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 Pacific wrote:
Although you did try!

And the Caskuda will always live on in our hearts and display cabinets, until it gets a change to bestride the battlefield once more.

Amen brother...



...Amen.

Maybe someday Exrah will return.

(But I'm not holding my breath!)

I'm confident that CB will eventually fix/figure out the whole "TAG Problem", as TAGs are just too cool and iconic to end up relegated to the shelves!

I'm not, if they couldn't fix Bolts, SWC on FO Acontecimento Regular and Bipandra by now.

Outside of my regular group, I know that I'll face recipe army with only faction's heavy hitter as main deviating flavour. Not really what's usually advertised or considered a problem.

Really wish CB would spend some time updating basic line infantry.

Glad to see moderators getting a much needed resculpt.
We could really use new boxes for Celestial guard, Keisotsu, Caledonian volunteers. In fact JSA & Caledonian starters are both pretty dated.

Obviously line Kazaks will be getting a proper box in AF.

Do we know if they're going to start releasing models in anticipation of AF coming up in the near future?

Last I heard, MRRF we're being updated for AF.

 TalonZahn wrote:
Last I heard, MRRF we're being updated for AF.

Them and Shas needed an overhaul. I'd like to see them try and drum up interest in anticipation of the new book with some resculpts of the more dated models out there.

 Bladerunner2019 wrote:

 TalonZahn wrote:
Last I heard, MRRF we're being updated for AF.

Them and Shas needed an overhaul. I'd like to see them try and drum up interest in anticipation of the new book with some resculpts of the more dated models out there.

They did this with the original release of Human Sphere in 2nd Edition. The Yu Jing starter was used to showcase a bunch of new profiles we hadn't seen before. That was when we got the Shang Ji, Domaru, and Celestial Guard for the first time. So if AF is coming out some time this year or the next then it is likely we'll be seeing some new profiles creep in to the release pretty soon.

That said, after the USAriadna splash release, it is starting to look like they may be moving toward a model where they bring out sectorials without a major book release. So we may well see a whole sectorial or two drop before AF proper comes out.

Either way, they have a big announcement for some time this year and it is my hope that it will be a release announcement for one of the most long awaited books in Infinity's history (seriously, things from AF have been getting teased since the original Human Sphere dropped, though not named, mentions of its contents predate Campaign: Paradiso).

I also kind of hope that Shas and MRRF see a USAriadna style splash release prior to AF just so those players don't have to wait for the rest of us to get their factions back in fighting shape.

 Ronin_eX wrote:

 Bladerunner2019 wrote:

 TalonZahn wrote:
Last I heard, MRRF we're being updated for AF.

Them and Shas needed an overhaul. I'd like to see them try and drum up interest in anticipation of the new book with some resculpts of the more dated models out there.

They did this with the original release of Human Sphere in 2nd Edition. The Yu Jing starter was used to showcase a bunch of new profiles we hadn't seen before. That was when we got the Shang Ji, Domaru, and Celestial Guard for the first time. So if AF is coming out some time this year or the next then it is likely we'll be seeing some new profiles creep in to the release pretty soon.

That said, after the USAriadna splash release, it is starting to look like they may be moving toward a model where they bring out sectorials without a major book release. So we may well see a whole sectorial or two drop before AF proper comes out.

Either way, they have a big announcement for some time this year and it is my hope that it will be a release announcement for one of the most long awaited books in Infinity's history (seriously, things from AF have been getting teased since the original Human Sphere dropped, though not named, mentions of its contents predate Campaign: Paradiso).

I also kind of hope that Shas and MRRF see a USAriadna style splash release prior to AF just so those players don't have to wait for the rest of us to get their factions back in fighting shape.

I wasn't playing before Paradiso. I wouldn't know.

I've been hoping for new Shang Ji for some time. They did not get any useful profile updates with N3. The unit has always been some sort of superior HI choice with no remarkable qualities.

Those neglected sectorials deserve some teases to keep their fan base alive. We could also use Ariadna, Haqq & CA sneak peaks... we call know what's coming for Yu Jing, Nomads & PanO

 Bladerunner2019 wrote:
I wasn't playing before Paradiso. I wouldn't know.

I've been hoping for new Shang Ji for some time. They did not get any useful profile updates with N3. The unit has always been some sort of superior HI choice with no remarkable qualities.

Those neglected sectorials deserve some teases to keep their fan base alive. We could also use Ariadna, Haqq & CA sneak peaks... we call know what's coming for Yu Jing, Nomads & PanO

Funny how times change. Before N3 fixed HI and made them more competitive, the Shang Ji was basically the only "generic" no-frills HI anyone in Yu Jing would take* because the other choices (especially the old Invincible, the one that the Zuyong completely replaced). In a lot of ways the original Shang Ji was the precursor to N3's heavy infantry fix. So it holds a special place in the heart of a lot of Yu Jing players. Hopefully the Invincible Army sectorial shows 'em some love.

