ArcWorlde Kickstarter Review

     I know I haven't called,and  didn't write, but i's time o ge the band back together and talk about some awesome miniatures... like this Kickstarter from fledgling Warplocke Miniatures that has to be seen to be believed. 

     Okay so it's now July and.... wait, what? it's the end of August? well, damn! I hate alien abductions!

     All excuses aside, I've got a kickstarter to show you that's wrapping up, and you simply want to get in on this one before it ends.  Why? Because of this guy. If you're tired of cookie cutter games with blase models, this man is the cure for your ills.  seriously, go watch the Kickstarter video and you'll see what I mean. The video is worth the price of admission.

     So, let's talk about the minis. No fancy-pants computer renders here, these are all old-school greenworks.  The detail on these figures is simply stunning.  What I like about the material presented is that Alex is utilizing classic "Adventure Medieval" archetypes without falling into the classic tropes for them.  Undead Seafaring Pirates: Done. (Hey, maybe we should make a movie about that...or two... or six...) Undead Seafaring Pirates with undead rats and seagulls on their shoulders? That's a little different.  Orcs: Done.  Orcs with a swampy cajun flavor? Okay, I didn't see that one coming.  Unicorns? I got tons. Unicorns made out of brambles and briars called a Unithorn? You win this round, good sir.  The list goes on. Every single model in the line to me has enough character to pass muster as a unit leader or individual character for other mass combat games. Each model tells it's own story. I can just imagine Alex talking to each model as he's sculpting it, giving it life and personality.  Then again, I can also imagine him talking to his tea kettle in the morning, as well as his invisible friend Eugene Percival Hippopotamus IV, so it's not that much of a stretch.

     The basic rules for the game, plus the rules for all of the factions save the recently unlocked jungle golins (yup- jungle goblins!) are available as pdfs for backers to download.  If there's a downside to this project to find, you're going to find it here- The rules are pretty straightforward, run-of-the mill fare, with not alot of unique tweaks to use as selling points. Add to that the fact that Alex himself says the rules are designed more for theatrical/cinematic story and less for number crunched tournament style play, and I'm betting there will be some exceptional cheesemongery possible.  That being said, if you're looking for a friendly skirmish game designed for friendly play, this should be a real gem.

     The model line is intended to be cast in metal. Now, any of my regular readers know this is a sore spot for me, as I generally prefer any material to metal. Alex brings up a strong point that yes metal models are far better for home defense, however my *figure* case isn't the case I'm opening to prevent a home invasion, if you get my drift. Not to mention if I was so inclined, I still do own "Socko the Steamtank." However, for those of us that prefer dainty little soldierdolls to paint instead of metal, you can for a limited time get the warbands in the kickstarter in high quality resin- one more reason to get in one this one this week.  Que the spotlight, and get the angels singing, I'm back on board.  (Also, I think it's important to bring up that the Dragon and Giant kits will be in resin. Apparently while those would have been incredible sock-tech defensive measures, the sheer weight of 130mm tall pieces would can been cost prohibitive to produce or ship- not to mention from days-of-old experience they would have been a bear to pin together. Poor Socko the Steamtank cannot retire just yet.)

     If teasers or special incentives are your thing, there's a few worth mentioning- the Explorer is a kickstarter only model. Additionally, the warbands in resin will only be available during he kickstarter. There's also some neat non-model swag items, like the official t-shirt, custom dice, and these crystals that cane used as counters in-game (or, for me, more basing material.)

     Arcworlde has less than a week remaining. Now is the best time to get some great, characterful figures, and help out new young independent talent onto the scene- exactly what Kickstarters should be for- pledge on this before it's too late.

     Tune in later this week when I show you my Dropzone Commander paint scheme, as well as finally give you the finishes for our Spinespur Contest. Hmmm, I wonder if that means a new contest should be on the horizon. Unless Her Majesty needs me for more deep cover work.



    See you on the other side of the table.

The Second Class Elitist