Batman Miniatures: 3rd Edition Update- First Crew and New Mechanics

Knight Models is on the hype train for their third edition of the long running Batman Miniatures Game. They gave the crew at Beasts of War/OnTableTop a first look at the hero crew for the new Bat Box as well as a preview of a couple of third edition’s new mechanics.

First is the heroic crew featuring some familiar faces:

Looks like, a part from the Batman previewed earlier this week, we have Commissioner Gordon with the Bat Signal, Harvey Bullock, and a hand full of uniquely sculpted GCPD police officers.

The looks of this crew makes me feel as though the third edition is going to try really hard to bring the game back to its original roots as a street level gang vs gang style game. During the anniversary event, several big name models were announced to either be switching to just the DC Universe Miniatures Game or being retired all together. At first I was a little apprehensive towards the idea, but I think it’s growing on me.

One thing about the models though, which becomes more painfully clear in the other shot…

Commissioner Gordon is another standard size model on a 40mm base for no other apparent reason than the scenic base looks cool. This particular one is the least offensive as that model would make sense on the top of a police building in the middle of your table. On the ground, though? Suspension of disbelief can only go so far.

He does look bad ass though. Thats another classic image sculpted beautifully into a model.

I digress. Moving on to the new mechanic. Notice those tokens with the foot prints. Those would be “Suspect” markers.

Per the post on OnTableTop:

“The first new concept for crew enhancement is Suspect markers. As your henchmen fill the streets of Gotham with these Suspects, you can use them in various ways to fulfill your strategies and take out enemy Suspects to hinder the opposition.”

This on its own sounds intriguing, but it also looks like the fundamental way the game plays out in the new Objective Deck:

“Suspects are closely related to the crew’s own Objectives, which now take the form of a card deck, which you can tailor to your preferred play style. Objective cards can either be used for scoring points or can be discarded instead to gain temporary bonuses.”

I think this could be a rather interesting way to perfectly distinguish the Batman Miniatures Game from the DC Universe Miniatures Game, both of which had become rather muddled as of late.

I know several people have voiced concerns online in terms of the direction the game (and company) are heading. I think if the previews for third edition continues to get better with each passing reveal, and they justify in the new rules the need for boss characters to be on 40mm scenic bases, then I think the game is heading in the right direction.

What do you all think? Sound off and let us know.

Until next time, keep your dice warm and happy gaming!

Batman Miniatures Game: 3rd Edition

Knight Models made a tease a couple months ago, right before their 10th anniversary celebration, about a possible third edition to their long running super heroes miniature game. Sadly nothing was announced during the event, but we’ve since been given some sneak peaks at the announcement this past week.

First, the third edition box:

This has been hinted at being a new two-player Batbox, similar to the Dark Knight Rises box they released earlier this year. There isn’t a whole lot of information to be gained from the box art alone. We see Batman and the Joker (Jim Lee art for both if I’m not mistaken), and a lot of yellow. One thing is for sure- this box is going to stick out on the store shelves. Which is obviously what I think they are going for, but I think it could have been done in a more subtle way.

After the box reveal, Knight Models treated us to a look at the Batman model to be found in the box:

Based on the Todd McFarlane art for Batman #423, this is undeniably a beautiful sculpt (albeit a little odd if you see the art and notice the woman missing which was a focal point of the piece but I digress). There are just two small, minor details that I hope aren’t too…annoying when the model releases. First it is extremely pointy, to the point (no pun intended) that you could literally stab someone’s eye out with it. Second is the rock that he is standing on. He’s a standard size character, but the rock for scenic purposes puts him on a 40mm base. That is just going to look strange on a roof top. To be honest, however, if they wanted to go full art piece, that moon should be a part of it too. Lets just go full on Dark Knight here, folks.

Still, I love the model.

Along with the model reveal, they treated us to an official announcement trailer (teaser trailer?) for the third edition. Aside from getting a nice 360-degree spin on the model, they state that the new edition/box will be available in time for Christmas. Take a look:

Finally, today, Knight Models revealed the Batman’s stat card:

Again with the yellow. I kid because I love, folks.

Given the preview of the third edition card we got with the Red Hood Joker from the anniversary sell, all the traits in the yellow box on the front are spelled out in detail on the back of the card. I like this purely from the standpoint of not having to go back and forth through the rule book to reference an ability. That slows down game play and these games can be quiet long as it is. Again, not a bad thing in the slightest.

So far, I have to admit I’m rather excited to see what the third edition will be bringing us. Second Edition, I felt, streamlined a lot of things and the switch to resin was a plus for me (sorry, not sorry, that I’m not a fan of metal miniatures).

