HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie was a miniature tabletop game launched in 2004 by Milton Bradley (MB), where MB is a subsidiary of Hasbro. I got this set but barely played with it. At that time work & study consumed most of my time and so I collected the set and just enjoyed the read, sculptures and gameplay learning. Later I realized there were so many passionate fans. Although I cannot call myself a super fan, I am also a fan and I do love this miniature tabletop game with an unique gameplay system.
Over the years, HeroScape took off quickly, then got shelved for good and returned again. Whatever happened after the launch in 2004 and the subsequent years, was a well known and generally perceived sad story that Hasbro Killed, Revived, and Annihilated a Beloved Board Game in HeroScape.
In the recent turn of events in 2023, HeroScape relaunched in a Hasbro partnership with Renegade Game Studios. News on the official site revealed a relaunch beginning with Wave 1, containing 3 new products: Battle for the Wellspring Battle Box, The Grove at Laur’s Edge Terrain Pack and Age of Annihilation Master Set. It was definitely a rollercoaster ride for all the fans. And for the recent Wave 2 there were complains that the prices were steep. Who knows where this is heading but for sure it is great to hear the official channels are finally getting things produced.
It was a really poor experience for HeroScape fans. So what happened?
HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie was created within the already developing sector of collectible miniature wargames with a unique gameplay system
Since there is already a really solid fan base with HeroScape (yea!), you can basically find a bunch of references for HeroScape such as this unofficial wiki. I was thinking at time of writing, if I should continue writing this. But I felt I can give some other angle to this game by providing an article solely on this initial master set, and an overall process of corporate decisions.
This article will review HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set and I will try my best to cover all the set pieces. I took the photos of my own set here. For anything extra I will just reference and mark them. Also, I listed out the add-on modules and other publications only, in order to not make this article too long and felt like a wiki article.
| Name | HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set |
| Type | Boardgame |
| Versions | 1st Edition – With transparent sparkly water tiles 2nd Edition – With opaque water tiles (see below “1st & 2nd edition differences”) |
| Add-on Modules | Multiple (see below “Product Releases”) |
| Year | 2004-2010 |
| Manufacturer/ Distributors | Milton Bradley (Subsidiary of Hasbro) |
| Platform | N/A |
| No. of Players | 2-4 |
| Listed Suitable Age | 8+ |
| Batteries | N/A |
What is HeroScape?
When HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie launched in 2004, there were already quite many collectible miniature wargames. Brands like Dungeons & Dragons miniatures (2023-2011) by Wizard of the Coast, HeroClix (2002-present 2024) & MechWarrior: Dark Age (2002-2008) by WizKids among many others populated the market. These particular brands began the genre of collectible miniature wargames in a more “collectible” manner yet less labour/ hobbyist intensive. Like, you don’t have to paint/ build them as in WarHammer 40K where they come unpainted and unassembled. These brands were build ready to play and to collect. It wasn’t easy to come up with something that is original, yet the toy makers are catching on the genre by utilizing existing intellectual properties (IP).
HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie raised to the challenge by adding unique elements by their creators, Craig Van Ness, Stephen Baker, and Rob Daviau. I always respect and regard highly for pioneers. And in this case, they not only pioneered, but created something completely new, innovative and fun. Not only did they created new character IP, their game added an element where terrain was a huge part of the game.
Corporate brand management – The ownership & numbers game
Change of ownership – HeroScape likely didn’t receive love because it wasn’t the “alpha” products of the company
HeroScape was developed by Milton Bradley (MB) in 2004 (MB is a subsidiary of Hasbro since 1984). As Hasbro felt the need to consolidate and better utilize resources, the ownership of HeroScape was transferred to Wizards of the Coast (WotC) in 2008. However, we all know Wizards of the Coast is big on Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. WotC likely wasn’t interested in developing HeroScape. To be fair, it is normal because if a company is so occupied with winning brands, it won’t have the resources to take on more passionately. Two years after the change of ownership, Hasbro decided to discontinued HeroScape in November 2010. And at that time, the fan base was still very strong and going.
No one knew at that time what will happen. The ice-age of HeroScape lasted 12 years. It only got revived in 2022 when Hasbro decided to go for a HasLab – A crowdfunding platform for Hasbro.
