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.
2015/11/21 17:56:26
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
BobtheInquisitor wrote: Fisty Glue Man needs to be more careful. I was pretty close to losing even more esteem for Mantic.
What, because of my runaway assumption about the FF sprue photo?
Fellas, I've got a Ph.D. that's supposed to prove I have some kind of smarts, but I am so very, very dumb in so many ways.
My apologies for the false alarm, Bob.
Runaway assumption? I think you mean plausible hypothesis supported by reams of suggestive evidence. If this were DFG or WGF, you wouldn't have even entertained the notion that the one sprue was the only sprue. But with Mantic, you're almost waiting for the other shoe to drop. "What did they almost this time?"
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/11/21 19:48:51
Interestingly, he says Fantasy 3-D terrain is not happening soon because the Sci-Fi terrain hasn't been selling very well. Which is odd, when you think that they just decided to create even more Sci-Fi terrain with the last Deadzone KS campaign.
I'm loving this:
and this:
This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2015/11/21 21:27:19
Dakkadakka: Bringing wargamers together, one smile at a time.™
2015/11/21 21:29:30
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Open Day was lots of fun, saw the secret IP thing (which is going to be huge, it is not a small or obscure IP, it is an absolute goliath, something extremely well-known and popular).
Ronnie mentioned in the seminar that Dungeon Saga is now out of print, and that their initial print run of 1k copies (6k of which went to KS backers) has now 100% sold out. If you want ti from a store, get it quick, there won't be any new copies until the new year.
Ronnie also mentioned that sci-fi Dungeon Saga could be a thing.
2015/11/21 21:38:36
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Calling it now: Cormac McCarthy's The Road. Fun for the whole family. Can't wait for the Blood Meridian expansion to pick up Judge Holden and some toddler tree terrain.
I could get down with some kind of main stream game, get more people to play it. If it *were* fallout, I'd go crazy, but there are a lot of other solid titles with similar themes that could also go over well.
Scifi dungeon saga too. May fit even better than regular dungeon saga as people will probalby be slightly less inclined to shoehorn as many RPG elements into it. I could certainly use some more rebs/veermyn/plague/whatevertheydoifitsinthewarpathuniverse.
2015/11/21 21:57:48
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
set in the capital city of Mantica, see if the Basilians can buy up the street of fishmongers, or if the Forge Fathers can corner the market on horse and carage stations
2015/11/21 21:58:48
Subject: Re:The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
I'm nowhere near as crazy for Fallout as some people, but I'd love to see some of the Brotherhood power armors be realized as tabletop pieces. Deathclaws too.
Hell I'd settle for a reskinned Deadzone with Wasteland/ Fallout style post apoc figures.
Poorly lit photos of my ever- growing collection of completely unrelated models!
Forget the Paramount thing, not sure where I read it.. there was some article or interview where they explained that they got the Mars Attacks license while seeking another license.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/11/21 22:02:52
2015/11/21 22:21:05
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Same, but I do love the generic post apoc setting. I love the look of This Is Not a Test, but hesitate to jump in as it's very small time and getting interest in it will be a lot of work. If it's Fallout that work is already done.
The galaxy is littered with the single-planet graveyards of civilisations which made the economically sensible decision not to explore space.
2015/11/21 22:49:11
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Interestingly, he says Fantasy 3-D terrain is not happening soon because the Sci-Fi terrain hasn't been selling very well. Which is odd, when you think that they just decided to create even more Sci-Fi terrain with the last Deadzone KS campaign.
They released their plastic terrain on the cusp of a veritable explosion of scifi (and fantasy and historical to a lesser extent) MDF laser cut terrain. There are tons of companies doing scifi terrain and more seemingly every month. I really like their plastic deadzone terrain but I suspect the glut of "prettier" non-blocky MDF alternatives for cleaner scifi settings like infinity can't be good for their business. I'm still on the market for some of their plastic terrain but I'm waiting for a deep, deep discount before taking the plunge.
