"Of course, if you’re starting a new Astra Militarum army, you’ll need somewhere to play them, and Moon Base Klaisus is perfect. Building your own boards is a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s not always practical for gamers who are limited by space or just want to set their games up quickly – the new Moon Base Klaisus set gives you everything you’ll need to get gaming in minutes on a great looking 6’x4′ board. Made up of modular card tiles – designed to be interchangeable to vary your battlefields – and featuring push-fit ruins, Moon Base Klaisus is great for gamers looking for an easy way to make sure they’ve got a cool-looking place to play, wherever they are. The ruins themselves are designed to fit in with both the Sector Mechanicus and Sector Imperialis terrain, meaning if you do decide to build a more bespoke gaming board you’ll be off to a head start.
This is interesting. I might actually grab this one as it would be very quick to set up at my FLGS.
There is one thing bothering me though. The moon the base is on. So they had these open air buildings on the moon or something? Is it breathable air there? It sure looks like it can't be with the craters though.
Edit
My only wish is they did it in desert and maybe a few other pallets.
Someone needs to come up with a guide on how to divide the remaining space in the boxes to put the terrain back into it. Then you'd have a gameboard in a box you can take anywhere.
Yeah this looks like it has the possibility to be higher quality than a fat mat. I don't dislike fatmats but the texture on them isn't my thing. This looks like it's a next step up from that.
I've been waiting for them to do something like this for 20 years. Instant battlefield surface in a box for those quick pickup games. Add in a couple Sector buildings and a few containers/pipes and you've got a battlefield in a few minutes.
Gamgee wrote: Yeah this looks like it has the possibility to be higher quality than a fat mat. I don't dislike fatmats but the texture on them isn't my thing. This looks like it's a next step up from that.
The advantage of a fat mat is that it isn't going to be ruined the instant someone spills a drink all over it. Cardboard, on the other hand, will bubble and warp the second it touches any moisture.
Will really need to have a proper look at this in person. The price will be a massive factor considering you can get great mats from a number of suppliers which do the same job, are probably easier to transport and more durable. If this comes in at a significantly better price point then great. (I'm not a massive fan of being able to see the join either)
Gamgee wrote: Yeah this looks like it has the possibility to be higher quality than a fat mat. I don't dislike fatmats but the texture on them isn't my thing. This looks like it's a next step up from that.
The advantage of a fat mat is that it isn't going to be ruined the instant someone spills a drink all over it. Cardboard, on the other hand, will bubble and warp the second it touches any moisture.
Very true. As I said though I like high quality board like this. It just feels and looks better in my opinion. I hope this is a big success since it mean there will be more options appearing later on.
Why does GW have an aversion to putting these things at a right angle so you can combine two or more of them together?
However, it is nice to see GW offering a cheaper alternative to their Realms of Battle boards. I'd like to pick this up and the Necropolis battlemat as well - all I have is the old green grass mat they sold ages ago. Need me some variety.
Hmm. Wonder if we'll see the plastic terrain released separately? It'd be a bit annoying if the best "plain building" plastic they end up making is only available with a bunch of card tiles plenty of folk aren't fussed about inflating the price.
it being 6x4, I am really interested in seams on those rather large pieces of card. The blood bowl set I opened recently will go a long way , as long as its kept in good shape !
nettraper wrote: it being 6x4, I am really interested in seams on those rather large pieces of card. The blood bowl set I opened recently will go a long way , as long as its kept in good shape !
I'm hoping that they release 6x4 versions of the neoprene mats similar to what they for the likes of the 40k Battlefield Mat and Necropolis.
I expect it will not be cheaper than 3rd party mats, but if it isn't cheaper than their own plastic battle boards, I'm done with GW.
I know that in Australia we are used to price gouging from GW, but if they try to charge more than $500AU for a cardboard tile kit there will be a riot at each store lol. I'm certain that this will be cheaper.
On second thought, expect the material to be similar to the cardboard found in First Strike / Know No Fear.
Gamgee wrote: This is interesting. I might actually grab this one as it would be very quick to set up at my FLGS.
There is one thing bothering me though. The moon the base is on. So they had these open air buildings on the moon or something? Is it breathable air there? It sure looks like it can't be with the craters though.
Edit
My only wish is they did it in desert and maybe a few other pallets.
I assume it's one of those alien moons with an atmosphere and Luna per se.
Not sure if it's really worth it versus the Pegasus kits. Will depend on price I guess.
