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I'm surprised how excited for all of this I am. Still not sold on Warcaster, but the new faction is a big draw. Mostly though the new MonPoc stuff is all really cool and the new Riot Quest offering has me sold on the game. A lot of it is just the sheer volume of new exciting sculpts for my favorite factions. I've gotten to where I'd rather paint a small number of really unique figures for skirmish games and getting that while also adding exciting new bits to my Warmachine armies has me pretty enthused all around.

 LunarSol wrote:
I'm surprised how excited for all of this I am.

I'm in a similar boat. I've always just watched the MonPoc segments and ignored the rest, but since GW deemed me unworthy of being a customer, Privateer Press has been the main beneficiary of my new budget surplus (largely because their webstore is running a 25% off sale). If the Riot Quest kickstarter had been even two or three weeks earlier, I wouldn't have been interested at all. Now I can't wait until December. Riot Quest turned out to be a lot of fun for me - it's not a super deep game, but it is very customizable and it creates a lot of fun moments.

If I ever play Mon Apoc I'm playing the dragon army faction!

Some random updates:

*The keynote post and the follow up posts have been updated with the youtube videos from Privateer Press.
*Travis Marg (kind of their top volunteer) was allowed to leak that vehicles in Warcaster are slated to be on 80mm bases.
*Hungerford has been leaking rules and spoilers here and there. The Legion CID starts next week with things like new rules for blighted models in Oracles and such.
*The Riot Quest Kickstarter is fulfilled and is at 94k as of Thursday July 9.

Alright, now you have my attention...

And the other one:

Weapons!

I love me some chunky robots. As much as I love Infinity, I have to admit that their TAGS are largely disappointing compared to the units (Warcaster has the opposite problem, warjacks too cool, units not cool enough).

Honestly Infinity has two issues for me
1) A lot of their models look fantastic painted up by a pro, but the actual models are very fine detailed so to bring out their best potential you've got to be a pretty darn good painter

2) The models feel very "samey". I think its because they've a lot of characters that are basically the same "type" (warrior with gun" in different poses. It lacks the wider swings of creative freedom that ranges like 40K or Warmachine have. A few do catch my eye, but overall I just don't feel "wowed" as much.

October Solicitation


Monsterpocalypse – Komkor 001 – Zerkalo Bloc Monster (metal/resin)
PIP 51109 MSRP: $27.99
Standard strategy doctrines guide the sequence of steps in every Zerkalo Bloc invasion. The first wave is led by brute force mecha that carve out a “landing zone” in the new dimension. When a relatively safe area is established, the leaders of the expeditionary forces arrive. These forward command and control mecha are not only staffed by expert pilots who understand combat on a massive scale, but they also command staff to plan the specifics of the invasion from a forward position. For such a formidable war as the Monsterpocalypse, the high command decided that their most decorated machine and crew would return to active service to ensure a great victory.
TRADE POINTS: Komkor 001 is a support monster that can be added to any Destroyers force. The general who rides into battle protected by its thick armor is a military Mastermind and maintains a Focused Will, dedicated to victory at all costs. The vessel’s command staff designate resources and other points of interest around the city as assets that must be Safeguarded for further exploitation. When it goes hyper, the weapon crews manning the rocket batteries carried in the mecha’s shoulders trade out their precision munitions for high explosive ordinance, ensuring that no foe remains after a salvo.
Monsterpocalypse – Reclamation Facility – Building (metal/resin)
PIP 51110 MSRP: $19.99
One of the first structures built by any Zerkalo Bloc invasion force is a Reclamation Facility. These buildings serve as gathering points for the more unrefined resources that are produced by the fighting near their location. Not only do these buildings process the detritus left over when a city is leveled, but they are also capable of actively recycling military vehicles, whether they are surplus units no longer needed or enemy craft that stray too close.
TRADE POINTS: The Reclamation Facility is a new building that any player can add to their city. Zerkalo Bloc players can use it to more easily field their units. Any player that secures it gains extra Power Dice when destroying buildings and can recycle nearby units for even more power.October Solicitation


