom 87 Nurse 10 Objects: Crimson Gem of Cyttorak (5), light, heavy (297) |
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This strategy was mainly to counter all of the Hypersonic Speed that was expected and it worked for the most part, only losing to another Metron. Kid Zoom is a very tricky (and risky) figure to play since he has low ATK (9) and DAMAGE (2) values to start, so Metron really serves as a major support piece to help Kid Zoom take down opposing characters. There were two other 3-1 records; one was Quicktron, while the other was a Superman team. Superman really seems like a viable piece in this format, with relatively cheap value for a big beater. HSS with Super Strength and Outwit, mixed with Indomitable makes Superman a real threat. His top-heavy dial means he really cannot take damage, but getting him off that dial is the tough part. Here are the notable pieces played in the Trial:
| 4 Superman 3 Metron, Johnny Quick, Nightcrawler 1 Quasar, Darkseid |
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As you can see, Superman was the most played piece as players wanted to see his impact on the metagame. Also, Quasar and Darkseid tried their hand at being tentpoles, but with all the eggs in one basket, it’s imperative to hit a crucial attack. What’s surprising is not a single Bullseye was played. With all of the Super Senses and Shape Change around, one would think Bullseye would be the perfect answer. It will be interesting to see at the Main Event if Martial Artists make an impact and if Superman really is a legit contender.
These players earned their way to either FREE entry to the Main Events or a First Round Bye (300pts and a Win), OR Both!
Trial Winners (Free Entry to both Main Events)
Majestix CCG, Costa Mesa (September 28th – 300pt Superman Marquee):
1st – Chris O’Neal
2nd – Dennis Ramirez
Paladin’s Game Castle, Bakersfield (October 1st – 300pt Modern; 2 figs only):
1st – Rob Gallagher
2nd – Jared Thornton
X-Tream Game Pit, Bakersfield (October 2nd – 300pt Modern)
1st – Bishop Tull
2nd – William Victor Golden
The Realm, Games & Comics, Brea (October 8th – 400pt Modern)
1st – Roel Sanchez
2nd – Jason Cruz
American Bank Center, Corpus Christi (October 8th – 300pt Modern)
1st – Omar Gonzalez
2nd – Chris Foreman
Biggy’s Comics & Games, Santa Ana (October 15th – 500pt “Swarm” Modern)
1st – Calen Rau
2nd – Jackson Rau
Game Empire, Pasadena (October 13th – 500pt Trial of Superman)
1st – Jim Moraga
2nd – Byron Buhain
R & R Comics, Houston (October 15th – 500pt Superman Floor)
1st – Scott Johnson
2nd – Dennis Schwent
Game Empire, San Diego (October 17th – 300pt Modern)
1st – Jerry Rodriguez
2nd – Manolo Meza
The Gaming Pit, Atlanta (October 22nd – 500pt Modern Floor)
1st – Jim Sanok
2nd – George Rivas
Comikaze Expo, Los Angeles (November 5th – 400pt Modern)
1st – Joe Sato
2nd – Mark Switzer
Gaming, Collection and Toys, Santa Clara (November 5th – 600pts Modern)
1st – Michael Nowocin
2nd – Alex Gannaway
Majestix CCG, Huntington Beach (November 18th – 300pt Modern Age):
1st – Matthew McGraw
2nd – Justin Cole
