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**Talizvar**

warboss wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
personally plan on converting Battletech to Tactics. Rules are pretty solid but I have been using my extrapolation of the released KS materials released so far.

As previously stated.. be careful. This is the kind of reception you should be prepared for both from Palladium and some of the "fans"...
http://palladium-megaverse.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=119607
Only with Palladium do you have to worry about a network of informants reporting back your every move just like in the former Eastern Bloc.

Bit late to the party on this but what were they thinking with "Heroes Unlimited"?
To think we get that book for all their neat new ideas for heroes, they are kidding themselves.
If a "conversion" is not specifically named there is no harm done.

The entire purpose of the "Rifts" idea is that ANY universe of any kind you can think of or want to copy can be done.
Seems very much like shooting yourself in the foot.
It was the #1 reason way back when to get their stuff: so I could take any character and get it to rub elbows with any other type.
Heck, I wrote up a whole bunch of base character sheets for 40k.

Makes me think "turning my back" to them a couple decades ago was the right thing.

**Forar**

Well, obviously a ton of people were going to recreate Wolverine and Batman and whatnot. The key issue is the difference between doing so in the privacy of ones home, and doing so on the internet where someone's legal department might stumble across it and have to send a "Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to dooooo!' note.

Sure, it'd be nice if people came up with their own character concepts, but given how many thousands of heroes/villains have already been created, the likelihood of doing something utterly new is pretty remote.

Personally I think it's a good idea to have at least some kind of inspiration for a character. Not a blatant ripoff (unless that's the concept for the quest or campaign, obviously), but a starting point. But I've known some people who could barely be bothered to name their characters, let alone weave a non-cliche backstory for them, so there may be a little bias seeping in there.

**Talizvar**

The tone of a company starts from the top down.

Kevin is a control freak judging from prior history, with all the positive and negative baggage that implies.

It is simply easier that if it was not written down in their media, it is not to exist.

It will be interesting how derived works from their RPG into Tactics from the fan base will be viewed as pointed out.

I suspect Kevin will be torn, it will be based on "his" work but not executed by him and if any "guessing" or creative application is done, he will be more likely to ban it.

**warboss**

Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
What gets me is the statements that make me question earlier statements. Working on a color guide? Wouldn't that be part of the rules... that are done and approved? Huh.

No, painting guides would not be considered part of the rules, especially by someone who is not a mini gamer historically. Gotta keep things in perspective.

But they're historically included in the rulebook which is why I made the comment and likely Kendachi did as well. The rulebook likely now needs to be approved again resulting in further delays. I can't speak for Kendachi but when they tell me that the rules are done and approved that means not just the mechanics but also the physical layout of the book which would include all the pages (including painting guides which I assumed they were done with after announcing the poorly executed Design the Ace contest whose results would be a part of that section).

**Kendachi**

warboss wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
What gets me is the statements that make me question earlier statements. Working on a color guide? Wouldn't that be part of the rules... that are done and approved? Huh.

No, painting guides would not be considered part of the rules, especially by someone who is not a mini gamer historically. Gotta keep things in perspective.

But they're historically included in the rulebook which is why I made the comment and likely Kendachi did as well. The rulebook likely now needs to be approved again resulting in further delays. I can't speak for Kendachi but when they tell me that the rules are done and approved that means not just the mechanics but also the physical layout of the book which would include all the pages (including painting guides which I assumed they were done with after announcing the poorly executed Design the Ace contest whose results would be a part of that section).

Yes, that's exactly it, thanks warboss. When I bought my $89 copy of 40k the painting guide is in the rule book.

But, sure, what if it isn't? Has this "painting guide" been approved or is it still not even sent to be approved? I mean, with the fact that the miniatures ARE NOT IN PRODUCTION 7 months later I'm sure that this painting guide isn't the big speed bump that's holding up delivery.
It's just another thing that makes me go "WTF?" when I read it.

**Cypher-xv**

Woke up this morning to see akashic got another thread locked. Good thing he's not into 40k or else he might ruin this forum too.

**Mike1975**

Kendachi wrote:
warboss wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
What gets me is the statements that make me question earlier statements. Working on a color guide? Wouldn't that be part of the rules... that are done and approved? Huh.

