Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Giger on April 26, 2013, 02:51:37 PM
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http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game
Already smashed through the $50k goal. Really looking forward to this, the scenery alone will win a lot of people over regardless of the miniatures/rules though I'm all in here and hope to be able to use the miniatures in Warpath.
You can find a very handy tracker on the Deadzone KS home page which is updated for each stretch goal and lets you know exactly what you will get at the various levels.
Here's a break down of the stretch goals achieved:
$50,000 – Funded!
$100,000 – One FREE scenery sprue upgrade
$125,000 – FREE specialist minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer Engineer, Plague 2nd Gen, Marauder in Ripper Armour with Long-ranged Weaponry, Rebs Grogan with Desolator Heavy Weapon
$150,000 – One FREE scenery sprue upgrade
$175,000 – FREE faction support minis added to Faction Starters – 2x Enforcer Sentry Guns, 2x Plague Hounds, 2x Mawbeast Bombers, 2x Rebs Drones
$200,000 – FREE mini The Survivor, Mercenary character
$225,000 – FREE specialist minis added to Faction Starters – alternate 2nd Gen, Marauder Goblin Sniper, Enforcer Sniper, Teraton Brawler
$250,000 – FREE additional scenery sprue
$275,000 – FREE minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer with Assault Rifle, alternate 2nd Gen, alternate Yndij, two extra sets of Ripper Suit Weapons
$300,000 – FREE deluxe gaming mat upgrade
$315,000 – Shadrek Mal-Raz (The Helfather) mini add-on
$315,000 – FREE Nexus Psi Digital Campaign
$332,500 – FREE Enforcer with Assault Blade mini added to Enforcer Faction Starter
$340,000 – FREE Rebs Yndij rebel fighter mini added to Rebs Faction Starter
$347,500 – FREE Marauder Sniper mini added to Marauders Faction Starter
$355,000 – FREE 3rd Gen Plague with Heavy Machinegun added to Plague Faction Starter
$375,000 – FREE scenery sprue
$400,000 – Landing Zone BattleZone terrain option
$415,000 – Four specialist minis unlocked as add-ons – Marauder Hulk, Rebs Kraaw, Enforcer with Incinerator/Burst Laser weapon options, Plague 3rd Gen with Grenade Launcher
$430,000 – FREE trooper minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer with Assault Blade, Plague 3rd Gen, Rebs Sorak, Marauder Commando
$450,000 – Fortified Defence Line BattleZone terrain option
$460,000 – Chovar mercenary mini add-on
$500,000 – Expanded Universe factions and FREE Faction Starter to Strike Team and up
$510,000 - One additional building sprue to each BattleZone for FREE
$520,000 - FREE Doctor Gayle Simmonds (Plague character)
$525,000 - FREE Deadzone short-story compilation
$537,500 – FREE Recon Unit N32-19 mini
$550,000 – Ruined BattleZone terrain option
$560,000 – FREE Asterian Drone with Energy Cannon/Shield Generator and Forge Father Inferno Drill added to faction starters
$575,000 – FREE Asterian Asterian Cypher with Fission Beam and two with Flux Rifles and three Forge Father Brokkrs added to faction starters
$590,000 – FREE Nastanza, Twilight Huntress (merc)
$600,000 – Deadzone Compendium: The Ultimate Gamer’s Guide
$610,000 – Zombie Rules
$635,000 - FREE Hard Plastic Plague Zombies (also as add on)
$650,000 - FREE new Asterian and Forge Father Specialists added to faction starters
$665,000 - FREE Wrath, Judwan Mercenary
$675,000 - Big games rules added to Deadzone Compendium
$700,000 - Enforcer Faction Booster
$705,000 - Deadzone Acrylic Counter Set add on
$728,986 - FREE DreadBall Character (random)
$730,000 - Plague Faction Booster
$740,000 - FREE Blaine, Mercenary (Kickstarter exclusive)
$765,000 - Rebs Faction Booster
$775,000 - Solo Play and A.I. Cards
$800,000 - Marauder Faction Booster
$810,000 - Asterian and Forge Father Upgrades
$825,000 - FREE Codename Oberon, Nameless Mercenary (Kickstarter exclusive)
$860,000 - Asterian Faction Booster
$875,000 - Plague Zombie Campaign
$910,000 - Forge Father Faction Booster
$925,000 - FREE Freya, Forge Father Smuggler
$935,000 - Resin Loot Counters
$950,000 - Nem-Rath, Asterian Observer
$960,000 - Meet the team
$975,000 - Kish, Plague Named Character
$1,000,000 - FREE 2 more Scenery Sprues in Strike and Deadzone Collector's Edition Book!
$1,015,000 - Sergeant Howlett
$1,050,000 - Deadzone Plague/Corporation Strider
$1,065,000 - Eddak P’mera, Yndij Hunter
$1,080,000 - Bjarg Starnafall, Forge Father Character
$1,100,000 - Marauder Stuntbot
$1,120,000 - FREE Faction Starter Boost
$1,140,000 - Chief Radgrad, Marauder
$1,150,000 - Defense Line Upgrade Scenery Sprue
$1,170,000 - Female Enforcer Pathfinder Sniper on Infiltrator Bike
$1,180,000 - Boomer, Marauder Grenadier
$1,200,000 - Urban Pattern Iron Ancestor, Forge Father Vehicle
Coming up:
$1,225,000 - Enforcer Peacekeepers
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Waiting to see about the scenery or scenery only pledges before doing anything. Not interested in the minis or game, just the bulkhead blocks.
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I'm sure they will do an add-on for the terrain, they would be crazy not to and they have hinted they'll be going back to terrain on later stretch goals too.
Edit: A terrain only pledge is coming
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I may back this. Maybe only at $65 though. D you know how much terrain comes in this base box?
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Wow, the pledges escalated quickly.
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D you know how much terrain comes in this base box?
On the more expensive sets it says 3 or 5 sprues, so presumably at most 3 probably less.
Even for the designed 2'x2' table you will probably need more. Hopefully stretch goals will add more sprues.
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Expect to see more terrain pieces added later along with both a pledge level and add-ons.
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If the terrain is as good and cheap as met terrain I'll be interested to see, other than that I have no interest in seeing another awful mantic system that will not sell.
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I like mantic too. I'm still waiting on the stuff from their first kickstarter. Tbh I have too much stuff at the moment, with the bones coming through as well. I really like their zombies and could imagine them fitting into this game too. I'm mostly interested in the terrain.
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I am unsure on what exactly the games that are awful and are not selling are by this company.
Maybe it does better overseas but the shops I know of aren't really shifting Mantic stuff. They do okay direct I believe but the shops....
I don't have strong feelings either way myself, I own some of the figs but I don't like most of the stuff they've done and the one game I tried didn't impress me. I'll be interested in watching the scenery in this one though.
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Personally I love the Mantic ranges and enjoy playing them but each to their own. Also we should be getting a kickstarter for Warpath at some point next year, Deadzone is filling out the fluff for the universe as well as providing troops that will be elite units in Warpath as well qas the scenery.
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I have heard a few gripes from retailers re mantic's online sales not leaving them alot of meat on the bone.
I think that's spot on. The store closest to me has stopped carrying Mantic due to small sales, but Mantic must be making money, otherwise we probably would not see new games from them.
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I wonder why people are so excited about this? Is it the promise of a lot of free stuff? The models are ok, but not extraordinary. The terrain looks potentially exciting but as of now it's boxy and basic and there's not enough of it to do much with. I sort of got Dreadball, but this one seems to me to be riding on the euphoria of the last KS more than due to inherent merit. Perhaps I'm missing something...
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Maybe it does better overseas but the shops I know of aren't really shifting Mantic stuff. They do okay direct I believe but the shops....
But are the Shops actively supporting/promoting the Games/Miniatures that are on the shelves, my FLGS has gone now - because all the staff did was sit behind the counter and watch DVD's all day.
Gone are the days when you can just stock product and expect it to sell, there is so much choice with miniatures and wargames if you don't actively promote stuff people will shop online - it is generally cheaper after all.
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But are the Shops actively supporting/promoting the Games/Miniatures that are on the shelves, my FLGS has gone now - because all the staff did was sit behind the counter and watch DVD's all day.
Gone are the days when you can just stock product and expect it to sell, there is so much choice with miniatures and wargames if you don't actively promote stuff people will shop online - it is generally cheaper after all.
Thank you so much for summing up my thoughts on this subject in just two paragraphs! :)
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But are the Shops actively supporting/promoting the Games/Miniatures that are on the shelves
I agree that can be a problem but I can guarantee one of them tried pretty hard.
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Thank you so much for summing up my thoughts on this subject in just two paragraphs! :)
Thanks :D
As for trying pretty hard - did they have release "days" for new Products, Run Demo Games (either by demand and/or bookings), special events days, promotions for specific Armies etc
ALL these things are important tools - and are either rarely used or underused.
I think (personally) a lot of FLGS got lazy because of the CCG Explosion - people wanted to play games all the time, products flew off the shelves, most Tournaments were run by customers who volunteered (I did so for Heroclix when it first came out) - and I think (again, it's a personal opinion) a lot of FLG owners ended up in a mindset that doesn't serve them well anymore.
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The kickstarter feels a bit like copying Sedition Wars with the first three factions. And they don't look very cheap...The Enforcers I bought in October have more miniatures for the same value.
So no, not really excited.
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Does anyone know if these minis are going to be high quality resin or plastic, rather than the rubbish they used for Dreadball? I am unsure about following this project based on that alone. We chucked a lot of money into Dreadball and have been disappointed several times. Damaged goods, late delivery, delivery after general release, poor quality casting, poor quality material... :?
The rules and the game are very fun, I will give Mantic that, and the amount of stuff we got for 'free' was fantastic, but quality really lets them down. It must be really disappointing for the sculptors...
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A terrain only pledge is coming
That sounds good. As I just wrote in the older thread about this subject, I didn't find one nor yet a way to pledge just for the starter sets. Perhaps that is coming as well, hmmm?
The kickstarter feels a bit like copying Sedition Wars with the first three factions
Yep, the Rebs even have a big bald heavy weapon guy -- surely not a complete coincidence. But given that, the lot should go fairly well together 8)
Anyhow I'm mostly waiting to see if/when they come up with a pledge for the terrain pieces. Then I might very well give 'em some money.
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That sounds good. As I just wrote in the older thread about this subject, I didn't find one nor yet a way to pledge just for the starter sets. Perhaps that is coming as well, hmmm?
Expect to see quite a few more add-ons as the KS develops, I don't think they want to put a terrain only pledge up until they have a good amount of terrain sprues which will come through further stretches.
The miniatures are made of the same plastic as Dreadball and Sedition Wars. Having jumped on the Sedition Wars KS I know it isn't the best material and requires work however I believe they have spoken to the factory to reduce the amount of flash and mold lines on these so hopefully they'll come through on this.
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Given the (almost) incessant (and often quite loud) whining of some who "got robbed" at SedWar KS, I personally found Battle for Alabaster minis material to be surprisingly adequately workable. So if it's the same stuff then OK. But I've heard that Mantic version of restic is actually softer so I don't really know who to believe o_o
ETA - BTW will all the minis involved come in coloured plastic and preassembled, or is it just the "basic game box versions" of the Enforcers and the Plaque that do?
