CWF Game Cast

  Games Workshop has announced a new price increase, which will cover many popular products for 40k, Warhammer Fantasy, and Lord of the Rings.  The price hike will also cover rulebooks, templates, hobby supplies (flock, glue, bases, spray paint).  Some of the products to suffer from this increase are the new plastic Baneblade (it will now cost $99), Von Carstein Vampires (now $22), and even most mainstream plastic kits will now go for $41.25.

Although the economy is in the dumpster now seems to be the time to grab that Ork Stompa you wanted before it costs you over $100 with tax.  Below you will find the list of all products affected by this hike.  We broke the list down by game then faction.  We show the current price and the increased price.

This is a very long list so you need to click the MORE link below to see the entire post.

Continue reading »

written by ^Raven^

Tags

40k, Games Workshop, Lord of the Rings, Miniatures Games, Warhammer Fantasy.

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• Space Hulk Limited Edition: Thoughts October 15, 2009

We bring you another article in our First Glance series.  This time we’re covering White Dwarf #344 for September 2008.

Talk about an incredible issue, seriously.  Before I get into the usual content I need to say that a friend of mine discovered something truly amazing about this particular issue.  I will discuss it in more depth under Value but this issue gives us so much for its MSRP of $6 that I expect it to disappear from store shelves faster than air disinfectant at a gaming convention.

Cover: The cover is really enticing.  It has a strong action scene of Space Marines fighting Space Orks.  The focus is on 40k with all text referencing the new Assault on Black Reach kit.

Editorial: This month’s editorial is quite decent.  The title is annoying with its juvenile alliteration.  How many times can I use the letter h in a sentence…only one way to find out.  Let’s see “..hotbed of high-octane hobby…” looks like three in close proximity.  Bow before my 31337 writing skillz (for those who don’t speak hacker that says elite writing skills).  Yes Mark we understand that you’re young and “hip” and “with it.”  You know how to sling a phrase and parse a sentence.  Whoopity-doo.  That said there’s some interesting bits of information such as it takes several (3? 5?) months to bring a single issue of the magazine from writing to publication.  Mark is spot on when he said “…The things they can do with plastic these days.”  I thought the very same thing.  It truly is amazing.

New Releases: The focus is on the Assault of Black Reach of course.  Why should it be anything different?  40k is GW’s flagship game and at $60 the box is a great deal.  Yay for plastic deffkoptas and they even included some new LoTR figures.  But what I most like is the Vanguard Veteran model in the Space Marines Spearhead selling for $239…yikes!

40k: The 40k coverage is extensive but not the only content.  They learned from their mistakes and spread the wealth without skimping on 40k.  The focus is on Assault of Black Reach in every 40k article and it is artfully done.  The batrep alone is so incredible to almost be cause enough to purchase the issue.  Did I mention the FREE Assault of Black Reach Space Marine Terminator and Space Ork Nob?  But more on that in my scoring.

WFB: Although little in quantity the quality is solid.  Fantasy fans may look at the cover and opt out of the purchase but those who scan the content will be pleased with the ‘Eavy Metal Masterclass and the article on raiding.

Toolbox: Maybe GW read our previous article and thought “Wow this guy in Massachusetts is dead on.  What were we thinking doing a Toolbox article on a battle mat?”  That probably isn’t the case but something happened resulting in them renaming the Toolbox article Citadel Hobby Essentials and honestly they’re better off with the new name.  Covering modular movement trays is a worthwhile topic.  Gamers may not spend much time thinking on something as basic as movement trays but for the Fantasy player they are a necessity.

LoTR: The Council of Elrond is incredible reading and a great value.  I can’t say enough how awesome this is and the quality of it makes up for the inclusion of only a single LoTR article.

Battlezones: This section has been sent to pasture and replaced with an article on Apocalypse.  Apocalypse is a great system but I’m saddened by the loss of Battlezones.  The Apocalypse article is interesting and serves to cover the distance traveled in 365 days and two Apocalypse rule books.  There’s solace in that…I suppose.

