HorrorClix is a collectible miniatures game. Released on August 30, 2006, it uses WizKids' Clix system. The game's tagline is "wicked fun." The product was discontinued in November 2008 when WizKids' new owner Topps shut down the company . In September 2009, collectible toy producer NECA announced it had purchased WizKids' intellectual property from Topps, including HorrorClix . Gameplay Similar to HeroClix, HorrorClix offers players the ability to construct teams of monsters that cross horror genres, allowing them to create a "dream team" of favorite characters. Vampires, werewolves, zombies, and demons are available in the game's first release, as well as a number of vigilantes who fight for the side of good including a vampire hunter, ghost finders, priests and military men. HorrorClix introduces several new game mechanics. Plot twist cards, scenario play, fiction, and individual character cards for each monster place the game's emphasis firmly on the fantasy of writing or directing a horror story rather than a game of fighting and combat. Innocent victims play an important part of the game, with monsters protecting them, eating them, or both. HorrorClix demonstrations and special events were announced at the Origins game convention in Columbus, Ohio, and for the Gen Con game convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, WizKids announced at the GAMA trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, that Cthulhu was the premiere figure for the launch of the game. HorrorClix releases HorrorClix: Released August 30, 2006, this initial release is often referred to as the Base Set and featured 96 figures. The "Buy it by the Brick" exclusives included a Jack the Ripper Limited Edition figure, a coupon for the AVP: Aliens collector's set and a coupon for the Great Cthulhu colossal figure. In addition, Wizard gaming magazine had a special mail-in offer for a Morgana figure . The Lab: The Lab was released January 31, 2007 for the U.S. and the rest of the world, mid-August 2007 for Europe, and had 96 figures. The first expansion set has a sci-fi/horror theme and includes alien Greys, dinosaurs, misshapen experiments and zombies. The By-the-Brick exclusives were an LE Cloaking Predator and a coupon for the second collector's set, AVP: Predators. In Europe an additional BiBtB figure was made Available LE Zombie Astronaut. Freakshow: Another 96-figure set released in May 2007, Freakshow has a strong carnival theme with clowns, wild animals and a variety of sideshow freaks. The By-the-Brick exclusive was