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Those Isorians capture everything that was awesome about Bob Olley and makes it ten times better.

I'm sorry, but a lot of these GoA minis are just infinitely better than the last couple years worth of soulless CAD sculpts from various companies. Differing opinions are just wrong.

 Pacific wrote:
This just keeps going from strength to strength, absolutely love some of these new concepts and sculpts.

Guildsman - with the greatest of respect mate, what fething planet are you on?

 zedmeister wrote:
So, with Dropfleet running that I'm definitely getting, it looks like the Battle of Calth is getting the boot.

So, any good UK places to get the starter? Cheapest I've seen is Dark Sphere. A smidge under £60 including postage.

Yes that's where I've bought mine from, cheapest I could find at the time.

There's no excuse now, is there? It's happening, isn't it?

Just off out but I'll get it ordered tomorrow.

The Dark Sphere deal does seem the best, even ebay cannot beat £64 delivered.

@Judgedoug:Hope you are investing in the game, I trust your rules savvy as well so would like to know your thoughts once you have a few games under your belt.

When will the plastic squad boxes hit retail? I'm interested in some of the minis, but not if they are bundled up with rules, templates, and other stuff. The starter box is simply too expensive to buy just for the minis. Even the fluff nuggets embedded in the rulebook don't make the starter price seem anything but insurmountable to me.

 Thraxas Of Turai wrote:
The Dark Sphere deal does seem the best, even ebay cannot beat £64 delivered.

@Judgedoug:Hope you are investing in the game, I trust your rules savvy as well so would like to know your thoughts once you have a few games under your belt.

hey Thraxas, I along with three friends each preordered the starter set direct from Warlord; we have our four copies our for delivery right now (if you spend some $xxx amount you get free UPS worldwide expedited shipping, so we just combined it all together). I'm planning on assembling figs tonight and getting a game in tomorrow and/or thursday.
Seems like this last year I've been very exploratory, having picked up WMH, AoS, DZC, T:G, and now GoA (and looking to playtest Warpath mass soon as well)

@Judgedoug: Good that it has hit Stateside already, and seems like you and your friends went all in. An opinion on the sprues would be cool as well, you could move it to PM if it feels like going off topic.

@Bob: Nothing concrete yet, but January has been mentioned though I believe the releases will be staggered across 2016.

 warboss wrote:

I don't think the "retro" look, for better or worse, is an accident or side effect but rather an intended design choice. I'm not a fan of it personally but they seem to be toning it down a little bit at least some of the plastics. I like the Algoryns, am ambivalent to all Concord except the Concord Drop troops (which I like), and think the Gar mechs are nice but the Boromites as well as little goblin monkey men gar outside of their suits as well are figs that I would only accept if they were free (and promptly put up on the swap shop to trade). The other stuff previewed here like the Isorians and the freemen are somewhere in between. The "retro" stink is on them but not as pervasive as the straight out the late 80's/early 90's minis catalog inspired by Doctor Who 1970's production value villains that make up the Boromite faction. I will however check out the rules to see if they're to my liking. If I really like them, I'll probably get a small Algoryn force with maybe some concord drop troops for gaks and giggles (or allies if they have that in the game rules).

Yeah, I don't have a problem with the retro vibe... I just don't like the actual designs. There's a bunch of stuff that's almost cool, and a handful of models that I really like (the jetbike and the Ghar heavy suits are fantastic) but aside from that I'd be struggling to find models I like enough to buy.

I would also be concerned about trying to play on any sort of textured table with those bases. Flat bottoms are awful on any surface that isn't flat... Same reason I avoid resin bases for anything other than display miniatures.


Have to say, though, for all that I'm not keen on the final result, it's been pretty fantastic to see them take the disappointing Kickstarter result and plow on regardless to where they are now to a fleshed out final product. It may not be a product that personally suits me... but it's still an impressive piece of work so far.

 insaniak wrote:
I would also be concerned about trying to play on any sort of textured table with those bases. Flat bottoms are awful on any surface that isn't flat... Same reason I avoid resin bases for anything other than display miniatures.

Well, I've got about five hundred assembled Bolt Action minis on flat bases and have nary had a problem, across dozens of different terrain setups. That's personal experience. There's of course the bajillions of gamers who've based their minis with two-pence coins (25mm round). I prefer them to the GW-style pedestal bases, personally.

I'm fully aware that people do it. Plenty of people also use resin bases. It's just a personal preference.... I don't like the way the models wobble about if the surface isn't flat, and they tend to not ballance as well on uneven slopes.

I'm actually kind of digging those unpainted Ghar outcasts. Starting to see some potential for a small force there.

Does anyone know if the Ghar walkers are it as far as plastic releases for that faction go? Will the outcasts be up for plasticization? I'm not much into metals.

Short term I'd think they'll only be metal since there's so much other stuff to release,

after that it's all going to depend on sale of the game as a whole and no doubt of the individual factions too

and I suspect 'small' minis like that are least likely to be converted as they are cheaper in raw material costs than a bigger boromite etc....

(from what maxmini have said on their KS orcs have 5-6x the material costs of a goblin and the scale difference seems similar)

It's here!