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Well it is definitely the same material as the Dreadball minis, I also have a a Forge Fathers army and some of those are also in the 'restic' material and I must say that they are much better than the Sedition Wars miniatures in that they have minimum mold lines and very little cleaning up needed in general.
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Maybe I've just gotten lucky then because my B4A figs don't have anything excessive in regards to mold lines or whatnot. Of course I'm quite happy for Mantic if theirs are better yet 8)
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Well I'm just checking for confirmation on this, the less you have to do to get miniatures on the table the better.
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I think this is a pass having slept on it over the weekend. Terrain is good potential, but I'll wait for more variety.
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Right chaps this is what Mantic have said about the miniatures:
the miniatures are the same plastic as our DreadBall miniatures, sometimes called resin-plastic - it captures detail very well and allows far more dynamic posing than the hard plastic of the scenery. We have spoken to our factory after the DreadBall models, and taken action to reduce the mould lines and flash on the figures.
I think this is a pass having slept on it over the weekend. Terrain is good potential, but I'll wait for more variety.
Depending on how far the KS goes (and it has potential to go very far) I think we will see a lot of additional terrain being added.
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The bit about "more dynamic posing" might be taken to indicate that the minis will indeed all be preassembled.
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You can take a look at some sculpts on Remy's blog http://remytremblay.sculpture.over-blog.com/
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I love Necromunda and hope this will be a similar type of game. Right now I've pledged at the four starter units level but that may change if a scenery only pledge appears...
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At this stage in hobby-related life, the idea of a reasonably-priced, self-contained skirmish game with mat, terrain, figs, fast-play rules is very attractive. This looks like it will fill the niche.
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It certainly does and the modular terrain alone is a winner, I'll be adding on plenty more when they become available. The only other thing I am waiting for is the appearance of the Forge Fathers.
The OP has also been updated with the next stretch goal!
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These enforcers are supposed to be in hard plastic, not restic. Went in for the $150 level. Messaged some friends about going in with me for the other non-enforcer factions, but if I get stuck with all 4 I won't lose much sleep over it. Actually, the biggest problem might be the rebels, they are looknig freaking AWESOME! I thought for sure one buddy would go orks, but he might not be able to resist the siren call of the human scum/alien hodgepodge. Which will be a problem since I feel the call as well...
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These enforcers are supposed to be in hard plastic, not restic
The sculpter of the original Enforcers does say so in his blog but I'd strongly doubt this unless/until it's put up on the KS page.
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The Enforcers are digitally sculpted and I expect that they will be made available in injection moulded polystyrene (GW plastic) as the KS progresses, like what happened in the Warzone KS. I guess that Remy (the sculptor) probably wasnt supposed to let it slip that the Enforcers would end up in "proper" plastic.
The "restic" material used for the SW: BfA figures and a lot of Mantics output isnt the best to work with, but it can be brought to a satisfactory tabletop level (link to my painted DreadBall stuff (http://sho3box.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/dreadball-season-1-summary/)). The low cost of those figures (quadruply so when picked up via a Mantic Kickstarter) makes it worthwhile to me as I have limited hobby spend these days. The payoff is worth it... to me at least.
At this stage in hobby-related life, the idea of a reasonably-priced, self-contained skirmish game with mat, terrain, figs, fast-play rules is very attractive. This looks like it will fill the niche.
Yep, thats a huge draw for me too. DreadBall is a great rule set, so the fact that Deadzone is written by the same guy is very promising. That Deadzone is played on a grid rather than using tape measures also appeals to me a lot: its cuts out a lot of the wooliness inherent in wargames and allows for easy to run day long tournaments at my club (I would never try to do that with a game that uses tape measures).
With the inclusion of non-gothic injection molded polystyrene sci-fi scenery pieces Deadzone is pretty much all good news as far as I am concerned.
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Yep - modular, skull-less, scenery pushed me over the edge too.
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I threw in a $1 place holder pledge as this seems to have potential but I'm still dubious of this at the moment. I dislike the marketing strategy of the up front undersell with items they intended to include all along to get "unlocked" along the way. I know it's worked for them and CMON in the past, but it's still annoying to me.
One thing I'm curious about is why many seem to be excited about the modular terrain. From the sketches and pictures of the prototype terrain, it seems to be a direct analog to the Technolog (Pegasus) "Platformer" and "Hexagon" terrain kits.
I have several of them and love them. Those sets are already available, modular, injection molded plastic and fairly cheap. I'm all for variety, but these kits (assuming they live up to Mantic's hype) wouldn't be all that groundbreaking. What's the appeal of these over the Technolog kits?
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One thing I'm curious about is why many seem to be excited about the modular terrain. From the sketches and pictures of the prototype terrain, it seems to be a direct analog to the Technolog (Pegasus) "Platformer" and "Hexagon" terrain kits.
Hah,exactly my Thoughts.I dont like the "Platformer" Aesthetic to be honest,not to mention the 100+ Tiles necessary to build the Stuff shown in the Teaser Video-12 or 16 Tiles alone for a Techy Tunnel o_o still cheaper than Sarissa System Pods though but not as cool 8)
I wonder what Game they bring us next,a Space Combat Game set in the Warpath Universe perhaps? :D
i think i'm purchasing some of the Plaque Guys when they're available and a Bunch of the new Enforcers ;D
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New starter add-ons now available for those who want more or just the miniatures along with a sneak peak at two future stretch goals, the upgraded mat and a possible Forge Father:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/467737
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I threw in a $1 place holder pledge as this seems to have potential but I'm still dubious of this at the moment. I dislike the marketing strategy of the up front undersell with items they intended to include all along to get "unlocked" along the way.
Those are actually my favorite stretches, the ones that improve the base product for everyone, including the people that buy it retail later on! For me, that's the real purpose of Kiskstarter, not simply getting lots of free stuff (although that is cool) but actually bringing a product to market and making a mediocre product into something of much, much higher quality.
I KNOW those are not fake stretch goals when Mantic does them. Not because I have any faith in Mantic in this regard, but because they have released mediocre products before. Dwarf Kings Hold and Project Pandora. They're as expensive as anything that Fantasy Flight games releases, but the components are pretty poor. The boxes are the thin cardboard that model kits come in and not board game boxes, the dungeon tiles are thin cardstock, small black and white rules booklet. Only the figures are any good and they're just the same sprues as the normal box sets Mantic does.
Remember, the entire run for board games must be paid for before they're ever printed, and the more you have made at the same time the better the deal a company gets from the manufacturer. Games are always a balance of what money you have on hand to pay for the up-front printing/sculpting/manufacturing costs vs how many units you know you'll be able to move to recoup those costs and then turn a profit. So in a very, very real way the kickstarters ARE improving the box games. These are not at all "fake" goals, they absolutely would not happen without the money from the kickstarter. Kickstarter is a double-whammy for board games, it servers as an indicator of interest AND it gives you the money up-front before the game is made. Without that extra money, even a company like Mantic will make (and has made) a mediocre product. With that money, a company like Mantic will produce a game like Dreadball. Dreadball without a kickstarter would be on cheap cardboard with no figures or bases or counters and all the expansion teams would be metal (and cost twice as much). The difference is having the money AND knowing how popular a game will be before it's made.
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Those are actually my favorite stretches, the ones that improve the base product for everyone, including the people that buy it retail later on! For me, that's the real purpose of Kiskstarter, not simply getting lots of free stuff (although that is cool) but actually bringing a product to market and making a mediocre product into something of much, much higher quality
Mantic would have produced this game without Kickstarter. The KS is just a glorified preorder system in this case.
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Hi!
I must admit that this is the first of Mantics kickstarters that's really interested me and while I agree that they would have released it anyway, it does look like with the aid of all the funding, the end product is going to be very much better than if they hadn't gone down the kickstarter route.
Another real plus is the fact it doesn't need huge amounts of space or figures to play, which for someone with a very small gaming space and glacial painting speed is great. Coupled with the rather snazzy figures and scenery, its a very tempting prospect indeed!
I'm not sure why mantic seems to get so much stick, they produce affordable figures which look good once painted and have even moved away from copying GW so much and are moving from the whole mass battle thing into these more niche small games which is really great!
All the best!
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Mantic would have produced this game without Kickstarter. The KS is just a glorified preorder system in this case.
They may well have done but it wouldn't be half the game it will be because of it. Take DKH as kalamadea said, the game is great and I really enjoy playing it however the materials used for the boards and markers are pretty basic along with a b&w booklet. Now if Deadzone had just been a straight release I imagine that we would have gotten something similar for it due to monetary constraints but instead if the stretch goals are met we're going to end up with a fantastic amount of things added to the base game as well as having the materials used improved.
I know some people are dubious about these Kickstarter campaigns but in an age where one bad release can mean a company closing doors it makes sense to put a product up on Kickstarter and say this is what we want to release and if it doesn't get funded they can learn from their mistake without it being a disaster for the company yet if it is successful then not only does it get funded it often gets improved over what would have been possible without Kickstarter. Well that's two shillings on that one anyway.
On the topic of mass battle games I'd expect to see a Warpath Kickstarter next year, probably to cover new units like tanks etc.
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Sure the original funding goal of $50,000 wouldn't have gotten them the game the plan on producing (and have since the start). That's what's dishonest about it.
They should have included the so called "extras" from the start with a realistic funding goal of $250,000 or $300,000.
Oh yeah, but then there's no excitement as they blow past their funding goal in one day! Woo hoo we've smashed another goal and you get something else shiny!
I know I'm more cynical than the average but the fact that people not only buy into this kind of marketing, but get excited about it just makes me shake my head.
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Sure the original funding goal of $50,000 wouldn't have gotten them the game the plan on producing (and have since the start). That's what's dishonest about it.
They should have included the so called "extras" from the start with a realistic funding goal of $250,000 or $300,000.
Oh yeah, but then there's no excitement as they blow past their funding goal in one day! Woo hoo we've smashed another goal and you get something else shiny!
I know I'm more cynical than the average but the fact that people not only buy into this kind of marketing, but get excited about it just makes me shake my head.
My thoughts exactly. Its hollow sensationalism really.
I was tempted by the KS at first, but Martian Front looks more appealing at present.
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Mantic would have produced this game without Kickstarter. The KS is just a glorified preorder system in this case.
Not specifically picking on you Kitsune, but I feel like this is a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation for them.
If they don't do a lot of pre-KS work, you end up with Gates of Antares, and people saying that they are amatures and that they should have had tons of concepts and sculpts done beforehand.
If they do what they have done and get a lot of the work done pre-KS, people cry that they are abusing KS as a pre-order system.
It's a no win situation.
Also, I am an huge fan of what I have seen so far for this project, and the general idea behind it (self-contained scifi skirmish game). I'll be investing heavily.
~Eric
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I'm in a bit of a snit because the latest Stretch Goal (upgraded material on Game mat) isn't offered to those below Strike level. So that "Early Bird Recon with all applicable Stretch Goals" doesn't apply? Why not?