* Not including the JSA stuff of course, but they were far from generic even though they were cheap as chips.

While we're in a relative lull for news/releases, allow me to continue wishing....

Where are shikami & ayyar?

They go and make these insane profiles, but not even a concept sketch.
Hopefully they'll get those out to us now that 2017 is in full swing.

Fingers crossed they don't become the next Blackjack.

I would like to see the Ayyar, though I thought I saw a concept sketch for them before, looked like a HI but with a cool poncho.

Am I imagining this?

Perhaps one of the other can confirm or deny this.

EDIT: Or I could google-fu myself...

 Vain wrote:
Fingers crossed they don't become the next Blackjack.

I would like to see the Ayyar, though I thought I saw a concept sketch for them before, looked like a HI but with a cool poncho.

Am I imagining this?

Perhaps one of the other can confirm or deny this.

EDIT: Or I could google-fu myself...

Spoiler:

Another irritating HB unit to give us all a collective headache

What was their deal? Something to do with holo-echoes or something right?

Well, they got a Holo 2, BS/PH 13, WIP 14 ARM/BTS 3 and thave these options

ÁYYĀR (Surprise Shot L2) Rifle + E/Mitter, D.E.P. / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0 | 37)
ÁYYĀR (Surprise Shot L2) Shock Marksman Rifle / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0 | 39)
ÁYYĀR Sniper / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0.5 | 39)

Open in Infinity Army

Also my bet for AF will be a new Ariadna / TAK starter.

 Tristan228 wrote:
Well, they got a Holo 2, BS/PH 13, WIP 14 ARM/BTS 3 and thave these options

ÁYYĀR (Surprise Shot L2) Rifle + E/Mitter, D.E.P. / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0 | 37)
ÁYYĀR (Surprise Shot L2) Shock Marksman Rifle / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0 | 39)
ÁYYĀR Sniper / 2 Viral Pistols, CCW, Knife. (0.5 | 39)

Open in Infinity Army

Also my bet for AF will be a new Ariadna / TAK starter.

I was thinking they might do a box with new Ariadna starter & new Aleph starter
Both are old & need an update. Both will also have lots of Russians & vedics respectively just in time for AF.

Following the pattern, the next 'big' versus box set starter will be in 2018. This year we'll probably get the (re)introduction of a sectorial such as Merovingians or Shasvasti along with a big box like how USAriadna was introduced.

The only thing left for a starter is Ariadna v Combined. ALEPH and Tohaa are 'advanced' Infinity factions-- because they are in the Human Sphere-- and won't go in a starter.

I suspect that there may be a sectorial box this summer, for GenCon. It may even be an introduction to a new Sectorial , like the USAriadna Box was in 2015.

 Red Harvest wrote:
The only thing left for a starter is Ariadna v Combined. ALEPH and Tohaa are 'advanced' Infinity factions-- because they are in the Human Sphere-- and won't go in a starter.

I suspect that there may be a sectorial box this summer, for GenCon. It may even be an introduction to a new Sectorial , like the USAriadna Box was in 2015.

We've got a very new generic CA starter box


At least it's listed as such... all those units are specific to the onyx sectorial.

Very different from the mixture of unit types we had previously:


Considering AF will be more "advanced content", I don't see why it wouldn't come out with a boxed set including Tohaa and/or Aleph


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Absolutionis wrote:
Following the pattern, the next 'big' versus box set starter will be in 2018. This year we'll probably get the (re)introduction of a sectorial such as Merovingians or Shasvasti along with a big box like how USAriadna was introduced.

I hope so. Shas especially need to be retooled...

But it would definitely be easier to add one or two new MRRF units and crank out resculpts. Most of their profiles are solid as is, or only need a few minor tweaks.

Shas really need a major overhaul to modernize

I don't want to break your hopes, but MRRF is very unlikely to be released this year. Why? Simply, because they won't be in the next book. AF was splited in 2 different books and next book will bring us Kazak sectorial for Ariadna.

CB said they have some plans with MRRF and they tests some rules for them to make them more rapid response force than they are now.

Also there are some new informations about Shas from last seminar (in November there was satellite tournament in Spain and Bostria said some info there).

Shasvastii will have completely new line infantery (probably more similar to other line infanteries of other CA sectorials and other factions) and Seed Soldiers will be reworked to something else.
Bostria also said that there was a time that Umbras were to be the design of the new Shasvastii. Obviously, that idea was discharged.

May I put forward the suggestion for a named MRRF character to be an Aleph-resurrected Officer Crabtree.

Melkhior wrote:
I don't want to break your hopes, but MRRF is very unlikely to be released this year. Why? Simply, because they won't be in the next book. AF was splited in 2 different books and next book will bring us Kazak sectorial for Ariadna.

CB said they have some plans with MRRF and they tests some rules for them to make them more rapid response force than they are now.

Also there are some new informations about Shas from last seminar (in November there was satellite tournament in Spain and Bostria said some info there).