Monsterpocalypse – Komkor 001 – Zerkalo Bloc Monster (metal/resin)
PIP 51109 MSRP: $27.99
Standard strategy doctrines guide the sequence of steps in every Zerkalo Bloc invasion. The first wave is led by brute force mecha that carve out a “landing zone” in the new dimension. When a relatively safe area is established, the leaders of the expeditionary forces arrive. These forward command and control mecha are not only staffed by expert pilots who understand combat on a massive scale, but they also command staff to plan the specifics of the invasion from a forward position. For such a formidable war as the Monsterpocalypse, the high command decided that their most decorated machine and crew would return to active service to ensure a great victory.
TRADE POINTS: Komkor 001 is a support monster that can be added to any Destroyers force. The general who rides into battle protected by its thick armor is a military Mastermind and maintains a Focused Will, dedicated to victory at all costs. The vessel’s command staff designate resources and other points of interest around the city as assets that must be Safeguarded for further exploitation. When it goes hyper, the weapon crews manning the rocket batteries carried in the mecha’s shoulders trade out their precision munitions for high explosive ordinance, ensuring that no foe remains after a salvo.
Monsterpocalypse – Reclamation Facility – Building (metal/resin)
PIP 51110 MSRP: $19.99
One of the first structures built by any Zerkalo Bloc invasion force is a Reclamation Facility. These buildings serve as gathering points for the more unrefined resources that are produced by the fighting near their location. Not only do these buildings process the detritus left over when a city is leveled, but they are also capable of actively recycling military vehicles, whether they are surplus units no longer needed or enemy craft that stray too close.
TRADE POINTS: The Reclamation Facility is a new building that any player can add to their city. Zerkalo Bloc players can use it to more easily field their units. Any player that secures it gains extra Power Dice when destroying buildings and can recycle nearby units for even more power.

These new Warjacks are pretty cool. You can see the influences of Warmachine on them but they look like their own things.

 Overread wrote:
Honestly Infinity has two issues for me
1) A lot of their models look fantastic painted up by a pro, but the actual models are very fine detailed so to bring out their best potential you've got to be a pretty darn good painter

2) The models feel very "samey". I think its because they've a lot of characters that are basically the same "type" (warrior with gun" in different poses. It lacks the wider swings of creative freedom that ranges like 40K or Warmachine have. A few do catch my eye, but overall I just don't feel "wowed" as much.

Earlier infinity had a lot more artistic freedom but since N3 they've lowered that for a very consistent, mass produced feel, on purpose. All the models are top notch sculpting wise but there's very little variation as CB wants things to feel like they're all manufactured for these massive militaries that wouldn't have much variation on gear (much like today). There are many people who prefer that route.

The downside, as you mentioned, is it's a game that really pulls you in at first with it's models but once you start looking around you realize that the "wow" factor dies really quick. I think it's part of the reason they focus so much on terrain as to give something else to stand out and allow players to have something distinct to bring to the table.

I hadn't seen that winged jack before. Looks good. Then again, like Sqorgar said, the jacks are really nice and chunky whereas the infantry... are just there. They haven't done much for me- yet.

The Empryean at least have grabbed my attention a bit more for the fact that they aren't human.

 Overread wrote:
Honestly Infinity has two issues for me
1) A lot of their models look fantastic painted up by a pro, but the actual models are very fine detailed so to bring out their best potential you've got to be a pretty darn good painter

I don't think that's the case, at least not for any that I've painted. I'm not a damn good painter at all, but I do prefer to take my time on each unique model rather than assembly lining a dozen extremely similar ones. It's why I have the most models painted for Infinity, MonPoc, and Warmachine (I go jack heavy).

2) The models feel very "samey". I think its because they've a lot of characters that are basically the same "type" (warrior with gun" in different poses. It lacks the wider swings of creative freedom that ranges like 40K or Warmachine have. A few do catch my eye, but overall I just don't feel "wowed" as much.

I think there's really three different focuses for miniature war games (all games are tactical, and can draw from all three inspirations, but most games focus on one primarily):

1) Logistical - all about army building and order of operations. Success is about having the right tools for the job, and employing them at the most opportune moments. List building is about getting the most bang for your points resources, and popping off combos in something like Warmachine means setting up resources (having the right troops in the right place, making sure you have enough command points, getting the right cards and abilities prepped ahead of time - basically engine building, with the combo popping being the reward for a successful engine). Most wargames tend to heavily favor this.

2) Spatial - The relationships of models between each other in a three dimensional space, with success being able proper positioning, exploiting the natural geometry of the table, and even in manipulating your opponent into disadvantageous positions. Infinity and Monsterpocalypse are two that heavily focus on this. The individual components tend to be somewhat similar in purpose, where the differences are relatively minor (though still important). I mean, it matters which two monsters you play in MonPoc, but the majority of the game is built around actions that all monsters can equally take. Similarly, Infinity is a game where most of the models can do most of the actions, but is built around positioning to set up advantageous AROs.