I think I'll label this a "Sketch Goal". 'Cause that sleight-of-hand/bait-and-switch is a touch sketchy.
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One of the things that Mantic, amongst others, has said is that Kickstarter allows them to accelerate their development schedule significantly. Reaper said the same thing about their Bones line.
As far as I'm concerned, it's win-win. Mantic gets an entire game line to market quickly (and a bunch of stuff for Warpath, clever boys), and I get a "complete" game up front, with lots of options and factions to keep it interesting.
Lines of figures that stay incomplete for years, or die and never get all the options you want are, of course, another pet peeve of gamers...
As for setting a "realistic" target, it's pretty clear what works for minis games on Kickstarter - reasonable funding target, lots of stretch goals. Anyone who doesn't do it that way is shooting themselves in the foot.
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As for setting a "realistic" target, it's pretty clear what works for minis games on Kickstarter - reasonable funding target, lots of stretch goals. Anyone who doesn't do it that way is shooting themselves in the foot.
No I get that it works, I'm just exasperated that we as customers let it work that way. I don't remember if I saw it on another thread or just imagined it but there is a joke about the board game kickstarter life cycle that starts with confusion, moves to overly enthusiastic pledging, followed by impatient waiting, slipped deadlines and angry fist shaking only to end in crushing disappointment.
I went all in early with the original Zombicide and Sedition Wars but I've found recently I prefer just to wait until the very end when the 48 hour notice goes out, but then your stuck wading through all of the updates you didn't pay attention to to find out where you want your pledge.
I'm in a bit of a snit because the latest Stretch Goal (upgraded material on Game mat) isn't offered to those below Strike level. So that "Early Bird Recon with all applicable Stretch Goals" doesn't apply? Why not?
I think I'll label this a "Sketch Goal". 'Cause that sleight-of-hand/bait-and-switch is a touch sketchy.
Looking at the comments on that update it's an odd justification that they can't afford to upgrade the mat at the recon level when according to my math it looks like the same (and possibly more) discount is built into the strike team level. I would guess it's just another way to drive more folks to the higher level. In that respect I prefer the CMON style where there was one set level where you got all of the stretch goals or none.
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Yeah. I read through their rationalizations, did a mental inventory of my unpainted lead mountain, and cancelled my pledge. Not like I need more figs, and I'm not keen on supporting a lame business model.
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Yeah. I read through their rationalizations, did a mental inventory of my unpainted lead mountain, and cancelled my pledge. Not like I need more figs, and I'm not keen on supporting a lame business model.
Why are they rationalizations and not reasons? What is lame about the business model?
Curious.
~Eric
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Already had this discussion but a concise Pledge description would have helped immensely. Felt too much like a bait-and-switch to me.
Long and short: "Applicable Stretch Goals" apparently translates in Mantic-speak as 'selected rewards deemed feasible by company' or 'X number of early stretch goals'. Between the miscommunication and the bad experience I had with the Enforcers Pre-Order, I opted out.
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I'm in!
... Albeit only when they're done with this pre-order malarky and have actualized the product.
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One thing I'm curious about is why many seem to be excited about the modular terrain. From the sketches and pictures of the prototype terrain, it seems to be a direct analog to the Technolog (Pegasus) "Platformer" and "Hexagon" terrain kits
Analogous they may be but they don't seem to be "same shit, different package" to me. These appear to be designed more for making buildings while the Hexagon and Platformer seem to be primarily geared towards making, well, platforms and walkways. So I see these more as complementary than competing products. Of course if these are very expensive comparatively to the Russian products then I may have to give them a pass too.
Furthermore, having slept on it I don't really think I'll be getting too many of the infantry figs from this. Even tho I've been repeatedly told how pap the B4A figs are, I'm fairly happy with them (I suppose I have really low standards or something) and they are at the very least analogous with the Enforcers as well. Will have to see what crops up for the Rebs.
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No I get that it works, I'm just exasperated that we as customers let it work that way. I don't remember if I saw it on another thread or just imagined it but there is a joke about the board game kickstarter life cycle that starts with confusion, moves to overly enthusiastic pledging, followed by impatient waiting, slipped deadlines and angry fist shaking only to end in crushing disappointment.
I went all in early with the original Zombicide and Sedition Wars but I've found recently I prefer just to wait until the very end when the 48 hour notice goes out, but then your stuck wading through all of the updates you didn't pay attention to to find out where you want your pledge.
I take your point, but I feel that if you keep your head with Kickstarters, you'll be fine. I bought in at Recon for the following reasons:
1) I could actually use a minis/boardgame that plays on a small area;
2) The pledge as it stands is value for money, with the prospect of more stuff to come;
3) I'm happy with Mantic and I have a fair idea of the quality they'll produce;
4) Of my four Kickstarters, I've painted one, I'm half way through the second, with the third in the wings and with the last still to arrive - these minis will be painted and played with.
My pledge may go up or down, depending on how the rules pan out - if they're bad, I may drop back to the figures I really want (probably the Enforcer and Reb factions, plus some terrain).
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Furthermore, having slept on it I don't really think I'll be getting too many of the infantry figs from this. Even tho I've been repeatedly told how pap the B4A figs are, I'm fairly happy with them (I suppose I have really low standards or something) and they are at the very least analogous with the Enforcers as well. Will have to see what crops up for the Rebs.
I have the B4A figures and am satisfied with them too so you're not alone. I don't have any of the dreadball figures, but I do have some of the corporation and enforcer figures. Assuming that the deadzone figures come out with the same level of quality, I don't have any fears.
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I might change my mind about getting Enforcers if they do turn out in hard plastic but frankly ATM I don't think I'm very likely to give in even then, recalling that they are on the big side compared to my other scifi figs.
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Ronnie did a Q&A on both Mantic's Facebook page and in the comments section of the Kickstarter, some very interested bits of information in their so head on over and take a look.
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Next stretch has been reached so the mats are in (goody goody), the next stretch is for the The Helfather at $315k:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/470700
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Two developments that are (from my perspective) quite positive.
First, Mantic has released the draft Deadzone rules via pdf to all, not just backers of the project:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10049744/deadzone-alpha-3rd-may.pdf (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10049744/deadzone-alpha-3rd-may.pdf)
I'm impressed that they had the courage to go for a pre-release of the rules, unlike CMON Kickstarters where you have to take it on faith the rules will be decent. I haven't had time to go through them yet, but I'm just happy to have something concrete before I commit. Thank you Mantic.
Second, Secret Weapon Miniatures has an ongoing Kickstarter for plastic terrain tiles. They have announced that they will alter their urban roads set to work with the Deadzone Grid 3" grid system.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1084069684/tablescapes-by-secret-weapon-miniatures/posts/471192 (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1084069684/tablescapes-by-secret-weapon-miniatures/posts/471192)
As I'm already pledging for the streets in that Kickstarter, that makes Deadzone that much more attractive. I'm still not 100% on board yet, but I certainly like the synergy.
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it all looks very snazzy indeed,yet Mantic Games feels a bit like Junkfood to me.you know its very fresh and hot but only for a short while,it will satisfy you but only for a few Hours ,until your Appetite returns lol
that said i'm very pleased with the Mantic Minis i have,i would like to see them doing those Aircrafts popping up in Video ;D
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it all looks very snazzy indeed,yet Mantic Games feels a bit like Junkfood to me.you know its very fresh and hot but only for a short while,it will satisfy you but only for a few Hours ,until your Appetite returns lol
On some of the old stuff I'd certainly agree with you. The Project Pandora game felt like that. It was a nice rule set, but the missions were very ho-hum. Hopefully Deadzone will build in more long term fun with free form play versus canned missions.
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Not overly blown away with the campaign SG but the Helfather looks great and I'm sure something good will be coming up for the $350k or $375k SG
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8x8, a 7x7 would only be 21". Somebody on Dakka pointed out that since the game uses D8s it's perfect for randomising squares for random effects/deployment/whatever. Trying to go over the rules, but my brain is pretty fried from work. Will try again after some sleep.
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I just had a read through the rules and it's IGOUGO. ARGH, why, why! He tries to break it up with an overwatch and card mechanic, but it's still the same old clunky system that I haven't found fun since I tried my first alternating activation game. IGOUGO works for traditional board games, but I find it very boring for skirmish type games. What a bummer.
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On his blog Thornton talks a bit about why exactly he went with IGOUGO. Short version of it is he originally tried alternating activation and while it worked just fine but he didn't like how it felt. He does say he's developing a command stat to mitigate IGOUGO but it's nowhere near balanced enough for the alpha yet and I have no idea how it will play out. In his new post today he talks about feedback he's received just so far and he is actively listening and responding to it on his blog. Based on feedback he's now thinking about including an optional variant ruleset that uses alternate activating
I totally agree with Rwwin, I love alternate activation games (so long as there's a mechanism in place to balance out cheapy model activation sinks). I don't HATE IGOUGO per say, it's just nowhere near as interesting and I've always felt that simply changing any game to alternating order added a lot of tactical choice to any game that used it.
http://quirkworthy.com/2013/05/03/deadzone-alpha-rules/ (http://quirkworthy.com/2013/05/03/deadzone-alpha-rules/)
At any rate, I've got a game later today with some friends using my Star Wars Minis. Stormtrooper Enforcers and Rebel Plague :D Wookies as Stage 2 beasties? oh HELLZ yes!
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Just saw this on Antenociti's Workshop FB page:
On my travels yesterday I visited Mantic games in Nottingham, whoa re currently running a Kickstarter project (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game )
Amongst other things discussed I got to see the new gaming-mat that they have now just successfully funded, and amongst all the other great stuff they are doing, that gaming mat really stood out in terms of quality and functionality i.e. it looked great and felt like quality in a "material" that seemed perfect for the job. (see link)
http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/mat-on-white.jpg
Its not often that I think "Wow, i'd really like to steal that idea!" but this is one of those times.
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It does look like a nice upgrade, but as my Secret Weapon Kickstarter pledge already gets me enough boards to make a 2'x3' setup, it's unimportant for me at the moment.
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News on the terrain add-on:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/472523
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Hmmmm.
The matt idea is very nice, looks to be the same sort of material as some mouse matts in which case I can see the appeal.
However for me, it's not a goer.
I have played Dust Tactics and this just seems to be another take on using a grid system. If I am totally honest I don't think it suits 28mm. I think smaller squares or hexes even and it suits smaller scale miniatures.
The other thing I find hard about the squares is that terrain essentially has to fit it in some way or other, and that in most cases one square can only be occupied by one unit. I suppose it is a bit too abstract for me.
The terrain and miniatures look nice, so I am waiting to see the terrain deals before really considering whether to go in on this or not.
The secret weapon stuff is nice, but again, not interested in the boards so will wait to see if the detail bits they are suggesting at the moment, will meet my needs gaming wise.
All very nice stuff though. The miniatures on this one are for the most part very nice looking as is the terrain.
As others have said, igug rule systems tend to bore me a bit now. Having said that it's pretty easy to house rule and implement a card deck activation system.
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Quite a few SGs gone through this weekend with an extra model being added to each faction and looks like the long awaiting scenery SG and add-ons will be with us on Wednesday, better get my wallet ready.
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However for me, it's not a goer.