I really want to know what you think of the miniatures and the background.

Just jumped on to Darksphere's site:

"We have 0 in stock"

NOOOOOOOO!

@Monders: Element Games is not showing dispatch until November 13th either. Unlikely I know but are any of the stores listed here near you? Then again as Element is only in Stockport it is not far from you, maybe give them a call? (* Are you in Manchester UK? Cannot really tell with the US flag and everything?)

http://www.warlordgames.com/antares-events-in-a-store-near-you/

Today has also seen the release of a free PDF download of a scenario: "Run, Fartok, Run".

http://www.warlordgames.com/downloads/pdf/fartok-scenario.pdf

Thanks for the links, Thraxas.

Yep I'm about two miles away from Element Games*, so I'll see what what. Not like them to be behind on new releases.

Edit: late despatch but available to buy over the weekend. Interesting. I'll call in and get a game! Thanks again!

*any dodgy flag escapades are probably down to my works server. It gives me Dutch language web pages., but thinks I'm in the U.S. I can't even.

And you save on P and P and do not have to make the dreaded trip to the post depot, wins all round.

Yep it's a pretty sweet deal.

I'll order my stuff before midday, then put a note that I'll collect it at about 5 when I'm driving past from work. So all my kit is boxed up ready.

Niiiiice.

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
I really want to know what you think of the miniatures and the background.

Well first impressions...
take note I got the first batch of preorders direct from Warlord so not only did I get the signed print, the Fartok fig, but also the mdf terrain.

The box was literally packed. Like, no gak, there's no room. I got the super limited edition that came with Sarissa MDF terrain and just with the inclusion of a sheet of MDF the box doesn't close all the way. After you get past the rulebook (and limited sarissa mdf, and limited rick priestley signed print), the quick start guide w/ assembly instructions, and quick reference sheet, the bottom of the box is jam packed with all the models, plus the sprues for templates and sprues containing the weird pin token dials... and a blister containing the two limited metal miniatures (super crisply cast), and two big bags of dice, one bag of course chock full of D10's, plus a D3, D4, D6; and one bag full of order dice. (one thing worth mentioning is that the Gates of Antares boxes include order dice, so you don't have to buy sets of order dice like you do w/ Bolt Action)

hardcover book is awesome. Full color, tons of examples, little text bits, etc. The weapon section is like Rogue Trader, with a schematic of a gun with fluff text and then stats. In fact the whole thing's layout reminds me a little bit of Rogue Trader, just, 2015 Rogue Trader. The rules are written in a nicely conversationalist tone, and there's a Hansa text block giving you advice or examples as you read. Lots of art and pics of models. Lots of army lists. I glanced at the fluff and it looks really cool.

Bob, you'll love the Concord plastics. They're truescale so won't match well with like Medge or GW melonheads, but would probably work with Dreamforge and Mantic Enforcer bits. Legs have been placed intelligently on the sprue so the mold line runs across hard edges on the leg armor. Minimumal cleanup, one or two sprue joins per piece. Good detail, same level as the last few Bolt Action plastic kits (Fallschirmjager and Grenadiers) - so pretty crisp and deep. The drones are ace. Two baby drones per sprue, and one support drone with a couple gun options. Not too many head options - for five guys you get five helmets and one open-face helmet. Six guns as well - 4 holding rifle with two hands, one holding rifle and waving hand, and one heavy squad rifle plasma lance gun thing. Important: note which left arms are with the right arm/gun! I totally didn't and my first batch of five guys was kind of a bitch to get the left arms to match up properly. Softer plastic makes for easy cleanup. Overall better than Renedra/Perry sprues but not as magically delicious as the recent Stormcast Eternals sprues.

I just realized, a squad of Concord can only have one baby drone, iirc, so they effectively give you four extra baby drones (two per sprue of five guys) I guess that's so maybe if you get a metal squad you still have extra baby drones? Hmm... well, extra sci fi things are always welcome, in my book.

I got one Ghar assembled - what a treat! The body is like... four parts, so there's tons of crisp detail all over - I can't wait to see what some of the amazing painters on the 'net do to these guys. Arms on ball joines, legs/hips on ball joints and the lower legs on kind of a swing joint - just tons of posability.

Well, I have no idea how it plays (hope to get in a game tonight or tomorrow night), and I've only really read the first dozen pages and noticing all the huge differences from Bolt Action - but just from the contents the box is worth it at $112, and I know a lot of online discounters have it for 20% or more off - in which case, yes, buy it if you are on the fence. The minis are really cool and the book is huge and beautiful and I am trying to figure out how I can leave work early today to get home and read more.

Judgedoug,

You've been riding this game's butt from day one. Jeez, at least give the game a chance before you dump all over it. What is your problem with Warlord? Why do you hate Gates of Antares? Why are you always so negative about the Ghar? And where (in the USA) have you seen the GoA starter on sale for 20% off?


As for MEdge melonheads - as far as I can tell, MEdge doesn't have them. Heroic proportions, sure, hamfists, yes. But the heads are on the smaller side from what I've seen. Their heads might look heroic proportioned relative to their MEdge bodies, but I have a feeling that Karist helmets are going to look a lot less melony on GoA bodies than Eisenkern helmets. I'll certainly be experimenting if I pick GoA up.

