 | It's White Dwarf day - the day when you try to avoid the pre-teens and weirdly fragrant late-teens at the local Games Workshop store. to get your hands on the next White Dwarf, maybe some newly released bounty or just a refill of paint. So is it worth running the gauntlet this week? Let us see... It's been a while since the iconic Space Marines have graced the cover of White Dwarf - Issue #45 the release of the Blood Angels Tactical box - it's nice to see them back! In terms of new product, this week we have the pre-orders for the Assault Squad, Space Marine Upgrade Sets, Space Marine Transfer sets, and the new Citadel white spray; Corax White. But unlike some previous issues recently, this isn't just a catalogue - there is actual content; Sprues and Glue with some good shots of the upgrade sets and even sprue breakdowns & Designers Notes returns! So - is it worth a buy? Come have a look!! + + More After The Jump + + |
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Arguably the major release for this issue are the Assault Marines. These, smartly, are not Chapter specific and replace the older plastic kit that has served us so well. The old kit really was excellent in terms of parts, sporting my favourite Space Marine legs ever - the running ones!
The release of this new set will make the mix and match of parts with the newer Tactical Marines easier with the finer casting and extra armour details.
The release of this new set will make the mix and match of parts with the newer Tactical Marines easier with the finer casting and extra armour details.
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As far as sprues go, you get two. Thankfully there are torsos for both jetpack and non-jetpack Marines, plus a hole lot of weapons including a brand new double-handed Chainsword, a Power axe, shield (surely this could have got a spruce up!), two full flamers, the chainsword/ bolt pistol combo for all, plus a Graviton pistol and scenic bases. There is a price bump, but from what we can see here, it looks pretty good.
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The other biggie for this week are the Space Marine Upgrade Sets. These are Chapter specific and include Ultramarines, Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Dark Angels. Blood Angels, Space Wolves and Dark Angels was a bit of a surprise to me considering Blood Angels already have Chapter specific gear in their dedicated Tactical box and Death Company, the same with Space Wolves and Dark Angels have (had) an excellent upgrade set already. It wouldn't surprise me to see Imperial Fists/ Crimson Fists very soon (why they aren't here I don't know) and Raven Guard (already a big hit in Black Library fiction).
The White Dwarf section dedicated to their preview is well set out, couple of nice pics of each one combining the Upgrade Set with other bits and pieces from the range.
The White Dwarf section dedicated to their preview is well set out, couple of nice pics of each one combining the Upgrade Set with other bits and pieces from the range.
Some brilliant looking transfers are highlighted next for Ultramarines, Dark Angels and Blood Angels.
There are tonnes and tonnes of tarnsfers on these and are brilliant value! Anyone who has used the Forge World ones will be aware of the amount of use you get out of just one! Also really nice to see some Veteran and variant Chapter icons on these!
There are tonnes and tonnes of tarnsfers on these and are brilliant value! Anyone who has used the Forge World ones will be aware of the amount of use you get out of just one! Also really nice to see some Veteran and variant Chapter icons on these!
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Once the big stuff is out of the way we move into the weekly book, this week it's Spear of Macragge. The Corax White Citadel spray gets a look in. They say this is a smoother finish (right), which is all fine and good - but the brilliant matte quality of the old Skull White was a triumph. Time will tell on this one.
Forge World get a look in with their Deredeo Dreadnaught with Hellfire Plasma boom boom. Not everyone likes this miniature and I can see why. I think it's pretty cool actually.
The Thantar-Calix Seige-Automata also gets a look-in. This is pretty beasty and I have to say, if it was in plastic I would want one!
The Thantar-Calix Seige-Automata also gets a look-in. This is pretty beasty and I have to say, if it was in plastic I would want one!
Paint Splatter isn't bad this week. It's actually a nicely painted mini this week and the tip on painting Space Marine lenses is really good.
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Sprues and Glue. This section can either be great or pretty perfunctory. This week there is a lot of info including sprue breakdowns for the Upgrade Sets. Sprue breakdowns are excellent and GW should get a pat on the back for bringing them back.
Personally I think these are a bit disappointing. I haven't pre-ordered as I expected to. If there were two sprues with more iconography and helmets (enough for a squad) then yes, but this seems pretty scant.
Personally I think these are a bit disappointing. I haven't pre-ordered as I expected to. If there were two sprues with more iconography and helmets (enough for a squad) then yes, but this seems pretty scant.
Theatre of War this week is a new ALter of War mission. Go nuts with Assault marines I say!
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Can I say - this may be the best Parade Ground for some time.
There is lots of information on the miniatures pictured and it makes for a good read as they have added characters and identity to the miniatures - a highlight of gaming and the hobby surely.
Making characters of each miniature you do is so much fun, even to the extent of taking a Tactical Marine who has performed well or survived lots of battles, slapping some new paint on him and adding him to your Veteran squad or making him the Sergeant in a new squad!!
There is lots of information on the miniatures pictured and it makes for a good read as they have added characters and identity to the miniatures - a highlight of gaming and the hobby surely.
Making characters of each miniature you do is so much fun, even to the extent of taking a Tactical Marine who has performed well or survived lots of battles, slapping some new paint on him and adding him to your Veteran squad or making him the Sergeant in a new squad!!
Later in the issue there are also the Designer's Notes which is really just expanding on what we already read. It would have been nice to actually heard from the now-anonymous "designers"...
Verdict
This is a good issue!
Lots of detail, good pictures and attention to detail that can be lacking it must be said.
For 40K fans, go get it! Why not?
For Warhammer fans... 9th Edition is out soon. Bide your time, it will come!!
Lots of detail, good pictures and attention to detail that can be lacking it must be said.
For 40K fans, go get it! Why not?
For Warhammer fans... 9th Edition is out soon. Bide your time, it will come!!
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