I'd consider this for 35-45 dollars, these card things do not have the longevity of real boards or mats and can be scratched/dented with ease. I've got a big scratch on my blood bowl pitch and I have no clue how it got there or where from. It almost looks like someone dragged a plastic bladed weapon on it. And considering i've only used the pitch twice I think I should know how it got there. The thing is I don't have a clue. They are not very resilient to any abuse, and any moisture will shorten its lifespan pretty quickly...even a humid living environment.
So for me this needs to be 15 dollars or so cheaper than their actual battlemats.
Thargrim wrote: I'd consider this for 35-45 dollars, these card things do not have the longevity of real boards or mats and can be scratched/dented with ease. I've got a big scratch on my blood bowl pitch and I have no clue how it got there or where from. It almost looks like someone dragged a plastic bladed weapon on it. And considering i've only used the pitch twice I think I should know how it got there. The thing is I don't have a clue. They are not very resilient to any abuse, and any moisture will shorten its lifespan pretty quickly...even a humid living environment.
So for me this needs to be 15 dollars or so cheaper than their actual battlemats.
mrshl9898 wrote: 6x4? Doesn't look like it in the pic on the box. Maybe 2x3 or so.
Look at the 3 marines and the square next to them.
It's probably 4 of these tiles to make a 6x4. The preview image shows 2 side by side and a few folded up just above it. If it says 6x4 then it will be 6x4 somehow
mrshl9898 wrote: 6x4? Doesn't look like it in the pic on the box. Maybe 2x3 or so.
Look at the 3 marines and the square next to them.
It's probably 4 of these tiles to make a 6x4. The preview image shows 2 side by side and a few folded up just above it. If it says 6x4 then it will be 6x4 somehow
From the picture it seems there are 4 2x3 tiles, and each of these tiles can be folded in 4 to fit in a 1x1.5 box.
Thargrim wrote: I'd consider this for 35-45 dollars, these card things do not have the longevity of real boards or mats and can be scratched/dented with ease. I've got a big scratch on my blood bowl pitch and I have no clue how it got there or where from. It almost looks like someone dragged a plastic bladed weapon on it. And considering i've only used the pitch twice I think I should know how it got there. The thing is I don't have a clue. They are not very resilient to any abuse, and any moisture will shorten its lifespan pretty quickly...even a humid living environment.
So for me this needs to be 15 dollars or so cheaper than their actual battlemats.
Price wise, I'd go up to £50 I think.
Pour quoi? Well, it saves me an awful lot of faffing about compared to other boards. My intended surface isn't quite the full 6x4, which rules out battlemats without a based board. That of course pops the price up, and involves additional storage requirements.
And, I get a bit more scatter terrain. Far as I'm concerned, you can't have enough scatter terrain.
Thargrim wrote: I'd consider this for 35-45 dollars, these card things do not have the longevity of real boards or mats and can be scratched/dented with ease. I've got a big scratch on my blood bowl pitch and I have no clue how it got there or where from. It almost looks like someone dragged a plastic bladed weapon on it. And considering i've only used the pitch twice I think I should know how it got there. The thing is I don't have a clue. They are not very resilient to any abuse, and any moisture will shorten its lifespan pretty quickly...even a humid living environment.
So for me this needs to be 15 dollars or so cheaper than their actual battlemats.
Price wise, I'd go up to £50 I think.
Pour quoi? Well, it saves me an awful lot of faffing about compared to other boards. My intended surface isn't quite the full 6x4, which rules out battlemats without a based board. That of course pops the price up, and involves additional storage requirements.
And, I get a bit more scatter terrain. Far as I'm concerned, you can't have enough scatter terrain.
You plan on putting them on a table that's a tad smaller than 6x4?
I don't know if cardboard overhanging from the table edge will be stiff enough to play on.
The ruins look nice. I hope they'll be available separately as well. Could be a nice addition for Necromunda to represent the less wealthy /and devout) underhive better than the city kits do.
BrookM wrote: The ruins do nicely fit in style-wise with the support struts of the previously released industrial terrain sets, maybe a taste of what's to come?
Fairly certain it states in the article that they were designed to be compatible stylistically, not sure if they're functionally compatible, however.
Gamgee wrote: Yeah this looks like it has the possibility to be higher quality than a fat mat. I don't dislike fatmats but the texture on them isn't my thing. This looks like it's a next step up from that.
Unless its somehow foldable plastic...(which it is not) its not going to be as good as a fatmat. Its cardboard. Mousepad printed mats > cardboard every single time.
They can take mass use very easily such as spills or scuffing. You can also roll dice on fat mats and they wont bounce all over or vibrate and push minis around like a cardboard surface will (albeit its minor)
This could be a good value though price dependent.