I have played Dust Tactics and this just seems to be another take on using a grid system. If I am totally honest I don't think it suits 28mm. I think smaller squares or hexes even and it suits smaller scale miniatures.
The other thing I find hard about the squares is that terrain essentially has to fit it in some way or other, and that in most cases one square can only be occupied by one unit. I suppose it is a bit too abstract for me.
Read the rules, Matt and you'll see it's nothing like Dust Tactics. The squares are for movement, range and cover. Placement of the figure within that square is still very important for line of sight and there can be four regular sized figures per square. The squares mean no faffing about or disputes over eighths of inches for movement and range.
I'm interested to see the new activation system (Jake Thorton decided the IGOUGO system didn't scale for larger games) but it looks to be a great little set of rules.
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I have downloaded them.
I guess it's just a wargamers mind or something but having a table all gridded up seems to not settle well with me.
I can understand the merits, and I understand it removes some elements of 'discussion' from a game. However, I have always felt that the points in game where there could be contention, really comes down to who you are playing rather than the rules.
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Personally I think it looks fine and I am getting more and more intrigued by it (which probably means a Kickstarter pledge is just around the corner).
I've been playing a lot of Dust Tactics as of late and I can see the merits of having squares; but I still think that you could just as easily use measuring sticks and so forth. I.e. I haven't really experienced any hassle with measuring in any of the multitudes of games that I've played over the years.
I'm sort of wondering if it's something specific to tournament games?
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The scenery add-ons and scenery pledge are coming at 5pm tomorrow!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/474292
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Wootz!
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I've been playing a lot of Dust Tactics as of late and I can see the merits of having squares; but I still think that you could just as easily use measuring sticks and so forth. I.e. I haven't really experienced any hassle with measuring in any of the multitudes of games that I've played over the years
Me neither, really. The real LOS which is being used for this game is I think actually more problematic than free form range and movement. Also, I still keep wondering why they insist going IGOUGO for what appears to be a small skirmish ("fire team level") game. I've always felt that whatever merits it has come at "platoon level" and up where "combined arms" style maneuvers become important. These traits make me even less likely to play than I would've been otherwise o_o
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Jake has said that he has tested out alternate activation and found a way for it to work so that he's happy with it, in fact he said its a win/win
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Well, he would have to say that, wouldn't he? 8)
I suppose we'll see for ourselves, by and by. Not holding my breath personally even tho the alt-activation system in Warpath is actually a bit innovative.
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Although the grid system isn't something I'd look for in a skirmish game, I've played enough of the Gears of War boardgame to be intrigued by it. No, what has me REALLY excited is the SIZE of the board! The one thing that kept me from playing Infinity was the tremendous amount of terrain you needed to play the game. Beautiful models, fantastic system, but you just needed SO MUCH terrain to fill a board, and all the terrain that looked good enough to play with the models was really expensive. You might be able to build an army for $50, but you'll spend 10x that in money and time getting a table together. But for Deadzone, you just need a 2'x2' square. Make it as dense as you want, it won't break the bank or take all that much time, because it's just a 2x2.
It's gotten me so excited that I've already started on my own board. Still a WIP, only a few tiles done so far using Thelazyforger's method for cracked pavement. 1/4" MDF board cut down to 2'x2', grided out with a T square and panel line scriber for some nice deep grooves in it. Bit of sandpaper to get the burs out and now the time consuming part, going through with an awl and scribing in the cracked pavement look. Spent a few hours yesterday getting the board itself and a few of the tiles done, about to go back and do some more
(http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p512/Rhelyk/Terrain/board1_zps2a37cafb.jpg) (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/Rhelyk/media/Terrain/board1_zps2a37cafb.jpg.html)
(http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p512/Rhelyk/Terrain/board2_zps58cde869.jpg) (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/Rhelyk/media/Terrain/board2_zps58cde869.jpg.html)
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That's awesome Kalamadea! And amusing since I spent most of today doing the exact same thing. 1/4" MDF cut down, gridded, and I started engraving in the cracks.
I need to find a panel line scriber it seems. I used a plastic scriber/cutter and a file to get my grid in. Took a bit longer than I would have liked, and the lines aren't as neat as yours.
Cracks are taking a good long while too...
Look forward to seeing more of your board.
Everyone else: Terrain only pledges are up, just in case anyone missed them.
~Eric
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What is a panel line scriber? Sounds useful.
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http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?I=LXFP37&P=8
Panel line scribers are awesome. I use the Squadron brand, bought it about 7 years ago. The guy at the hobby shop tried to convince me that the back end of a hobby knife worked fine but I bought it anyways and couldn't be more happy with the purchase. Paid about $8 USD for it, and it is awesome, very precise, even lines. Works great for cutting pavement tile shapes in plasticard or even directly on plastic bases and you can make thinner lines by less pressure. The curved shape and sharp sides of the cutting head make it a great seam scraper and I find the hoked shaped really useful for any time I have something in a recess that needs to be finagled out and can't reach it with a blade or file or pin.
The lines it made in the board are quite deep, between 2 to 3mm which is much deeper than you'd normally get with the tool, also a bit wider. I clamped a steel ruler to the board and did a dozen or so passes with the tool, then cleaned up the burs with some folded over 100 grit sandpaper in the lines. Took me longer to find my tools then it did to mark and scribe the grid :)
No getting around the time consuming cracks though :( I use a few passes with a sharp awl to cut the initial line, widen it slightly and clear it out with the panel line scriber and some sandpaper, then repeat. I'm afraid if I just used the scribe that it would look like a panel line and not a crack, using the awl for the bulk of the work gives a nice thin line that's deeper than the scribe would make for how wide the crack would be. Thin lines with the scribe are possible, but they're very shallow and far too even. Because the scribing tool is pulled to make the line, it's also harder to make irregular shapes with it than the awl.
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Great! Thanks kalamadea :)
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That board looks great!
I've updated the OP with the new stretch goal etc.
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We oftern play PBI at the school club - squares are a definite bonus when dealing with teenagers.
So I can see the merits of a grid vs measurement.
As for the aesthetics, we don't actually mark the full squares out.
We mostly play on green cloths with scenery items laid loose on top, but the cloths are simply marked with a black permanent marker dot where each square corner would be. So if you are playing a game with squares eg PBI you have squares (just look for the dots), but if you use the same cloth for SAGA or Muskets & Tomahawks, ignore the dots (although they are still useful for working out deployment zones etc)
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Im in for the 150 with friends and ive been scouring teh interwebz for free papercraft terrain. Then i remembered the Ebbles dvd i got a few years ago. Lotsa good terrain there with some slight resizing to fit three inch grids. We should have an awesome board when its all done.
As for the activation, i am considering a random activation by teams, i.e. a deck of playing cards well shuffled. Turn over a card, one side red one black, whichever card comes up the player chooses one of their models to activate until everyone done. Just have to wait and see what Jake comes up with.
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Well, the terrain pledge level is up. Not sure if it's such a huge deal (yet) at the starting $100 level tho, given that you need a complete building sprue to make a minimal "garden shed" building of 1x2 tiles/3x6'. But it's not that bad I suppose, assuming it does give you what is shown in the promo pic (didn't bother counting the tiles used in it yet). Obviously you get bulk dicounts if you buy bigger sets.
C.f. Pegasus Cyberclicks (originally by Tehnolog of Russia AFAIK) seem to still be available here and there, going for ca. 20 € for 6 sprues tho they have the problem with having Gothic window tiles in the mix that I don't find appealing and their tiles are smaller (maybe about 2x2') on the average (at least I think so, don't have any of those particular sets).
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The one thing that kept me from playing Infinity was the tremendous amount of terrain you needed to play the game [...] But for Deadzone, you just need a 2'x2' square. Make it as dense as you want, it won't break the bank or take all that much time, because it's just a 2x2
You can play Infinity on a 2x2 board if you use as much terrain as they did in the Deadzone test setup. It's sorta a stretch and you'll want to select your troops perhaps a bit but it should work. 4x4 is certainly quite decent.
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I'm still on the fence with Deadzone...but I really like Dreadball from the same creator so I'm leaning towards giving it a shot.
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New update:
Here’s a little treat for you ahead of tomorrow’s open day… the first of the Reb sculpts have been painted!
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/antenocitis-rebels-1.jpg)
Some of the more eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed some gorgeous resin scenery pieces in the shot above. These are from Antenocitis Workshop and we’ve worked with them to create some fantastic bundles that you can use to detail up your buildings, both with interior and exterior accessories.
From Vid Screens to advertising hoardings to military command decks and crates and barrels, every component is compatible with Deadzone – some have been even been remastered by Antenociti to work with the 3" tile template and we’ve even got our own custom Lockers featuring Enforcer weaponry!
The following bundles are now available for you to add-on to your pledge:
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-urban-detailing-1.jpg)
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-urban-detailing-2.jpg)
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-urban-detailing-3.jpg)
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-urban-detailing-4.jpg)
Not only that but we’ve also got a Mega Deal where you can pick any of the two bundles above and get a free Pollution Scrubber or Heat Exchanger!
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-urban-detailing-5.jpg)
We're think this stuff is absolutely beautiful and will help make your gaming table seem all the more real. Whether you use the components as objective tokens, cover or simply detail for your buildings, don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity for some truly beautiful terrain.
Love Antenociti's stuff. Will be upping for this for sure.
~Eric
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Pics of Deadzone stuff from Mantic's Open Day courtesy of Riquende:
http://riquende.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/mantic-open-day-deadzone-images/
~Eric
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New update:Love Antenociti's stuff. Will be upping for this for sure.
~Eric
I like Anttenociti's stuff as well. I ran the numbers and it doesn't look like there's any discount built in. You could just as easily order it now and not wait 7+ months.
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Based on the trooper on the 30mm base, I'm thinking these are going to be on the large side, which is making this less and less appealing to me all the time. I seem to remember seeing that the enforcers were 35mm+, so I'm not sure if any of these are going to be in scale with anything else I own.
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The Marauders are terrible! :o
Really liking the Enforcers and Rebs, the plague aren't bad. Love the robot concept for the Asterians, I can see a lot of proxy-Wraithguard use if they're cheap enough
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The Marauders are terrible! :o
I don't think they're terrible (they are certainly better than the Warpath plastic Marauders), but I'm disappointed that they continued with the cartoony rogue trader look rather than some more sinister looking orcs. For me that's the big thing keeping me from the pledge with all four starter forces, I just don't like the marauders. Maybe there will be an option to swap in one of the other starters when/if they are unlocked.
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I like Anttenociti's stuff as well. I ran the numbers and it doesn't look like there's any discount built in. You could just as easily order it now and not wait 7+ months.
Antenociti is posting in the Dakkadakka thread, says the price point for buying all of the addons is $130 for about $200 worth of stuff if you bought it retail, plus you would have to pay shipping. Some of the items in the bundles has not been released yet and a lot of the pieces are being remastered specifically for Deadzone as well, either adjusting the size to match 3" tiles or adjusting the design itself a little. Other pieces currently available as resin/metal hybrid kits are being redone as all resin like the medical scanner bed (that is apparently a royal pain in the arse to assemble as a hybrid kit). So yes, there is a good reason to wait 7 months for it :)
As for Marauders, meh. They're not terrible, but they're not great either. EDIT* wow, just had another look at the greens somebody posted from the mantic open house and those are terribad! The ripper suits are looking ok, but the normal figures are like all the worst aspects of early GW orcs with none of the charm.