No, painting guides would not be considered part of the rules, especially by someone who is not a mini gamer historically. Gotta keep things in perspective.

But they're historically included in the rulebook which is why I made the comment and likely Kendachi did as well. The rulebook likely now needs to be approved again resulting in further delays. I can't speak for Kendachi but when they tell me that the rules are done and approved that means not just the mechanics but also the physical layout of the book which would include all the pages (including painting guides which I assumed they were done with after announcing the poorly executed Design the Ace contest whose results would be a part of that section).

Yes, that's exactly it, thanks warboss. When I bought my $89 copy of 40k the painting guide is in the rule book.

But, sure, what if it isn't? Has this "painting guide" been approved or is it still not even sent to be approved? I mean, with the fact that the miniatures ARE NOT IN PRODUCTION 7 months later I'm sure that this painting guide isn't the big speed bump that's holding up delivery.
It's just another thing that makes me go "WTF?" when I read it.

And you both proved my point, Kevin is not a mini gamer and does not see minis the same way a mini based game company such as 40k or battletech would. Your assumptions may not be the same as his. I might be splitting hairs and you may not agree. I'm not taking his or your side. I'm just pointing out that when you make assumptions you do so based on your history and preferences and his history and preferences are not necessarily the same.

CAV, Heavy Gear, and many other mini games do not have painting guides included in the manual. In fact only in the last few years has battletech included painting guides.

My 2 cents take it for what it's worth.

**Balance**

Mike1975 wrote:

CAV, Heavy Gear, and many other mini games do not have painting guides included in the manual. In fact only in the last few years has battletech included painting guides.
.

To be picky, some Heavy Gear books do have painting guides... We even posted a great one from the Black Talon book online as the book was hard to find in color for a while. I also remember having a BT rules compendium from the 90s that had painting guides...

To be honest, I like to see these guides and consider full-color pretty painted mini pics a big part of a game with models, but I'm perfectly happy if these guides are left online, as they're not necessarily the best use of page count in printed books.

**warboss**

No worries Mike... this isn't the KS comments.. we can cheerfully agree to disagree without pulling an Alex Clarke. HG does have it in the fully featured L&L book and likely will in the next one since it'll include all the armies as well, just not in the bare bones rules mechanics only Field Manual.

**Kendachi**

Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
warboss wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
What gets me is the statements that make me question earlier statements. Working on a color guide? Wouldn't that be part of the rules... that are done and approved? Huh.

No, painting guides would not be considered part of the rules, especially by someone who is not a mini gamer historically. Gotta keep things in perspective.

But they're historically included in the rulebook which is why I made the comment and likely Kendachi did as well. The rulebook likely now needs to be approved again resulting in further delays. I can't speak for Kendachi but when they tell me that the rules are done and approved that means not just the mechanics but also the physical layout of the book which would include all the pages (including painting guides which I assumed they were done with after announcing the poorly executed Design the Ace contest whose results would be a part of that section).

Yes, that's exactly it, thanks warboss. When I bought my $89 copy of 40k the painting guide is in the rule book.

But, sure, what if it isn't? Has this "painting guide" been approved or is it still not even sent to be approved? I mean, with the fact that the miniatures ARE NOT IN PRODUCTION 7 months later I'm sure that this painting guide isn't the big speed bump that's holding up delivery.
It's just another thing that makes me go "WTF?" when I read it.

And you both proved my point, Kevin is not a mini gamer and does not see minis the same way a mini based game company such as 40k or battletech would. Your assumptions may not be the same as his. I might be splitting hairs and you may not agree. I'm not taking his or your side. I'm just pointing out that when you make assumptions you do so based on your history and preferences and his history and preferences are not necessarily the same.

CAV, Heavy Gear, and many other mini games do not have painting guides included in the manual. In fact only in the last few years has battletech included painting guides.

My 2 cents take it for what it's worth.

So, you're saying that since we're not Kevin we can't know what Kevin's thinking? Fair enough.

I think we've been through enough of this already. I'm okay with it showing up in August, just take the covers off what you're doing! At least this isn't Raging Hero's super-double-triple-secret workflow magic.... I'd of killed by now if I had pledged that one.

