Warhammer: Empire

I picked up the new Empire Warhammer book today. They came out with some pretty cool looking models, but I'll reserve my opinion until I'm done with the book.

Should I or Shouldn't I??

So Games Workshop has announced it's new board game, Dreadfleet. Ship combat in the World of Warhammer on the high seas. One thing GW does well (in my opinion) is generate hype. That is until they decided to start keeping a lid on things. But at first glance, this new game certainly does reel me in, and my first instinct is to buy the game. But once again, they take the wind out of my sails by A) Making it 'Whiles Supplies Last', so now I can't plan to get the scratch together over the course of a couple of paydays to buy it, and B) Set the retail price so high, that a working dad of three can't help but become overwhelmed with guilt for spending more than $100 on a board game.

Again, the game looks great and I am a huge fan of their revival of Space Hulk, but will they make the game worth the investment? By that I mean will we see expansions in the future, i.e. a reason to keep playing the game after the initial excitement has fizzled?? I'm going to go out on a limb and guess 'no'. That was the one big disappointment that I had with Space Hulk. No new scenario packs, no new model kits or expansions. I've played the game a bunch of times, but now it becomes the same thing over and over. Hardly worth the $100 price tag.

I'm not sure who's steering the ship over there, but they need to take a long, hard look at their business model, before they lose that loyal customer base.

The Storm Has Arrived!!

I picked up my Storm of Magic book today as well as the new Magic Cards. At first glance, just thumbing through it, I think its a nice complement to the 8th Ed. rulebook and I'm psyched about being able to incorporate monsters from other armies into my High Elves. Unfortunately, they were already sold out of the terrain when I got there, so I'll have to wait. I won't choose any monsters until I read the book - I've spent to much cash on kits that never get used.

I was disappointed with the cards, due to the fact that the website led me to believe that there was room for the other magic cards, but what they don't tell you is that you have to actually remove the Storm of Magic cards first. Thanks, GW!

The plan for tonight is to kick back in the recliner and start reading the new book, but so far - I recommend it.

Now That's A Monster!

I got a heads up from my old gaming buddies and I just saw the newest kit from Warhammer Forge. Tamurkhan on Toad Dragon. Man, this kit is bad ass! Part of the Chaos army, this is by far one of the cool Fantasy models to come from Forge World yet. Maybe it's because I'm in Daemon slaying mode or something, but wouldn't it be cool to put this piece on a round base and have the Grey Knights beat the crap out of it?!

Late Off The Mark

I know, I know - I shoulda jumped on this as soon as it came up for pre-order, but I didn't. I'm one of the guys who detests ordering things online. I prefer the 'old school' method of shopping like dear old dad. Go to the store, find what you want, give the clerk your hard earned money, and walk out with a tangible item that you can put to immediate use. The online way is a bit different: find what you're looking for, give them your hard earned money and wait patiently until they are good and ready to send you a tangible item. Meanwhile, they have you're money and have probably spent it, before you even get you're stuff. Is that narrow minded? Probably. But hey, that's me. Don't get me wrong, sometimes you have no choice, but I don't have to like it.

Anyway, I really want one of these nifty Webway Portals, but of course, GW sold out quickly. I'm not a skilled enough craftsman to make one, nor do I have the time to hunt down the items to make one (although kudos to the creative folks who had the creativity to make these. They look aweseome!), but if anyone knows where I can obtain one of these, I'd appreciate it.

My First 'Bad Guy' Army?

I've always played the good guy growing up. I never wanted to be the evil villian or vile horde. My kids might disagree, but I don't have an evil bone in my body. Really. I always cheer for the forces of good.

But maybe the time is coming that I exercise a walk on the dark side and dabble with the idea of having an evil army. Well, if I do...it's going to be the new Dark Eldar. I was never much of a fan of the Dark Eldar (book or models) and considering how long it's been since this particular faction has seen any kind of love, I'm guessing GW isn't much of a fan either. But the new models are looking very cool. So who knows, when the time comes I may start a small strike force. But we'll see. I hate seeing the bad guys win.