The corporate decision made by numbers – HeroScape raised a crowdfunding and failed it miserably because the numbers didn’t reach a goal – A lose-lose for corporation & fans
Between Oct 1 – Nov 15, 2022, HeroScape raised a crowdfunding via Hasbro Pulse HasLab – HEROSCAPE AGE OF ANNIHILATION: Vanguard Edition. The HasLab campaign bombed with only 54.4% backers (4,353 of 8,000).
Considerate how many passionate fans there are how does this happen? From how I see it, it was as simple as the corporate asked for a number not fulfilled. Sure, the unpainted miniatures are not thrilling for some. But what is more so, is the price of USD250 is way too steep for most people. And many are unease that after that many years, a restart of the brand feels reluctant and discouraging (Just why?). Sadly, after the failed campaign, the official response from Hasbro for what’s next for the brand is: “Nothing”.
What’s next for HeroScape?
Our unfortunate answer is… nothing. As we said during the campaign if this project doesn’t meet its goal, we won’t be able to produce Age of Annihilation. That has not changed. HeroScape as a project will be shelved, and there are no current plans to attempt a resurrection at this time. The Avalon Hill team will refocus our efforts on the exciting games we currently have coming soon, such as the next HeroQuest Game System expansion, Mage of the Mirror, or the upcoming Yawning Portal D&D strategy board game.
What we did take away from this campaign was a great deal of learning. And for that, we have you to thank. We hope you remain as passionate, as devoted, and as vocal with all our future endeavors so that we create to the best of our abilities the games you love.
“A Message to our HeroScape Fans” – Hasbro official site Nov 16, 2022
The turning point – When letting go works out
June 8, 2023 was a turning point. News that HeroScape will be back in 2024 via Renegade Game Studios (RGS) broke out. RGS is a studio who signed licensing deal with Hasbro on their less competitive games. As quoted below of the words from Bradley Bowman, Licensing Director of Global Toys & Sporting Goods at Hasbro. It was definitely a great move balancing return for the corporation, and meeting fans expectations:
“Fans have been clamoring for a revival of HeroScape, and we’ve heard you. That’s why we are tremendously excited to bring back and expand the beloved brand with the Renegade team, who are big fans themselves,” says Bradley Bowman, Licensing Director of Global Toys & Sporting Goods at Hasbro. “We’re celebrating this return alongside our fans, and look forward to offering existing players more ways to enjoy the game and introducing a whole new generation to HeroScape and its endless imaginative potential.”
“Renegade Game Studios Welcomes HeroScape, Expanding Licensing Partnership with Hasbro” – Renegade Game Studios official site Jun 8, 2023
Next, let’s quickly look at what make this game interesting and it’s community.
The soul & DNA of a game is the core gameplay – It is always the same game, even with the skin and a few rule changes
When we talk about a game, we rarely say let’s play stats, story telling and dice rolling. Instead, we will say the game’s name. Like, let’s play Monopoly, D&D, Battleship and etc. The underlaying thing is, we are referring to a game’s core gameplay by the game name.
When you mention Monopoly you think of the paper money, land and assets. When you mention D&D it is the role playing and dice rolls. For HeroScape, it is that Hex map and the painted collectible characters. The core gameplay is the soul & DNA of a game.
I am bringing this up because we see a trend in many of the products these days. A company will produce a crossover on well-established games & brands to leverage fans of both brands. It is for sure an effective money making strategy most of the time. However, there are so many times where the game lost it’s soul because the crossover was just changing stickers, a few game pieces and adding a few “brand specific” rules. And that’s what happened when Hasbro decided to fit Magic the Gathering onto HeroScape. It might be refreshing for some people initially. But for many, Magic the Gathering is a collectible card game and it isn’t map building and moving pieces. So even if the financials might look right, the fundamental & longevity of the crossover product is in question. Evidently, Hasbro discounted Magic the Gathering: Arena of the Planeswalker after 1 core set (2015) and 2 expansions (2016).
As HeroScape was already discontinued in 2010, I thought this was likely a strategic move to revitalize or replace it.
The HeroScape community – Brands should be jealous that they have such a great fan base
Whatever games we are talking about, be it boardgame, pc games, mobile games or brands in general, a passionate fan base is so important (Not just the numbers of). When you do a simple search and there are so many websites and groups still into it. I mean, as a game developer you gotta cherish them. Here are a few that I found:
- HeroScapers.com – A forum dedicated to the discussion and all. Such as the official Valhalla, Age of Annihilation, custom creations & Marvel Legends. (https://www.heroscapers.com/community/) – [16,929 active members as of Jun 28, 2024]
- HeroScape Online – A Discord channel by the fans. (https://discord.gg/Q4B5YNgW) – [1,507 members as of Jun 28, 2024]
- HeroScapers – A Facebook group. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/190141174345264) – [3,837 members as of Jun 28, 2024]
- All Things HeroScape – A commercialized fan site (https://www.allthingsheroscape.com/pages/about-us)
Within the fan base, so many custom creations were made. And also it embraced other HeroScape publications like HeroScape Marvel Legends that’s pretty cool to see! And this fan base was what kept the legacy of HeroScape going even over the years when the brand got ignored.
