Right I guess I need to get this out of the way, firstly regular readers will have noticed that the past month and a half have been unusually quite for me here on Frontline Gamer. There have been a number of reasons for this:
- I haven't been feeling very well of late and it has taken it's toll on me. So I decided to concentrate my efforts on income generation... that's finding gainful employment / contract work.
- My partner (Dr Brainiac) also wasn't feeling very well and I've had to look after her a bit too as she requires copious amounts of tea to function properly.
- I actually had a really quite nasty threat of violence sent through to me after the Misogyny Sunday Sermon I did, so much so that I actually sent it to the relevant authorities to deal with... which thankfully they have. However, it did make me think whether doing what I do is worth the hassle I seem to attract...
- ...As such I needed a genuine break from all of this Blogging malarkey, to re-charge my batteries and get a few things sorted, including some DIY. Yep, I've been using my hobbying skills for home improvements.
So to all those people who have sent me emails asking me if I'm doing OK... well I wasn't, but thankfully I am now. Over the last week or so I've started getting back into the swing of things around here. Hopefully when I get back to posting regularly all those readers who seem to have deserted me will come flooding back, although right now it doesn't look bloody likely! Brands loyalty is cobblers!!!
To those of you who have emailed me and asked why I've been ignoring their comments on here, I promise you I haven't been ignoring them. I've read everyone of them, I've just not been able to sit in front of a computer screen all that much recently as I've been getting splitting headaches. I promise I will go back through everyone's comments and try my hardest to respond and get up-to-date with it all. So please bear with me while I do so and check back every now and then to see if I've responded. I know it must be frustrating for some of you, considering how speedy I normally am with my responses, however hopefully you can understand and accept that I had genuine difficulty in doing so over the past month or so. Some of you actually know exactly what it is I've had to deal with over the past two months and I'd like to say thanks to you all for your kind words and support.
 |
| I could have done with one of these in real life!!! |
To those of you who have emailed me to ask me why I haven't covered the release of 6th Edition 40k... erm... I haven't really covered anything at all of late. To be honest with you I wasn't really interested in covering the game at all as I felt so many people have covered it already, but people seem to be genuinely interested in what I think of the game, and have asked me review both the hardback rulebook and the recently released Dark Vengeance boxed set... a hell of a lot of you actually! So can I please ask people to stop emailing me to request a thorough analysis of 6th Edition, your interest is duly noted... all 102 of you... shesh. But here's the thing, I have genuinely got very limited hobby resources right now, and I don't really want to waste them on a game I've never really been all that keen on. So here's the thing. People have asked me why they should donate money to me, well if you want me to review the Dark Vengeance boxed set I'll need to see £65 worth of donations, and if you want me to review the hardback rulebook that will be a further £45 I'll be needing.
 |
| These boxed sets usually represent good value for money. |
Obviously if I don't see a massive influx of cash via the old contribute button at the top of the right hand column of this here Blog I will continue to use whatever donations I receive to support my running costs that I incur. Actually if you do make a contribution via PayPal for the express reason of supporting me in reviewing and dissecting 6th Edition 40k in my usual detailed and thorough style, then can I ask that you send a message with the contribution saying that is the reason for the donation. That way I'll be able to see what the donation is for and put it to one side until I have enough funds to purchase the products. It's odd, but lately I've been getting a lot of requests for me to cover more mainstream games more often. HoMachine, Flames of War and Mofaux being the most often requested, and not just the recent release of 6th Edition 40k. I'm going to be honest and say I wasn't expecting that at all, I thought people came to my little corner of the Internet and Blog to read about quirky little games no one has ever heard of, or for in-depth coverage of the more niche products out there that deserve some love and attention.
 |
| Review incoming as peeps have asked... there may even be a Sunday Sermon. |
It seems though that many of you would like to see me focus a bit more from time to time on those products that are more 'mainstream', if such words are appropriate for use within our niche hobby. I will do that with regards to HoMachine, as it is a game that I play, and a game that I really enjoy. I'll also get back to playing and writing about Mofaux too, if I can get my head around what the hell is happening with Mofaux now, and as I say if I see an influx of donations I'll also cover the release of 6th Edition 40k. However, the focus of this Blog will always be the broader hobby, and those unsung games you very rarely get to read about on the more popular websites out there... and when you do they're covered badly because those writing the articles know nothing about the games themselves, and are clearly blagging it because they've been paid to do 'infomercials'. Mentioning no names!!! You know who they are, we all do. So don't worry I'll continue to champion the little guy, but I accept that perhaps I should cover some of the big boys / girls too, because I probably have got something valid to add to the discourse. Peace out!
I'm genuinly glad to hear you're feeling better Frontline. I'll admit you had me worried there for a bit :)
ReplyDeleteAbout this post, I personally don't think you owe anyone an apology. This blog might be part of your life, but it isn't your life itself. That's how I view it at least.
And I like the way you're planning to use the donations! Mine will (for the moment) remain strictly for the blog itself, as 40k is not that high up my priority list. But I like the system in itself :)
No I can understand the not wanting to contribute to something that you aren't interested in. Hence the advice to mark out what your contributions are for.
DeleteThe apology wasn't necessarily for not being around and writing stuff, but more for not answering emails and comments. I'm normally pretty speedy about that sort of stuff so just wanted to let peeps know I'll be answering their emails and comments as quickly as I can.
Aeria_Gloris is 100% right you don't owe anybody anything except for that threatening dickbag the full force of the law which it sounds like you got.
DeleteFor goodness sakes it's toy soldiers. I expect my wife and I to get threats its par for course but TOY SOLDIERS!