Shasvastii will have completely new line infantery (probably more similar to other line infanteries of other CA sectorials and other factions) and Seed Soldiers will be reworked to something else.
Bostria also said that there was a time that Umbras were to be the design of the new Shasvastii. Obviously, that idea was discharged.

I hope they stick with something that looks explicitly alien. Umbras and Morats are great, but they are still very much in the Star Trek alien vein of 'humans with makeup'

 plastictrees wrote:


I hope they stick with something that looks explicitly alien. Umbras and Morats are great, but they are still very much in the Star Trek alien vein of 'humans with makeup'

Maybe you will be disappointed, because CB stated that new Shas will be very likely more humanoid, because according to CB humanoid aliens sell better. Only time can show us how alien Shasvastii will look like.

Other relatively good message is that there is chance to see Exrah in some form back as playable models, because in Interview with Interruptor was that Carlos Torrez (main designer of the concept arts and appereance of the models) said that he still want bug-like alien models in the game and that with 3D sculpting there is possibility to make that happen.

I've heard the same "humanoid aliens sell better" from CB. It's a bit short sighted and self-fulfilling, "Look how badly these old models are selling compared to our brand new CAD releases".
Not like I need another infinity army though!

Well Cascuda never made her money back, all Exrachs were the bottom sellers and Tohaa were good sellers from their first models, self fulfilling prophesy or experience?

Why can't it be both?

Because I'm confident that a re-sculpted, 'modern' Exrah line would have sold incredibly well.

When 'only' the new stuff - the stuff getting all the attention - sells well, self-fulfilling prophecy?

Let's call it...Space Marine Syndrome.

I don't know I sure hope cause I really loved the Exrach, but the important people, the customers, didn't like them and I cannot say they had bad sculpts (with that first one excluded).

It never really helped that the Exrah often had pretty uninspiring sculpts or bad poses. Back when they were around they were usually pretty common on everyone's list of dud sculpts. They lacked a defined character, they had no aesthetic language (other than rubber mask bug people) and CB just never really did a good job of making the minis live up to the awesome background.

Meanwhile, the Caskuda was probably one of the largest and most complex models CB ever produced, no wonder it never sold enough to break even (especially since they made it long before they had a lot of experience in making larger sculpts). If nothing else, it suffered from their relative inexperience in the industry.

While CB have the sales numbers, that will only ever tell them part of the story. Actual consumer feedback as to why people bought or didn't buy a product will not only give them context for why some things sold and others didn't, but it will also give them feedback that can be carried to later releases. This is one place where I feel CB kind of lags in terms of understanding their customer base and what its desires might be (and often they seem less than receptive to criticism brought up by fans when they do listen to or reply to feedback). They just look at sales figures, construct a narrative as to why they think those sales figures exist and move on. An approach where you never learn the context surrounding why your products sell (or don't) is never really the way to go in the long run.

So CB can cancel things and say it was due to low sales, they're right, those things weren't selling and keeping it up was losing them money. But if they never ask us why we weren't buying them, then they are doomed to repeat it again at some point, no?

The biggest weakness of the Exrah range was that there was no colour scheme continuity - and those schemes themselves not being flattering at all to the models - between the units and a lack of much unit diversity. The sculpts were bad, but the majority of CB's old CA sculpts were petty awful. Bendy straw armed Shasvastii and Jack-o-lantern headed Morats gained their share of community despite their sculpts.

Exrah, just on their painting scheme, we all different. You had the Void and Vector operators, IIRC, in different purple and green colour schemes. The Caskudas colours were all of the place. The Iskaller was a weird bleeding fleshy tone. If a new player saw any one of those miniature and thought 'wow I want more of those guys' none of them looked like the others because of those paint schemes.

Then, even if they got past the cursory glance and figured out that those 4 were the same 'race', there was no meat to dig into, even up to the end of Paradiso. There were a total of 4 units. They had 2 specialised medium infantry, 1 specialised AD unit, and a super expensive TAG. There was no way to build a thematic list around them like you could Shasvastii or Morats, and EI lived on because EI is the core of the faction fluff.

The failing of the Exrah is entirely on CB treating them worse than they treated CA in general up to N3, where they finally seemed to remember they were a major player in the story and decided to overhaul their colour scheme and models, but by that time it was just too late for the Exrah and they were relatively easy to drop with, again, only 4 units.

Is this just new to me because I've been absent? Haven't seen it mentioned yet but it went up yesterday.

It's been incoming for a while.

Exalted on your whole post -Loki- but especially this bit:

 -Loki- wrote:

The failing of the Exrah is entirely on CB treating them worse than they treated CA in general up to N3, where they finally seemed to remember they were a major player in the story and decided to overhaul their colour scheme and models, but by that time it was just too late for the Exrah and they were relatively easy to drop with, again, only 4 units.

Self-fulfilling prophecy indeed!

It is especially frustrating and upsetting given how good the Combined Army stuff has been recently...