My FLGS will know Weds but I'm sure we will see price before that
So far, it makes Micro Art Studios' Terminus segments modular mousepad mats look like a decent alternative. They are more expensive (as it is 4x4 for about the same price), but a lot more modular.
Ketara wrote: How is card more durable than mousepad material? It probably abrades from the clips after being disassembled a few hundred times.
Board games are typically played on cardboard. I've yet to have a decently-made game board fall apart, even those I break out twice a week or more.
Yes, for me I think that these will be able to survive as well as any board game, however it's definitely going to be used more often than an average board game.
As far as I'm concerned, I'm able to bring a mat to life because it, like my miniatures, has a matte finish. If these tiles have a gloss finish that would definitely be a deal breaker. Not to mention I'd sooner buy a mat in the first place. The scatter terrain is really the only thing I'm interested in. I'm kind of surprised GW hasn't just done a scatter terrain party box by now. I hope they make one.
I don't get why people would buy this over fatmats. Go to home Depot, buy 2x 6 foot folding tables and you're done. Those also function as tables for a variety of things. It's nice they include scatter terrain but you need about 10x that for a game of 8th Ed 40k.
Fiddling with cardboard squares seems so much more difficult than buying a roll out mat.
^ This When I first heard about it I was quite excited at the prospect of a board produced by GW but the more i think about it the more I dislike the cardboard tiles.
Stormonu wrote: Why does GW have an aversion to putting these things at a right angle so you can combine two or more of them together?.
For the same reason that most of the mat makers do it, and that so many gamers set their tables up at an angle - it's better for reducing fire lanes directly across the board.
Gamgee wrote: There is one thing bothering me though. The moon the base is on. So they had these open air buildings on the moon or something? Is it breathable air there? It sure looks like it can't be with the craters though.
Edit
My only wish is they did it in desert and maybe a few other pallets.
I assume it's one of those alien moons with an atmosphere and Luna per se.
I may be misremembering, but isn't there a (thin) atmosphere on Luna in the 40K background?
To be fair, they've been moving away from a mandatory table size for a while now, all of the recent missions have used measurements from the centreline for deployment, rather than table edge. I don't think it even specifies 6x4 in the rulebook anymore (although I'd have to check...)
This seems really good. Found out a local gaming group have found a new venue to play, but space us short (for now) so this might help from an easily transporting option!
Any info on the exact amount of scenery?
On the bottom right of the box (which details the content), we see 3 larges pieces (including one at a right angle that could be two pieces together). On the picture on the box, it seems there are 5 large ones. And on the content teaser image, I see 4.
To be fair, they've been moving away from a mandatory table size for a while now, all of the recent missions have used measurements from the centreline for deployment, rather than table edge. I don't think it even specifies 6x4 in the rulebook anymore (although I'd have to check...)
I think AoS Skirmish is played on a 4x4 and says in the book to take regular 6x4 missions and adjust the dimensions accordingly. I think GW may be moving away from the Realms of Battle as the standard by which they design scenarios. None of the game mats they've released have been 6x4 either. They should just move to 4x4.
I'm in favor of smaller table sizes. Large tables are fine for gaming clubs, but can be difficult to pull off in a house without a specialized game room. My table is just a little bit shy of 4x6. Unfortunately, I live in a place where it is 80%-95% humidity for half the year and cardboard has a tendency to curl if not stored properly. I'd much prefer small neoprene gamemats that can be connected, like Mantic's 20"x20" Walking Dead mats. It'd be more expensive, but I think this box is already $80 - seems higher than it should be for 4 cardboard slates and two sprues of plastic.
edit - ironically, if I did get this, I'd end up putting them on top of a neoprene mat, as cardboard tiles shift around a lot while playing (based on my experience playing games like Arcadia Quest).
I'm not a fan of cardboard tiles so I'll stick with the neoprene mats available elsewhere. The Mechanicus inspired terrain pieces are interesting though. I wonder if the larger pieces are compatible with the SW:A stuff. Even if not directly compatible, they should still fit visually on the same table and the small pieces make great scatter terrain.
Although WD gives the deimensions as the peculiar 5'6"x3'4", the Warhammer Community article clearly,says it's a full 6'x4'.
Both are official channels, but clearly one has it wrong.
I'm really hoping it's WD, which given lead time seems the most likely. But, I've asked on their FB page for clarification.
Yeah, but this doesn't seem like something White Dwarf could get wrong. It isn't like a typo like what has happened with dates or prices. The numbers given would take too much effort to be wrong accidentally and I don't see them purposefully printing the wrong numbers.
I don't know why but the First Strike/Know No Fear mats are actually smaller than 2'x2'/4'x2', so I'm sure the smaller size is correct in this case, too. Back in July the WD described them to be 2'/4' but they weren't. In both cases the material is cardboard.