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Antenociti is posting in the Dakkadakka thread, says the price point for buying all of the addons is $130 for about $200 worth of stuff if you bought it retail, plus you would have to pay shipping.
True point on the shipping, but I don't see how he thinks the bundles are cheaper. Take the "urban detailing bundle 1" as an example. If you take the prices off of the Antenociti website, pro-rate them for the lower quantities in the bundle and then convert GBP to dollars (with the standard 7% exchange fee) and it comes out only $0.35 cheaper.
If you take the biggest bundle that's a savings of $5 plus a free scrubber and heat exchanger, but I still don't see how hou save $70.
As to remastering some of the kits. Meh, I've built some of his hybrid kits in the past without problems.
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I don't get the A-citi comment either... By my calculation, the total cost of the goods for Urban Detailing Bundle #1 is actually a bit lower if bought straight from A-citi store. I think they also have a deal in place for no p&p when ordering G.O.T. products for more than £50 (about two bundles worth of stuff) ???
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Here's my pics from the open day:
http://s152.photobucket.com/user/psmorgul/library/Mantic%20Open%20Day%202013?sort=3&page=1
I have to agree on the Marauders, the poses are... well... enough said actually but everything else looks top notch and the game play demo I caught was good to.
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Fortifications are in and the Chorvar Merc add on is the next SG at $460k then on to the new factions.
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So I'm a little confused. The cannon in the concept drawings isn't included, just the fortifications, right?
Also, in the comments Mantic has confirmed that you won't be able to swap the existing factions for any that get unlocked later. Bummer, I really am not interested in the marauders.
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In terms of value you would be looking at spending over $200 to get the full-monty ($130 USD) set.
That was from Antenociti himself in the Dakkadakka thread. All the responses saying otherwise got my OCD working overtime and I added it all up as best I could since many of the Mantic sets include half orders of things from the website. Assuming you ordered everything seperately, yes, you'd spend over $200 but you'd also get more stuff than what you will in the KS. If you could order pieces individually to match the mantic sets, it's far less impressive.
Military Outpost - £21.25/$32.51
Medi-center - £31.5/$48.20
Commercial District - £21.75/$33.28
Werehouse District - £24.25/$37.10
free items x2 - £6.75/$10.32
Total £105.5/$161.42
Still a deal, $30 cheaper and free shipping, but certainly not what Antenociti was claiming and half the sets are actually more expensive than what you'd pay direct if bought at the $35 level.
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I take your word for that one can get below what one would pay for the same items at Antenociti's shop (even taking into account that you'll prolly get free shipping from them as well) when going for the whole set. The smaller bundles however indeed seem questionable. Since I don't want to accuse A-citi of misleading the public I assume they were talking about the whole shebang and possibly also getting mixed up about how Mantic's put only half-sized sets out for sale on the average.
Regardless of that, all of ya need to pledge more, stat. Me wants Chovar mercs 8)
ETA - the Chovar's been unlocked and the prototype looks quite decent (as do the Asterian Cyphers BTW but not perhaps quite decent enough for me to go the not-Eldar route):
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/480948
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Well we hit the $460k last night and unlocked the Chovar merc add on. This means we're now at what Mantic are referring to as the first expansion, which will unlock the Asterians and Forge Fathers as add-ons when we hit $500k however those at Strike Team ($150) and up (excluding the terrain only pledges) get to add another Faction starter for free, including one of the new ones (as these will be shipping in Q2 2014 you will need to add $10 for shipping if you select and new faction as your freebie). There is also a special bundle for both of the new factions for $50 or just single faction add-ons for $35 and if you add one of these to your pledge you don't need to include the $10 shipping if you select a new faction as your freebie as it would be covered by the add on.
Personally I'm adding the Forge Fathers as the freebie and then adding the EU bundle for $50 which will give me 2 Forge Guard units for my Warpath army, awesome!
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Full update:
$500,000 Stretch Goal
Update #37 · May 14, 2013 · 94 comments
Well, that’s the Chovar locked in then – thank you so much!
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2-Chovar.jpg)
We are heading towards a big milestone, and it is time to get serious!
We are chasing down the $500,000 goal and we are here far faster than we thought possible… after all we only passed this same milestone 4 days before the end of the DreadBall Kickstarter!
However, onwards and upwards…
When we began this Kickstarter we wanted to fund the first 4 factions, get both the basic troops and the specialists sculpted and tooled, and then get at least the core scenery sprues tooled with some variation…
Well, with your help we did that in about 10 days!!!
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/antenoctisi-rebels-2.jpg)
The Deadzone Kickstarter is now moving into a fascinating new stage with the next few stretch goals…for want of a better explanation we are moving into our first expansion – hopefully one of a couple that get funded through this Kickstarter!
Now that we’ve got the “core” game done, we now can dig far deeper in to all four of these factions, keep adding more scenery choices and then start doing even more fun things, such as….
Milestone Stretch Goal!
$500,000 – Asterian and Forge Fathers Faction Starters
If we hit this goal, we will be able to sculpt and tool the Expanded Universe Faction Starters – the Asterians and the Forge Fathers - and create their Faction Card decks.
For the Asterians we will be able to sculpt: 1 Asterian Commander, 2 Cyphers with Flux Rifle, 2 Cyphers with Charge Glove and 1 Weapons Drone.
For the Forge Fathers we will be able to sculpt: 1 Forge Father Huscarl, 3 Forge Guard with Hailstorm Rifles and 1 Forge Guard with Hailstorm Autocannon Heavy Weapon.
To celebrate this goal we will add One Free Faction Starter Of Your Choice (Miniatures PLUS Faction Card Deck) to game pledges of Strike Team ($150)* and up.
We will also add the digital rules for the Asterians and Forge Fathers to every pledge!
* Note this does not include the One-Click Urban Battlefield or One-Click Urban Wargames Table Pledge Levels.
Asterians
The Asterians are a secretive, mysterious and down-right violent Strike Force of lethal Cyphers led by a solitary Asterian Commander.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2-Asterian.jpg)
Beyond the Creator only they are known to understand the true origin of the Plague and the effects it has on living organisms. Because of this they will send only one of their own in to extract the Artefact and eliminate the Plague, and they accompany this commander with a retinue of Cyphers – the Asterian equivalent of Cyborgs. These large, soulless husks fight with speed and intensity, employing powerful energy-based weaponry and grav-tech to dominate the battlefield.
Forge Fathers
The Forge Fathers are grim warriors that pack a lot of heat – literally.
They barely hold their greed at bay, landing on a planet to strip it of precious materials, technology and resources to ship back to their Forge Star homes. So important is the work of the Forge Fathers that the major mining companies of the Star Realm often supply specially trained veteran warriors to protect the Captain of the ship and it’s crew.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/3-Forge-Fathers.jpg)
Armed with Hailstorm Rifles and deadly Hailstorm Autocannon, these Forge Fathers are suited up in all-enclosed Forge Guard armour - hi-tech battlesuits capable of taking a large amount of punishment: the perfect defense for trudging down the dark, claustrophobic alleys of Nexus Psi in search of anyone who might try and prevent them from taking what they’ve come for....
Choosing a Free Faction:
Existing Factions
As this campaign goes on we expect most of you will pick one or two factions to really concentrate on. Picking one of the Existing Faction Starters gives you approximately 13 additional miniatures to add to your Strike Force - particularly handy for bigger games when we introduce rules for larger boards and multiplayer or for starting a Wargames army!
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/579/487/f2da8f3f553294c3a6bf0c86093d2fcd_large.jpg?1368147852)
Get a second 1st Generation Plague with your free choice of Faction Starter! {Note: It has been clarified by Mantic that this second 1st Gen Plague is only if you pick the Plague starter as your free faction -EM}
Expanded Universe Factions
You can choose the Asterians or Forge Fathers as your free faction of choice, both of which will get their respective specialists from now until the end of the campaign added free.
As these factions weren’t part of our initial core factions, the Asterians and Forge Fathers will ship as part of a Second Shipment that will be delivered in Q2 2014.
Because of this we ask that if you want one of these as your free faction please add on $10 for worldwide shipping - we'd love to be able to ship these post free but unfortunately we cannot control postage costs (you might therefore decide that the Expanded Universe Bundle below is a better deal for you, choice is yours!)
Note that this will also cover any Shipment 2 shipping, so you only need to add it on once!
Adding an Expanded Universe Faction Starter
If you decide you want an existing Faction as your free choice or you really like the designs of the new factions and want lots of figures, you can add on the Expanded Universe Faction Starters to your pledge, either individually or as part of a Kickstarter Exclusive Bundle Deal never to be seen again!
Note that each of these bundles includes free UK and US shipping.
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-expanded-universe.jpg)
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-asterian-starter.jpg)
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/add-on-forge-father-starter.jpg)
And there you have it guys - that's one big goal for one big reward. We can't wait to see what other expansion we'll be able to add later and where the campaign will take us from here. Thanks for joining us on this wild ride!
Since the new faction bundle deal includes US and UK shipping I am taking the $50.00 one and will be selecting one of the original 4 factions for my free starter.
~Eric
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I like that tentacle alien, would make a nice Enslaver in 40K. Sad to say I already bought some Forge World spores to make them.
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Glad we're getting a free faction. I had been planning on Asterians since I'm all about the pointy ears in pretty much every game I play, but I wanted to play space ELVES, not space elf + a dozen cylons. I totally get the fluff reasoning for it, it makes a lot of sense actually. A LOT more sense than a certain other game's pointy eared dying race using it's civilian militia as frontline troops wearing paper mache armor. But an army of drones is not an army of pointy-ears, so I'll pass.
Which now leaves me with a difficult decision, a free Enforcers starter or free Rebels. ARGH! Decisions are hard!
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Ronnie did another Q&A session on facebook last night, here are some of the highlights (taken from Willem-Jan Bertram summary on the KS comments):
"I think taking it to a 2x4 game is easy - so you can have 4 player - 2 per side and they ally vs the 2 opponents. however we have also talked (at length - today even) about the 4x4 and if we get the funding this would be brilliant (it will be season 3/compendium 2 in effect). at this point you can add 2 man weapon teams and weapon ranes become really significant - as does more commander figures of different ranks, and I definately think the game will scale really well into that space (well we have designed it thus) _ i hope we can make it there. I don't think it will scale much bigger than 4 feet between forces because of the time it will take to close into hand-to-hand combat. Anyway we will have Warpath for that "
"probaly something about that, amybe a bit before but not much - we have planned to over $800,000 and we need to get there - becuase there is soooo much cool things to do!!!"
