Check out the updated rules and model for the Winter Soldier in the new MCP Core Set!
If you find the Winter Soldier during a rare quiet moment, you might be tempted to lend him a hand. Yet, we assure you, James “Bucky” Barnes, despite the loss of an arm, needs no introduction nor aid in any task. Today’s spotlight, straight from “From Panel to Play”, is on this legendary Marvel figure.
James “Bucky” Barnes is widely recognized as Captain America’s steadfast sidekick. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting evil on global fronts. But their partnership was thought to end tragically on a doomed mission. While Captain America emerged relatively unscathed, Barnes wasn’t so fortunate. He was “saved” by the Russians.
Following severe injuries, the Russians did more than just nurse Barnes back to health. They exploited his vulnerable state, brainwashing him into becoming an unfeeling assassin. With his combat memories intact and equipped with a new robotic arm, he was a significant asset in their dark endeavors. However, there were signs of resistance, hints that he was battling his programming. It was during a mission in the US that his former ally, Captain America, intervened, reawakening his suppressed memories. Nowadays, the Winter Soldier, Operative, is back on the side of justice, seeking redemption for past deeds.
Enter the Marvel: Crisis Protocol. The Winter Soldier, Operative, is a formidable 4 Threat character, boasting both offensive and defensive capabilities. With 4 Physical, 3 Energy, and 4 Mystic defenses, he can certainly hold his own in a fight. His resilience is further underscored by his 6 Stamina on the Healthy Side and 5 on the Injured side.
A hallmark of the Winter Soldier is his Spec Ops Rifle, evident in both the character card and the meticulously crafted miniature. This formidable weapon spans almost a third of the battlefield, with a Strength 5 attack. The rifle not only generates power equivalent to its damage but, with a Wild in the attack roll, also depletes the target’s power.
Diversifying his arsenal, Winter Soldier can unleash a Concussion Grenade, an energy attack costing 1 Power with a Strength 5 impact. Damaging hits bestow the Stun condition on the target, restricting their Power gain. Moreover, a Wild roll triggers the Blinding Flash, causing the Shock condition on enemies within a certain radius.
His Red Agent assault, a devastating Range 3, Strength 7 attack, showcases his formidable training. On landing a Wild and Hit, Winter Soldier deals damage to other enemies in proximity with the Clean Sweep rule.
This Operative’s agility and tactics allow him to deftly maneuver on the battlefield, prioritizing objectives while providing backup. He’s a staunch proponent of Hit and Run, enabling him to combine attack and move actions for better positioning. This tactic pairs well with his Stealth superpower, which forces adversaries to be within a certain range to engage him. This means he can strike opponents who can’t counter-attack due to their limited range.
True to his craft, Winter Soldier is also equipped with the Kill Box superpower. This demonstrates his tactical foresight in booby-trapping the battleground, turning terrain features into explosive traps for unsuspecting enemies.
Lastly, Winter Soldier’s Spetsnaz Training ensures he’s no slouch in close combat. He can reroll a die when engaged in hand-to-hand combat within a certain range.
To sum up, Winter Soldier, Operative, embodies the essence of a stealthy skirmisher – striking strategically, moving with purpose, and always catching his enemies off-guard.