Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2018/03/08 20:40:12
Subject: Monsterpocalypse - September 21 Release, Overview p. 9
It’s hard for me to believe the original Monsterpocalypse Collectible Miniatures Game was released nearly a decade ago. In the rearview mirror of my mind, it seems both closer and farther than ten years in the past. I’ve watched my son grow up smashing Gorghadra and Defender X together amidst legions of tanks and alien invaders, and yet he hasn’t been around quite long enough to be ready to play the actual game. He has started painting miniatures, though, and by the time he gets his first Monsterpocalypse army painted this fall, he just might be ready to throw down.
Yes, you read that right. There are some big changes to this new vision for Monsterpocalypse, and while we loved the original version, we think we’ve definitely made some great improvements to this new edition. Whether you’re a seasoned monster-smashing veteran of the original game or are brand-new to oversized urban brawls, as long as you find the idea of giant robots duking it out with kaiju across a metropolis setting appealing, you’re going to like what we unleash later this year.
Monsterpocalypse puts you in control of a giant monster (or two…or three) and a small army of units like fighter jets, UFOs, or smaller-but-no-less-ravenous monsters that support your giant monster. Played out on a gridded city map populated by skyscrapers, factories, and other urban structures, your giant monster and his buddies wage war against another monster and his buddies. The action is governed by your management of a fistful of dice that alternates between two pools corresponding to your monster and your units, while strategic spots on the map provide extra power dice that can greatly increase your combat effectiveness. The fight lasts until only one monster (or monster team) is left standing to claim what is, by then, a pile of urban rubble. But then again, smashing buildings is half the fun of giant monster battles.
For the revitalized Monsterpocalypse, we went back to the classic Factions and characters and updated their designs before producing all-new sculpts. By producing the miniatures as hobby models that you get to assemble, paint, and customize, we’re able to manufacture them in our own factory, which allows us to add a ton more detail to the figures that we weren’t able to create when the figures were in pre-painted plastic. They’re also quite a bit bigger and chunkier than the originals, which is going to make them even more fun to paint.
At launch, there will be two Agendas: the Protectors and the Destroyers. But because we know it can be hard to choose between rampaging across a city with a giant dinosaur or doing it with a massive robot, each Agenda will contain multiple Factions that can be mixed and matched to create your own custom kaiju dream team of destruction. Stats and abilities will be on cards that come with the models, and you’ll be able to get all the dice and components you need in one of the two Agenda starters releasing this fall.
Soon after the release of the game will be our first in-store Organized Play events, for which we’ve created variant designs of some of the buildings to serve as in-game-usable trophies for the winners. And while the starters will include pop-up cardboard buildings to get your city started, a full range of buildings—just as detailed as the monsters—will follow, so you can erect your own beautiful skyline…and then knock it down as often as you like.
For all the awesome upgrades and details we’ve brought to this new vision of Monsterpocalypse, there is one word of caution I’d like to offer: the new models probably won’t stand up as well to being smashed together like toys. Fortunately, we’ve had a few years to get that out of our system! Still, the greatest enemy of the kaiju has ever been the four year old, and that’s not going away anytime soon.
In the meantime, keep an eye on monsterpocalypse.com for news and previews on the upcoming launch of the new Monsterpocalypse miniatures game, and get ready to reach out and CRUSH someone this fall!
What is PP's plastic like these days? When I quit Warmachine, it was some of the worst quality stuff on the market. Has it improved in the past two or three years?
Also, it doesn't say, but I'm hoping it is compatible with the buildings, maps, and figures from the original game. I still have my complete collection of the first three series.
Sqorgar wrote: What is PP's plastic like these days? When I quit Warmachine, it was some of the worst quality stuff on the market. Has it improved in the past two or three years?
Also, it doesn't say, but I'm hoping it is compatible with the buildings, maps, and figures from the original game. I still have my complete collection of the first three series.
The FAQ says that only new models are comparable due to the size change. It doesn’t mention buildings specifically.
So from my experience its still hit or miss. I got out of it because of the low quality. The resin stuff is great when they choose to use it, Its really brittle though, not sure if that's just how resin is, im not sure. My gripe was Id get models with with parts from several different mediums.. Petwer, plastic, and resin.
They say that the models aren't compatible, but if the new models are larger (and thus the spaces are larger) and they are just remakes of existing models, I think the originals could be decent (diminutive) proxies. The monsters no longer have their rules listed as icons on their base, so they are at least separating the rules from the models this time.
I have so many questions about this (hyper versions of monsters? price? buildings? does it even still use playmats? rule changes?) but it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until they feel like sharing more. They don't even have any pictures of what the game looks like on the table.
Chopxsticks wrote: So from my experience its still hit or miss. I got out of it because of the low quality. The resin stuff is great when they choose to use it, Its really brittle though, not sure if that's just how resin is, im not sure. My gripe was Id get models with with parts from several different mediums.. Petwer, plastic, and resin.
None of their models are plastic and resin, it’s either PVC or resin and metal.