2015/11/21 22:59:04
Subject: Re:The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
highlord tamburlaine wrote: I'm nowhere near as crazy for Fallout as some people, but I'd love to see some of the Brotherhood power armors be realized as tabletop pieces. Deathclaws too.
Those already exist, you can get them from Brothr Vinni. Basically exact copies.
2015/11/21 23:14:34
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Just please let it not be Fallout. Ugh, I'd spend so much on that. There aren't any factions in the game I wouldn't like to own as minis! It seems an unlikely IP for them, though - Mantic throws curveballs that no one was asking for. Prodos is the studio that goes after the obvious, big-time licenses . . . sadly, they're clearly unable to handle them.
I'm calling it now - Fallout will be done, someday, by Prodos games, and it will be a total disaster for anyone fool enough to back the kickstarter.
In a few weeks, Mantic will announce that their IP property is Jason of Star Command.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
warboss wrote: They released their plastic terrain on the cusp of a veritable explosion of scifi (and fantasy and historical to a lesser extent) MDF laser cut terrain.
That doesn't explain why they are now preparing to release even more plastic sci-fi terrain after the explosion of MDF laser cut terrain has already hit, though.
Weird timing.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/11/21 23:39:00
Dakkadakka: Bringing wargamers together, one smile at a time.™
2015/11/21 23:45:22
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
The two properties I have heard hint-dropped from folks who would know are genuinely big properties, and both have been culturally relevant in the last calendar year, which is why I said that either would make me very, very happy.
I think people will be pleased, and I wouldn't be totally shocked if we heard about it soon as someone will inevitably leak info, and Mantic will want to get ahead of that.
More importantly, to me, is that people who have PLAYED an early version of said game, rave about it, and say it is genuinely a terrific game beyond any IP hype, etc...
11527pts Total (7400pts painted)
4980pts Total (4980pts painted)
3730 Total (210pts painted)
2015/11/21 23:45:57
Subject: Re:The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
That doesn't explain why they are now preparing to release even more plastic sci-fi terrain after the explosion of MDF laser cut terrain has already hit, though.
Weird timing.
Planning might not be the best word to use. The kickstarter ended around 8 months ago and the planning was probably months before that. At this point, they're legally obligated by thousands of KS contracts to release it, refund it, or account financially for why neither of those two will happen. The scifi terrain option explosion has been continuing for the past year and getting even bigger it seems so likely when they were planning it wasn't as big of an issue but is now. Maybe their sales dipped more recently.. dunno.
Where did you get the idea that the terrain sales are flagging anyways? I took your post about that as fact in developing my response/conjecture but it would be nice to see the original info about worse terrain sales.
2015/11/21 23:58:39
Subject: Re:The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
Where did you get the idea that the terrain sales are flagging anyways? I took your post about that as fact in developing my response/conjecture but it would be nice to see the original info about worse terrain sales.
I made it up.
Ok, seriously, I got the information from the fisty glue man / children of the kraken guy who went to the Open Day. I have presumed that this person got the information from a session or discussion with Ronnie or something, but could be mistaken.
Despite the jokey tone, I actually intend no disrespect, btw. And I take your point about the lag time between planning and fulfilling a KS campaign. But Mantic's terrain has been on the market since Deadzone. If it was going well until recently, I'd be a little surprised that they'd turn tail so quickly on terrain.
Personally I can't stand MDF and won't invest in it. Don't like the texture.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/11/22 00:18:36
Dakkadakka: Bringing wargamers together, one smile at a time.™
2015/11/22 00:32:36
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
NewTruthNeomaxim wrote: The two properties I have heard hint-dropped from folks who would know are genuinely big properties, and both have been culturally relevant in the last calendar year, which is why I said that either would make me very, very happy.
I think people will be pleased, and I wouldn't be totally shocked if we heard about it soon as someone will inevitably leak info, and Mantic will want to get ahead of that.