Creativity, embrace of all the play styles and publications. It didn’t die even after that many years and misfortunes. What more can you ask of a fan base?
Next we will quickly go over the game play.
HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set 1st Edition Gameplay
Basic Game
- Set the battlefield by following the “Battlefield & Game Scenario Booklet”. It gives sample maps for you to try.
- Choose an army according to the booklet. The placement you may follow also the booklet above.
- Use the army cards. There are two sides where one featured the basic stats: Move, Range, Attack & Defense.
- One by one, choose an army card and move the figure(s) on the army card. The maximum distance of movement is according to the “Move” stats as on the card. You can only move figure(s) on each card once per turn. You can skip if you wish to.
- Now here comes the fun parts, when you climb each elevated terrain it cost a movement count. And if you move into water you immediately have to stop. Unless specific units or rules say otherwise.
- After all movements, your figures may attack when it is in range and it has a clear “line of sight”. Line of sight means the figure can actually “see” the opponent unit (you have to really look from the figure’s angle)
- The attacker rolls number of attack dices according to the amount shown on it’s army card. Vice versa for the enemy but it will roll defence dices instead. If the numbers of face up are the same for attack and defend, the defender blocks. There is also another rule, if any side has a height advantage, it gets to roll one more dice.
- The game ends when the victory condition is met or both side agree so.
Master Game
The master game is similar to basic game, but now things are much more advanced (that means extra fun!):
- You use the army card but the “master game side”.
- All figures have special rules that you need to follow. It is quite fun such as Agent Carr of the Vydar can walk through all figures.
- Line of sight now must follow the details on the army card, where determines the beginning point of view (you look through your figures via that point) and the red part is the part where you need to be “seen” by your opponents to attack your figure.
- Each army card now have a “points” where you add up for a total army value. (So both sides can be balanced).
- The glyphs (power ups) are now in play!
The game is so interesting I want to arrange a game to play already! Next is collector’s guide.
Releases/ Collector’s Guide
What’s in the Box? Product contents of HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set 1st Edition
- Collectible Figures & Cards
- 30 Painted Figures
- 16 Army Cards
- 85 Tiles & 2 Ruins
- 6 Grass Tiles (24 hex)
- 5 Grass Tiles (7 hex)
- 5 Grass Tiles (3 hex)
- 5 Grass Tiles (2 hex)
- 16 Grass Tiles (1 hex)
- 2 Rock Tiles (24 hex)
- 3 Rock Tiles (7 hex)
- 3 Rock Tiles (3 hex)
- 3 Rock Tiles (2 hex)
- 6 Rock Tiles (1 hex)
- 2 Sand Tiles (7 hex)
- 2 Sand Tiles (3 hex)
- 2 Sand Tiles (2 hex)
- 4 Sand Tiles (1 hex)
- 21 Water Tiles (1 hex) *
- 2 Ruins
- 10 Glyphs, 42 Markers & 1 Sticker Sheet
- 10 Glyphs
- 24 Wound Markers
- 1 Round Marker
- 1 Grenade Marker
- 16 Order Markers
- 1 Sticker Sheet (Little round stickers so you can mark ownership of your own figures)
- 21 Dice
- 10 Red Dice
- 10 Blue Dice
- 1 20-Sided Die
- 3 Rule Books
- 1 Master Game Guide
- 1 Basic Game Guide
- 1 Battlefield & Game Scenario Booklet
1st & 2nd edition differences
HeroScape Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set had 2 editions. The 1st edition has something I feel is amazing and lovable as a hobbies. Yet the 2nd edition made it more mediocre and just like any mass produced product. Of course, when making a product we always struggled with providing the best VS the production budget. The differences were tallied below:
| Contents | 1st Edition | 2nd Edition |
| Box | Windowed | No window |
| Rule Books | 3 rule books | 1 combined rule book |
| Water Tiles | Sparkling water tiles | Solid water tiles |
| Dices | Red Attack/ Blue Defence dies | White Attack + Defence dies |
| Rules | n/a | Minor rule change (height fall rule) |
Product releases
During 2004-2010 HeroScape released officially master sets, figures & terrain expansion sets and also exclusive figures. I made reference of them from The HeroScape Wiki and they are listed below:
