Marvel: Crisis Protocol – Namor Rules Preview Brings The Armies of the Deep
Namor, The Sub-Mariner is coming to Marvel: Crisis Protocol and he’s got all the tools to rule on the tabletop.
The Prince of Atlantis is making landfall soon in Marvel: Crisis Protocol and I’m not going to sugar coat this one: He’s a beatstick. Clocking in at Threat Level 5 he’s got some serious utility and damage potential. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s check out the profile for Namor, The Sub-Mariner.
“Bringing out the best of his human and Atlantean lineage, Namor can go toe to toe with many of Earth’s mightiest heroes. His telepathic abilities give him command of numerous sea creatures, an advantage that comes with deadly consequences for anyone who crosses him. The circumstances of his birth have also given him an unnaturally long life, and Namor shows little signs of aging. Superior intellect and natural intuition truly make him a well-rounded ruler, able to skillfully lead Atlantis through times of strife. The Sub-Mariner is a true hero to his people and often finds himself at odds with various groups and teams while executing his sacred duty to defend Atlantis.”
Namor, The Sub-Mariner
Let’s just start at the top with his defensive stats. He’s 4/4/3 with 7 stamina and a Long move, and speaking of his movement he’s also got Flight thanks to those winged ankles of his. That’s a rather imposing statline to kick things off but it makes sense considering he’s TL 5. Now, can he keep up with that TL 5 with the rest of his abilities?
His builder attack is his trusty Trident. It’s only range 2 but packs 6 dice — and that range is misleading a bit. He gets a short advance towards the target before the damage is dealt as well. That’s not the only movement tricks Namor has either. But more on that below. Next, his other attack is Armies of the Deep. This one is also range 2 and 7 dice but costs 3 energy. However, look at the options it brings.
Swarm of Crabs forces the target character to drop all Asset Tokens. Considering you normally have to Daze/KO a character to get them to drop Asset Tokens this is strong option! Octopus’ Grasp can help spread the damage around to other enemy character within range 2 — this does 1 damage to them and also pushes them a short distance away. And finally we have Wave of Turtles which allows Namor to interact with any number of Objective tokens without spending energy. Then he gets a short Advance. Those attacks and options alone are solid for sure. But look what else he’s packing.
IMPERIUS REX! isn’t just catch phrase, it’s also an action that combos a move and attack action. If this attack does damage it causes the stagger condition on the target. While this does cost 3, the fact that it’s a move (again, a LONG move) combined with an attack that can also provide a short move is a LOT of distance Namor gets to cover. And when you consider his Atlantean Might with this it’s really potent. That generates him an extra 1 energy a round during the Power Phase. Plus (this is the real kicker) damage from his attacks/effects cannot be reduced or prevented by superpowers or Team Tactics cards! Namor does full damage past defense die all the time.
Finally, he’s got Charismatic Leader which allows him and allies within range 2 to reroll 1 die in their attack and defense rolls which is just plain good. Oh, and he can also have the Time Gem because why not.
On a final note here about Namor, we also get a look at two of the Team Tactics cards he’s bringing. I’d like to point out The Invaders card in particular seems fun. It basically gives him or Steve Rogers, Captain America the chance to be a Leader in a S.H.I.E.L.D. Affiliation list. Plus it brings some nice re-rolls in, too.
Personally, I want to build an Invaders list now with Namor, Cap, and the OG Human Torch. I’ll probably need to grab some more S.H.I.E.L.D. options but those are out there. Namor brings some heavy hits and utility to the board. Plus I think that speed he has is going to be surprising. Just don’t toss him in there solo or he’s going to get his wings clipped.
Namor is coming soon with Black Panther in a new Character Pack up for pre-order right now from Asmodee. This box is slated for release on July 12, 2024.