What do you all think? Too soon for another edition (second edition dropped in 2017)? Anything you’d like to see come from this? Who do you hope is in the box?

Until next time, keep your dice warm and happy gaming.

Thanos Descends Upon Marvel Crisis Protocol

Well, my predictions were true (as well as about 90% of everyone else who were commenting on the throne tease). Thanos is coming to Marvel Crisis Protocol!

Revealed during an Asmodee stream and then shown off on the Atomic Mass Games‘ FaceBook page, the Mad Titan looks absolutely glorious.

Thanos looks imposing as he descends from his throne, Infinity Gauntlet primed to bring a balance to the galaxy. And as all things must be balanced, so too is his place in the game. While details are still sparse, Thanos will offer two forms of play- standard and as a raid boss (called it!). I can only imagine what his Threat Level would be for team construction purposes, but I can’t wait.

Since he has two different uses in the game, he’ll come with two different details in the construction of his model. Thanos will come with two alternate faces, one grinning and one snarling, as well as two alternate left hands, with and without the Infinity Gauntlet.

“Fine. I’ll just have to do this myself…”

How many are going to green stuff an inappropriate gesture here?

We’re less than half an hour from Atomic Mass Games‘ weekly Twitch stream. Obviously we’ll be watching as they have teased more potential information coming for him during it. We’ll be sure to update with any new information!

Update:

During the Weekly Transmission, Dallas Kemp and company showed of the figure. Not much information was given except that he’ll be on a 50mm base and then they showed off the hight of the model compared to the Captain America from the core box:

Sorry for the phone screen grab, folks!

The hight difference is spot on and I love it. The desire to get a second core set to mod the Captain America with a broken shield and Mjolnir is strong.

So what say you, gamers? We excited or disappointed? I know I’m excited. Sound off in the comments below to let us know.

As always, keep your dice warm and happy gaming.

Atomic Mass Games Teases…Something

I haven’t had time to really finish writing up all the ways I’m excited for Atomic Mass Games‘ upcoming Marvel Crisis Protocol. They revealed it this past August at Gen Con, and it has been on the top of many of our group’s most highly anticipated lists. We know the contents of the starter and the immediate expansions (figures and terrain). But beyond what they showed at Gen Con and teased during live streams (like Drax and Hawkeye), we haven’t heard much about what we could expect from the future.

Except now (or at least Wednesday afternoon)…

A scenic base fit for a king…but which one?

On the Atomic Mass Games Facebook page, they teased this beautifully painted piece with the caption “Tomorrow…“.

Obviously the caption is about their weekly live stream, but who’s throne is this? The two choices we have are the mad titan, Thanos, and the leader of the Inhumans, Black Bolt.

My money is on Thanos for three reasons:

• Two of the Black Order (Proxima Midnight and Corvus Glaive) were revealed at Gen Con. Even without Ebony Maw and Black Dwarf, we still need their leader.
• The throne looks to be part of a moon scene. While that fits both of them, this looks like it is sitting outside. Black Bolt would have a throne in a proper throne room, much more ornate.
• The game’s creators have stated that they have access to a wide range of characters, but lets be honest. Surely Marvel/Disney would want to capitalize on the biggest movie in history (and not the worse television series).

The only question I have is what is it for? We haven’t had much information on the game’s upcoming “Raid” system, so it could be a boss piece? When having discussions with others, one of the biggest things I thought would be cool would have a series of campaign books that came with pieces of terrain that would make a bigger terrain set. Could this be a part of something large (beyond just a singular figure)?

Then again, I guess the most important question we should have beyond what and who is when? When do we get to have this in our hands? I guess we’ll find out later today on their live stream.

What do you think? Is it Thanos, Black Bolt, or someone else? Let us know.

And as always, keep your dice warm and happy gaming!

Adepta Sororitas- The Sisters of Battle

Games Workshop has finally detailed the set that may (more than likely) get me into Warhammer 40K– Adepta Sororitas, the Sisters of Battle, or the Nuns with Guns if you will.

Nuns, Guns, Whips and Mechs

I’ll be the first to admit I know next to nothing about the game outside what I’ve been researching. I’ve been debating getting into Killteam for months but could never decide on a faction I’ve wanted to actually try playing. The latest 2-player box they put out made for a tempting purchase, but neither side really spoke to me.  

Then they teased their new line of plastic Sisters of Battle and I was like, “That looks like a faction I’d like!”