**warboss**

Cypher-xv wrote:
Woke up this morning to see akashic got another thread locked. Good thing he's not into 40k or else he might ruin this forum too.

Wow.. that one is a doozy. I especially like the post where he both says that it's great that Palladium has done the same thing for decades yet calls them an indy maverick company. Lol.. just because you like bell bottoms and have been wearing them since the 1970's doesn't mean you're ahead of fashion when they come back into style temporarily 20 years later.

**Mike1975**

Kendachi wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
warboss wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kendachi wrote:
What gets me is the statements that make me question earlier statements. Working on a color guide? Wouldn't that be part of the rules... that are done and approved? Huh.

No, painting guides would not be considered part of the rules, especially by someone who is not a mini gamer historically. Gotta keep things in perspective.

But they're historically included in the rulebook which is why I made the comment and likely Kendachi did as well. The rulebook likely now needs to be approved again resulting in further delays. I can't speak for Kendachi but when they tell me that the rules are done and approved that means not just the mechanics but also the physical layout of the book which would include all the pages (including painting guides which I assumed they were done with after announcing the poorly executed Design the Ace contest whose results would be a part of that section).

Yes, that's exactly it, thanks warboss. When I bought my $89 copy of 40k the painting guide is in the rule book.

But, sure, what if it isn't? Has this "painting guide" been approved or is it still not even sent to be approved? I mean, with the fact that the miniatures ARE NOT IN PRODUCTION 7 months later I'm sure that this painting guide isn't the big speed bump that's holding up delivery.
It's just another thing that makes me go "WTF?" when I read it.

And you both proved my point, Kevin is not a mini gamer and does not see minis the same way a mini based game company such as 40k or battletech would. Your assumptions may not be the same as his. I might be splitting hairs and you may not agree. I'm not taking his or your side. I'm just pointing out that when you make assumptions you do so based on your history and preferences and his history and preferences are not necessarily the same.

CAV, Heavy Gear, and many other mini games do not have painting guides included in the manual. In fact only in the last few years has battletech included painting guides.

My 2 cents take it for what it's worth.

So, you're saying that since we're not Kevin we can't know what Kevin's thinking? Fair enough.

I think we've been through enough of this already. I'm okay with it showing up in August, just take the covers off what you're doing! At least this isn't Raging Hero's super-double-triple-secret workflow magic.... I'd of killed by now if I had pledged that one.

No, I'm saying you can't assume that an Avid RPG gamer sees things the same way as a Miniatures gamer. That's all

**Manchu**

Balance wrote:
To be honest, I like to see these guides and consider full-color pretty painted mini pics a big part of a game with models

Same here, at least regarding games that are made for specific model ranges -- especially license games like RT.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Mike1975 wrote:
Kevin is not a mini gamer

This has been a big problem all along, I suspect. It's one of the reasons why everything I get that's not a mini out of this KS is just bonus.

And why I am already trying to find rules to use with my RT minis. I have the RT RPG books. I keep them around to scare kids at Halloween.

**Cypher-xv**

I can't even bring myself to try to read the RPG book. It really does feel like I'm diving into a boring textbook. I'm getting into a PbP game later this month so I'm trying to get into the book, but it's just dragging along. I never experience this with any of the 40k RPGs. If anything I couldn't wait to dive right in.

As for the superduper PB fan. It looks like Wayne is going to look into it since it got brought up in the PB FB page.

When it comes to Kevin not being a mini wargamer that's fine. I think his mistake in all this is that he sees PB as an RPG company. When Kevin agreed to have this game done that's when PB became a gaming company for both RPGs and TT games. The old PB is dead. Now it's PB an games. Once he realizes that he'll be more friendly to TT gamers and the community as a whole.

**warboss**

Manchu wrote:
Mike1975 wrote:
Kevin is not a mini gamer
This has been a big problem all along, I suspect. It's one of the reasons why everything I get that's not a mini out of this KS is just bonus.

And why I am already trying to find rules to use with my RT minis. I have the RT RPG books. I keep them around to scare kids at Halloween.