3) Strategic - Basically, the individual battles don't matter as much, and it is instead how the battles are linked. It really mostly shows up when you have goals other than simply winning a single battle. You know, win the battle but lose the war. Most often manifests itself in campaign games, like Frostgrave or Necromunda, where you might find items and experience during a battle to be used to improve your team. It also shows up in campaign games where you slowly take over maps. Arguably, tournaments are strategic play, though I'd argue not by much.

Anyway, my point is, Infinity is 100% spatial, and probably the miniature game that most ably handles and encourages lots of 3D terrain, with multiple floors and walkways and rooms. The models are different, but usually which weapon they have (which affects spatially effective ranges) will make the biggest difference in how you use them. Being someone who is... um, I guess "spatially excitable" (catwalks are my catnip), an Infinity table does things for me that other miniature games do not. But I don't think Infinity would do much for people who prefer logistical campaigns, since Infinity is pretty bland in the army building and has few resources to minmax.

By comparison, it is looking like Warcaster will be primarily logistical in nature. Even though the games have somewhat similar aesthetics, I don't think they'll be competing for players at all. If anything, I think Warcaster has a larger potential audience than Infinity will ever have, and will probably prove more popular.

 anab0lic wrote:
Alright, now you have my attention...

Spoiler:

Putting the heavy into heavy warjack!
Nice, they look quite fearsome!

Interview with Matt https://www.loswarmachine.com/field-of-fire/2020/7/11/episode-16-post-keynote-with-matt-wilson

Around the 49 min mark he talks about KSer and a Q&A. Before that was his thoughts on the keynote.

Riot Quest Season 2 wasn't intended for a KSer but with no conventions and distributers closed down due to covid they had to readjust and move it there as KSers the best platform ATM for them to get new products in front of people.

He doesn't believe Warcaster would have done very well compared to what it sold on KSer with a traditional release due to the competition.

Doesn't make sense to move Warmahordes to KSer as it already has a fanbase and name recognition.

There may be new RPG figures in the RPG KSer but that hasn't been decided. They do have stuff sculpted for strange light and maybe those will see the light with that RPG's release.

After all the fees and extra work needed to run a campaign KSers are about the same as selling in retail. They tend to make less per model but they sell more.

Matt said they're trying to improve European Distribution. Bob Watts has been working with Distributers but the traditional system isn't working any more as there's so many companies competing for Distributer and store space it's near impossible to get old stock to be carried. While more games are being sold there are less people dedicated to a single line anymore. Distributors will mostly only buy what they have orders for instead of stocking large amounts at the same time publishers are producing less as Distributors wont store stock anymore unless it's really popular making it hard for stores to get products (some of the working he used makes me think he's talking about CMoN and ASFOI for part of this as an example). He talks about this for quite some time as an issue everyone having trying to adjust to the game boom that's going on and pretty interesting. Circling back to the European question he said they're building all new infrastructure for making it easier to deal with this new scenario outside of the US (wording makes it seam like producing things over seas) but COVID has thrown a real wrench into everything. They were at 10% work force for months and watched as international shipping orders wait for months before leaving the US after the courier/freight company received the item.

There will be more Twitter Micro-fiction as that was very well received. They still have to finish the story of oblivion once the summer rampage and the story will be finished on Twitter then then a 5 year jump starting with the RPG.

They've tried putting the whole story of Oblivion into one Omnibus but they haven't been satisfied with the results but they'd like too as there's lots of different sources and types (like scenarios)

Youtube video showing pages from the Warcaster Rulebook.

And the first thing is a doublepage art spread!

GAH! Why the freaking heck to people keep making those WHY. Books have a spine, they have a fold in the middle; every single time you have to either crack the spine into oblivion or miss the middle of the art.

Just caught up on all the new peaks, MonPoc stuff really takes it. I'm still holding out for more Savage Swarm, but the pulpy stuff like Evil Space Russians or '90s cartoon Mutated Good Guy Animal People are both calling my name - as are the Evangelion-esque sentient geometry (at least in concept, the art seemed more living crystal entities, sorta different).

Happy to see where WarCaster is headed. I think I'm still out - the mayhem of 40k 9E and solidity of KOW is at least currently more interesting than learning a new skirmish system with $$ models I own nothing for. And always happy to see the Warmachine gears still churning.

First wave of Warcaster stuff left their buildings yesterday, they said.

Anyone who ordered Aeternus Continuum has to wait a week or two still though. But the starter is still part of Wave I.