Event Calendar: Looks like all’s quiet in the northeast save for a series of 40k events at Game Castle in Londonderry NH.  They had a 3k “Son of ‘Ard Boyz” Fantasy tourney on the 6th but have some great 40k events on the 13th, 27th, and on October 11th (2,500pt Fantasy Mega-Battle) and 18th.  Be sure to call 603-423-7400 about the events.

Back Cover: Take cover!  Incoming drop pods.  That’s right new Space Marines codex is en route and the October 2008 issue will spend more time on 40k.

Preparation: 8/10 The magazine is much improved from previous months.  Errors are hard to spot, if they exist at all, and the binding is snug.  All told the magazine is in good shape and looks like care was taken in publishing this month’s dose of GW.

Visuals: 9/10 This is a stunningly beautiful issue. Wonderful photos adorn almost every single page. The visual beauty is enhanced by the 40k artwork.

Content: 9/10 There is a ton of content for 40k giving high marks to that. Every major game has at least one solid article.  Assault of Black Reach puts the spotlight on 40k, which is a detriment to some gamers.  Plus, some beloved features are gone and replaced with untested articles.  Only time will tell.

Value: 11/10 Whether you play 40k or think it the bane of existence you have to admit the value of this issue skyrockets above any other issue this entire year.  Here’s why.  It comes with a FREE Assault of Black Reach Space Marines Terminator and Ork Nob.  Sold separately the box of Terminators include 5 models, with bitz to make a sergeant, and costs $50.  The Ork Nob box includes 5 models and costs $45.  Purchasing 5 copies of this issue will get you a complete, basically, Ork Nob and Terminator unit at the cost of $30.  That saves you $65 when compared to the actual boxes.  No you won’t have all the bitz but even spending the cash to get the extra bitz you are still saving over $50 and can sell or trade the actual magazine for other things you need.  GW gave us all a major present this time.

Total: 30/40 A- or 94% for the average of the four categories. The value caused the overall score to skyrocket into the stratosphere.  Don’t let this issue elude your grasp.

written by ^Raven^

Tags

40k, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer Fantasy, White Dwarf Magazine.

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• Space Hulk Limited Edition: Thoughts October 15, 2009

Sometimes called a blast from the past, or remember when, we have our own time traveling series titled A Year Ago Today.  This shows you what we were doing on the blog one year ago.  We started this on February 7, 2008 in our enhanced podcast, now on hiatus, in Episode 30.

You could say this is us being lazy.  ”They don’t have anything new to write so they’re resurrecting old crap nobody cares about anymore.”  Won’t argue with you because it is pointless and there could be some truth in statements like that.  Instead we’re pushing onwards.

One year ago today we were hyping the High Elves in Warhammer Fantasy.  Our article, GW Fantasy High Elves Sneak Peek, showcased pics of upcoming models to whet your appetite.  Most eye catching was Alith Anar the Shadow King.

WFB Alith Anar Shadow King

Now this year the Dark Elves, the evil relatives of the High Elves, have their new army book after such a long wait. All Druchii must be utterly pleased with the development and especially those at Druchii.net, who were pivotal in the development.

It is funny how little has changed 12 months later.  We were talking about WFB Elves last August and we’re still discussing them this August.  Go figure.

written by ^Raven^

Tags

Warhammer Fantasy.

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• None Found. Write Your Own

Previously we’ve done two types of articles for each issue of White Dwarf and No Quarter magazines. We’ve crafted our Quick Picks and Inside series for each of the periodicals to help you decide the value in purchasing a particular issue. Our Quick Picks series highlight five of the best content pieces in each issue. The Inside series provides the table of contents and broad musings for each issue.

These series are being accompanied by a new member of the family. First Glance will provide our initial reactions to an issue. The First Glance articles will be composed as we peruse the issue for the very first time. As such the writing may be rougher than usual yet the realism will be enhanced. The raw thoughts will offer a truer unbiased and original response. Our first glance will address preparation (including production and publishing of the issue), visuals (the aesthetic appeal), content (value and volume), and value (is the issue worth your money).

We are kicking off the First Glance series with White Dwarf #342 for July 2008.