According to the Bill Coffin post from a few years back, he also wasn't an RPG gamer for many many years but that didn't stop him from putting out RPG books. Obviously that has changed since as he does GM at the open houses for a dozen fanboys per game but he doesn't even use his own published rules and instead just wings it.

**Mike1975**

Cypher-xv wrote:
I can't even bring myself to try to read the RPG book. It really does feel like I'm diving into a boring textbook. I'm getting into a PbP game later this month so I'm trying to get into the book, but it's just dragging along. I never experience this with any of the 40k RPGs. If anything I couldn't wait to dive right in.

As for the superduper PB fan. It looks like Wayne is going to look into it since it got brought up in the PB FB page.

When it comes to Kevin not being a mini wargamer that's fine. I think his mistake in all this is that he sees PB as an RPG company. When Kevin agreed to have this game done that's when PB became a gaming company for both RPGs and TT games. The old PB is dead. Now it's PB an games. Once he realizes that he'll be more friendly to TT gamers and the community as a whole.

The few RPG's that I have played have had rulebook leagues ahead of the lackluster organization that is in the PB system books. I just wish they would send me copies of the files. I'd at least show then how the rules could be organized and make logical sense to a player!

**Kendachi**

I wish they'd send all of us the rules, Mike.

Guess you haven't seen an NDA yet, I've heard that the explosive collars can detect when you talk about PB...

... just sayin.

**Mike1975**

LOL, some people need to chill and enjoy the games

**Forar**

Except we went into this thinking that Palladium Books was just signing their name and Ninja Division was doing the heavy lifting on the campaign, models and rules.

Their initial comments and little newsletters talked about how they were taking time to do some playtesting and give feedback and a bunch of people became very wary but cautiously optimistic.

I'd say it wasn't until after the campaign ended that their role got talked up a hell of a lot more, much to the chagrin of many of us.

So if Kevin wanted to go with his usual approach, great, but they should've been up front about it with us, rather than this pseudo-bait and switch.

... and I now realize how telling it was that I found it reassuring that a (to me) utterly unknown company doing all the work.

**Balance**

Manchu wrote:
Balance wrote:
To be honest, I like to see these guides and consider full-color pretty painted mini pics a big part of a game with models
Same here, at least regarding games that are made for specific model ranges -- especially license games like RT.

I don't do historical, but got into FoW briefly (rulebooks, didn't buy any minis) and I liked their brief painting sections, which were basically "historical markings for dummies" as they seemed to focus on covering the real essentials to make tanks and infantry passable to the guys who get bothered by ahistorical color schemes... Ideas on basic colors for camo from various theatres, etc.

I think fro Robotech I'd want a few paint articles covering some source-appropriate stuff. I'd love to see some coverage on getting good whites with stripes (which is very show-accurate) and for a laugh I'd like to see some VTs in the 'generic' color scheme assigned to Redshirts (wasn't it grey/brown?)... Showing off and covering techniques for painting things to have a 'cell-shaded' look would be great for those that want that look.

Automatically Appended Next Post:

Cypher-xv wrote:
I can't even bring myself to try to read the RPG book. It really does feel like I'm diving into a boring textbook. I'm getting into a PbP game later this month so I'm trying to get into the book, but it's just dragging along. I never experience this with any of the 40k RPGs. If anything I couldn't wait to dive right in.

While in the sense of fair disclosure it's been forever since I've read a PB rulebook, I think the main issue is just that the core rules are a bit bland, not actually hard to read. Don't be surprised if your mind wanders, but it's OK because once you're outside the boring part (the 10-20 pages of hard-core rules stuff) you're in the better part, which is the mecha porn, class descriptions, etc. Even the Rifts versions of this were readable, if so over-the-top it's silly. The books look very bland and the writing isn't Shakespeare, but it's passable. I also seem to remember the opening 'What is an RPG?' "transcript" was re-used with minor tweaks for setting in multiple books, which means some poor mugger had the bad luck to try to mug someoen in a city full of mutant animals, micronized zentradi and gun-toting fighter pilots, and wherever else it got used.