They use their resin for just about everything now with some metal detailing. It works quite well for large models. Resin stops being brittle when its thick enough, so I'll assume that's what we'll see here. The units might be PVC plastic, but they've never been designed to be that detailed anyway.
I find the timing interesting. Everyone seems to be pumping out factionless, large character centric MOBA inspired games these days. This fits that mold to a T.
Sqorgar wrote: They say that the models aren't compatible, but if the new models are larger (and thus the spaces are larger) and they are just remakes of existing models, I think the originals could be decent (diminutive) proxies. The monsters no longer have their rules listed as icons on their base, so they are at least separating the rules from the models this time.
I have so many questions about this (hyper versions of monsters? price? buildings? does it even still use playmats? rule changes?) but it looks like I'm just going to have to wait until they feel like sharing more. They don't even have any pictures of what the game looks like on the table.
The bases appear to be the same size assuming the transparent plastic isn't just for showing off the model. I assume everything will be playable, just not tourney legal.
It says Buildings will be in Resin and mentions that its a second edition and not a completely new ruleset. I assume that means the playmats will still be a thing. I'd bet Hyper forms are out or are just represented with the same model. The transparent colored versions don't feel like they'd be a valuable addition to a hobby focused game.
The best part of the original was the awesome pre-painted minis. The bad part was the collectible aspect and the rules were horrible and much too fiddly so that the atmosphere was ruined.
The current "hobby" game I presume will no longer be random collectible, so good on that. However, not being prepainted is sucky and if the rules have not received a significant overhaul then it will be the same mediocre game. except dated. Also, my cynical side thinks they changed the scale to eliminate the ability to use the old models.
Hard Pass.
Paradigm for a happy relationship with Games Workshop: Burn the books and take the models to a different game.
The rules were fiddly, but I'm not sure they were "too" fiddly. The worst part was the learning curve associated with having ten thousand icons on the figure bases, and it looks like that much has changed, at least.
As for the paint jobs - SOME of the figures had excellent paint jobs (like the Terrasaurs), even if it was just a quick once over with an airbrush. However, the Martians with their silver splotches on transparent plastic were an eyesore (wonder if they'll keep the transparent plastic around for them). The Shadow Sun Syndicate was also pretty terrible. And that's just the monsters, where they actually made an effort. The street trash had paint jobs that made HeroClix look good.
I admit that part of the appeal was getting a decent looking miniatures game on the table quick and easy - painted figures, terrain (everything you don't see in Warmachine). However, the blind buy model wouldn't fly these days, and they needed that model for the pre-paints to work out, financially. Also, bringing the models in house, rather than outsourcing to China for production and painting, could only be a good thing for PP (jury's still out on if that's good for us).
Prepaints died because they became way too costly to produce. Most of the reasons for that are true enough its unlikely you'll see prepaints again outside of... well, X-Wing, where all you need is a little color and wash.
The icons were definitely the huge failure of the original game. The models weren't actually that complicated, but understanding what each of the 3-6 little symbols for each model meant let alone how they worked together was a mess. Then each building had its own set of icons to figure out.
Cards would have made a huge difference, though I suspect PP will go straight into an app for this. Also, just having coherent factions will also help. The blind purchase model meant your army was a hodgepodge that made the situation worse by removing any faction based rule consistency (its much easier to remember that that rule is "All Terrain" when its on every one of your tanks for example). Most of the foibles in the rules were problems created by the need to support blind purchases, so hopefully moving away can fix that too.
I always loved the miniatures, and the game was allright.
What ruined it for me was the random blister. Even though i spent more than a 100€ on the game, i never had a playable army.
You buy a 15€ Monster blister a 15€ Unit blister, and end up with 1 Dinosaur Monster, 1 Alien Unit 1 Ninja Unit, 2 Chutlu Unit and 1 Dinosaur Unit.
It killed the game. I hope they don't bring back this outrageous " traiding collectible" madness.
New miniatures look even better, and not prepainted. Unless they mess it up again, pretty sure I'm in !!!
EDIT: The Monsterpocalypse site states there will be agenda playable starter boxes and then monsters and units blisters, but it's not clear if there will be randomness... finger crossed !
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/08 22:38:12
You actually had a playble army before. The old game had no faction coherency to try and sneak around the problems you mention. That didn't make for fun armies though, and it was a min/maxing disaster. Not a problem with the new edition though, according to the site:
The new version of Monsterpocalypse releasing this fall is a hobby miniatures game. The models will no longer come pre-assembled and painted and will not be sold in blind-buy boxes. Instead, players will purchase the models they want and then assemble, customize, and paint them to create a force that is uniquely their own.
Ah, after an 8 year wait after abandoning the game with no explanation or apology ever offered, Privateer Press finally flips one last bird at lifelong Monsterpocalypse fans by making all their old models invalid and illegal. Please rebuy everything from scratch at premium resin prices (but actually receive Relic Knights era budget PVC blobs instead ) because the new stuff is half an inch taller.