Nice to hear that GoA Concord troopers go well with Mantic Enforcers, though. Care to post comparison shots?

 Vermonter wrote:
Judgedoug,
You've been riding this game's butt from day one. Jeez, at least give the game a chance before you dump all over it. What is your problem with Warlord? Why do you hate Gates of Antares? Why are you always so negative about the Ghar?

 Vermonter wrote:
And where (in the USA) have you seen the GoA starter on sale for 20% off?

thewarstore had it, miniaturemarket carries Warlord, and check with NWS gaming.

 Vermonter wrote:
As for MEdge melonheads - as far as I can tell, MEdge doesn't have them. Heroic proportions, sure, hamfists, yes. But the heads are on the smaller side from what I've seen. Their heads might look heroic proportioned relative to their MEdge bodies, but I have a feeling that Karist helmets are going to look a lot less melony on GoA bodies than Eisenkern helmets. I'll certainly be experimenting if I pick GoA up.

Medge heads are definitely melons compared to the GoA Concord heads. These bad boys are deffo truescale.

 Vermonter wrote:
Nice to hear that GoA Concord troopers go well with Mantic Enforcers, though. Care to post comparison shots?

I'll try to tonight. I'm mainly going to be focused on finishing assembling my figs and getting them primed. My assembled Enforcers are packed away right now but I have, readily available, LotR, Age of Sigmar, and Copplestone Future Wars figs that are currently on my workbench. I could do a comparison with an Enforcer on sprue though.

Thank you for the review. They are definitely going to be included in my Black Friday bonanza. The Ghar and the drones are still my favorite parts, but nice plastics that can work with Mantic or DFG minis open up a lot of possibilities.

The helmetless plastic guy reminds me a bit of Lynch's Rabban, so I think I'll stick with helmeted heads.

Got my box today. The rulebook is better than expected, lots of stuff (like 12 scenarios) to use in games. The vehicle section has artwork (like mentioned by Doug, but its more than weapons ) for LOTS of new kits. It's totally Rogue Trader 2015 - in a good way (not retro at all).

Anyone from Europe still unsure if he should buy from Warlord Games? They shipped it with DPD to Germany, it was very fast (2 days) and included tracking.

The miniatures are well done. GW-like quality: easy to remove from sprues, very few moldlines if any, cuts well, only poly glue needed, everything fits well.

The Ghar suits dont do it for me though. Their weapons look comical to say the least. I will convert the Ghar with Necron Wraith bits. So far I have built two of the suits and the legs look better than on the photos. The heads are fine, the arms, well, not for me. I liked the RT Chaos Dreads and will use the Ghar claws for conversions. Maybe as Slaanesh Mutilator arms/hands or Noise Marine Champion power fists.

But I bought the box for the Concords anyway and these are as good as expected, truescale and nicely detailed. The scale is not like GW at all. Mantic Enforcers should be higher than the Concords too. The scale is more like LOTR or historicals which is nice for a change.

Got my starter set this morning, am very impressed with the contents. The rulebook is very heavy and very thick, looks excellent as well.

Have made some scale shots for those interested:

Mantic Enforcer/ Concord Trooper/ Space Marine:



And Enforcer/Ghar/Space Marine:



Also snapped a few pics from the rulebook, spoilered for size:

The details look very shallow compared to the GW model especially, is it just the photo?

The photo really, the Concord are very smooth to the front aspect, the detail is more to the side/rear.

In hand I would say they are equal in quality to the more recent Mantic HIPS kits but short of GW quality. I am impressed with the (minimal) mould line placement on these as well.

The metals I got (Fartok/ Kai Lek and Hansa) are all excellent casts.

The background is incredibly awesome. My bro and my bud who also got in on our order were discussing the background as they read it last night while I assembled figs.

Because of it, I want to buy a ton of Isorians. And now the models are ten times cooler now that I know their background.

My bad scale shots

Thanks to you both for the size comparison shots. The concord hands really do look small in that space marine shot. I think the best comparison to use when talking to a GW only gamer is to say the figs are LOTR scaled. Is that a bolt action plastic german? He looks a bit off on the scaling himself compared with the concord guy. With the crouched pose, big hands, and big head, he looks about halfway between the GOA fig and the 40k fig in terms of proportionality.

 warboss wrote:
Thanks to you both for the size comparison shots. The concord hands really do look small in that space marine shot. I think the best comparison to use when talking to a GW only gamer is to say the figs are LOTR scaled. Is that a bolt action plastic german? He looks a bit off on the scaling himself compared with the concord guy. With the crouched pose, big hands, and big head, he looks about halfway between the GOA fig and the 40k fig in terms of proportionality.

Now it may be because it's first thing in the morning but I'm totally not seeing a comparison with a space marine. I'm seeing a comparison to a BA german, Metal Uruk Hai, and above those one of the MEdge guys.

There is no Medge comparison... the two pics with three minis have a Mantic Enforcer, an Antares guy/spider thing and a Space Marine.