This thread contains information and links regarding Open HC, a fan-made utility for playing over the Internet in real time, on an interactive map.

MAIN WEBSITE:

http://crowsnest.amelieschoice.com/

Disclaimers:

1) I did not write this program, nor can I edit it! Suggestions for improvement are noted, but unlikely to be acted upon just yet.

2) I am not affiliated in any way with Wizkids or NECA. This program is intended to catalogue figure information and simulate a game. It is freeware, and does not contain images of copyrighted characters or sculpts associated with Marvel, DC, or any other comic company.

CONS and KNOWN ISSUES:

*The program also does not enforce the rules of play of the game – that is up to the players. The program simply provides an environment for 2-4 player gameplay.

*There is no AI.

*Certain combat symbols, including , , , , and some others, are not visible on dials – INSTEAD, these abilities are visible in-game as TEXT (example: |INDOMITABLE|) in the designated text area for each figure dial, along with keywords and Traits.

*Pink-colored PAC powers appear on figure dials as if they were Special Powers, but otherwise work as normal.

* Figures have been known to “disappear” from the view of an opponent – to fix this, the figure should be moved to the newspaper image (trash bin), and then brought back into play (using the drop-down menu under the text window). This basically “reboots” the figure for both players.

* If you can’t get the program to run: check that you haven’t ended up with a sets folder inside another sets folder (or likewise for maps folder). 90% of the time this is the problem. It occurs because you’ve unzipped a sets folder to the wrong place. It should be located in your main folder, not in any subfolder.

PROS:

* All legal figures ever created are available and kept up to date (exception: Star Trek Attack Wing). New sets generally posted within 48 hours of set information going public.

* about 350 maps available for gameplay (some using proxies).

* In-game line-of-fire tool (hold shift, use mouse). Hotkeys for toggling figure names (‘N’), in-game chat function (‘T’), map zoom (‘Z’). Easy access to all figure card text on mouse-over of relevant item.

* TCP hosting protocol on any of 3 available ports make connecting to games a snap.

*Figure Search feature.

*Custom dial entry is possible.

HOW TO FIND GAMES:

Of course, Heroclix is more fun if you have someone to play against!

If you don’t know any online players through your own contacts, you can try downloading hamachi: www.hamachi.cc

Or, for Mac users: logmein-hamachi.en.softonic.com/mac

It’s a program that creates a virtual network IP for you to host and connect to games on. The primary Hamachi room right now is HCOL1, which I maintain. I manage all subscriptions to that one. On the following thread, you can find some other existing rooms:

http://www.hcrealms.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219380

Scroll to the end of that thread to find active rooms to join.