"Ben Sandum (our photo wizard) has been locked in a room for 2 days - photos of DeadZone and KoW on a computer screen near you soon. promise! (I love the Rebs too - I think they will make a lot of peoples preferred faction)"
"I think if we get there we might see plastic zombies (as part of a campaign upgrade) - kind of roaming across the battle field getting in the way! and I would love the REALLY heavily armour Enforcers in hard plastic - but not much after that (unless this goes Bones KS crazy)"
" the idea is the army (Asterians) is based around 1 - but for sure several other will turn up to help him out, he'll probably have a second-in-command in case he gets dead etc and a few specialist, but the primary idea is that 1 'senior level' elf is all this planet is worth - and they are not there to help the Corp - they have their own objectives - and are very happy to see a Corp planet die - they just dont want the plague to spread towards them!"
On future stretch goals:
"we are definitely going to focus some time and love on the Forge Fathers and Asterians and bring them up to the same level as the other factions - and they will all be free to anyone that picks up the faction itself. We also intend to do another scenery sprue to keep that rolling on. We will also be doing some character/storyline models - such as PAthfinder N-32 and Professor Symond. these characters will feature in the short stories collection (also a soon to be chased stretch) and then can be objectives in scenario/narrative campaigns and then feature in the armies as heroes in future battles. I think we will be going deeper into the 6 factions we have first - so they are really rounded out forces (rather than 4 complete and say 4 more that are only 1/2 as good), also want to put on with this style of scenery. I think ZZ'or vs Corporation could carry their own expansion/upgrade - especially when you add in the Veer-Myn) after all the council don't just have to deal with Plague outbreaks (Contagions!) they also have Swarms (!) to deal with! and Infestation (not a great name, but you get the idea) - also power wise Corp vs RAts and ZZ'or feels more balanced - as does Plague vs Enforcers"
On turn activation:
"there is a little detail below - and I will get it wrong if I try to explain it - but his solution is pure genius, and scales up. basically you have a command level (which is a sum) and you can move up to that many in your phase, then the opponent goes and so on, until every model has acted, so it cuts the turn up nicely, but you can still do a co-ordinated move with a few figures. there are a few other touches too but best he details those in a full explanation. The new updated alpha/beta rules will be going up in the middle of next week so keep your eyes peeled."
On Orx Commandos:
"yes, they will be fixed by next week and we will show them off again then. thanks for that, we showed them off before we had really looked at them, they will be cool (or we will just remake them - simple as that!)"
On individual, optional units instead of boxed warbands:
"at the start it is based around the factions - however there are some merc types appearing and i think a warband of those would be really fun to play - bit kike Butch Cassidy meets the magnificent 7 - probably a compendium upgrade faction - but really great to play, so that might happen, and thye are available individually to different factions"
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As we approach $500k mark here's a break down of all the stretch goals achieved so far (with thanks to Robzilla):
$50,000 – funded
$100,000 – One FREE scenery sprue upgrade
$125,000 – FREE specialist minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer Engineer, Plague 2nd Gen, Marauder in Ripper Armour with Long-ranged Weaponry, Rebs Grogan with Desolator Heavy Weapon
$150,000 – One FREE scenery sprue upgrade
$175,000 – FREE faction support minis added to Faction Starters – 2x Enforcer Sentry Guns, 2x Plague Hounds, 2x Mawbeast Bombers, 2x Rebs Drones
$200,000 – FREE mini The Survivor, Mercenary character
$225,000 – FREE specialist minis added to Faction Starters – alternate 2nd Gen, Marauder Goblin Sniper, Enforcer Sniper, Teraton Brawler
$250,000 – FREE additional scenery sprue
$275,000 – FREE minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer with Assault Rifle, alternate 2nd Gen, alternate Yndij, two extra sets of Ripper Suit Weapons
$300,000 – FREE deluxe gaming mat upgrade
$315,000 – Shadrek Mal-Raz mini add-on
$315,000 – FREE Nexus Psi Digital Campaign
$332,500 – FREE Enforcer with Assault Blade mini added to Enforcer Faction Starter
$340,000 – FREE Rebs Yndij rebel fighter mini added to Rebs Faction Starter
$347,500 – FREE Marauder Sniper mini added to Marauders Faction Starter
$355,000 – FREE 3rd Gen Plague with Heavy Machinegun added to Plague Faction Starter
$375,000 – FREE scenery sprue
$400,000 – Landing Zone BattleZone terrain option
$415,000 – Four specialist minis unlocked as add-ons – Marauder Hulk, Rebs Kraaw, Enforcer with Incinerator/Burst Laser weapon options, Plague 3rd Gen with Grenade Launcher
$430,000 – FREE trooper minis added to Faction Starters – Enforcer with Assault Blade, Plague 3rd Gen, Rebs Sorak, Marauder Commando
$450,000 – Fortified Defence Line BattleZone terrain option
$460,000 – Chovar mercenary mini add-on
$500,000 – Unlock Expanded Universe minis and FREE Faction Starter
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There's a nice range of aliens in the Kickstarter now - the Rebel set is definitely my favourite so far.
Starting to feel a bit overloaded by all the options, so I'll do what others here have suggested, and wait until a couple of days before it finishes to make my choices.
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Newest update:
Unbelievable!
We’ve done it – that’s half a million dollars achieved… simply a mindblowing amount in the time frame!
So to recap, that’s now:
- A fifth free faction of your choice added to a pledge of Strike Team and up!
- The Asterian Faction Starter locked in!
- The Forge Father Faction Starter locked in!
- Digital rules for the two new factions added to your pledge!
Thank you so much!
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/000/599/345/138c572d638d862e1ecb0d1eb1dc2b96_large.jpg?1368821859)
The Expanded Universe Bundle is the best way to get the two new factions, saving $20 off adding them individually.
$510,000 – BattleZone Upgrade: +1 Buildings Sprue
If we hit this goal we will add 1 additional Building Sprue to each BattleZone FOR FREE.
Currently the BattleZones are at 3 Building Sprues and 1 Connector Sprue. Hitting this stretch goal will change that to 4 Buildings Sprues and 1 Connector Sprue, adding the equivalent of 6 tiles into each set. We will make sure that the Connector Sprue is resized to give you enough connectors for the extra tiles.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/antenocitis-rebels-1.jpg)
All future BattleZones will get this starting number of sprues as standard.
So, what does that mean for our scenery pledge levels and add-ons?
Only-click Urban Battlefield ($100 + early bird):
PLUS 4 additional Building Sprues - approximately 24 Tiles
Only-click Urban Wargames Table ($285 + early bird):
PLUS 12 additional Building Sprues - approximately 72 Tiles
Urban Fight ($25) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 1 additional Building Sprue - approximately 6 tiles
Urban Skirmish ($50) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 2 additional Building Sprues - approximately 12 tiles
Urban Battle ($95) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 4 additional Building Sprues - approximately 24 Tiles
Urban War ($185) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 8 additional Building Sprues - approximately 48 Tiles
$520,000 – FREE Doctor Gayle Simmonds
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DrSimmonds.jpg)
One of the stars in the lead up to our Kickstarter launching, Doctor Simmonds unfortunately met an untimely end as the Plague outbreak just got too much for her…
Doctor Simmonds was one of the genius minds on Nexus Psi, stationed as both an archaeologist and biotechnician.
By the time the Containment Protocol was ordered and the Enforcers landed, Simmonds had already lost her team to the mutant beasts roaming the streets. Having received basic training by the security teams on board her ship during spaceflight, Gayle managed to preserve her life a little better than the others – but it was only a matter of time before the Plague caught up with her.
Defiant in the clutches of a rabid second generation, her body succumbed to the mutant virus, warping far faster than any other victim previous. She eventually awoke from the turmoil, her need for knowledge greatly exaggerated, a base desire to cause pain greatly inflamed.
With vengeance on her mind, Simmonds vowed to destroy those that had left her to this fate.
If we hit this goal we will be able to sculpt and tool Doctor Gayle Simmonds, a brand new special character for the Plague – and include her free with pledges of Recon ($100 + Early Bird) and up*
Not only that but such is her importance to the Nexus Psi story that Jake will centre one of the scenarios around Simmonds, as the Enforcers will need to quickly end her life if they are to escape her thirst for blood!
* Not including the scenery only pledges.
$525,000 – FREE Deadzone Short-Story Compilation
Enriching the Warpath universe was one of the key motivations behind Deadzone and, if we hit this goal, you’ll allow us to delve further into the background as we will write a short story compilation written by the likes of esteemed authors Guy Haley, Alessio Cavatore, Jake Thornton PLUS special guests.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/deadzone-cover-0511.jpg)
This epic new compilation will feature all-new explosive stories between the warring factions and special characters both new and old.
If we hit this goal, we will add a FREE digital copy of the Deadzone Short Story Compilation with every pledge on the Deadzone Kickstarter.
There you go guys, let us know what you think in the comments. Let’s get these goals hit!
Edit to fix formatting.
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I've updated the opening post with the new stretches.
Also I was at Sheffield Triples today where Mantic were showing off the new Deadzone Enforcer sculpts (amongst other things) so I took a couple of snap:
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s169/psmorgul/Triple%202013/IMG_0395_zps9c3f0f2a.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/psmorgul/media/Triple%202013/IMG_0395_zps9c3f0f2a.jpg.html)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s169/psmorgul/Triple%202013/IMG_0396_zpsd655af95.jpg) (http://s152.photobucket.com/user/psmorgul/media/Triple%202013/IMG_0396_zpsd655af95.jpg.html)
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Basic terrain sprues on parade:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/485317
Now that you can get 4 of those per Battlezone it's they are actually starting to look faily sweet a deal.
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The terrain deals of becoming exceedingly good value and there is talk of potentially increasing the about of sprues you get at the Recon and Strike pledge levels too.
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I dunno about the excuse but the action is solid. I was willing to accept them but knowing they will have a cool and awesome injection makes me happy. There is something about this company that I just plain like a lot. I know they cop flack for some of their decisions but taking a neutral overview of the whole shebang its pretty much what you want in a company.
Acting on feedback and criticism is good, but I can't help but think they could put in just an iota more effort to cop a lot less flak in the first place. Too many of their sneak-peeks are spoiled by a handful of minis with shoddy and amateurish design and execution - makes me wonder if they really do neglect to 'really look at the minis before showing them off'.
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Just updated the OP, Dr. Simmonds is now in and the next stretch goal is the Ruined BattleZone terrain option.
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Acting on feedback and criticism is good, but I can't help but think they could put in just an iota more effort to cop a lot less flak in the first place. Too many of their sneak-peeks are spoiled by a handful of minis with shoddy and amateurish design and execution - makes me wonder if they really do neglect to 'really look at the minis before showing them off'.
I tend to agree with you here, Vermis. I think they need a good, strong-willed, art director. Someone who will tell their freelancers to do things over when necessary, and someone who will keep all of the creative types (artists, sculptors, writers) on a consistent, singular, coherent track.
I really want to get into their game, since I am a bit tired of the grim-dark future, so I hope they do listen to their criticism.
~Eric
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I've just backed this... only at scout level... but I am just keen on getting the rebs because there is a nice mix of alien types in there.
I don't really speculate too much on the ins and outs of a kickstarter, I just see if there is anything I like the look of and take the risk.