Castle Ravenloft - First Glance

Despite my wallet's better judgement, I picked up the new D&D Boardgame, Castle Ravenloft. Yes, I was once a D&D fanatic. Back in the days when there was such a thing as "THACO". I haven't played in many years, but I have followed the game periodically and even collected some of the minis. What can I say, it brings back some great memories with Owlbears and whatnot. So, imagine my excitement when one of my favorite games of old, was getting a stripped down version. I just had to have it. So I dropped the coin and unboxed it in the wee hours when the wife and kids were asleep. At first glance, I have to admit that I really liked what I saw. Here are my first observations:

1. A bit of a hefty price tag - $65 (but worth it, so far)
2. Big-ass box (not the flimsy, crushable kind)
3. Heavy card stock tiles and character cards (ala Descent)
4. Awesome, well organized storage tray that holds tiles, minis, dice, cards, etc.
5. Minis seem to be made of a sterner plastic than the collectible figs, although there is some reproduction of some of the collectible figs. (unpainted, but no big deal)
6. New board game due out this fall that can be used with Castle Ravenloft
7. Rulebook is less than 15 pages
8. Well illustrated rulebook, (but that's one of the best parts of 4th Edition - the art)
9. 1 - 5 players, which means you can actually play the game solo

I'll post pics of the stuff as soon as I can, I'm going to try and work through the rules and a solo game tonight, but it looks pretty easy.

Warhammer 8th Edition

So yeah, the new 8th edition rulebook has been released and I was able to thumb through it while on vacation a couple of weeks ago and to say that I am impressed would be an understatement. Couple that with the new Island of Blood starter set (with plastic Griffons, Swordmasters and High Elf Ellyrian Reavers) has put me on the road to Fantasy.

I'm resurrecting my High Elves in honor of the new edition and I'm going to build the army escalation style (500 points at a time). Besides it's been some tim since I've actually played fantasy, I figure now would be a good time.

New Space Wolves

I hate to say it, but this weekend the new Space Wolves are coming out and they are way too cool NOT to collect. I know that's not the first time that I've made that statement, but I've been wanting to start this army for a while now. I'm a big fan of Norse mythology and this Space Marine chapter is right up my alley. I grew up reading Thor and probably read Beowulf a half dozen times. And needless to say, the 13th Warrior and Pathfinder are two of my favorite films. So the way I see it, it's only right that I collect an army of these barbaric, but noble warriors.

What does that mean for my Crimson Fists? I'm not sure. I can't promise that I won't become disenchanted with the new Space Wolves eventually, but from what I've seen and read, they play quite differently from any other non-codex chapter. I like the sound of that. I've never played them before, so I don't have any comparison to make between the old and new. I'll have to play a couple of games and see how I like them. But I'm sure that I'm not the only gamer out there chompin' at the bit, despite the numerous projects sitting on his workbench. But anyway, keep checking back because I'll be throwing up some Vampire Counts and Space Wolves stuff over the next couple of weeks.

Space Hulk - Review

As this is my first exposure to the game of Space Hulk in any of it's incarnations, I've got quite a bit to comment on. Let me first echo the words of most gamers out there and say that this game is awesome! Truly one of GW's best products - I hope it doesn't end here. I think it would be a tremendously bad business decision on their part. Give the people what they want - more Space Hulk!!!!

Okay enough of that. On to what my thoughts are on the game. The overall quality of the product is definitely first rate. Not hard to see why it was priced at $100!! Nicely sculpted models and well designed tiles and counters.

Models

These are some of the best space marine models ever to come off GW's line. The detail is phenomenal and the poses are truly heroic. With regard to the space marines each model is unique with no duplicates. The space marine sprues had all components numbers, so it was impossible to mix up the parts. Everything snapped together well and each part fit tightly. No need to glue anything. The only down side I had with the models is there are too many smaller badges and decorations that could snap off if one isn't careful. I suggest packing them away and using standard kits as stand-ins if your playing the game with a younger crowd. If GW is serious about not producing any more sets, it would be a shame to damage such well crafted pieces. I used a small dab of Krazy Glue to reinforce any delicate stems or decorations. The Genestealer models are a bit more forgiving and there are 11 poses (except for the Broodlord, which is unique) with two of each sculpt. Also, these all fit together nicely with little or no trouble. The set that I had showed very little flash or mold lines.

Game Tiles/Counters

Again, definitely first rate work. Very thick card stock with great detail on the tiles. I thought that I would find it difficult to set up the game board, but the Mission Book (despite the smaller image) was sharp enough to identify each tile for placement. So it was pretty easy getting the map set up. I separated the tiles into categories (rooms, 3 space corridors, 4 space corridors, T-junctions, etc). Then it was easier to hunt down the proper pieces. When punching out each counter or tile, I would suggest punching it out from the bottom up. It seems there less of a risk of ripping off the top later of the counter.