The new Sisters of Battle box comes with 25 new plastic miniatures, ranging from the leader Canones to a towering Penitent Engine. The models are monopose, which I have seen some disappointment raised via members of the community. As someone who has never played with or assembled anything by Games Workshop, I sort of appreciate the single use pose of the miniatures. Then again I’ve never been big on conversions or alternate sculpts, mainly because I can be so indecisive on permanent decisions like that (or that I’d need one of each pose/option).

The one thing I can see a creative issue with is the Penitent Engine. The new one looks like a simple torture murder machine. The original looks like something being piloted by a martyr or a believer in a cause. I know that is weird to say, but I can’t figure out a better way to explain that.

New plastic, murder machine model.

Original, heavy metal martyr model.

Again, though, that is purely a cosmetic, artistic preference. Even with my dislike of most metal models (thinks to a particular superhero line), I may have to pick up one or two of the original Penitent Engines before Games Workshop completely discontinues the metal line.

Along with the miniatures, the box includes everything a player would need to play- an exclusive edition of the Codex: Adepta Sororitas, Adepta Sororitas Datacards, 12 dice, an Adepta Sororitas transfer sheet, and a Warhammer 40,000 core rules booklet. The interesting part about the included Codex is, aside from the fantastic art featured on the cover, the book is not an abridged edition of the Sisters of Battle book. It is the updated hardcover edition of the full thing.

The artwork on that book is stunning! GW, how about a print/poster, please?

I am definitely a fan of this set, if for no other reason than it is the first set in a long time from Games Workshop that I’ve seen and have been interested in from the get go. The announcement article also mentions that this is just the beginning of a large Adepta Sororitas range. It would be awesome to get into the range at the ground level.

That being said, though, I am hoping that they don’t price this one at a point where that interest would be lost. Yes, there are long time players that’ll want to pick this box up, but this should be the ideal product to hook new players. It has everything, short of terrain, to get a player on the tabletop and playing. If they keep this product in the $149-$169 price range, I see myself preordering it. At ~$200, I’d be a bit more cautious about the purchase. Anything over $200 and it’ll be a pass. Yes, I’m aware of Games Workshop’s pricing structure, but doesn’t mean that I have to like it.

Repentia Superior

What do you all think? Is this a pass or a day one purchase? To the long standing Warhammer 40K players out there, does the switch to plastic, monopose miniatures sway your decision one way or the other?

Until next time, keep your dice warm and happy gaming.

 

February Releases for Monsterpocalypse

Privateer Press has unveiled their upcoming Monsterpocalypse releases for February. They are releasing a new monster and building for the Shadow Sun Syndicate and a new monster and building for Planet Eaters.

For the Shadow Sun Syndicate-

Zor-Raiden (Metal/Resin, $21.99)

Shadow Sun Industries (Resin, $14.99)

According to the description, the Shadow Sun Industries building itself and allies from blast attacks as well as providing a new spawn point.

For Planet Eaters-

Rogzor (Resin, $34.99)

Unless I’m mistaken, this is the single most expensive (money wise) for a monster-only unit/package.

Harbinger Comet Shard (Resin, $16.99)

From the description, this building converts enemies into power for attacks and acts as a new spawn point.

These new models all, visually, seem incredibly fun. I know that the Harbinger Comet Shard is for the Planet Eaters, but I cannot help but want to paint it up like part of the Fortress of Solitude from Richard Donner’s Superman. Those are just screaming to be painted like blue crystals.

What do you all think? Will you be inching your way to a faction-pure build for Shadow Sun Syndicate and Planet Eaters with these or will you be skipping them? Sound off in the comments and let us know.

Until next time, keep your dice warm and happy gaming.

Ninja Division/Soda Pop Miniatures Out of Money for Super Dungeon Explore: Legends

Alright. Admittedly that headline is a bit long, but it is the truth.

A little back story before we get into the meat of this article. Since 2015, Ninja Division/Soda Pop Miniatures have launched 5 successful Kickstarters. The most successful of these campaigns was for Super Dungeon Explore: Legends. More than 6,000 backers pledged over $1.29 million dollars during the Kickstarter and who knows how much more during the pledge manager via the company’s official web store. After Super Dungeon Explore: Legends, they launched campaigns for Relic Knights 2nd Edition, Starfinder Masterclass Miniatures, Rail Raiders: Infinite, and Way of the Fighter.

To date, Rail Raiders: Infinite and Way of the Fighter have been in retail stores for more than a year while there are still backers awaiting their copies, stretch goals and more. The Starfinder miniatures have just now begun making their way to US backers, with quality control issue after quality control issue. Relic Knights 2nd Edition was supped to have been done and shipped by February 2018 but there has been only radio silence since August 2018. And, finally, Super Dungeon Explore: Legends had been shelved until Starfinder and Relic Knights had been completed.