Cover: The cover is very appealing with the red hues and the war hammer on the front. It is easy to see what articles GW thinks is important. Clearly 40k is the focus of this issue as evidenced by 40k words, images, and slogans plastered across the cover.

Editorial: The flavor of the month continues as Mark Latham writes this month’s editorial. He says “I’ve been so distracted by my evergrowing Warhammer armies that I’ve neglected Warhammer 40,000.” In the next breath he rushes to say “…Warhammer 40,000 is more than just a set of rules” and “Warhammer 40,000 is here, and that means war!” So put down the LotR models they told you to use last month and dig into futuristic combat. Nice photo on the preceeding page.

New Releases: They look really nice and highlight the new 40k items. I love the 40k counter set and $15 is a steal. But, I think $90 for both the collector’s and gamers’ editions of the 40k rulebook are astronomical. I hope GW made yet another typo when they printed those prices. The moonscape is back huzzah for all and $17 is a great deal. I love the look of the Dark Elves Spearhead unit but $192 is beyond belief even for GW. They better be made of pure oil.

40k: The 40k coverage is extensive to say the least but that’s expected in the issue devoted to hyping gamers into a frenzy to buy the new edition. That said I’m a man who loves maps and I love the map on pages 32-33. If there’s one thing GW does well it is visuals. High scores for the visuals in this issue. The Batrep is in depth, pleasing, and well written.

WFB: Yay there’s quality Fantasy content in the issue. I feared they would forget to include it. The Daemonic Incursions article is a blessing and worthy read. Take it into the restroom while you vacate last night’s gaming diet of pizza and energy drinks.

Toolbox: How the heck is the Battlemat an entry for the monthly toolbox article? Using the term tool very loosely I suppose we can fit the mat in there. But if we’re defining terms that loosely we may as well just revert to calling the Earth a cube again.

LoTR: The Mordor Troll is one of the ugliest models I have ever seen. So…kudos? Not really sure if GW intended to make it that abominably ugly or if it is an unexpected byproduct like when Red Hood fell into that vat of chemicals and emerged as Batman’s arch nemesis.

Battlezones: This new section has won me over. I’m a total fanboy when it comes to well made terrain but who isn’t? There are great ideas in this section and the guide to making a gaming table, I feel like I’ve seen this in every other gaming outlet in existence, is quite helpful.

Event Calendar: There are some great events happening in Massachusetts. July 12th will be a busy day with a 40k 400pt Combat Patrol happening at Rising Phoenix Games in Cherry Valley. Then there is a 2k Team Apocalypse 40k event at The Whiz Store in Westborough. Plus Off the Wall Games, in Hadley, is running a two-day linked 40k event on the 12th and 13th ending in a mega battle. So much time and so little gaming. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.

Back Cover: It looks like the August 2008 issue will be more 40k based on the incredible photo adorning the rear cover. Couple that with the quick reference sheet insert for the new 40k rulebook and I think this will be the summer of 40k.

Preparation: 7/10 The magazine is well put together and I had trouble spotting any obvious typos. There may be a few, however, and my issue had too much adhesive goo in the rear pages.

Visuals: 9/10 This is a stunningly beautiful issue. Wonderful photos adorn almost every single page. The visual beauty is enhanced by the 40k artwork.

Content: 8/10 There is a ton of content for 40k giving high marks to that. However, all other games have sparse coverage with Fantasy receiving the remainder. No real content is given to LotR or GW’s other games.

Value: 6/10 If you love and only play 40k this will skyrocket to 10/10. But, if you’re like me and enjoy multiple GW games you’ll be disappointed by the more than usual bias towards the flavor of the month. Fantasy and LotR players are better off keeping the $6 in their pockets.

Total: 30/40 C or 75% for the average of the four categories.  The value definitely brought this down.  If they included just one quality article on LotR and one less on 40k the overall score would have risen to a B- or 80%.

written by ^Raven^

Tags

40k, Lord of the Rings, Warhammer Fantasy, White Dwarf Magazine.

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• Space Hulk Limited Edition: Thoughts October 15, 2009