I really like MonPoc's breadth of factions now, but I wouldn't mind them returning to the old factions now and again. I sort of feel like a lot of the newer things move away from the traditional kaiju style - which I absolutely don't mind, but I'd like to see some more men in rubber suits, if that makes any sense. Maybe it is because I've been watching a lot of Ultraman recently (it's a good time to be an Ultraman fan in the US), but 50 ft vegan, the glob, russians, giant bees, mole men, evangelion angels, and the thudercats don't really scratch the same itch for me.

Again, I like and actively want these models. I just want to see some more of the original 6 factions, or maybe a new faction that's more styled in the 60s kaiju genre. Just sort of feels a little diluted.

 Sqorgar wrote:
I really like MonPoc's breadth of factions now, but I wouldn't mind them returning to the old factions now and again. I sort of feel like a lot of the newer things move away from the traditional kaiju style - which I absolutely don't mind, but I'd like to see some more men in rubber suits, if that makes any sense. Maybe it is because I've been watching a lot of Ultraman recently (it's a good time to be an Ultraman fan in the US), but 50 ft vegan, the glob, russians, giant bees, mole men, evangelion angels, and the thudercats don't really scratch the same itch for me.

Again, I like and actively want these models. I just want to see some more of the original 6 factions, or maybe a new faction that's more styled in the 60s kaiju genre. Just sort of feels a little diluted.

They're talking about retooling the morphers as single form monsters in the next year; so we're likely to see the likes of Tyrranix and company soon. The original 6 had the problem of the duplicate sculpt for most factions, but 4 unique monsters is pretty doable for the original factions sooner or later.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Boss Salvage wrote:
Just caught up on all the new peaks, MonPoc stuff really takes it. I'm still holding out for more Savage Swarm, but the pulpy stuff like Evil Space Russians or '90s cartoon Mutated Good Guy Animal People are both calling my name - as are the Evangelion-esque sentient geometry (at least in concept, the art seemed more living crystal entities, sorta different).

The move to the 2v2 format really works for the genre for me. I'm less concerned about any of the factions and I just like pairing up fun combos. A martian saucer arrived and turned a beetle into a giant city wrecker and now Kondo has to trust the humans and their giant machines to help save the planet. I've gotten to where I'd rather have a collection of 1 monster from each faction than... well, a faction.

 Boss Salvage wrote:

Happy to see where WarCaster is headed. I think I'm still out - the mayhem of 40k 9E and solidity of KOW is at least currently more interesting than learning a new skirmish system with $$ models I own nothing for. And always happy to see the Warmachine gears still churning.

I figure by the time I get caught up on 9th, Warcaster might very well be mature enough to know what I want. It's too bad everything has to be an instant hit or dead these days. Minis are an industry where a game isn't likely to hit its stride until its been around for a few years.

 Kanluwen wrote:
First wave of Warcaster stuff left their buildings yesterday, they said.

Anyone who ordered Aeternus Continuum has to wait a week or two still though. But the starter is still part of Wave I.

I am interested to hear about the material & casting quality.

Metals and resin, apparently. It's all done in house.

I know that, but how good is the resin? Not all resin is finely cast, you know!

If its anything like their Archangel model resin then its good quality resin.

Their resin is usually pretty good. I’ve had a few misaligned mold issues with my MonPoc however, and people really like to complain about the excess material at the injection points.

 NinthMusketeer wrote:
I know that, but how good is the resin? Not all resin is finely cast, you know!

I think the quality is quite good for their resin. I was initially a skeptic, but MonPoc's resin models are extremely crisp and the detail is great. I was actually kind of blown away. But these are huge models that are very thick and sturdy. I recently got a Warmachine model (Sorscha3) which has a resin body, and the detail is still great (almost no clean up needed), but being thinner, the legs are a bit bendy (not brittle like finecast) - probably won't be a problem for her, but I've heard the cavalry models tend to wilt with the thin horse legs and metal models riding on the back. So, thick resin is strong, thin resin a bit bendy. Details are crisp.

I don't know what models will be resin for Warcaster, but so far, all the Riot Quest stuff has been metal (even the warjacks).

PPs resin is my favorite I’ve worked with. Fantastic detail, relatively small numbers of parts and they’re good about using metal for anything potentially small and brittle. If it wasn’t a little too expensive for 10 man units, I’d be happy if they used it for everything.

We have sculpts now for some of the Minicrate stuff shown off in the keynote

Widget Wonka


Fiona from the Black Lagoon

What faction is Widget supposed to align with? Mercenaries?

I was just thinking about how with season two of Riot Quest every faction will have representation in the game, along with nearly every major race of Immoren.

Still no sign of an actual Infernal or Skorne though- they're still both represented with proxy races that serve them (humans and titans respectively).

Impressive the breadth of characters they've got in the game now!