Despite the projects’ various degrees of completion, more than $2.56 million dollars was raised by more than 17,000 backers through the Kickstarter campaigns. This does not included the undisclosed amount raised during the various pledge mangers, as there would be late backers and people who upped their pledges.

With that in mind, it brings us to the the present. As the company has been radio silent on all their Kickstarter pages (See: Ninja Division Pulling Back from Kickstarter), this had led several backers to write to their attorney generals as well as the Idaho attorney general (Ninja Division/Soda Pop Miniatures are based out of Idaho) in regards to fraud. The response from Ninja Division/Soda Pop was finally made public: Ninja Division Response to Attorney General.

While the response is worded as such to skate over many of the pressing questions backers have had, as well as give a detailed account usage of all funds raised and not just of those during the Super Dungeon Explore: Legends Kickstarter, it does have a few interesting bits of information:

• Under their disclosure of Initial Funding, they state that approximately $343,559 was used for “annual overhead”. This included payroll, facilities and additional overhead. This funding was to cover them for the remainder of 2015, as well as all of 2016. They then state they had to deplete the funds to cover 2017 as well.
• Also under their disclosure of Initial Funding, they state that approximately $485,679 went to “project expenses”, including license fees and marketing.
• Funds for the game are completely ran through, leaving a deficit of $750,000 needed to bring the project to completion.
• While the fate of their other non-SDE IPs are not disclosed, they do mention that they are in discussion with multiple outside companies for acquisition of their studio.

There is also several bits of blame laid at the backers’ feet that we won’t go into.

In the end, ultimately, this does not bold well for anyone connected with these games. Be it a backer, designer or what have you, it looks like the curtain is slowly falling on what was once a great company and a great stable of fantastic games.

_________

For full details on the four outstanding Kickstarters and some basic stats. Way of the Fighter is not included in this break down as it backers for this are waiting on miniature add-ons. While not to be cast aside or forgotten about in the least, it is hard to gage a proper number of backers effected by this as Way of the Fighter featured the least amount of backers and most have moved on from the campaign.

Relic Knights 2nd Edition

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sodapopminiatures/relic-knights-2nd-edition/description

Originally ran on KS from Feb 27, 2017 until March 14, 2017

• Raised $386,826 from 2,489 backers
  • Does not account for any/all additional funds raised via the Pledge Manager
• Game/Stretch goals were to ship in 3 waves over an 8 month period
  • Wave 1 – Summer 2017: Base game and majority of stretch goals/add ons
  • Wave 2 – Winter 2017: Remaining stretch goals/add ons
  • Wave 3 – Feb. 2018: Void Break Expansion Rulebook/outstanding stretch goals

As of November 2018, zero of the game’s 2000+ backers have seen anything. Last real update on production was back in July 2018. Several comments made at GenCon by Soda Pop employees was that the game was to begin shipping at the end of August. Last comment made by John Cadice (owner of Ninja Division) was that they ran out of bases, and the comment was made via a Facebook Relic Knights fan page.

Rail Raiders: Infinite

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sodapopminiatures/rail-raiders-infinite/description

• Originally ran on KS from April 6, 2016 until April 22, 2016
• Raised $339,724 from 4,649 backers
  • Does not account for any/all additional funds raised via the Pledge Manager
• Game/Stretch goals were to ship October 2016.
• Shipping finally began in August 2017.

As of November 2018, many of the game’s backers (primarily those out of the United States) are still awaiting their games though the game has been available at retail for months. Last update was January 2018.

Starfinder Masterclass Miniatures

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/325468910/starfinder-masterclass-miniatures/description

• Originally ran on KS from September 27, 2017 until October 17, 207
• Raised $457,539 from 2,294 backers
  • Does not account for any/all additional funds raised via Pledge Manager
• Game/Stretch goals were to ship May 2018
• Shipping began in waves in May 2018, however they have switched to a new model of shipping what they have when they are done. 
  • This could be a single miniature or multiples.

As of November 2018, Wave 1 miniatures have begun making their way to US backers. These shipments have been plagued by quality control issues and broken miniatures.

Super Dungeon Explores: Legends

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sodapopminiatures/super-dungeon-explore-legends/comments

• Originally ran on KS from October 21, 2015 until November 11, 2015
• Raised $1,290,522 from 6,611 backers
  • Does not account for any/all additional funs raised via Pledge Manager
• Game/Stretch goals were to Ship December 2016

As of November 2018, zero of the game’s backers have received anything. The last update of any type regarding fulfillment and shipping was back in March 2018.