I am not all that much of a fan with these printed cardboard tiles, things like "Fat-Mats" are much more civilized to play on.
I am tempted to glue these on my 1' square hardboard tiles but it is easier to detail them up and then airbrush as the mood takes.
I usually attach large ruins or the SWA terrain on them (screwed and glued).
I think on the whole people are missing the simple "starter" approach this is intended for. It's probably not aimed at veteran gamers with big tables and tons of scenery, etc. This is something you can sell along with a starter box and just get someone started -- minimal investment. Not all products are aimed at everyone.
Yeah, Elbows is right. This + a starter, or two start collecting boxes can put two players that previously had 0 miniatures and even scenery playing in a relatively nice board for a viable price.
Galas wrote: Yeah, Elbows is right. This + a starter, or two start collecting boxes can put two players that previously had 0 miniatures and even scenery playing in a relatively nice board for a viable price.
Yeah, but First Strike and Know No Fear basically do that as well. Not to the same level of 2x Start Collecting+Moon Base Klaisus does though.
Stormonu wrote: Why does GW have an aversion to putting these things at a right angle so you can combine two or more of them together?.
For the same reason that most of the mat makers do it, and that so many gamers set their tables up at an angle - it's better for reducing fire lanes directly across the board.
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with anyone besides GW who makes "angle-on" mats. I've seen plenty of asymmetrical mats. Any non-GW examples you can provide?
Eh, the only reason 6x4 became the standard is because that was the standard size that wooden boards came in so it was the largest you could make a table from a single board.
There's even an interview with Rick priestly from an old white dwarf where he recalls his mum buying him a 6x4 board of chipboard painted bright green and giving to him on his birthday.
given what people are playing with now 6x4 is far too small for most games to be anything more than smashing dolls together, but far too big for peoples kitchen tables.
may aswell appeal to those players who just started the game but want a cool table they can fit in their house.
Galas wrote: Yeah, Elbows is right. This + a starter, or two start collecting boxes can put two players that previously had 0 miniatures and even scenery playing in a relatively nice board for a viable price.
Yeah, but First Strike and Know No Fear basically do that as well. Not to the same level of 2x Start Collecting+Moon Base Klaisus does though.
Galas wrote: Yeah, Elbows is right. This + a starter, or two start collecting boxes can put two players that previously had 0 miniatures and even scenery playing in a relatively nice board for a viable price.
Yeah, but First Strike and Know No Fear basically do that as well. Not to the same level of 2x Start Collecting+Moon Base Klaisus does though.
More options are better than less options!
Yup. And not being monopose is always good, though maybe not for brand new players.
CR1MS0NJ1HAD wrote: As per the manager at my flgs this is going to cost 80 bucks. Seems a little high for what you're getting.
If that's the case that puts it into the ~$180 AUS bracket.. sigh, seems like a pass for me then. At that price point it is no where near competing against the neoprene mats.
Yeah for some card tiles and a few scraps of ruins, US$180 is far too rich.
This is an $80 set at most. Hell if GW were clever they'd have the Dark Imperium box, two Start Collecting forces (Primaris + Death Guard), and two of these boxes ready to go.
That way new players could get the main box, one person gets Primaris, another gets Death Guard, they each buy a Start Collecting to expand their force, and each get a table/terrain set.
80 is too rich for my blood. Money better spent on new dudes for my iron snakes. Also here's the prices he gave me for all the other stuff being released that same week.
Stormonu wrote: Why does GW have an aversion to putting these things at a right angle so you can combine two or more of them together?.
For the same reason that most of the mat makers do it, and that so many gamers set their tables up at an angle - it's better for reducing fire lanes directly across the board.
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with anyone besides GW who makes "angle-on" mats. I've seen plenty of asymmetrical mats. Any non-GW examples you can provide?
Most sci-fi mats meant for Infinity and the like are angled like that, it's indeed great for reducing firing lanes.
Jadenim wrote: To be fair, they've been moving away from a mandatory table size for a while now, all of the recent missions have used measurements from the centreline for deployment, rather than table edge. I don't think it even specifies 6x4 in the rulebook anymore (although I'd have to check...)
Still doesn't change the fact that it's smaller board which is not good for game even if deployment rules work unless army sizes are downgraded.
Smaller board+same sized armies=less room to manouver=less tactics in the game=more line up and fight.
Similarly same board+bigger armies=same effect.
GW is pushing bigger and bigger armies with smaller boards=bad combination.
