G.U.A.R.D.
Attackers from beyond space and time or arising from beneath the lands and oceans have engulfed the world in catastrophic conflict. In the face of these disasters, the nations of Earth have put aside their historical differences and banded together to combat these many threats through the creation of a multi-national security force known as G.U.A.R.D. (Globally United Advanced Research & Defense). G.U.A.R.D. has assembled the greatest scientific minds and most accomplished military leaders from over a dozen countries to take on the cosmic invaders and underworld conquerors with the most technologically capable armed force the world has ever seen. Equipped with massive mechs, cutting edge air support, unparalleled ground support, and a dozen high tech installations around the globe and in orbit, G.U.A.R.D. can deploy anywhere on Earth within minutes and go toe-to-toe with aggressors from any corner of the universe and beyond.
Though members of the Unified Earth Treaty often criticize G.U.A.R.D. for causing as much destruction as they prevent with their 'cowboy' attitude, most people accept G.U.A.R.D. as integral to Earth's defense despite the cost. After one particularly devastating alien invasion of London, the Prime Minister of England attempted to bill G.U.A.R.D. for damages caused to many historical monuments by G.U.A.R.D. forces. A day later, the Prime Minister received a bill from G.U.A.R.D. Chief Executive General Norman for the costs of the battle: three years worth of ordnance expenditure, vehicle maintenance and repair, and man hours (including overtime and danger-pay). This simple act put matters into perspective for most world leaders and none have questioned G.U.A.R.D.'s value since.
G.U.A.R.D. Figures
Sky Sentinel
Alpha Form
Hyper Form
Mega Form
Defender X
Alpha Form
Hyper Form
Mega Form
Units
Mega Defender-X
With Monsterpocalypse: Rise just hitting shelves, we wanted to take a moment and highlight the three limited edition Mega form monsters that will be available as prizes for the Monsterpocalypse: Rise Launch events. The point of these articles is to demonstrate the differences between the monster’s Ultra and Mega forms, while providing a brief look into the play styles each brings to the table. This time around, we examine G.U.A.R.D.’s protector of humanity, Defender X.
The monsters in Monsterpocalypse can be broken down into 3 categories: brawlers, blasters, and smashers. Ultra Defender X stands firmly in the blaster camp, with Blast 7 and 3 Boost Dice. Adding extra “punch” to his blast attack, the Explosion trigger allows him to potentially destroy several figures in one attack and gain multiple Power Dice. When blasting monsters, Ultra Defender X’s blast attacks also sport Beat Back, which allows you to move the opposing Monster three spaces in a straight line. By using this to knock opposing Monsters into buildings and hazards, Ultra Defender X’s blast damage can match or exceed power attacks. With the addition of Flight, Lock Down, and the ability to give all agenda figures Energy Cycle, Units included in a force with Ultra Defender X can operate at peak efficiency.
While Ultra Defender X lets his Rocket Fists fly from a distance, Mega Defender X likes to get right up in the opposing monster’s face for an old fashioned beat down. While Mega Defender X’s blast stat is lower than Ultra Defender X’s, his Brawl stat is an astounding 8 with 4 Boost Dice. Add to that three Brawl Triggers: Power Drain, Hit and Run, and Beat Back, and Mega Defender X becomes an absolute beast in melee.
Mega Defender X works best on the offensive, using his high Brawl stat to pound his opponents to dust. Through clever use of Hit and Run, which allows a figure to move three spaces, and Beat Back, Mega Defender X can effectively move twice a turn, while knocking opposing monsters into buildings and hazards. Power Drain, which causes target monster to lose a power die, can also put a serious damper on your opponent’s ability to counter attack.
A force that includes Mega Defender X has to look to itself for leadership however, as Mega Defender X has no blue or red abilities. He also loses Flight, which can potentially restrict his movement options on a map filled with hazards. Mega Defender X’s exceptional brawl attack is also compensated for by a lower Power stat then his Ultra version, but the Super Strength ability allows him to Throw and Smash further then his Power Dice Pool would indicate.
Mega Defender X gives G.U.A.R.D. players a whole new bag of tricks to spring on their unsuspecting opponents. Mega Defender X eschews technological weaponry and leadership, and rewards aggressive brawling and canny use of his movement abilities to bring the hurt down on those who threaten planet Earth. So if you want to bring an old fashion beat down on your opponents, Mega Defender X is the robot for you.