The PB system (which is essentially the same, albeit with tweaks, across TMNT, Robotech, Rifts, etc.) is extremely exploitable by munchkins if the goal is 'powerful characters.' To avoid this, make the goal something different, and you'll make out a lot better. Pick an OCC because it's cool and you heard a mental electric-guitar power chord when you read the name, not because it has an exploitable rule. if everyone does this, you'll have fun and probably enjoy yourselves, as long as no one takes it too seriously. Rifts is infamous for 'power imbalance' because the core book alone can create characters ranging from a Rogue Scientist (a guy with some bonus science skills, a pistol, and not much else) to a Glitter Boy (who gets a multi-million-credit Railgun-equipped mecha with laser-resistant armor).

It is a horrible system, but I'd probably play it if a good GM wanted to run a short campaign in TMNT or Robotech, because I could stand it (assuming a good GM is running it) for a few games... Admittedly, I have nostalgic memories.

**Cypher-xv**

My ch is a veritech flyboy piloting a vf-4 (not YF-4). I'm not looking to making a super powerful ch. Just a ch that will be fun to play. Mike and I managed that on the RRT ks comms section. Just thinking about reading the core book makes me sleepy and yes when I read it my mind does wander. Wish PB would be more like FFG when it comes to presentation.

**warboss**

Cypher-xv wrote:
My ch is a veritech flyboy piloting a vf-4 (not YF-4). I'm not looking to making a super powerful ch. Just a ch that will be fun to play. Mike and I managed that on the RRT ks comms section. Just thinking about reading the core book makes me sleepy and yes when I read it my mind does wander. Wish PB would be more like FFG when it comes to presentation.

Depending on the era (like Macross), that is a superpowerful character.

The rulebook is unfortuantely filled with exclusions and distinction not present in the still unintuitive but much simpler older version that add nothing IMO to the overall game in most cases. I've been trying to make sense of the bonuses and it's a copy pase clusterfeth.

**Balance**

Cypher-xv wrote:
My ch is a veritech flyboy piloting a vf-4 (not YF-4). I'm not looking to making a super powerful ch. Just a ch that will be fun to play. Mike and I managed that on the RRT ks comms section. Just thinking about reading the core book makes me sleepy and yes when I read it my mind does wander. Wish PB would be more like FFG when it comes to presentation.

The Robotech RPG is a bit harder to cheese out on (but don't forget that every character needs to take a course in (I think) Boxing and Athletics because it increases physical skills (no kidding)). I think the biggest challenge with the original edition was that RPGs hadn't evolved to the point where there was discussion and thought on play-styles and flow to say "OK, the show is basically cool mecha fight sequences interspersed with interpersonal relationship stuff. Let's give the GMs some support for doing this kind of play"

Admittedly, I'd prefer if 'interpersonal relationship stuff'' is interpreted more as "digging into a mystery that connects to the plotline" or similar, but that's my tastes.

**warboss**

As I noted on the forums, daily yoga did indead increase the survivability of your mecha against missiles.

With a strict reading of the current rules, that isn't the case but apparently everyone plays it the old way.

**Cypher-xv**

Well after seeing how the black market pdf thread got locked. I wonder how long till my thread gets taken down?

http://palladium-megaverse.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&p=2753885&sid=e89e703d870996f3891039a13a965bd4#p2753885

**Azazelx**

Kendachi wrote:

I think we've been through enough of this already. I'm okay with it showing up in August, just take the covers off what you're doing! At least this isn't Raging Hero's super-double-triple-secret workflow magic.... I'd of killed by now if I had pledged that one.

I'm in both. Do you think that's why I'm perpetually angry and/or depressed?

**Cypher-xv**

What's going on with RH's?

**Kendachi**

Cypher-xv wrote:
What's going on with RH's?

From the thread, it seems like they have less updates and more thinly veiled snark!

Fun all around.

Edit: Maybe I wasn't clear, it seems like the most snark is from the developer!

**Cypher-xv**

Kendachi wrote:
Cypher-xv wrote:
What's going on with RH's?

From the thread, it seems like they have less updates and more thinly veiled snark!

Fun all around.

Edit: Maybe I wasn't clear, it seems like the most snark is from the developer!

No kidding. I guess PB isn't so bad when compared to RH. That's a sad day when the customer gets the shaft from a company they like. Oh wait most of us play 40k.

