05:36 PM: Allan Sugarbaker says...
Next MLB SportsClix set bred for speed

The next set for MLB SportsClix has been announced, and Wiz Kids appears to be retooling the game a bit (see the press release below). Maybe if it weren't as slow as real baseball games, and a single package contained enough pieces to actually play, gamers would play it more. I guess we'll find out.

Wiz Kids press release follows:

Faster Playing, More Collectible MLB SportsClix Announced

November 10, 2004 (SEATTLE) — Topps Inc., makers of the best-selling MLB™ SportsClix™ collectible miniatures game (CMG), is proud to announce the upcoming 2005 MLB™ SportsClix release, next season’s new SportsClix release.  The game is produced by WizKids Inc., a subsidiary of Topps.

“The 2005 MLB™ SportsClix set offers more options for collectors and players alike,” said Mike Samora, WizKids® vice president of Marketing.  “Everything about this great game has been expanded, improved and tweaked for this exciting release.”  

The game plays faster, with everything two people need to get into the dugout packaged in one low-priced Starter Set.  Booster Packs expand collections with rare Hall of Fame players like Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, and they also include the elusive Master Piece Babe Ruth figure.

Starter Sets (MSRP $9.99) contain four preselected figures, enough tokens to fill a dugout, complete rules, special dice, a playmat and a collector’s list.  Booster Packs (MSRP $4.99) contain two randomly selected figures. Learn more about MLB™ SportsClix online at www.wizkidsgames.com/sportsclix/mlb. 

Founded by 20-year game-industry veteran Jordan Weisman, WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination.  Its Mage Knight™, MechWarrior® and HeroClix CMGs are among the most successful games on the market today, and the company has sold hundreds of millions of figures worldwide.  For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.

Founded in 1938, Topps is a leading creator and marketer of distinctive confectionery and entertainment products.  The company’s confectionery brands include the “Ring Pop,” “Push Pop,” “Baby Bottle Pop” and “Juicy Drop Pop” lollipops, as well as “Bazooka” bubble gum.  Topps entertainment products include trading cards, stickers, albums and collectible games.

©2004 WizKids, Inc. All rights reserved. MechWarrior, HeroClix, Mage Knight, SportsClix and WizKids are trademarks of WizKids, Inc.

Official Licensee—Major League Baseball Players Association. www.bigleaguers.com

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. MLB.com.

® & ©2004 The Topps Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Topps is a registered trademark of The Topps Company, Inc