Winning Hand - A Marvel Champions Podcast

E61 - Spider-Ham (Hero)

On this day three years ago, Fantasy Flight launched their biggest April Fool's joke yet: https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2022/4/1/hamming-it-up/
Was it real? Was it fake? We may never know. 
Join Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus as they break down their least favorite cartoon pig! 
We also spotlight a content creator you should check out:  ⁨@ZiggyZ55Z⁩ 
He also has a new book out: https://youtu.be/wwAJThY2hFA?si=N8apcqaRqgwXormG
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast03:00 Content Creator Spotlight: ZiggyZ5505:59 Recent Gameplay Experiences08:49 Exploring the Deadpool Aspect11:54 Iceman and Jubilee: Heroes in Focus15:00 Thor and Groot: Recent Favorites17:58 New Heroes: Maria Hill and Nick Fury21:04 Card of the Day: Spider Ham27:44 The Quirky World of Spider-Ham29:09 Unpacking Spider-Ham's Origins30:49 The Villains of Spider-Ham36:39 Art and Aesthetics of Spider-Ham39:33 Thematic Elements of Spider-Ham43:12 Game Mechanics and Balance of Spider-Ham46:52 Exploring Spider-Ham's Unique Mechanics49:50 The Power of Spider-Ham: A Hero's Strength53:20 Ranking Spider-Ham Among Heroes59:30 Fun Factor: Playing as Spider-Ham01:03:32 Final Thoughts and Ratings

E60.5 - Black Panther Spoiler Cards!

In this episode, we discuss two new spoiler cards from Fantasy Flight Games for the upcoming Black Panther (Shuri) hero pack. You can see the original reveal article here.
Join us as we break down the art, theme, power, and fun for these cards!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to New Cards03:03 Analysis of Dora Milaje and Allies06:06 Art and Theme Discussion09:11 Synergy and Gameplay Mechanics12:00 Final Thoughts on Card Package17:48 The Power of Allies in Gameplay20:12 Strategic Use of Leadership and Healing22:40 Design and Flexibility of the Dora Milaje Package24:40 Overall Impressions and Ratings of the Package30:14 Future Potential and Trait Development32:28 Outro
 

All Hands on Decks #11 - Multi-Aspect Heroes!

Talking all about multi-aspect heroes! In this episode, Boomguy and AndyR explore the theme of multi-aspect heroes in Marvel Champions, discussing various deck archetypes and showcasing specific decks centered around characters like Adam Warlock, Spider-Woman, Cable, Gamora, and Cyclops. They delve into listener comments, the dynamics of different player archetypes, and the unique challenges and strategies involved in building multi-aspect decks. We highlight the creativity and fun that can arise from these unique deck-building opportunities while also acknowledging the complexities they introduce.
1. Children of the Atom (Warlock): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44735/children-of-the-atom-warlock-1.0
2. Jess & Carol Kill the Marvel Universe: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/39819/jess-and-carol-kill-the-marvel-universe-1.0
3. Maria Maria (Do your friends love cards?): https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45479/maria-maria-do-your-friends-love-cards-1.0
4. Psy-Kickin' It: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44648/psy-kickin-it-1.0
5. Rogue+Pete=8+ Gunboat every time!: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/44997/rogue-pete-8-gunboat-every-time-1.0
6. What if we used 100% of Gamora's ability? [True Solo]: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45030/what-if-we-used-100-of-gamora-s-ability-true-solo-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand and Deck Building
01:07 Understanding Spike, Johnny, and Timmy Players
04:19 The Timmy Player Dilemma in Marvel Champions
09:06 Nomenclature for Deck Archetypes
13:10 Exploring Multi-Aspect Heroes
17:43 Deck Showcase: Adam Warlock
23:46 Deck Showcase: Spider-Woman
29:29 Deck Showcase: Cable
32:13 Exploring Psionic Strategies
34:46 Deck Building Insights and Recommendations
37:02 Maria Hill: The Card Draw Engine
39:58 Gamora's Solo Deck: A Unique Approach
50:34 Cyclops and Gunboat Diplomacy
01:02:52 Reflections on Multi-Aspect Heroes

E60 - Dazzler

In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, hosts Boomguy and LazyTitan dive into Marvel Champions, focusing on the justice ally Dazzler. They share their excitement for the upcoming Con of Heroes, talk about a new content creator, and explore their top hero picks for the event. The conversation also includes a detailed analysis of Dazzler as a card, her abilities, and her place within the game, highlighting the importance of art and design in card games.
The Masked Hero: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMaskedHero
Con of heroes: https://conofheroes.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dazzler and the podcast01:25 Content Creator Spotlight: The Masked Hero03:54 Con of Heroes Deck Planning05:39 Hero Selection for Con of Heroes13:28 LazyTitan's Hero Picks: Colossus and Ironheart20:20 Boomguy's Hero Picks: Angel and War Machine22:59 Exploring Thor's Versatility26:59 Cyclops: The Tactician's Choice30:58 Shadowcat: The Ultimate Defender36:54 Vision: The Autopilot Hero39:12 Drax: The King in Green40:53 Captain America: The Versatile Leader44:24 Exploring Dazzler's Powers and Art46:53 Thematic Elements of Dazzler's Card48:51 Analyzing Dazzler's Power and Cost52:51 Dazzler's Role in Justice Archetypes01:02:47 Final Thoughts on Dazzler's Design and Fun Factor01:08:49 Outro

