Mantic Deadzone Kickstarter - Completed! - $1,216,482 final total.

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**Lansirill**

Cyporiean wrote:
warboss wrote:
The mats look nice the group deals are somewhat odd. In an industry that has either square or rectangular playspaces, the deals that offer odd numbers of mats leave you with a completely useless one. You can make a smallish 4x4 area with the 5 matt deal for $90 but you end up with a pointless dead area mat on the side. I'm not sure if the odd numbers are there to convince people to buy another one matt or what. I don't plan on playing the smaller skirmish games but would be much more likely to use them in larger scale wargames so the choice of odd numbers of mats is (pun intended) odd.

Its because the 'Sweet Spot' pledge includes 1 mat.

Plus, if you want a 4x4 you buy the 1 pack and 3 pack. If you want 4x6 you can get 2 of the 3 packs, which they mentioned in that update I believe. For people not in the Strike Force pledge, you can still get your rectangular boards, but for the people in strike force (roughly 84% of pledgers are strike force or above) you don't end up with a 'wasted' mat.

That said it did take me a minute to realize what was going on with the add-on levels for that. They probably could have explained it a little better.

**recruittons**

Also, don't forget that Recon gets a paper mat, so that can still be used with the deluxe mats. Heck, mount it on a piece of foam-core and it should rest at about the same height

**warboss**

What is the likelihood that they'll bump up the deals on mat addons? Does mantic do that or do they only do new stuff in stretch goals historically?

**Lansirill**

recruittons wrote:
Also, don't forget that Recon gets a paper mat, so that can still be used with the deluxe mats. Heck, mount it on a piece of foam-core and it should rest at about the same height

That's what I'm going to do for larger games (If I play larger games.) Just make some 2x2 or 2x4 MDF panels with a grid on 'em, slap together for a 4x4 or 4x6. The nice mats are, well, nice, but they're still just flat printed maps... main advantage is that they're probably a bit easier to transport than 2x2 MDF panels.

**Alpharius**

warboss wrote:
What is the likelihood that they'll bump up the deals on mat addons? Does mantic do that or do they only do new stuff in stretch goals historically?

I'd say it is unlikely.

They appear to be a 'good deal' already, and one is getting thrown in 'free' at the $150+ levels.

**Black Nexus**

yeah, they've not traditionally added anything to bundles like these.

Automatically Appended Next Post:
EDIT: According the mantic facebook page Ronnie is doing a live chat answering Deadzone questions at 8:30pm tonight uk time

**Alpharius**

Project Update #13: Shooting and the Plague
Posted by Mantic Games Like

In our second update of the day we’ve got some gameplay tidbits from Jake, some add-ons for your pledge and a look at the Plague…
Gameplay – Shooting!

First up, we’re going to be posting up a number of videos across the weekend featuring different aspects of gameplay.

We’re going to be talking about D8s, Line of Sight, card decks, objectives as well as have a basic overview of a turn, all in support of the Alpha Rules that will be released tomorrow!

Today we’re starting with everyone’s second favorite action (the first being using grenades, which we will cover in a separate video) just to get you warmed up – Shooting things!

Now then, let's take a look at what you'll probably going to be shooting...
Featuring: The Plague

There have been increasing reports of a terrifying virus unleashed by alien artefacts scattered across the Expansion Zone. Each primary victim is twisted into a brutal colossus hell-bent on spreading its contagion to new hosts. These second-generation victims suffer the same mutation to a lesser degree, becoming less massive but no less deadly. Once the virus reaches its third generation the physical changes are mostly superficial and some brain function is left intact; some say that these are the worst of the three, as they can still operate weapons and machinery. These beasts exist only to spread their Plague to new hosts, and once they arrive on a planet it can only be a matter of time before it is overrun and ruined.

Troop Focus: 3rd Gen with rifle; 3rd Gen with Heavy Machinegun

By the time the Plague reaches its third generation, its mutating effects are considerably lessened, meaning a much higher number of victims survive to join the ranks of the infected. These third-generation troopers still undergo a physical alteration, but their minds are left almost intact. As a result, they are the only warriors in the Plague ranks that are capable of operating machinery, and quickly scavenge weapons to provide covering fire to their bestial masters.

Add-On: Plague Faction Starter

Add-On: 3rd Generation Bundle (4 Figures!)

Add-On 3rd Generation with Heavy Machinegun

Add-on 2nd Generation

Add-on 1st Generation

New Add-ons!

As you might have spotted in our first look at the Plague faction, we’ve got some new troop bundles that you can add-on to your pledge and flesh out your boots-on-the-ground troopers!

Don't forget!

We're currently hunting down the Deluxe Gaming Mat - a sexy upgrade that is unlocked if we can break $300,000!

If we hit this goal, we’ll be able to fund the Deluxe Gaming Mat and upgrade the paper mat to this shiny new version in the Strike Team ($150) package and up!

