“GCPD Operations Manual - Interrogation 101”
You might be familiar with the saying “Never argue with an idiot. They'll just drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.” I wonder what that says about interrogating a madman? In a VS Paradise exclusive, I am very pleased to preview for you a hot new Gotham Knights Plot Twist from the up coming DC World's Finest expansion – Interrogate.
Without further ado (and the need for you to scroll down to get the spoiled goodies) here it is.
This is one of the first times I have ever previewed a non-character card, so this is pristine ground for me. As anyone who knows me or has read anything I've written about Vs. System will know, I'm one of the flavour obsessed guys. The first thing I notice about a card is who the character is or what comic book event does it represent … but with Interrogate we have a scene that we know has played out time and time again in the pages of DC's Batman comics. The Joker is under the spotlight, getting grilled by the GCPD. Furthermore, the boys in blue are finding the going tough. How do you get any sense out of the Joker?
(Now for the flavour bit …) Sounds like a job for Batman, which – fortunately – is more than likely exactly who you'll have on deck if you're playing this card. You can only play Interrogate if you have the Caped Crusader or one of his affiliates in play.
While the idea of a Gotham Knights interrogation card conjures up the image of Batman dangling a crook off the edge of a tall building by his ankle, I'm a born sucker for any card that increases the Joker love in Vs. System.
The smugness of the Joker in Dustin Nguyen's artwork reminds me of a Gary Larson Far Side cartoon where the punch line is not yet revealed, but nevertheless hinted at (like the one with the man and lion getting into an elevator full of nervous office workers and he says “Don't worry, he won't attack unless startled.” … and the lion's tail is about to be clinched in the closing doors). The cops in Interrogate aren't going to crack this nut anytime soon, but fans can rest assured that Batman is already on the case, uncovering the Clown Prince of Crime's diabolical plot, and is already poised to foil it.
That's what Interrogate lets the Gotham Knights player do – mess with their opponent's tricksy plans. Taking a sneak peek at your opponent's row is never a bad thing and being able to potentially draw a card at the same time is both beneficial and in line with what we have seen from the Gotham Knights in the past.
Want to know if those two Flying Kicks are enough to launch a TBS attack with your two-drop into an opposing five-drop? Want to know if your Acrobatic Dodge will produce a game-swinging brick wall, or just be trumped by an ATK pump while also robbing you of a stun back?
Well, that's what Interrogate is for.
It won't tell you what your opponent is holding in his mitts (but maybe something else will), but it'll definitely save you from any surprises originating from the resource row.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is Interrogate is formatted similarly to Null Time Zone. You shouldn't name the card you choose until it resolves. If you blurt it out any earlier than your opponent may have the option to flip those cards in response … and if you try to “feint” by saying one card and then trying to renege and name a different one on resolution you'll risk bodily harm from irate opponents or a ruling going against you from a judge.
I hope everyone is looking forward to these cards as much as I am. While I won't be able to play in an official Release Celebration for World's Finest, I am nevertheless salivating in anticipation of my first opportunity to play with the new cards.
BAMF!
Michael Pittman
(AKA Ike E Bear)