More importantly, to me, is that people who have PLAYED an early version of said game, rave about it, and say it is genuinely a terrific game beyond any IP hype, etc...
The 3x3 thing is not set in stone. I attended the 2nd seminar regarding Mantic's past/future. It's not yet decided upon. Only that 2x2 is too small. Ronnie said that 3x3 as they currently do it would not go through a printing press/machine, but they are looking at what can be done. 4x2 (4x3? I'm sorry that I am terrible at numbers) was too restrictive, but ultimately it sounded like they want a versatile board system that would allow for long range shooting, sniping, etc.
They know 2x2 is too small. That's the only certainty we were given. They're still thinking shapes, materials, etc.
Sorry, I know that's not as snappy as a tweet.
I'm glad to hear someone from Dakka got in the secret room. It was a very fun idea.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Reading that blog, I was in the same seminar. I can quote that up and expand/confirm/deny/admit I wasn't paying attention to the points tomorrow.
Bear in mind one person's "fact" is another person's ramble. And whilst Ronnie is easily the most charismatic spokesperson for Mantic, he doesn't do linear explanations.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/11/22 01:43:57
Hell, I'm awake, here's the gak I can remember before it floats out of my ears overnight. Spoilered because formating and size.
Spoiler:
Buttery Commissar wrote: Mantic Things I learned today at the seminar:
They are going to hire a dedicated communication and customer relations person for future KS. They are very well aware things were leaving folks soured.
For the future Kickstarters, they're looking to up staff levels appropriately and make sure the software is foolproof.
They are keen to work on some dungeon furniture packs as a future product line based on the reactions to the plastic scenery. I didn't get the gist of the timescale.
The DS game sold out its entire print run. 18k printed, 6k went to KS, 12k went to stores and preorders.
Ronnie is keen for: There to be foam in the boxes for the expansions. This may not end up being a thing. Plastic fantasy terrain much like the current sci fi range. Convincing sculptors and that it will sell well is the obstacle.
Start saving for February. (Bear in mind I don't get newsletters, or KS updates, this may not be news.
Responding to the linked blog post...
Cards are officially gone, stats, missions etc are now in the book. Ronnie said that they felt the cards were not working as they thought, so they scrapped them from the new release.
The action cards that were used to give extra actions to the units are now replaced by command dices, D6 with special symbols on each face, each symbol gives you a specific additional action. One of these symbols will give a different bonus depending on the army/commander you are using (similar to a feat in warmachine).
Yes, this I understood. Basically they want to speed things up a lot, and have everything in front of you on the table. No cards, and easy marking with dice.
Something else mentioned was the streamlining makes the game figures less individual characters, and more squad, army like, with leaders and grunts. BUT if you want to get elbow deep and design your army from the boots upwards, there will also be a way to do this. The idea is quick access, but also a toolkit for advanced players.
The size of the board will change from 2 feet x 2 feet to 3x3, this is intended to use better the weapons' range (that now is a little underused)
"Will change" I would say is "under consideration to become". See my above ramble.
They are thinking about doing a simple KS about fantasy/sci-fi furniture terrains (like proper furniture, crates, obstacles...), this is mostly aimed to RPG players and the idea came up after they did the fantasy furniture for Dungeon Saga. (Which it would seem it's loved by the RPG players)
The joyous reactions and low price point of the plastic DS dungeon furniture is leading to serious consideration of this as a thing. They want to hit the Roleplayer and D&D player markets as the equivalent in resin is less durable, less portable, and pricier.
(This was not given a timeline or anything further than severe enthusiasm.)
They are not considering at the moment about making fantasy terrains, it's in their TODO list but not in the immediate future. It seems that the sci-fi terrain for DZ didn't sell so well so they are holding back on this.
Ronnie has some ideas for fantasy terrain that he wants to see made. However the majority of the DZ terrain sold in the KS, and the sales in stores didn't follow the trend of the KS sales. After the expensive tooling of the sci fi terrain, they are reticent to commit to the fantasy. Sales were described as consistent, but "not as high as expected". I didn't read that as bad, just not a storming success.