Jadenim wrote: To be fair, they've been moving away from a mandatory table size for a while now, all of the recent missions have used measurements from the centreline for deployment, rather than table edge. I don't think it even specifies 6x4 in the rulebook anymore (although I'd have to check...)
Still doesn't change the fact that it's smaller board which is not good for game even if deployment rules work unless army sizes are downgraded.
Smaller board+same sized armies=less room to manouver=less tactics in the game=more line up and fight.
Similarly same board+bigger armies=same effect.
GW is pushing bigger and bigger armies with smaller boards=bad combination.
May yet be 6x4, given disparity between WD (printed months in advance) and Warhammer Community (more up to date, still possible to be wrong).
Automatically Appended Next Post: Well, we've got the clarification.
5'6" x 3'4" confirmed.
Guess I'll be buying three 2x4 sheets of MDF next month, and seeking a battle mat with me November bonus.
That weird size is offputting. I mean, at $80 it's a little more expensive than a typical neoprene mat, but it comes with some terrain, which would be worth it except for the fact it's not exactly 6x4 for some weird reason. I mean unless my math is completely off, you're getting almost 8" closer to the enemy at the start of the game; that's potentially HUGE, it's like an entire free movement phase!
The perfect way to start a collection of Citadel scenery, this is literally a battlefield in a box! The best way to play games of Warhammer 40,000 is on specially-made terrain – it just feels that bit more immersive to move your models around a true representation of the war-torn far future, instead of just the kitchen table. Moon Base Klaisus has been designed as a great entry point to this side of the hobby – it requires no painting, takes 5 minutes to set up and put away, and fits on the average family dining room table. Included in the box:
- 4 fold-out gaming boards, made of extra-thick, hard-wearing card. These sit next to each other on your table to form a 5’ 6” x 3' 4" battlefield. The boards are double-sided, one side featuring the ruins of Moon Base Klaisus, and the other featuring a Martian landscape;
- 4 push-fit plastic scenery pieces - no glue required – representing ruined wall sections, which your models can take cover behind. Each of these is able to slot into the others in any combination, allowing a variety of scenery – especially when combined with the 3 plastic ruins, access hatch, and Inquisitorial crate that are included. Each of these scenery pieces are designed to be match the Sector Mechanicus scenery kits available, making expansion easy;
- 3 Crucible of War missions, designed to be played using the contents of this box. These can be played individually, or linked together, giving you a campaign.
Even the box this set comes in is useful: it’s made of strong card, making it perfect for storing your disassembled scenery set between games.
Wayniac wrote: I mean unless my math is completely off, you're getting almost 8" closer to the enemy at the start of the game; that's potentially HUGE, it's like an entire free movement phase!
Except that deployment zones are usually measured from enemy/centre line these days, rather than your table edge, so it's not too big of a deal imho. I'm probably going to get one.
I'm not really interested in the oddly sized board (I don't play any games that are played on a 6x4 anyways), but I'd love for them to release that terrain separately for Necromunda or a variety of other uses. Considering it is push fit, if they could put it out at 25-30 bucks I would definitely pick up a set to help fill out my board.
I can't understand how people think this is ok or act like the size Is good or fits better. If 6x4 is to big for you then 5.6 by 3.4 is also. Get some cheap tables from lows and a mousepad mat. It will last forever compared to cardboard
In what world is that even useful? 4x4 or 6x4 - those are the two sizes people use the most and one of those should have been the size used, even if it is only cardboard and a handful of ruins. Don't get people used to playing on strange sized tables that only exist in THAT format.
I like the scenery, but there's so little of it that I don't find the box worth getting. It's better than nothing I guess but I don't see what such a tiny amount of scenery would really add to your game.
Also, personally I'm a little disappointed that all we ever get are ruins. It would be nice to get a kit that makes it possible to build something resembling an actual city, just full wall sections that let you build a single closed building. Or even a pack of card scenery that you folded together, maybe with plastic buttresses or something to make it look more 3D and match your ruins or industrial terrain, that would be cool, I think (and "starter friendly" also).
Shame that everyone is so keen to dismiss this because of the dimensions. I never measured out 6'x4' when I played games on the living room floor with books stacked up for hills, this looks like a great starter kit that gives decent, instant results for people new to the hobby or younger kids starting out.
Yes there are alternatives to cardboard and they could have made it 6'x4' but I still see the appeal and potential for more of these boards.
If it is anything like the material used in the boxed games I will definitely consider this.
I'm not in the market for it as I have my three 2x4,mdf boards and my 6 x 4mat to go on it.
The blurb on the website makes it clear that GW consider it to be for beginners and will fit the average family dining table. In other words, it will fit my dining table with no overhang. Not every product is necessarily aimed at experienced players.