The Deluxe Gaming Mat is also available in the add-ons and we have put together some awesome bundles for those of you who want to expand your gaming table to 4’x4’ or 6’x4’.

And Finally - Live Chat with Ronnie

Ronnie Renton, the big bossman at Mantic Games and general ideas man (whether good or bad) is ready to spill the beans on Deadzone. We’ve kept him quiet but he’s now close to bursting, so we’re letting him loose on our Facebook page and in the comments this evening to answer your questions.

He’ll be online from 8:30 BST (that's about 20 mins away!) – grab a glass of your favourite drink and get your questions ready!

Thanks for supporting Deadzone!

While nice, these aren't quite the add-ons I was looking for!

**Barzam**

They're more what I was looking for in terms of add-ons though. I'm glad they're putting up basic infantry.

Mantic's been making some vague hints in the comments today, if you can cut through the Brian Blessed bits. It seems they've been meeting wint Antenociti's Workshop. Does this mean they might be designing vehicles? Will that neat dropship end up being an Enforcer craft? Also, the silhouette for the backer designed mercenary has been changed. Now it looks like Prince Vultan. With all the Brian Blessed stuff going on, I think it's only a matter of time before someone claims one of those pledges and has them make a Vultan mini.

Also, I just realized, those Marauder Ripper suits will make perfect Obliterators! Slap a Terminator head on one of the ranged ones and they're perfect!

**Hulksmash**

The Brian Blessed....stuff....has completely driven me out of the comments section.

**squall018**

Hulksmash wrote:
The Brian Blessed....stuff....has completely driven me out of the comments section.

This. I don't even bother going in the comments section anymore. I don't get the joke, and I really don't want to.

**CptJake**

Hulksmash wrote:
The Brian Blessed....stuff....has completely driven me out of the comments section.

It couldn't drive me off. Looking at all that crap kept me from jumping on to begin with. I wish those folks could realize:

1. It ain't as funny as they think it is
2. It very much ensures some folks with good ideas (and some with bad to be fair) are not going to participate in the comments.

**Cypher-xv**

Hey guys without having to read through 30 plus pages of threads. Can I pledge to just get the terrain only? How much would I need for a 4x4 table?

**Hulksmash**

@CptJake

Yeah, It didn't drive me off cause I got an early bird and that hadn't really started yet. But I can absolutely see it driving people away who might want to participate and could even, in some cases, see it preventing people from pledging like yourself. It can make people feel like the game isn't for them if the crowd feels to alien.

@Cypher-xv

They are currently working out the terrain stuff. The terrain only pledge is suppose to get worked out today or tomorrow, monday at the latest. I'm sure they will update the front page once it does.

**DaveC**

Well Ronnie was just talking about the terrain

"We will be really ramping up the development of scenery and next week (probably wednesday) we will be have enough different sprues to offer a scenery only plesdge level and special priced upgrade bundle for existing backers - so they can make a gaming table (or very big DZ table) of scenery. this means you'll be able to get a full game, with cool factions and units AND your wargames terrain from the KS (scenery such as damaged buildings, over grown buildings with Alien vegitations and so on).
Then we will have 2 more factions, to develop, sci-fi Zombies as an add-on suppliment, and..."

**nkelsch**

Yeah, Kickstarters who have a very 'click-like' comments section can really harm people who have legitimate questions or contributions who don't know enough to find the related forums or company places where discussion is happening.

I really wish there was some moderation or cleaning of comments functionality by the KS runners who could basically hide or shrink comments which are just spammy or highlight actual real good contributions.

I often find the Dakka Threads way more useful than many of the KS comments for getting information or questions answered.

**CptJake**

Hulksmash wrote:
@CptJake

Yeah, It didn't drive me off cause I got an early bird and that hadn't really started yet. But I can absolutely see it driving people away who might want to participate and could even, in some cases, see it preventing people from pledging like yourself. It can make people feel like the game isn't for them if the crowd feels to alien.

.

Mantic needs to be told that:

- It makes it harder for pledgers AND potential pledgers to get actual info from the comments section
- It discourages participation and pledges
- They have more than the small handful of turd bags who think it is funny interested in the game

**Rolt**

squall018 wrote:
Hulksmash wrote:
The Brian Blessed....stuff....has completely driven me out of the comments section.

This. I don't even bother going in the comments section anymore. I don't get the joke, and I really don't want to.

Ugh that Brian Blessed joke/whatever has gone way to far, I don't even bother reading the comments section anymore, unless its posted by Mantic, some of thier comments have some interesting little tid-bits and hints at upcomming stuff. I thought the whole thing was just bugging me, not so much by the looks of it, I'm not 100% sure what the joke is about but I'm starting to get the feeling people are trying to force Mantic to create a Brian Blessed hommage figure by spamming it like crazy in the comments, I really hate that sort of behaviour, Mantic should'nt give into them.

