Thursday, February 12, 2015

A mind of Metal and Machine: Cybertronic Mirrormen Unboxed


The Mirrormen had always been a bit of an odd duck in Warzone.  In one addition they were counter-espionage and drew attention to themselves so other units could sneak past, in another they were sneak-suited like the Predator.  What did Prodos decide?  "Why not both?"



The Mirrormen are a Support Unit for Cybertronic.  At 22 pts per model, they are an averaged cost Support Unit.  The unit is purchasable in a squad size of 5-10, and conveniently 5 models come in the box.

The unit is highly dispersible.  They have a LD of 17, plus the skill "Cell Link" which gives them a +3 for Squad Coherency purposes only.  10" from the Squad Leader gives you a lot of range on the tabletop.  They also have "Stay Frosty", which gives them a better chance of maintaining that wide spread as well.

 While the Mirrormen are best utilized in close combat, they have a good chance of getting there.  Their "Camouflaged Suit" special skill reduces the RS of anyone shooting at them by 2.  Since this is not a cover modifier, it easily stacks with them.  Additionally, if you turn to burn 1 Resource card at the start of each model's activation, you can increase it to a 4 point modifier.


The P1000 handgun has a respectable range of 18", although only ST 12 and RoF1. Like many Cybertornic units, their "Unblinking Eye" ability helps make the pistol a little better as well.  The real gem, however, is their close combat weapon. The CSA400 sword has a 1" range, +2ST, RoA 2, and an AVV1.  If you're expecting to take them on anti-armor duty (or, as I've used them for oddly enough, anti-building), upgrading the models to the CSA404 Heatsword (an additional +1 to ST, but a massive AVV5) can do a lot of damage for a mere 5 points per model.



Oh, that "distraction tactic" we mentioned earlier?  "Chrome-Mirrored Suit": Select one Mirrorman and turn to burn 2 Resources. All enemy models activated within 18" must past a LD test at -3, or shoot at him with their first AP, and with a -4 RS to boot.  Now... this is one of those poorly worded rules bits.  Let's assume that if they can't draw LOS they're immune...because that just makes sense.  However, there's nothing really clarifying if they can avoid shooting at him if he's in close combat... so decide on your own jerk factor on that one for now. Once your opponent does have to shoot, their 15(11) armor will keep them around for a while.


If you like making your models more expensive, CNA, Dermal Mirror Shards, and Steel skin are great defensive upgrades, while Mitochondrial Infusion and Weapons Overhaul are great for the "best defense is a good offense" types.




The models come on two sprues:  3 and 2 Mirrormen each.  The 2-model sprue contains one extra component:  a variant sword which you can either use as the heatsword (if you really only want one), or to differentiate the Squad Leader, which is my suggestion.  There's a goodly amount of resin flash, but nothing that can't be cleaned up easily. The models are a simple three-part assembly:  the model, and a pair of forearms that connect at the elbows. I'm really a fan of the way these elbow joints work: it would be a simple conversion to alter the angle the arm sits at (something I plan to do with my second box).  Also, the five poses are pretty distinct, allowing for some more variation in the unit.  




Simple assembly, striking poses, and a sharp unit you can paint up several different ways.  While these guys aren't exactly a "must" in the Cybertornic list (one of Cyber's strengths is that there are very few "must haves" allowing you to tailor well to your gameplay, meta, and opponent). they are a solid unit with above average survivability which are a good addition for any Cybertronic player. 

2 comments:

  1. This look like an amazing toy, really when I was young I have so many toys like this and I think now kids want toys which are exactly like this and this is not only my opinion, even the VKQ and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F5ddhy1g4JCu7PWnNgVBQ confirmed it

    ReplyDelete
  2. This look like an amazing toy, really when I was young I have so many toys like this and I think now kids want toys which are exactly like this and this is not only my opinion, even the VKQ and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4F5ddhy1g4JCu7PWnNgVBQ confirmed it

    ReplyDelete