I'm not in the market for it as I have my three 2x4,mdf boards and my 6 x 4mat to go on it.
The blurb on the website makes it clear that GW consider it to be for beginners and will fit the average family dining table. In other words, it will fit my dining table with no overhang. Not every product is necessarily aimed at experienced players.
Bingo!
But I can see the potential to expand this easily too to make it more than just what's in the box if you felt like it. Add in some of the armoured containers, craters or promethium pipes and you have yourself a nifty little gaming space.
As it's been pointed out, it fits a standard dining table. My first games of 40k were on a dining table. Having something underneath that looks cool would have been awesome.
And anyway, WHY would GW be trying to go into table mats? The market is saturated. They did it with their 4x4 one and from my understanding it didn't sell very well (literally 2 boxes have yet to be sold from their delivery in my FLGS!)
Their mat didn't sell because they were too specific of a picture.
There are only so many fights you can have on the same bridge...
I use a couple large cardboard sheets for tables that are slightly larger then these already (mine are used to transport riding lawn mowers, so they're pretty durable) so I think I will pass on these as well. Shame because I was pretty excited :/
Really like the ruined sprues. They'll do nicely for shacks and storage buildings for the rest of the industrial terrain they have. Add in the rumoured pressure vessels and the Necromunda bulkheads and I am a happy bunny!
but it's a shame they didn't add another couple of ammo boxes/crates in the big blank spaces which are very much not what you'd expect from GW nowadays
The four sets of folded tiles correspond to multiple, joined tiles the same size as was in Deathwatch Overkill. Each tile set made up from eight joined 8.25 by 10 inch cards. Four sets of which give 66 x 40 inches overall.
Do you really think the difference in size will matter seeing as most deployment is done from the center, not from the edge? It's a difference, but I'm not sure if it will be big enough to make this not worth getting. Not sure.
caminacambob wrote: I never measured out 6'x4' when I played games on the living room floor with books stacked up for hills...
Oh well, if you didn't then I guess none of us need to.
Totally missed my point.
This is excellent for folks starting out, much better than my floor and books start point. I would have loved something like this and the size wouldn't put me off. I'm sure I wasn't the only person like that and this will sell well to people still in that situation and others.
I'm not suggesting everyone should want this or get a smaller space to play but I think it is a shame people are slating the product as a 'miss' because it doesn't meet their needs. Seems they have forgotten the variety of players.
The price is the main issue, as far as I see it. It costs as much as their competitors 6×4 neoprene mats.
Pros:
Generic\universal art
Double sided
Easy to transport
Includes terrain
Cons:
Not a standard gameboard size
The included terrain is minimal
The price point is high, given the nonstandard size and the minimal terrain content.
I really think the included sprue of terrain puts the cost over the top. It would have probably been a better idea to include one of their existing terrain kits in the box instead of spending the money to tool a new mold for such a minimal ruins sprue.
The $80 price tag would be easier to swallow if included some more impressive terrain. It would also encouraged additional terrain purchases, as people bought terrain to match what was now in their collection.
It also just doesn't work that well for me aesthetically. White? Who has miniatures based white? Craters is good on a moon base... ...but with a street sort of covering them? I do like the little ruin pieces though - they have a nice imperial look that is different from the cities of death stuff, less over the top, more solid.
H.B.M.C. wrote: That's a super-expensive not completely 6x4 table. No thanks.
I agree it's super expensive. What I don't understand if this is not made for veterans but for new people why show them how expensive the hobby is? Again, if I just started now, I would be saying NO THANKS to Games Workshop hobby and go else where. So I am curious who is this really made for. Seems like GW is doing so much to create excitement, but I am not seeing no excitement for this product and just reinforcing how "not worth it" GW products are.
Useless product and probably the stupidest thing gw has released in years. If you can't fit a 6x4 then you also can't fit this strange sized board.
Go to home Depot, buy 2 fold out tables and roll a Fatmat down. Anyone can store a fold up table.
Why would beginners buy this? They aren't finding 40k at a damn toys are us. Most likely they are seeing real tables with real terrain and want to play *that* game.
I can only assume this is marketed towards people who refuse to buy anything that isn't getting branded. Absolutely terrible product.
Kirasu wrote: Useless product and probably the stupidest thing gw has released in years. If you can't fit a 6x4 then you also can't fit this strange sized board.
Go to home Depot, buy 2 fold out tables and roll a Fatmat down. Anyone can store a fold up table.
Why would beginners buy this? They aren't finding 40k at a damn toys are us. Most likely they are seeing real tables with real terrain and want to play *that* game.