E59 - Mockingbird

"You call that science?" - Mockingbird, apparently
In this episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew kicks off celebrations for Women's History Month by discussing the character Mockingbird from Marvel Champions. We explore her history, powers, and the thematic elements of her (core set) card. The conversation includes a spotlight on content creator Astrodar, trivia about Mockingbird, and a detailed analysis of her card's mechanics and impact in the game. Does Boomguy read comics? Not likely.
Link to Astrodar's Alter-Ego Chronicle: https://alteregochronicle.wixsite.com/alter-ego-chronicle
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Winning Hand Podcast00:59 Celebrating Women's History Month02:23 Content Creator Spotlight: Astrodar04:59 Character Background: Mockingbird18:08 Mockingbird's Legacy and Impact19:12 Celebrating Research Team Achievements19:51 Exploring the Card of the Day: Mockingbird22:16 Art Analysis: Mockingbird's Design27:40 Thematic Discussion: Mockingbird's Abilities33:59 Speculations on Future Characters35:32 Thematic Consistency in Character Waves37:34 Mockingbird's Role and Evolution45:10 Mockingbird's Fun Factor and Playstyle50:53 Final Thoughts on Mockingbird58:01 Outro

E58 - Taunt

In this episode of the Winning Hand podcast, hosts Boomguy, LazyTitan, and Leethus spotlight a content creator named Stretch22, read some recent listener Apple Podcast reviews, and discuss their recent gameplay experiences.
The main focus is on the card of the day: Taunt. The pod explores its art, mechanics, thematic elements, and overall impact on gameplay and fun. Along the way we discuss what Jubilee's powers actually are, what superheroes have worse powers than her, and why Leethus hates having fun. 
Boomguy's Vision Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/46172/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-1.0
LazyTitan's Taunt Deck: https://marvelcdb.com/deck/view/885870?deck_name=JUST%20DONT%20GET%20GOT%20LOL
Featured Content Creator (Stretch22): https://www.youtube.com/@Stretch22_MarvelChampions
Chapters
00:00 Intro00:47 Content Creator Spotlight: Stretch2202:40 Listener Reviews: Highlights and Insights06:16 What We've Been Playing: Recent Experiences15:38 Card of the Day: Taunt and Its Mechanics22:27 Art and Theme26:55 Power of the Card38:57 Fun Factor and Gameplay Experience49:25 Final Thoughts and Ratings58:45 Outro
 
Get in touch: winninghandpodcast@gmail.com

E57.5 - Fireside Chat & the Future of Winning Hand

In this special episode of Winning Hand, the pod crew discusses the future of LCGs after the recent announcement by Fantasy Flight Games on the future of living card games at the studio. We discuss what the changes are, what the impact of those changes is to the community and the game overall, and what it means for the future of the people's podcast. 
Here is the fireside chat. Here is the follow-up article from Nate French. 
Chapters
00:00 Intro01:42 Fantasy Flight's Announcement Overview04:45 Understanding Current vs. Legacy Environments10:56 Impact on Gameplay and Card Design16:51 Business Implications and Player Accessibility25:16 Future of the Podcast and Content Direction34:55 Outro

E57 - Team-Building Exercise

"Storm is top 5 X-Men. IMO." - Leethus
In this episode of the Winning Hand Podcast, we talk about our recent gameplay experiences with various Marvel Champions characters, including Hulk and Thor (Leethus), and Black Widow and Black Panther (Boomguy). We highlight a content creator, Joshi of Smeg, and delve into deck-building strategies, emphasizing the importance of consistency and thematic alignment. The conversation then shifts to upcoming heroes like Nick Fury and Maria Hill, and we show off our excitement for their unique mechanics. Finally, we analyze Team-Building Exercise, comparing its two different arts and contemplating what it means to build a team. As a bonus, we each share our top 5 favorite X-Men characters.
You can find Joshie of Smeg here: https://www.youtube.com/@joshieofsmeg
Leethus' Thor deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45855/thor-be-strong-and-hit-stuff-1.0
Leethus Valkyrie deck: https://marvelcdb.com/decklist/view/45910/valkyrie-nibelung-valesti-1.0
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Winning Hand Podcast03:12 Community Engagement and Content Creator Spotlight05:55 Recent Gameplay Experiences and Strategies09:04 Deck Building Philosophy and Hero Exploration12:08 Discussion on Black Panther and Upcoming Heroes15:10 Excitement for New Characters: Nick Fury and Maria Hill24:05 Card of the Day: Team Building Exercise25:23 Exploring Card Art Variations28:52 Diving into the Team Building Exercise35:03 Top 5 X-Men Showdown38:14 Thematic Analysis of Team Dynamics44:39 Power Mechanics and Team Synergy45:57 Inconsistent Card Mechanics47:14 Thematic Elements in Team Dynamics48:42 Hero Mechanics and Card Synergy49:32 The Role of Resource Generators51:16 Thematic vs Mechanical Disconnect52:39 Final Thoughts on Team Building Exercise01:10:44 Outro