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http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts)
Fair play to Mantic, this model is excellent! The "Survivor" or "Not-Quarian" ;)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/svr1.jpg)
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Well, it does have a somewhat similar helmet and some other details do match, but overall it's not a very good not-Quarian. Which is good.
http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-21/art/me3-quarian-male.jpg
On the subject of not-Xs, how about this for not-Deadzone?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rolljordan/maki-games-high-quality-modular-wargaming-terrain/posts/486826
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New update just gone up with a new stretch goal:
$537,500 – Recon Unit N32-19 (free at Recon and up)
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/487084?ref=activity
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On the subject of not-Xs, how about this for not-Deadzone?
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rolljordan/maki-games-high-quality-modular-wargaming-terrain/posts/486826
Well that's interesting. I hadn't looked at that kickstarter past the container parts (I still have a whole box of AT-43 containers). The more the merrier I say, although I don't know how much success they'll have running against Mantic.
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Latest update:
Fantastic - that's the Short Story Compilation now locked in, thank you so much!
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/antenoctisi-rebels-21.jpg)
These rebels patrol the deserted city.
Since Friday we've now added in a free faction starter of your choice (that's up to 13 free models,) the book and a special unique character.
As the campaign has evolved it started to become more of a “Kick within a Kick” – which is great because not only do we now have a beautiful range of sci-fi figures that also crossover into our Warpath armies, but we also have a brilliant game and an excellent science fiction scenery range.
However, with the reveal of the Ruined BattleZone pledge level we’re all but done with the scenery and from here on out we’re going to be focusing on the core game by:
Finishing the Asterians and the Forge Father Faction Starters
Our newest additions need some love and they will be getting some awesome specialists and fantastic support options as we finish off the Faction Starters in style.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Asterians-and-Forge-fathers.jpg)
Expanding the Game
We’ve already started fleshing out the core Game with some new and unique characters such as Simmonds and Recon Unit N32-19...
$537,500 – Recon Unit N32-19
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Recon-Unit-N32-17.png)
Armed with a rapid-fire, neodurium-tipped Needle Gun and serrated blade, Recon Unit N32-19 was a fan favourite over on the Mantic Forums and not only will we give them this awesome new unique character some special rules, but Jake will also base a scenario around him.
If we hit this goal, we will give him away for free in pledges of Recon ($100+Early Bird)* and up!
* Not including the scenery only pledges.
We’ve got more to come – a psychotic Judwan has been spotted and there’s rumours of a wicked headhunter wandering around these parts – and we’re going to cap them off with Solo Play and Zombies (or at least the closest thing you'll get to Plague Zombies!)
Those Corporation explorers on Nexus Psi never were safe…
From there –
we’re going BIG!
Big boards, big faction expansions (we’re talking orbital drop troops, 2-man weapon teams, new leaders, bigger named characters and more assault rifles and heavy weapons than you can shake a Corporation Carbine at!!) and bigger kits means your factions will be dripping in character and variety.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/JAYP.jpg)
Let's see which of these concepts we can unlock!
From here on out it’s all about the creating the best science fiction game we can make: Fantastic Miniatures, Awesome Scenery, a Fast, Simple and Fun Rules System.
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Not at all sure what that pile-like thing shown in silhouette is but it looks somewhat interesting. The rest of that lot, not so much.
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The more the merrier I say, although I don't know how much success they'll have running against Mantic
Well, looks like some "Mantic haters" have flocked there... And overall, they aren't doing too badly as of yet. Not at all sure if they make it into the "high tech" set tho.
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Quite a constructive chat with Ronnie last night, lots of details about where the KS is heading from here on in - a focus on completing the EU factions and adding more characters/mercs (as freebies for most of these), then on two stage three which is taking the game to a 4x4 board and further expanding the factions (including new leaders and 'bosses').
The front page has/is having a major overhaul and is much clearer now so if you haven't checked it out head on over now:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game
Also the Antenocitis terrain/accessory bundles now have even more items in them at the same cost.
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Also the Antenocitis terrain/accessory bundles now have even more items in them at the same cost
Goody, tho I think it's now less clear what you get in them than it was previously.
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"Acting on feedback and criticism is good, but I can't help but think they could put in just an iota more effort to cop a lot less flak in the first place."
That was my sense and why I withdrew my Pledge early on. The preparation/communication seemed sloppy and a bit sketchy. All the best and all that, but there are too many great alternatives for my hobby $$.
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Newest update that shows some table examples:
BattleZones have been great ways of bundling together the scenery and getting you great value for money on the modular hard plastic scenery.
But - what does a BattleZone look like?
Well, we set our 3D Artist to work to show you some examples of how you can use the Core World Buildings Sprues:
1 BattleZone ($25) on a 2'x2' Playing Surface
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1-BattleZone-25.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1-BattleZone-25v2.jpg)
2 BattleZones ($50) on a 2'x2' Playing Surface
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2-BattleZones-50.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/2-BattleZones-50v2.jpg)
4 BattleZones ($95) on a 2'x2' playing surface
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4-BattleZones-100.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/4-BattleZones-100v2.jpg)
8 BattleZones ($185) on a 4'x4' playing surface.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/8-BattleZones-8.jpg)
As you can see, there is an absolute shed load of variety that you can build. Of course, you can take several of these assemblies and build grander buildings, or you can construct them to be fully enclosed.
The scenery BattleZones are now available to add-on to your pledge:
(http://www.deadzonethegame.com/kickstarter/5f-build-mega-cities-v004.jpg)
Currently the Strike Team ($150.00) pledge level includes 9 Building Sprues and 1 Accessory Sprue, which is 1 more Building Sprue than you would get with the 2 Battlezone bundle (Urban Skirmish; $50.00).
~Eric
Edit:
My count above is wrong. The "9 Sprues" included with Strike Team break down as follows: 6 Building Sprues, 1 Accessory Sprue, 2 Connector Sprues. Which gives you essentially 1.5 Battlezones worth of terrain.
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The Pathfinder is now locked in and a new update is up with a host of new stretch goals which add a good quantity of freebies:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/488569?ref=activity
The OP has been updated
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We've got the $550k stretch goal and the beta rules are now up:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/489759
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New Marauder/Orx pictures. They're certainly better than they were, but they still look too goofy for my tastes. Not unusable like the other ones, but certainly nothing that gets me excited that I'm getting em in my pledge. The chainsaw dogs are just right out. I know they'll appeal to some of you guys (and I won't judge you TOO harshley for it :P ) but I prefer my sci-fi to be more on the serious side. All else being equal, I'd say I'm mostly disapointed in the Ripper suits. The concept art for them was fantastic, they were these big huge monstrous armored frames with weapons attached to them, like Ripley's Power-Lifter with guns. These just look like exo skeletons hardly bigger than the orx piloting them.
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/marauder-ripper-suits.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/marauder-goblin-sniper.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/marauder-commandos.jpg)
(http://www.manticblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/marauder-mawbeasts.jpg)
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That was quick. Either the ripper and commandos are just 3D renders, or Mantic must have started the re-sculpt before the complaints reached the breaking point.
While I'll admit they are certainly a higher quality of sculpting than the original greens, the style still leaves me flat. I also hope the dancing sniper doesn't make comeback either.
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From what I've heard, all of the Deadzone 3D renders started as traditional sculpts which were scanned then touched up by their digital team. It looks like they scanned the same Marauders they showed off and all the changes were to the digital models.
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Interesting, that's a new one on me. I wonder if they plan on printing them or resculpting them by hand using the renders as a guide?
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They're being tooled in hard plastic is why, the models need to be digital so the models can be pieced out digitally, sprue layouts designed, and loaded into a computer controlled milling machine to make the actual molds. I think GW was the first to start doing it within the gaming industry, but it's now become pretty standard for hard plastic. All the Wargames Factory stuff is done this way, including the dreamforge stuff coming out and I think the same is true for the Defiance USMC stuff and AFAIK it's how the Relic Knights and Robotech figs will be done. It's faster and gets you FAR more detail in the plastics than traditional mold making. I recently picked up a GW Dragon Ogre off ebay for a conversion and was blown away by the detail on it. It was in a lot more pieces than you'd expect but the fit was absolutely perfect and the scales and striations and subtle detail in the skin and hide were incredible, something you'd only see with resin casting, not with metal and never with the older plastics!
Not sure if any of that applies to the restic kits as they use a different casting process I'm less familiar with.
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Next stretch goal has been hit so we've got the Inferno Drill for the Forge Father and the Asterian Weapon Drone with Fission Beam and Shield Generator Option. Here's the update:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/489798?ref=activity
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They're being tooled in hard plastic is why
Ah, I had thought they were coming out in restic.
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Has it been officially confirmed that they'll be hard plastic?
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From what I've heard, all of the Deadzone 3D renders started as traditional sculpts which were scanned then touched up by their digital team. It looks like they scanned the same Marauders they showed off and all the changes were to the digital models.
That is true of the Enforcers, but not the Marauders. They mentioned in the comments that the Marauders are resin casts in these pictures, and are not digital sculpts.
Has it been officially confirmed that they'll be hard plastic?
There has been no official statement on "hard plastic" other than the scenery sprues. They mentioned that if the campaign goes high enough they would like to do more, but they gave no iron-clad promises on what that would be.
~Eric
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That is true of the Enforcers, but not the Marauders. They mentioned in the comments that the Marauders are resin casts in these pictures, and are not digital sculpts.
So that was either an incredibly fast resculpt and cast or they must have started work resculpting the marauders before everyone complained.
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So that was either an incredibly fast resculpt and cast or they must have started work resculpting the marauders before everyone complained.
Not necessarily. The resin casts would be relatively fast and easy to make. And the sculpts were seen and photographed in person at their Open Day on May 11th, which is what caused the furor and subsequent resculpt.
~Eric
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Damnit I'm in for this one too...
Why do I have no willpower? :'(
Ooh shiny!
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Damnit I'm in for this one too...
Why do I have no willpower? :'(
Ooh shiny!
Welcome to the fold :)
New stretch goals are now in' I'm happy to see the camaign in print and can't resist getting some Zombies at that price:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/490657
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New Marauder/Orx pictures. They're certainly better than they were, but they still look too goofy for my tastes. Not unusable like the other ones, but certainly nothing that gets me excited that I'm getting em in my pledge. The chainsaw dogs are just right out. I know they'll appeal to some of you guys (and I won't judge you TOO harshley for it :P )
A man after my own heart. ;)
I still kind of like the ripper suits myself, but for one thing: those faces. :o When you say goofy, I completely agree - right down to the hyuck-hyuck...
http://www.youtube.com/#/watch?v=KRmgQPfmigw
Trying too hard to recapture a look whose, IMO, time has past. Or at least does not mesh at all with the 'slick sci-fi' style Mantic otherwise seem to be going for.
I think GW was the first to start doing it within the gaming industry, but it's now become pretty standard for hard plastic. All the Wargames Factory stuff is done this way, including the dreamforge stuff coming out and I think the same is true for the Defiance USMC stuff and AFAIK it's how the Relic Knights and Robotech figs will be done. It's faster and gets you FAR more detail in the plastics than traditional mold making.
Oh poo. I think my daydreams for any scale of fantasy plastic almost guffed out my right ear.
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I haven't paid much attention to this thread - but I like some of those Orks, only because I think they'd fit really nice in a 2nd Gen 40K themed setting...old Stormboyz/Kommandos etc.