I can only assume this is marketed towards people who refuse to buy anything that isn't getting branded. Absolutely terrible product.
WTF?
3' 4" vs 4" is a big difference for fitting on dining tables especially, or in any place where space is a premium. It is simply illogical to say that if I can't fit a 6*4 then I can't fit this.
Sure I can store a fold up table, but where the hell would I put one up to play on? Not every one has large playing areas that can readily accommodate fold up tables for playing on.
Sure beginners are seeing 'real tables with real terrain' in GW shops. So when they put this on their dining table they will also have a' real table and real terrain'. Do you really think all those kids or parents are going to care about the precise size of the table, or that parents are going to rush out and buy folding game tables so their kids can play on a slightly bigger table assuming they could even put one up.
I don't know where you frequent, but when ever I go into any of the local GW stores there are no shortage of young kids wanting to get involved, often with showing their parents. Or indeed parents inquiring and asking whether their kids wants to have a go. This set is perfect for that group, £50 is not that expensive, and for beginners like that can make a huge difference to how they may enjoy the game/hobby without investing in gaming rooms and 6*4 tables that they probably don't even know about or care about.
This looks a good product to me, aimed at a very different market to the long term gamer who is a bit snobbish about 'standard' table sizes and what whether they have some well setup gaming area.
I think the country of origin of the poster may also play a part in the mindset. Certain sizes are more common elsewhere. I think 6' x 4' is the average table size for a four person family in the US and all that.
The size is unconventional, but not a real deal breaker for me, as space is of a premium for me, I don't have access to cheap mats like some.
I think the format is mainly weird because they wanted the box that it all comes in to be in line with the rest of their boxed sets.
I like the scenery. I wish I could get that separately.
The size of the tiles is weird, but not a dealbreaker for me. I just don't get why they went with that size. Yes, it might fit smaller tables, but so would 3'x5'.
The totally weird moonbase images are what don't work for me. Is it an airless void? Kind of weird for models that mostly don't have sealed armor. Are there craters? Why isn't there more dust/snow on the building floors? It doesn't look anything like most of the bases I've ever seen, either from GW, or from anyone else. It's a really odd first choice for a terrain image. I would have thought standard industrial gunge would have been more widely applicable.
Da Butcha wrote: I like the scenery. I wish I could get that separately.
The size of the tiles is weird, but not a dealbreaker for me. I just don't get why they went with that size. Yes, it might fit smaller tables, but so would 3'x5'.
The totally weird moonbase images are what don't work for me. Is it an airless void? Kind of weird for models that mostly don't have sealed armor. Are there craters? Why isn't there more dust/snow on the building floors? It doesn't look anything like most of the bases I've ever seen, either from GW, or from anyone else. It's a really odd first choice for a terrain image. I would have thought standard industrial gunge would have been more widely applicable.
Maybe someone in the publishing industry can better answer, but I figured that they are using a standard size of card stock and that's the size it ends up as.
I have to say, given the title, I was expecting something a bit more evocative. But.. just some more gothic ruins.. ?
I suppose it's a step above books under a sheet but has set the bar pretty low. It's almost a 'Welcome to 40k: All of your games will always be played on a board like this one, even when they're meant to be on the moon"
For starters you could get one of the Battlesystems card setups for less than the price of this box. Yes I know this is setup for smaller scale skirmish games, but it would be very easy to spread this over a larger piece of grey-painted MDF (have like an outer wall or something, and you could have an attacking force breaching the hull of the base and getting inside or something? Just needs a bit of imagination)
I can see *some* value in the ruins, but the price is off-setting for what is essentially a pile of cardboard.
I used to buy the D&D dungeon tiles, and I'd put these in the same classification overall. The size of the "mat" doesn't bother me, and the included ruins are a plus, but I'm not buying it for $80, even if I can get it at %20 discount - that's just absurd for the content and materials.
Swing and a miss, GW. Maybe a repackage that's all cardboard (including fold-up ruins) for less than $30 would be better. If the design was at right angles, I'd like to see this combinable with the Overkill and upcoming Necromunda terrain - even the Space Hulk halls for some really fun Kill Team mission boards.
P.S.: Didn't we also see these terrain runes in the recent Necromunda trailer? I'm suspecting we'll see them again here.
Stormonu wrote: I used to buy the D&D dungeon tiles, and I'd put these in the same classification overall.
I have tons of D&D dungeon tiles, sometimes up to 6 sets of a single type. I wouldn't put this atrocious product in the same category at all, because the Dungeon Tiles are endlessly useful. This is small and super-expensive.
The size doesn't bother me, but the aesthetic, price and being card when I'd prefer a mat does bother me, so no sale here.