Master Sets
- Rise of the Valkyrie Master Set (2004)
- Swarm of the Marro Master Set (2007)
Expansion Sets & Figures
- Wave 1: Mallidon’s Prophecy (2004)
- Wave 2: Utgar’s Rage (2005)
- Orm’s Return: Heroes of Laur (2005)
- Wave 3: Jandar’s Oath (2005)
- Wave 4: Zanafor’s Discovery (2006)
- Wave 5: Thora’s Vengeance (2006)
- Wave 6: Dawn of Darkness (2006)
- Wave 7: Fields of Valor (2007)
- Aquilla’s Alliance: Heroes of the Quagmire (2008)
- Wave 8: Defenders of Kinsland (2008)
- Wave 9: Blackmoon’s Siege (2009)
- Wave 10: Valkrill’s Gambit (2009)
Terrain Expansion Sets
- Road to the Forgotten Forest (2005)
- Raknar’s Vision: Heroes of Lindesfarme (2006)
- Thaelenk Tundra (2006)
- Fortress of the Archkyrie (2006)
- Ticalla Jungle (2008)
Exclusives
- Volcarren Wasteland Terrains (Toys-R-Us 2005)
- Nerak the Glacian Swog Rider (Gencon 2005)
- Crest of the Valkyrie Figures (Toys-R-Us 2006)
- Sir Hawthorne (Gencon 2006)
- Master Win Chiu Woo (Gencon 2007)
- Agent Skahen (Gencon 2008)
- Samuel Brown (Gencon 2009) – Cancelled
Final thoughts
The brand history of HeroScape was another cautionary tale for game designer/ publishers/ manufacturers & companies. It was a great game and it gathered so many passionate fans. However, somewhere in the middle, there were the corporate consolidation, mismatch of company product portfolio and return on investment expectations that likely caused it’s missteps. I can think of so many brands alike: Minecraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Star Wars and more. It goes from something so Epic with huge potential to something that keeps rolling and milking for the sake of it. I mean they are still good, but the drag isn’t. Any brand should continue to innovate and please the fans.
And of course for HeroScape, all was not lost even with it’s ups and downs. And recently, it revived in a decent way. We can only wish that the brand continues to publish great contents while listening to the fans. Also, do not let greed take over too much and kill the brand. Of course, I do understand at the end of the day this is a business.
Finally, I shall end by saying a Mario Monopoly is still Monopoly. You can’t change HeroScape now nor forever. HeroScape will live on no matter what are being published officially or not. The HeroScape fans are here to stay and they are in love with their one and only one core HeroScape gameplay.
Pros (Why It is Awesome)
- Original characters!
- Original gameplay!
- You can touch and see the tiles and feel the elevations! And clear sparkling water tiles are nice!
- The tiles can be used on your other RPG projects easily!
- Amazing fan base (and crazily demanding) which I thought is actually annoying at times but super cool!
Cons (What could be done better)
- The brand wasn’t well managed, making it hard on fans and players as we don’t know what will be published, distorted, discontinued or one day be banned.
- I think the hobby takes up tons of space – It is difficult on storage and hard to bring around places especially if you live in locations where you have limited space.
Further readings & resources:
- HeroScape Wiki – List of HeroScape Releases
- Renegade Games Studios – Homepage of the official publisher
Should you have further questions or comments, please let me know in the comments below I will try best to answer them! I gone pretty deep in Barcode Battler so I am confident I can answer most of your questions! 🙂
Written by NKBDL for Strategy Games Evolution, Jul 19, 2024
Disclaimer: All pictures shown on the article were taken by me from my own collections. For pictures that are linked out, and are very specific like those really rare items, I downloaded them from online auction websites and will reference them as best as possible. As these websites listings are quite dynamic it is very hard to keep a permanent link to them. If you found yourself to be the owner of such photos and I didn’t do my reference right, please contact me right away. Thank you!
I started this site so that anyone (including me) can come and learn about/ reference on interesting strategy game products, so being able to show and reference the right pictures meant a lot to me and my audiences. Of course I did put up some referral links so that I can continue to support this site and buy more products to review. So I shall let everyone know about this point too. Thanks again.