The other obstacle mentioned is that the design Ronnie has in mind, he has been told isn't really possible by the sculptor. I have no further clue what that means. I want to think gothic buttresses, but I want to think everything is about gothic buttresses.
They will release a "game night kit" to the retailers where players will face waves on enemies and try to survive as long as they can, there will be some sort of ranking system.
This was described as an organised play kit, and something for games clubs. A games club could buy this from their games store, or order it from Mantic, and run challenges where the players can accrue experience I think. It was mentioned that both heroes and the overlord would reap benefits.
I believe the ranking system will be online, as they're talking about rolling such ranking and community sites out for their other systems internationally.
Very early on in Dungeon Saga playtest meets they were talking about building an online community where people could share heroes and discuss tactics, so it ties in with that old seed of an idea.
They are thinking about a new version of Project Pandora, it will be what Dungeon Saga is related to the old Dwarf King's Hold.
This was Ronnie's parting "leak" of the seminar. Pandora Saga brewing, and on a possibly related, possibly completely unrelated note, start saving for February 2016.
The team had different ideas about what to use to hold the dungeon saga game contents. Ronnie summarized his views with something like: "my little pony treasure chests are , book tomes are good"
One designer (the only designer? I don't know), Stuart, wanted to put them in a collective chest. Ronnie doesn't.
Ronnie wants to look at including foam in the expansion boxes if practical. I don't believe that's slotted foam so much as "gak doesn't bang around in here" foam. Conversation quickly swept away elsewhere, so it wasn't expanded on.
Doubt we'll even see those before the PM closes. Sadly. I may give them a pass till retail. Given how much I like the old ones, how giant and goofy the GCPS helmets look on the zombies (I mean they're giant helmets, the zombies really slide back towards heroic scale), I'm not as optimistic as I might have been years ago. Fingers crossed, however.
I think I may still order a 3 pack of mules sight unseen just for the fairly strong value.
2015/11/22 05:01:16
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
I sure hope they show final renders before the pm closes. If I don't pick up any in the PM for $1/mini, I doubt I'll buy any at all. By the time they hit retail, GoA, MEdge, and WGF Mystery Sci Fi kit will all be available at the FLGS, and priced competitively to Mantic's retail scheme.
But I didn't use the word "planning." That was your word.
Sorry, you're correct. You said "preparing", not planning. I'd have made the same points though regardless.
Ok, seriously, I got the information from the fisty glue man / children of the kraken guy who went to the Open Day. I have presumed that this person got the information from a session or discussion with Ronnie or something, but could be mistaken.
Despite the jokey tone, I actually intend no disrespect, btw. And I take your point about the lag time between planning and fulfilling a KS campaign. But Mantic's terrain has been on the market since Deadzone. If it was going well until recently, I'd be a little surprised that they'd turn tail so quickly on terrain.
Personally I can't stand MDF and won't invest in it. Don't like the texture.
Thanks for the link and no offense taken. It looks like Buttery confirmed the blog post (thanks for that Buttery) as well in the meantime. Consider me officially surprised despite the fact that I myself have been holding off on buying it despite my interest. People really seemed excited when that came out and I saw some very nice builds posted here on dakka. The deadzone release kind of coincided with the beginning of the MDF terrain craze (lasers for everyone!!!) and maybe it put more of a damper on that than I thought. I'm not a huge fan of the MDF either and would prefer some black friday terrain bundle instead (or Miniature Market huge discount on individual kits) as long as the hexagon building with curved corners is included.
2015/11/22 06:10:03
Subject: The all new Mantic Games - Sci-Fi N&R thread - Open Day pictures page 37
11527pts Total (7400pts painted)
4980pts Total (4980pts painted)
3730 Total (210pts painted) 
, book tomes are good"
