Bring New Forces to Disney Lorcana, Heroscape, and Dune: War for Arrakis

by W. Eric Martin

• One year after Disney Lorcana's wild debut at Gen Con 2023, this collectible card game from Ryan Miller, Steve Warner, and Ravensburger is still rolling on, with the fifth set — Shimmering Skies— scheduled to debut August 9, 2024, with a mass market release on August 23.

Shimmering Skies features Disney's Wreck-It Ralph with the introduction of characters like Vanellope Von Schweetz and Fix-it Felix, Jr.. As for the storyline:

The realm of Lorcana holds a great festival to celebrate its recent victory over Ursula, which concluded the previous set, Ursula's Return. While most of Lorcana participates in the vibrant, fun-filled activities, a new mystery begins as our Illumineers search for a way to repair the worsening damage Ursula caused to the Great Illuminary.

• As I noted in March 2024, that same month will see the release of Disney Lorcana: Gateway, a standalone two-player set with fixed decks designed to lead first-time players through the elements of gameplay.

• And to frustrate previous buyers — I mean, celebrate the release of Disney Villainous: Introduction to Evil at mass-market retailers and hobby stores nationwide (as the first edition was exclusive at the Target retail chain), the game's second edition will include a special-edition, foil version of a Shimmering Skies card:

• On June 14, 2024, Renegade Game Studios announced "Wave 2" of its Heroscape line-up, which consists of two army expansions — Kyrie Warriors Army, and Iron Lich Viscerot and Necrotech Wraithriders— and two terrain expansions — Lands of Valhalla and Waters of Valhalla.

• Adding new troops to the table is also the reason for Dune: War for Arrakis – Desert War, an expansion for Marco Maggi and Francesco Nepitello's Dune: War for Arrakis from CMON that introduces new units for both the Harkonnen and Atreides factions:

Desert War further details the harsh reality of the conflict fought on the burning surface of planet Dune.

Expert Fremen Sandriders summon giant sandworms and ride them into battle with unparalleled skill. Fremen Rocket Launchers emerge from their Fremen Camps to fire at Harversters and Ornithopters. Suspensor Troopers scout ahead to make surprise attacks, withstanding the desert hazards like few can. Escort Ornithopters not only help move Legions around but offer direct support to them in battle.

CMON is running a pre-order campaign for Desert War on Gamefound to give interested parties another chance to buy all the "exclusive extras" for this game.