Rulebook

I found the rules very clear and there was, in my opinion very little content that could be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Almost every aspect of the rules were covered in text as well as full color visual examples. Even a neanderthal like me could understand them. All actions were clearly identified for ease of reference. If you're looking to preserve the boxed set, run to Kinko's, get some copies and throw 'em in sheet protectors. Also, a quick reference sheet on the back really helps speed up game play. The rules are quick to pick up, which is good. I tried a couple of games out with my oldest daughter and we ran through it in stages. First, just getting the hang of the turn sequence and combat. Then running through it again (same mission) and adding the other rules like Overwatch and Guard. For right now, we don't use the timer until we get the rules down.

Mission Book

What can I say, the fluff is freakin' awesome. In fact, after reading that, I jumped online and bought a copy of the Space Hulk Novel. There's just the right amount of backgound to get a non-40k player hooked. There was also some history on the Blood Angels chapter. Those creative players could easily come up with a similar background for alternate chapters in order to play the game. Each mission (there's twelve) is laid out with a full color page for the map set up. Finally, the Mission Book contains a background for each of the Terminator models.

Accessories/Box

The box bottom has color images of many of the models and a small Painting Guide, showing which colors were used for the models. I like the bone colored dice, although, other players might use their own set of dice if the color doesn't suit them. The time is a simple hourglass, but the word out there is that it isn't really a full three minutes, so you might consider an egg time or stop watch.

Final Comments - All in all, I really love this game and it was definitely worth every penny of my investment. I went through a couple of games and it can be quite addictive. Can't wait to take another crack at it. I'm going to read through the rules again to see what I missed or got wrong and then have another go at it. I'll hold off on painting them for now. I'm thinking of an alternate color scheme for the genestealers. I definitely recommend this game for every GW fan and I sincerely hope that this isn't the last we see of Space Hulk from Games Workshop. But hey, how about re-doing Warhammer Quest!!

Planetstrike has arrived!

I picked up my copy of Planetstrike at the Bunker on Saturday. I also had enough money left over on the gift card that I got from my folks, so I grabbed an Imperial Bastion and a box of the Aegis Defense Lines. The staffers were in the process of working on some of the kits so I took the liberty of checking them out. The assembled models are pretty cool and the defense line are easy to deal with. Some black prime and dry brush and you're all set (if you're the no frills paineter like me). But what I DO like the most about GW's latest series of kits is that I can once again relive me childhood and repel countless alien incursion behind my fortified bunkers and defense lines. Payday I'm heading out to pick the landing pad and some more defense lines.

As for the book, all I had time for this weekend was to thumb through the artwork - but the best part was detailed army list that can be used in re-enacting the battle for Rynn's World. While I like the detailed history of the Ultramarines, it was really great to see another chapter highlighted for a change. I really miss my Crimson Fists now that I've seen the books. Who knows maybe some day I'll start them again.

Planetstrike - Imperial Defense Network

Here's going to be my Father's Day present right here. Keep the ties and socks - Give me the Imperial Defense Network. In my opinion, these are the coolest terrain pieces to be produced for 40k so far. At last, motivation to actually build a table! I can just picture my Space Marines 'holding the line' against an endless horde of orks or tyranids. Bad ass, baby! B-a-d-a-s-s!!!

Cadian Command Squad

Like a lot of 40k gamers (at least the Loyalist Imperials), I picked up the Codex this past weekend and revelled in GW's latest release. As you may know, I have been spending an hour here or there assembling an Imperial Guard army over the last couple of months in anticipation of the new Codex. Well, I also decided to pick up a blister of squats, (er, I mean Ratlings). I had to. C'mon how cool is that? Hobbits w/ sniper rifles. I also grabbed a Cadian Command Squad and I checked out the sprues. I have to say that the bits included are phenomenal. This kit is also a great set to have, just to apply to your standard Guard platoon, just to add a little variety. I'm going to pick another one on payday.

If your an IG player, you've got to get this.

New Release - Black Library

Look what I found at Barnes & Noble on the way home from school last night! the Heroes of the Space Marines. Its the new book of short stories about the coolest 40k armies in the world, the Adeptus Astartes. Just got it last night and I was too tired to start it, and I ended up crashing on the couch watching UFO Hunters, but I'm taking my lunch hour to start this baby today.

They say not to judge a book by it's cover, but this is one bad ass cover! Can't wait to get stared.