Heating up on the collectible scene is a new fantasy gaming figure line called Mage Knight Rebellion, created by Chicago-based studio WizKids (spun out of FASA, the 20-year-old software developer behind properties like Battle Tech and Mech Warrior).

Targeting kids eight and up, the game is marketed like a 3-D card game and is based on a points system. Each figure starts with a certain number of points that are displayed and changed via the dial the character is mounted on. A player turns the dial when moving across the board, causing and/or receiving damage. The first Mage Knight set has around 160 characters, with the expansion set probably running around 140.

WizKids was founded last July and since then has sold approximately 10 million Mage Knight figures. The Rebellion starter box runs US$18 and includes 10 prepainted miniatures mounted on a scoring dial base, with booster packs including five figures for US$6.50. The first expansion set is due out this month and introduces mounted characters and the larger Great Fire Dragon (approximately half-a-foot long by half-a-foot tall). Mage Knight Rebellion is distributed worldwide via hobby and gaming stores, with 30 distributors in North America and approximately 15 others in countries like Brazil, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden and Hong Kong.