**Forar**

Whelp, this should be interesting.

Female Armor, and an Update from Kevin Siembieda

We've got some more photos for you today, this time of the standard Queadluun-Rau Female Power Armor as well as the experimental Queadluun-Gult wielding the optional Z-CR Mk.II Beam Rifle.

But first, a big update from the President and Publisher of Palladium Books, Kevin Siembieda, to address a few questions and concerns some of you have had.

UPDATE: Robotech® RPG Tactics™

I have come to realize that some Robotech® fans are so excited about Robotech® RPG Tactics™ that the unexpected delays and slow progress toward manufacturing have made some people nervous and worried that Robotech® RPG Tactics™ will not see release at all.

First, and I mean no disrespect, that’s crazy. Please be assured Robotech® RPG Tactics™ is important to us and will be released in 2014 as SOON as we can make that possible. Like you, we want Robotech® RPG Tactics™ out as quick as we can without sacrificing quality. Like you, we were honestly expecting a November or December, 2013 release.

Were Palladium Books and Ninja Division much too optimistic about how quickly we could get Robotech® RPG Tactics™ into manufacturing? The obvious answer is, yes. And yes by a large margin. But please do NOT for one second wonder if we are ignoring this product or letting it languish. And especially don’t think it is never coming out. Palladium has put its every resource into bringing Robotech® RPG Tactics™ to the marketplace and making it something fans can delight in.

I apologize for the delays. They have been unavoidable. Nobody is more frustrated with how long it is taking to get this wonderful product into manufacturing than ALL of us at Palladium Books. Robotech® RPG Tactics™ is Palladium’s top priority.

Please remember that this is a massive undertaking with dozens and dozens of game pieces and other components (stat cards, rule book, decal sheets, markers, carrying case, box packaging, etc.). There are nearly 200 individual components (130+ stat cards alone and 30+ game pieces) that have needed to be designed, created, checked, rechecked and then produced. And I’m not even talking just about the creative end of art, rules and sculpts, but design considerations, sprue layout, mold engineering, manufacturing considerations, manufacturing modifications to the game pieces, tooling, packaging, collation of the MANY components and pieces, marketing, shipping, and quality checks, double checks, and triple checks. And once it goes into the tooling and manufacturing stage, there are other issues. That is a lot to keep track of and handled. Even though Ninja Division is the lead on this project, Palladium finds itself working on some aspect of Robotech® RPG Tactics™ every single day. We’re fine with that and taking on more. Anything to get this game into your hands.

MUCH of this is out of Palladium Books’ hands. We are reliant upon Ninja Division and the engineers and manufacturers in China. As newbies to this type of product, Palladium has no choice but to trust the people handling design, layout, sculpting/model making, engineering, mold making, manufacturing and all the rest. As a result, we don’t know why some of this is taking so long either, but a lot has to do with the scope of this ambitious and exciting Kickstarter-funded project. If there was anything we could do to send Robotech® RPG Tactics™ into manufacturing tomorrow, we would do so. But we can’t. All of us at Palladium Books, Ninja Division, and in China are working to get the product line into manufacturing as fast as we can, without sacrificing quality. Every time we speak with the guys at Ninja Division they sound like they have their hands full and are working to get this game into manufacturing. But again, there are so many different aspects of this very comprehensive product line – each with its own array of elements and aspects to be addressed – it is taking much longer than any of us anticipated. Still, we’re staying positive and we are as pumped up about Robotech® RPG Tactics™ as we were from the beginning.

Robotech® RPG Tactics™ is a passion project for all of us at Palladium Books. We are all huge fans of Robotech®. Have been for decades. We are thrilled to be making this product line a reality. It is a dream come true. We are doing everything in our power to create and release a fun, fast-playing game that Robotech® fans will adore! We are working diligently to make the game pieces, accessories and packaging everything a Robotech® fan could want. That means beautiful, accurate and consistently scaled game pieces that will make your mouth water.

Robotech® RPG Tactics™ Progress Report

● Prelude to manufacturing. I’m pleased to report that progress continues to be made on Robotech® RPG Tactics™. We are starting to see final pre-production models and many of the sprue layouts have been hammered out.