Da Butcha wrote: The size of the tiles is weird, but not a dealbreaker for me. I just don't get why they went with that size. Yes, it might fit smaller tables, but so would 3'x5'.
Well it's 66" x 40", I don't know if that's a standard table size or some such. If they'd made it 3' then it'd only leave 6" for deployment zones if armies are deployed 24" apart, so I can see trying to squeeze a couple of extra inches to make it 3'4"
NurglesR0T wrote: On topic though, yep, Moon Base is a pass at that price.
Did you really think this would be cheap? Cardboard aside, there's a fair bit of plastic terrain in there.
For what the product is, yes, I was expecting it to be cheaper.
Obviously it's much cheaper than the Realm of Battle boards they sell and is a good alternative, but when you compare it to other products out there you realise just how absurdly overpriced it is when you compare it to full 6x4 game mats that are $20US cheaper - much better quality material and the playing surface won't separate every 2 minutes whilst playing (doesn't look like there is anything keeping these cardboard sheets together, plus if they are the same material that the playing board that came with First Strike/Know no Fear then yeah, seriously why?)
Such a shame, when I first saw the previews I thought it to be exactly what I've wanted, but after seeing more details, went and placed an order with gamemat.eu for a much superior product - delivered to my door for cheaper than what GW are asking locally
The size is a bit wierd, but nothing too offputting.
Had I not been a veteran, who is currently in the process on building a higher grade table (with tons of terrain) and already has table plates, I'd be intresting. not sure I'd buy-but would at the very least consider it.
Right now, when you tell people of ust how much -work- and effort it is to put up a table, its offputting to newcomers. this gives an "easy way" to get a quick-and-dirty "personal table" to play at.
It could have been better, but I think its pretty good.
BrookM wrote: The maps that came with First Strike and Know No Fear are posters, not the thick card of Moon Base Klaisus.
Thanks. I thought they were card, happy to be corrected.
I think this is marketed more for the younger crowd to appeal to parents buying their first models. I'd imagine it much easier to convince a parent to buy this coupled with Dark Imperium for everything they need for 2 people to start playing right away then having to build a table from scratch.
I wish this was around when I started the hobby. We had nothing but the floor and a couple of books and cups for terrain.
There is absolutely better options and value out there for other products but this is a good start until they're ready for a proper built table and/or battle mat
Hmm, I have been looking for a play surface so I can play at home rather than at a store. This looked really good, but the odd size and questionable quality for the price make me disinclined to buy it. I tend to think getting a 4 x 6 mat is a better choice, and probably cheaper. A bit disappointing.
I just wanted to put up some quick pictures of the terrain in comparison to the Shadow War Armageddon stuff so everyone can get a good idea on how well they look on the table together.
First is a shot of two terrain pieces side by side so you can get a good idea on size and theme. The Klaisus terrain is not designed to integrate with the SW:A stuff but visually it works as there are elements that match the SW:A support structure pieces as well as the pipes.
Next, I stacked two Klaisus pieces and put them next to the SW:A piece. They do not match vertically and so trying to make a large building won't fit. The Klaisus is far better suited as scatter terrain in a larger SW:A setting than trying to "meld" both into a single terrain model.
Lastly, there is one bit of concern. As you see there are tight corners formed when you assemble the Klaisus buildings. This can be a bit troublesome for painting so I suggest you paint each item separately and then assemble after. You'll have a much easier time and your brush will thank you.
Lastly, one real drawback is the way the terrain is cut. The pieces fit together via slots like the old cardboard buildings. BUT... the two larger buildings have their slots cut reverse of the four smaller ones. This means you are limited in how you can assemble things. An unnecessary limitation, in my opinion, and one that I really wish they'd not continue with future releases.
If they sold the ruins by themselves that might make me *vaguely* interested. Although, do the cardboard panels fold out into a single board? That has some plusses. Also, is there any texture to them? It kind of looks like there is in the picture.
To answer a previous question, the board looked to be the same quality as the Blood Bowl ones. It doesn't make a single 6 x 4 board, it makes sections that you can arrange how you like. I didn't need the board so I sold it, still in the wrapping, and that's why I can't give a more detailed review of it.
I'd like to see the terrain sold separately but I'm not sure if that will happen. It seems like GW is experimenting with board formats and studying what works best. We've had plastic, cardboard and neoprene so far. At this point, I'd really like GW to just choose one and stay with it - neoprene mats being my preference of the three.
The Ryza Pattern Ruins from the Moonbase Klaisus boxed set will also be available separately for the first time; these push fit scenery pieces make for easy-to-set-up line of sight blockers for your games of Warhammer 40,000.