$2,566,516 from 17,428 backers, or $148.80 per person.

 

Monsterpocalypse delayed until October 5th.

Privateer Press has announced that the release date for their relaunch of Monsterpocalypse has been pushed back a couple weeks from September 21st until October 5th. While not much of a delay, those of you who follow The Late Night Players know that Monsterpocalypse was one of our favorite titles from GenCon this year. So the news that its being delayed, even if ever so slightly, saddens us that everyone will have to wait longer to get their hands on the game.

The reason for the delay seems to be due to a customs hold up. From what we are to understand, this is a bit of history repeating itself as the original game had a couple of their releases delayed due to custom holds and shipyard strikes. Purely coincidental mind you, but a funny observation none the less.

Privateer Press’ official statement is below:

“Privateer Press’ upcoming Monsterpocalypse Hobby Miniatures Game, scheduled for release on September 21, has been temporarily delayed. U.S. Customs held the container carrying the game and a host of items from other companies for an intensive exam. The street date has been changed to October 5, 2018.

The Monsterpocalypse tutorial guide was launched last week to further players’ knowledge and awareness of the forthcoming game. The tutorial is available at here.

The Monsterpocalypse Hobby Miniatures Game represents an updated and streamlined second edition of the original 2008 collectible game’s rules. Additionally, instead of using pre-painted collectible figures to play, the new game’s most noteworthy difference is its use of highly detailed resin and metal hobby miniatures, which players get to assemble before playing. As a hobby game, this upgrade to the Monsterpocalypse experience provides the opportunity for players to customize their armies through painting and modeling them.”

Hopefully this will not force a delay of their other planned October releases of the Shadow Sun Syndicate (Protectors) and Lords of Cthul (Destroyers).

What do you all think? Disappointed? Relieved you’ll have a couple extra weeks to get what you have primed and painted for the table top? Sound off in the comments below and let us know.

As always, keep your dice warm and happy gaming.

Star Wars Legion

I was trying to avoid this but it was bound to happen:

A local game/comic shop got in a small shipment for the launch of Fantasy Flight Games’ new Star Wars game. By time I got there, they’d sold all but one of the few core sets they got in. Deciding one can never have too many miniature games in their collection, I pulled the trigger and spent the day assembling the Stormtroopers and Rebel Scum.

For all intents and purposes, they were a rather easy and straight forward build. They included a somewhat handy assembly guid in the rule book. The Speeder Bikes were probably the biggest issue. The guide clearly shows a peg and groove for the peddles on each bike, but there is no suck peg or groove. So, just a heads up, add the peddles last after placing the Stormtroopers on the bikes.

Going through the rest of the box, it seems like the game will play somewhat similarly to FFG’s other Star Wars’ games, like Imperial Assault and Attack Wing. Hopefully, when I get the game to the table sometime soon we’ll know for certain. I’m being cautious with it, though. There are already a handful of expansions released, including a gorgeous AT-ST (Albeit a gorgeous, $50 AT-ST):

I want to get a couple games in before going crazy. I’ve yet to find a miniatures game that I could find myself going headfirst into, organized play and all. I could see Star Wars Legion being that game though. The miniatures are gorgeous. The company has a fantastic track record. It’s Star Wars, so the lore already has its hooks in my soul. Plus, the ideas floating around in my head for custom boards…

Anyways, I hope to have a game report sometime soon, like I said. Until then, keep your dice warm and happy gaming!

WarMachine/Hordes- First Real Game…

This past Sunday, I was finally able to sit down and get my first real taste of WarMachine (and a little Hordes, too) since we purchased some starters back at GenCon 50.

I was playing a Retribution Of Scyrah build while my friend/teacher/way too patient Scott ran a Mercenary build. We decided on 50 points but I didn’t realize that there were fewer points than that in any of the starters I bought (especially the ones from Privateer Press’ Black Friday sale). So we ended up just doing Warcaster and Warjack vs Warcaster and Warjack.

And as with every game I’ve ever played against Scott, I was obliterated. Needless to say more practice, and more miniatures, are required!

These guys haven’t even been primered yet, but the weather has been too cold for any of that fun stuff. I have a pair of Trollbloods that I’ve been working on here and there that I started on before winter set in. Another friend gave me a starter to add to the fun and I figured I’d practice on them first.

Not too shabby if I do say so myself.

Anyways, keep your dice warm and happy gaming!