Scourge Test Models

Painted up some test models for the Scourge. I had an extra APC thanks to the awesomeness of the starter set, so I used that one first, and then attempted to see how easy the effect was to replicate. Was pretty easy, actually. Scourge models are built for washes, seems like!

Anyway, I'll probably just hold onto these until I have the whole force painted before I enter them into the monthly painting competition. I still have to figure out a theme for the infantry, though it shouldn't be too hard!

Until next time,
--FP135

Foxphoenix's 1st Look at DZC

Above image (c) Hawk Wargames

   Finally got my box, and spent some time assembling the miniatures. The plastics are very clean, were very easy to assemble with no more than a pair of clippers and some plastic glue, and look fantastic. I am now eagerly awaiting the primer to dry so I can begin painting some of them this weekend.

   When I first got the box, I was impressed with the weight of the box. It had to be chock-full of goodies to weigh that much, I figured. I was right! The sprues were surprisingly clear of flash, and were not warped nor did they have any noticeable defects of any kind. The rulebook was clean, fresh, and smelled great! I was also impressed with the level of detail in the cardboard terrain... it was also very quick to assemble.

I am so impressed with the quality of this very inexpensive starter box. Two starter boxes would easily net you a full-sized army of each faction, and a spare set of rulebooks and counters to boot. I bought mine for around 90 dollars after shipping, quite a bargain, and so you could easily have a full-sized army for around that much if you went in and bought a pair of starter boxes with a friend.

What first drew me to the game was Bear APCs for the UCM. They look stellar. As I opened the box and handled the models more, however, the Scourge really grew on me. The models have a huge level of detail, but are amazingly simplistic. A few of the Scourge models were in no more than two parts, and the more complex ones didn't have many more components. The most complex models of the faction were their dropships, which was no more than 15 parts total, and took a few minutes to assemble.

I'll do a more thourough examination of the rules once I have some models on the table and play a game out or two, but so far I don't see any major complaints to be made. The rulebook is quite beautiful, with many full-color shots of the models on spectacular gaming boards. Looks quite tasty.

Until next time,
--FP135

Trying out a few new things

Test Scheme for UCM, Applied to a Battletech LRM Carrier

With my Dropzone miniatures due to arrive this week, I set about to deciding on a paint scheme for the vehicles. I was going to go with a simple olive-drab as is the standard for them, but I decided to go a step further and do a camouflage instead.

Steps I took:
1. Base color (olive drab)
2. Dark green large spots
3. Brown medium blobs
4. Light Brown / Tan small blobs
5. Highlight using base color mixed with a little bit of ivory (basically made the light brown / tan, could use this next time to save the trouble of mixing
6. Light wash of Devlan Mud brown (RIP, I should find an equivalent to try now that it has been discontinued.)

I had done black drybrushing to denote the carbon buildup from rocket exhaust, but I should have done it AFTER highlighting, in retrospect.

I also got to try the new phone's camera, which had a nice mix of features that endeared me to it. I was able to set the color balance, which is hugely convenient, and I was even able to edit it with a nice vignette which I like. Normally with my old phone's camera, I would have to edit it on the computer before being able to upload it... I am happy to be able to skip that step and edit it right when I take it, and have the color balance right as I take the photo.

I didn't pick out details, as this was only a test for the color scheme, but I think the UCM will look pretty decently done up in this scheme. I'll be sure to have cleaner highlighting lines on those, however!

Next up, I will be painting a stand of Heavy Gear infantry models to test the infantry theme. They are the closest equivalent in scale to DZC, so it should be a pretty accurate representation (I might even be tempted to proxy them if I feel so inclined).

Let me know what you think!

--FP135

Trying something new, and taking the path less travelled

 Above picture © Copyright Hawk Wargames

After seeing how bad GW has been getting, I really have little / no desire to play 40k anymore. I barely recognize the game anymore, and my finances simply cannot keep up with the rate of change that they are trying to throw at us.

The models and books keep getting more expensive, and they keep releasing more of it more quickly in order to keep us hooked. However, counter-intuitively, they are sending out cease-and-desist orders to web-isode producers who generate hype for their new products (not to mention free advertising) by trying to get sneak peeks at the products before they are released.

Given the totalitarian treatment of its fans and supporters, I can no longer ethically support GW as a company.

I figured I was just done with miniature gaming for good. Then, on a whim, I watched some youtube reviews of the new-game-on-the-block: Dropzone Commander by Hawk Wargames. The models are interesting, and in 10mm scale (a scale I have been interested in due to its emphasis on vehicles and ease of painting), and the rules are lauded as well balanced.

Desiring to know more, I started to watch some of the normal blogophiles reviews. What really shocked me is when the game's primary designer/creator began showing up on the videos. Beasts of War, Bluetable Painting... he made his rounds and actually met people in the gaming community face-to-face to show off his product. What's more, he is genuinely passionate about having a game that is balanced and realistic, yet still fun. His attention to detail during the design process is alone worthy of much praise. The background to the game is believable, the setting is appropriately dire, and the factions are unique from each other but none appear to be game-breakingly unbalanced.

When I saw the newest edition to his product line, the 2 player starter set with plastic models, I knew I had no reason to not try out the end result of all his devotion and labor. The set looks chock-full of goodies, including everything you need to make a highly-detailed game board straight out of the box. It literally has everything that you need to play a game of DZC: a game board, beautifully-detailed terrain, 2 complete armies (albeit small ones), the rules, templates, markers, dice, even a tape measure with a Hawk Wargaming logo! The only thing missing out of the box is an opponent.

Games Workshop could definitely take a lesson in caring about the product they sell from Hawk Wargames. I eagerly await my foray into Dropzone Commander, and I hope that Dave continues to show the same level of dedication and passion as his game becomes more popular. It'll go a long way toward keeping me a loyal customer.

I urge you to give GW a break. Vote with your wallets, and let them know that corporate bullying is not the way a gaming company should operate. Try out Dropzone Commander's starter set, support a guy who really cares about the game and the community he's built, and you might be surprised with where it takes you.

Hawk Wargames' Page

--FP135