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Nastanza is now unlocked and will be going in all pledges of Recon and up (excluding terrain only) for free! Next up is the printed compendium.
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Liking those sci-fi zombies. Very useful.
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The compendium is now in so on to the zombies!
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Yep, and they are going to be done in Real Plastic...
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The zombie rules are in so next up are the hard plastic zombies themselves and we have new stretch goals:
$650,000 - FREE new Asterian and Forge Father Specialists added to faction starters
$665,000 - FREE Wrath, Judwan Mercenary
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/492412
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I've been informed that there is no reason to be in it for the minis alone, 'cuz Warpath stuff is cheaper. Never mind it's not quite the same stuff, apparently you'll need to want the game too. Or something.
I think the terrain pledge I'm in for is decent if not super duper great tho.
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The miniatures from Deadzone will make up the elite units in Warpath (except for the zombies which will be the grunts for the Plague) so I'm not only getting Deadzone becasue it looks like a great game but because I want the miniatures for my Warpath armies and the terrain is excellent (I'm getting enough mats for a 6x4 and then the terrain to cover it as it will work not just for Deadzone/Warpath but for so many other games).
Also the Forge Father and Asterian specialists are now in so we're chasing the Judwan merc. Also Mantic have just added the $700k stretch goal which is where the Faction boosters start and the BOGOF offers:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/493127
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I think the game looks good and I like most of the figures. I tend to multi-purpose my miniatures where possible, and most of these can be used for more than one game. The addition of zombie figures is pretty neat, and even though I don't need any more zombies, I'll probably grab a sprue or two of them to replace the ones I did for Judge Dredd. They're pretty generic so it'd be nice to have some more futuristic zombies in their place.
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In for $280.
$150- Strike Force : 1 of each of the 4 factions plus additions, a mat, some plastic structure sprues, rules, dice, free extra figures from stretch goals including survivor and others and five zombies + an extra starter faction to be chosen later
$50 Two for One Booster bundle - (I might use these to get one of each booster or just double up on enforcers and plague guys. If the other boosters don't unlock then I'll just load up on Enforcers. Obviously. Since that's the only booster they'd have. I should stop typing now.)
$50 Two For One Booster bundle (four boosters total from this)
$15 20 Hard plastic sci-fi zombies.
$15 20 Hard plastic sci-fi zombies
I wish I had the money for one of the big building sets and the Antenociti scenery kits. Oh well.
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Wrath is now in along with big game rules and they've added a new stretch goal for acrylic markers (add on).
They have also put up part one of the game play video:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/494367
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More stretch goals have been added and Ronnie is currently in the comments section answering questions!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/495655
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Even more stretch goals up now (the OP has been updated) and some new images for the Rebs:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/495846?ref=activity
Edit: They have just added a new freebie for hitting Dreadball's KS total; a random Dreadball MVP to play the rescue an MVP scenario!
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Oh crud. Solo rules and AI cards are just the kind of thing that could break my resolve. what's the chances they won't make it to $775,000...
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The last two days (if the Dreadball one is any indication) will be particularly nuts.
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Oh crud. Solo rules and AI cards are just the kind of thing that could break my resolve. what's the chances they won't make it to $775,000...
Quite Low baring a huge pull out. $781,367 at the moment.
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Has anyone seen a definitive list of what's slated for December and what's going to be delivered in 2014. I know that all of the Astarean and Forge Father stuff is 2014, but how about the booster packs and specialists for the other four factions. Thanks.
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The FF and Asterians are indeed shipping Q2 2014 as are the specialists not included in the starters and the zombies though they'll ship earlier if possible. The shipping date for the specialists is mentioned at the bottom of update #65:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/493412
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Well things are surging ahead and we're now chasing down the next merc after completed the FF and Asterian starters. Mntic should have an update up soon taking us on to 900k I believe!
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I'm at $400 and have to stick there, but plan to spend that on terrain and mutants with guns. I will wait to buy boosters at the 2nd survey if they still have B1G1F on them. If not I will have to get the boosters at the first Survey which means less terrain probably though I guess I could order that later on. But then I'd have to wait a long time to get it.
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New update just gone up:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1744629938/deadzone-the-sci-fi-miniatures-board-game/posts/497750
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Thanks to my appallingly boundless personal weakness:
$423 total
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Strike Team w/ bonus Asterians starter ($150)
Forge Fathers Starter ($35)
All 6 Booster Bundles via B1&G1F deal ($150)
Helfather ($8)
Chovar ($10)
80 plauge-zombies via B3&G4thF deal($45)
Urban Fight terrain set 'Fortifications' ($25)
And I'll probably try to buy more in the post KS funding survey/ pledge manager period via paypal. Mostly terrain and plague troopers I guess.
Damn it. But I'm pretty stuck for now.
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I've upped my pledge too, way beyond my initial $250. :S
That scenery just looks too good.
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We're now in for silly money to but hey you have to indulge yourselves sometime! :)
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Over a million now. 6 hours to go.
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Lots of crazy stuff being added now (mechs, characters etc) can't wait to see where this goes!
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Over a million is impressive but tbh, I expected this to go higher.....
.....still, anything could occur in the last few hours!
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Final tally, just $8,518 short of breaking the $1,225,000 stretch goal for the 5 man, $10, Enforcer Peacekeeper squad (basic not-Termies). Mantic says if they get the difference in post survey pay-pal money they'll go ahead and offer the peacekeepers at $10 via the pledge manager. Not bad!
4,306 backers
$1,216,482 total pledged
And THAT as they say, it that.
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I decided to back, primarily for terrain and the Antenociti stuff. If nothing else I can use it for Relic Knights and Infinity.
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Well... that went a bit crazy towards the end!
I pledged and am happy that, when the time comes, I won't have a clue what to choose :)!
Amazon has kindly sent me two notifications of payment... so I may have paid twice. I guess I'll have to do a little investigating.
...and now the waiting begins...
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I opted out - decided there were higher priorities (and higher priority gaming stuff) - but it does look like they crashed across the finish line with massive momentum! 8)
Now you can start wondering where the money for the next KS will come from! lol
Gracias,
Glenn
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It certainly was a little crazy in the end but very happy that Ronnie will let us get the Peacekeepers if they hit the total come the first survey, overall very happy with how the KS went and what was unlocked.
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I went in at the end, with the Recon and some terrain. The pledge count didn't climb nearly as fast as the pledge dollars, so I suspect there must have been a considerable number like me you put down a minimum pledge in the beginning and didn't set the final number until the end. Hopefully this campaign doesn't fall victim to it's own success.
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<snip> Hopefully this campaign doesn't fall victim to it's own success.
The Law of Unintended Consequences? :o Ouch, let us hope not! :o
Gracias,
Glenn
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Hopefully this campaign doesn't fall victim to it's own success.
What do you mean? Mantic seems to have been doing a good job delivering with Dreadball. I don't know if this one is much more complicated...although they did raise more money.
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What do you mean? Mantic seems to have been doing a good job delivering with Dreadball. I don't know if this one is much more complicated...although they did raise more money.
I was thinking more like Sedition Wars than Dreadball. Mike McVey has stated on threads on the Sedition Wars forum that the huge success of the Kickstarter lead to some of the problems with the final product. Granted Mantic has larger capacity than either McVey Studios or CMON, but they are also working through multiple campaigns simultaneously. I'm not saying they can't pull it off, but I worry nonetheless.
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I was thinking more like Sedition Wars than Dreadball. Mike McVey has stated on threads on the Sedition Wars forum that the huge success of the Kickstarter lead to some of the problems with the final product. Granted Mantic has larger capacity than either McVey Studios or CMON, but they are also working through multiple campaigns simultaneously. I'm not saying they can't pull it off, but I worry nonetheless.
It seems a large portion of Sedition Wars complaints have to do with the material the figures are cast in, and the rules. I'm not sure either of those issues have anything to do with how successful the project was on Kickstarter.
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I backed this with some friends at a strike zone. Very glad I picked up Forgefathers (to supplement my Squats) and Rebs, who I think are one of the most interesting and diverse sci-fi factions to be released in quite a while.
None of us went for the big Faction boosters (the ones that double the number of figs) expansions or vehicles, but I think we're looking at this as a small skirmish game. If we wanted big units and vehicles, we've got plenty of other options. I don't think anyone but me was even considering possible "Warpath" uses for these mins. Of course I might pick up a Walker at some point for other games.
I guess I've got a reason now to build all that Necromunda'ish terrain I've been collecting parts for over the past decade.
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I spent too much on Deadzone too, mainly because I wanted more terrain...although the game and figures look great too. :)
As for Sedition Wars, I think it served as an inspiration to Mantic for creating Deadzone... The problems with the SW campaign were many but I think it's better if we discuss them elsewhere. I don't want to take away from folks talking about Deadzone here.
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Survey submitted, awaiting confirmation. Way too much cool stuff available on this one. My bank account is done w/ crowd funding for quite a while! Not to mention that there's a TON of stuff already here, or on its way for me to work on!
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Just received an email by Mantic, saying that the rules in PDF are now available. Now I just need to wait for the game box in December, hehe
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KS update shows the gamemat and production miniatures. All looking good. :D
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So... the PDF rules don't include the stat cards, battle cards or mission cards. I kinda thought I might be able to play the game. It seems not.
$10 isn't much but I've spent less than that on PDF rules before and actually been able to play the game.
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There are some freebie get-you-by lists that prolly can be found through Mantic's site (at the very least they are on the KS site) but my understanding is that you would need buy some of the official miniature sets too to really get to play.
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I got a reply from Stewart at Mantic saying printable versions would be made and sent to backers shortly. Good stuff Mantic. 8)
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In the short run I believe the draft versions of the cards are still up on Quirkworthy's blog. That could get you by until the official ones come out.
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UPS tried to deliver my Deadzone Kickstarter package today, but I was out :(
I'll pick it up tomorrow - not getting excited until it's in my hands!
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UPS tried to deliver my Deadzone Kickstarter package today, but I was out :(
I'll pick it up tomorrow - not getting excited until it's in my hands!
Oh man and I'm traveling into next week. For once I hope I'm not at the top of the list. I don't need that package sitting on the porch for days.
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Got mine today... so far, so good....
At least i dont have the feeling of being shafted, like the SW ks....
Boxed game looks good, and the extras are nice....
Just shows how mantic have upped thier game over the last few years...
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Got mine today... so far, so good....
At least i dont have the feeling of being shafted, like the SW ks....
Boxed game looks good, and the extras are nice....
Just shows how mantic have upped thier game over the last few years...
Coming from the bloke who didn't want to go to Nottingham for the open day and collection in person and wad almost spitting feathers at dreadzone at salute this is a positive. ;) ::)
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UPS delivered mine today. Got what I expected.... except that Mantic delivered more and earlier than announced months/weeks ago.
In my book thats a good job.
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The Nexus Psi 2-player campaign book was released today. I've only had a chance to skim through it, and aside from a few typos it looks very nice. There's lots of fluff and background info about the setting, why and how people are there AND why they're cut off from everything else. All in all I'm quite looking forward to giving the campaign a go!