No, never again, PP. Your company is cancer that treats players worse than GW ever has in the height of Kirby douchebaggery.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2018/03/08 23:23:41
Posters on ignore list: 36
40k Potica Edition - 40k patch with reactions, suppression and all that good stuff. Feedback thread here.
Gangs of Nu Ork - Necromunda / Gorkamorka expansion supporting all faction. Feedback thread here.
I skipped this entirely the first time around because of the pre-paints and the random chasing.
This time around I probably won't be able to resist!
Could this finally be the Kaiju and Super-Robot game I've been looking for?
I hope so...
Monsterpocalypse FAQ
What is the difference between the 2008 Monsterpocalypse and the new Monsterpocalypse?
The original Monsterpocalypse game released in 2008 was a pre-painted collectible miniatures game. The figures in the game came pre-assembled and painted and were available through blind-buy booster boxes.
The new version of Monsterpocalypse releasing this fall is a hobby miniatures game. The models will no longer come pre-assembled and painted and will not be sold in blind-buy boxes. Instead, players will purchase the models they want and then assemble, customize, and paint them to create a force that is uniquely their own.
This change from pre-painted figures to hobby models has also allowed us to significantly increase both the size and the level of detail of the models as compared to the original game figures, creating a truly exciting kaiju-inspired hobby miniatures game line.
Size comparison: New Defender X (Center), original Defender X (right), and Grolar from WARMACHINE (left)
Are the models the only difference, then? What about the game rules?
The new Monsterpocalypse rules represent an improved second edition of the original game rather than a completely new game. In developing the new Monsterpocalypse, we worked hard to tighten and streamline the rules while keeping the core game experience of the original game intact. Perhaps the biggest change has been making two-monster games (with each player controlling two monsters) the standard, alongside the more traditional single-monster battles of the original game.
Can I use my original Monsterpocalypse figures in the new game?
Due to the difference in scale, original Monsterpocalypse figures will not work in the new game. All official Monsterpocalypse tournaments and events will require players to use the new hobby models for play.
You’ve previewed G.U.A.R.D. and Planet Eaters—what other Factions will there be?
Wave 1 of the new Monsterpocalypse will feature six Factions: the robot defenders of G.U.A.R.D., the cyber ninjas of the Shadow Sun Syndicate, the reptilian predators of the Terrasaurs, the sinister fiends of the Lords of Cthul, the destructive Planet Eaters, and the invaders of the Martian Menace.
Additionally, each of these factions has been divided into two larger Agendas: the Protectors or the Destroyers. When building an army, a player chooses an Agenda and then builds an army from a mix of all Faction models within that Agenda. Future waves may include new models for existing Factions, new Factions for each Agenda, or wholly new Agendas with all new Factions and/or existing Factions drawn from Monsterpocalypse’s rich setting.
How will Monsterpocalypse be packaged?
Monsterpocalypse will feature four different product types. The first and most important is the Agenda starter box. Each Agenda will have a starter box that contains a starting monster and units as well as all the materials you need to play the game, including the game rules, double-sided map, and custom dice.
New monsters will be available in Monster boxes, and new units will be available in Unit blisters. Finally, players can expand their cities with Building packs that will include a selection of three resin buildings to use when building their urban battleground.
How long does the average game take?
A one-monster game should take around 45 minutes, and a two-monster game should take around 90 minutes.
How many models do you play with?
Currently each player fields 1 to 3 monsters, 15 to 25 units, and up to 12 buildings.
Will there be organized play for Monsterpocalypse?
Yes! We will be supporting a robust tournament scene as well as thematically driven game play.
When will I be able to get my hands on Monsterpocalypse?
Monsterpocalypse will release worldwide in Fall 2018.
Love the new mini!
And I disagree with the sentiment that the new sizing means you can't use your old models - the pic they show seems to indicate that the difference isn't all that great.
Now sure, in 'official' tournaments, you'd have to use them, but other than that? Have at it!
I'd managed to collect the factions I wanted right at the tail end of the game last time around, so I got some decent deals. I'd still like to get a hold of the Voltron version.
I'm skeptical about the relauch. Will have to wait and see if it will be worth it.
I'm surprised, and a bit insulted that they're just 'abandoning' the old play system. I didn't think the prepaints were bad at all (I'm mean, what were they up against? Heroclix?), and I loved the fact that the rules were on the bases, it saves having a bunch of cards lying all over the table.
I have to wonder what happens to all the hyper and mega forms? Are they just, not a thing?
Do you use less units? They only had six or so, per creature here, but you could use 15 IIRC with each monster in the game.
Do the buildings still have rules associated with them? I always thought that was a cool feature to the game too.
As someone who spent those last 10 years collecting EVERY unit/monster/building/map in the game, I have to say, I'm not impressed by what they're trying to do. The 'NOW YOU CAN PAINT THEM', aspect of it feels very cheap, as, what was stopping you from painting your stuff before? You literally would have to prime and paint them, just like these new ones, just, no assembly.
I'm glad it's being rebooted, but, this seems like a bad way to do it.
) because the new stuff is half an inch taller.
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 