● Robotech® prototype game pieces. Palladium only just received the first batch of prototypes on the afternoon of Friday, December 27, 2013, and promptly began to build and photograph them to post images on the Robotech® Kickstarter page at the beginning of the very next week.

It is thrilling to finally be receiving these items. After building and examining what we received, Wayne and Jeff have caught some discrepancies with a few. Some changes from the sculpts are no doubt due to manufacturing requirements, and the pieces still look amazing. A couple seem like mistakes we will make sure to address. Likewise, Wayne and Jeff have notified Ninja Division that a couple of the figures were out of scale, and the Ninjas immediately set forth correcting them.

● Sprue Layout is in progress, but is yet to be finalized and approved. Some tweaks and changes are still necessary. Looking good on this front.

● The Robotech® RPG Tactics™ Battle Foam Carrying Case. Wayne Smith has been in communication with the Battle Foam people, and the Robotech® RPG Tactics™ carrying case should go into manufacturing soon. Again, this is just one piece of the Kickstarter products that requires our attention, input and development from a manufacturer. We’re on it.

● Color guide for the game pieces. Palladium’s Robotech® authority and artist, Jeff Burke, is working on creating an accurate color guide reference for painting the Robotech® RPG Tactics™ game pieces. He is creating front, back and side views with flat colors for every Macross mecha in the game, plus some squad variations. This color guide will be printed and included in the box game as well as presented online for your easy access and reference.

● Packaging. Palladium is reviewing packaging right now. Again, until everything is finalized and approved, we must resist the urge to show it to you. But that doesn't mean all kinds of work isn't being done.

● Release Date: I’m sorry, but we still do not have a hard release date for the game. I know it is frustrating to say we are working on it and it will be released as soon as possible. When we know more, you will know it too. We are as frustrated and disappointed with the slow progress and sliding release date as anyone, but things are moving forward on all fronts. Hang tight. We are getting there. I’m sorry we can’t give you anything more substantive at this time. We are sharing information, photos and progress as we get them ourselves! Things are shaping up to be a Spring release.

● Dissemination of Information: Palladium would love to give you hard facts and a solid release date, but we cannot because we don’t have them yet ourselves. We share what we know as we know it. We release images and info as we can. We only received the first batch of pre-production prototypes on Friday, December 27, 2013, and began posting them the following Monday. We may not show you pieces that might have a problem, because we’re going to fix them and don’t want to alarm you. We give you “target dates” because you want them, but they are estimates and thus subject to change, and they have been changing.

Please know that we are working hard to make Robotech® RPG Tactics™ the best product we can. A game and game pieces that will please Robotech® fans and gamers alike. Every delay and problem drives us nuts, so we understand your frustration, but it’s all part of the process. We are working to get this game out pronto. Unfortunately, the complexity and scale of this project (which is kinda cool, when you think about it) has everyone from Palladium Books to Ninja Division to China working to make it great, all the time. Palladium has been nothing but honest with you about our expectations and what has been going on. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

● Being a Kickstarter backer. Your Kickstarter pledge goes toward funding a special project, to make that goal a reality. The product you are to receive as a Kickstarter backer is your reward for that pledge. Palladium Books is working diligently to finish the project you have so graciously helped to fund. And you WILL get the rewards promised. Believe that, because it is absolutely true.

Yes, there are delays. No, we cannot give you an exact release date yet – at this time – but we will as soon as we can make that happen.

In the end, you, our Kickstarter supporters, will be the first to receive a wonderful product that we hope will make you grin and provide endless hours of enjoyment. Thank you for sharing our dream. You, your pledges of support and unbridled enthusiasm are very much appreciated.

Keep the faith and we’ll continue to keep you informed along the way.

– Kevin Siembieda, Publisher

And Now, the Photos...

Note: The Female Power Armor and Battlepods shown above are pre-production prototypes assembled from 3D printed component parts. The Valkyrie Battloid and Tomahawk are early, unfinished demo prototypes, shown only for scale. The two Females are on generic 50mm bases, and the Valkyrie and Tomahawk are on 40mm bases designed for Robotech® RPG Tactics™.