On a more positive note were up to about $290K and some great new add-ons are available, might have to pack up a few more Teratons and Yndij troopers, really like those guys.

**DaveC**

and on Asterians

"@DaveC - I think the best figure in season 3 is the Asterians robot and it got us thinking about how the elves would fight - and would they risk precious elf lives on dusty crappy no name planets - probably not. BUt please don't think drones - these are fully animated (manga style) robots, very refined and elegant, but deadly! they will hsve mini drones flying all over the place, and a big one in the centre dealing big damage - the only weakness in the army will be the elf hiding away at the back - because if the enemy kills him..."

yeah the Brian Blessed thing is doing my head in now they're not doing it nor are they doing Firefly they've said this outright leave it be already.

**Cyporiean**

I'm liking those concepts for the Asterians, I might have to pick some up.

**scarletsquig**

Since everyone in this thread is so interested in talking about Brian Blessed...

Ronnie Renton wrote:oh, and beacuase of all the Brian chatter I got a call from his agent today!!!!!!
an interesting call that one!

:p

**highlord tamburlaine**

Yeah, the Vultan garbage is really out of hand.

I tossed a few more bucks into my pledge for the eventual add ons, but not knowing how things are going to roll point- wise/ rule- wise I'm not sure what exactly I want.

More than likely I'm going to end up with another 1st gen Plague. Guys like cool.

Very curious about the Asterian mecha drones. Sounds like my kind of thing.

I think I might of read it on Quirkworthy (or maybe somewhere in the comments) but Dwarf King's Hold is going to be coming down the pipeline too. Very interested in seeing how that turns out and whether or not it's going the Kickstarter route.

**Joyboozer**

I prefer Brian Blessed to Firefly. Seriously, the next time someone thinks of suggesting Firefly, remember this, how seeing all the comments is so annoying, then don't suggest Firefly.

**Rolt**

Edit:

Whoops Dave.c already posted that, IGNORE ME!!!

**recruittons**

Yeah, all the Brian Blessed stuff is... extremely off-putting and it turns me off the project, somewhat. I think I'll just avoid the KS for a while and only check in for updates, otherwise all that nonsense will ruin it for me.

**Hulksmash**

@Joyboozer

Honestly at this point I doubt I'd suggest Firefly. To many of them have already been done, no one should need more.

I think the problem is they aren't just asking for the models, they are going on and on about jokes and movies and random stuff associated with it. With Firefly it was generally just some people doing what some of the people have been doing for Forge Fathers and Veermyn. It's a bit different from my perspective.

Personally if I want an homage character it's things like Riddick, Predator, Rico's Roughnecks (novel, not movie....), and things like that. Heck, even a mad scientist that looks like Walter from Fringe. But, as much as I like Firefly, I'm tired of them being the go to people want.

**recruittons**

@Hulksmash: Just got finished watching Fringe on Netflix like... 25 minutes ago. Only had up through season 4, but I would LOVE a Walter mini. Or some Observers

**warboss**

Black Nexus wrote:
yeah, they've not traditionally added anything to bundles like these.

Alpharius wrote:

I'd say it is unlikely.

They appear to be a 'good deal' already, and one is getting thrown in 'free' at the $150+ levels.

Ok, thanks. I'll probably pop in every once in a while on the KS and see if the mat deals have changed.

**Alpharius**

Always a good idea - there's no doubt that the Strike Team deal in particular will get MUCH better before it is all said and done...

**DaveC**

so then what we know after tonights chat with Ronnie

Rules - Alpha rules tomorrow

Terrain - there's more to come they still have to finalise the layouts but they should be in a position to add the terrain pledges on Wednesday or so, this will include the terrain only pledge and discounted terrain bundles for other backers. There's a chance of ruined buildings and alien stuff if it gets far enough.

Game Mat - 1 design for now but if it gets far enough in they might do a second theme.

First 4 factions - still a few bits to round out before they can call them done. Rebs and Marauders are sculpted already. They will start showing off the Rebs over the weekend. There are upwards of 20 alien species associated with the Rebs so lots of room to expand.

Next 2 factions - Forgefathers and Asterians. Asterians will have only one "elf" as the commander the rest of the faction will be drones - manga style drones.

VeerMyn and Z'Zor they have special plans for these but they aren't yet intended to be part of the KS but if it gets far enough they might make it in. They would be the main "bad guys" in future expansions like the plague are now.

There will be a plague zombie expansion as part of the KS, new sculpts in hard plastic - not a kit bash like before.

Nameless - they are trying to find a way to fit them in - so probably not as full faction then.

**kilcin**

Cyporiean wrote:
I'm liking those concepts for the Asterians, I might have to pick some up.

Are you referring to the concepts from Dreadball or did I miss some concepts for Deadzone?

Automatically Appended Next Post:
@DaveC
Thanks for the rundown on the chat; no info in regards to the Nameless? Part of the Rebs?