Yeah that was my initial response... but to be fair his foul torrent of abuse and overtly sexualised imagery proved succinctly that the main thrust of my argument that many hobbyists and maybe even the hobby itself was actually misogynistic right. When I pointed that out it just got worse. However, I have nothing but good things to say about the law enforcement agencies on both sides of the pond who have dealt with it expediently and taken it as seriously as they have.
DeleteGlad to hear you are feeling a little bit better. Some of us haven't gone away (why would I abandon such a good Blog!) and we all have moments when real life comes before blogging... myself included at the moment.
ReplyDeleteDamn sorry to hear about the threat you received, nobody should have to put up with that sort of cr*p. I hope its all been sorted and you don't have to go through that again. It makes the mild trolling I sometimes get on my Blog all seem rather mundane. Still, Trolls are trolls and whether its a few harsh words or actual threats its all unacceptable.
Glad your back in the saddle.
Well I'm gald you haven't deserted me Lee!!! :P
DeleteAs to the abuse... for some reason this Blog has attracted far more extreme fanbois ire than many others seem to. I've spoken to some other Bloggers about it too, as some of the stuff certain Bloggers receive is vile and beyond the pale. Normally I shrug this sort of crap off and ignore what these tools have to say. But this one was very specific and extremely unpleasant, so I felt I needed to do something about it. Thankfully the relevant authorities thought it needed looking into as well and they've done their job very well. Problem solved!
Great to hear you are feeling better mate.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a little Frontline-shaped void in the blogosphere as of late.
As you know, I have much love for the smaller, niche games, but to be honest, I too would like to hear your opinion on some of the bigger games, if only for a little perspective.
In saying that, I just put in an order for some Bushido and Freebooter's Fate minis for the store (and maybe some for me too....). I have some experience with Bushido, but I think you really sold the Freebooter's minis to me; the game just sounds so cool!
Anyway, take care, and good to see you back.
Yeah, I'm sure peoples bank balances haven't missed me writing articles about new shiny toys and games.
DeleteDont worry I plan to put that right over the next few days. Glad you like reading about the niche games, but really interested to hear people would like to hear more of my thoughts on the more popular games.
40k is NEVER going to be the focus of this Blog, and it is genuinely unlikely I'll be covering much GW related, simply because they're not doing anything that interests me at the moment. But I have to say I'm surprised so many people want to see me cover these 6th Ed releases. Perhaps it's because they're expecting another Dreadfleet type mauling off of me and it's all to do with Internet rubber necking... who knows.
Thing is the niche side of the hobby will remain my focus as that's what I'm about as a hobbyist, and that's why I've started all of this. Glad to hear you've picked up Freebooters Fate for your store (love that game sooooo much) and of course Bushido. Hows the starter faction going?
When I said "bigger games", the biggest I meant was Warmachine. Personally, I'm over GW stuff, so I'm not phased if you cover 40K 6th ed.
DeleteI agree with the motives for asking you to cover 6th; I'd say most people just want you to give it a hammering. But I'm sure there are some people that would just like to hear an honest opinion, a critical analysis without all the fanboism (that's a word now).
When I think of your blog, I think of niche games, so I'm glad that is where your focus is remaining.
I have a confession to make about the starter faction I won...... I gave it away!
Now hear me out...
My best mate actually lives a state away from me nowadays (that's so far you can't drive there), but we still catch up a few times a year for a few weeks and game hard. We use to play 40K, but have since tired of it. He wanted to try a new game, something we could play when we saw each other. After looking at all the games I sent him, he chose Bushido. I then asked what faction he would like to play, and lo and behold, he chose Prefecture of Ryu.
I decided that it was my duty to be a gaming pimp, and I gave him the starter box. I then went and bought myself a Savage Wave box, and some lovely Scibor temple baes, so now we can get a game in. Part of the deal was that he had to have all the minis painted up by the next time we see each other, so I'll send you some pics!
Now I just need to build some terrain.....
(p.s. have you seen http://muraminiatures.com/making-a-simple-28mm-japanese-house.html ? Not sure where I found that link, it may very well have been from you! )
"Perhaps it's because they're expecting another Dreadfleet type mauling off of me and it's all to do with Internet rubber necking... who knows"
DeleteHmmm you maybe right. There's not much to say really as you stated that hasn't been said before.
Hand on heart though I do say this the game itself is fun - the core issues are still there but they're easier to ignore.
Now if they could do something about the price it would be the best edition IMO
@Bishop
DeleteYep my core focus will remain... but I guess a bit more HoMachine wouldn't go amiss.
As to the Bushido starter set... it was your prize buddy to with as you saw fit. Pimping the game to someone else is a perfectly good use of your prize, especially as you've gone and purchased other mini's for the range. Hope you enjoy it.
@Minitrol
They'll never do anything about price. Just won't happen. You know it. I know it. Everybody knows it. As to whether the game is fun or not... I can't comment. What I can say is that from reading the rules as always it is atrociously written. This leads to poorly communicated rules that are easy to interpret in multiple ways. I also have some concerns over the game systemically now, and I feel they've potentially slowed the game day... maybe in an attempt to kill it as a tournament game.
I thought you would approve.
DeleteOne prize giveaway has turned into a bunch of people playing Bushido.
Turns out my friends room mate is also keen, and has just ordered a Temple starter box.
Also, the Ryu set has gone to someone who is a much better painter than me, so in a sense, it has gone to a better home.
Gotta share the gaming love!
Of course I approve, I think it is every gamers duty to spread the love and get others into the hobby.
DeleteGood on you I say.
Indeed very glad to see things returning to 'normal' around here. And glad to hear that you, and your better half, is feeling better. As for despicable little men hiding behind their keyboards... well, I don't even want waste my breath (fingers?) on them. Good thing it got sorted in the end.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand people wanting you to go "more mainstream"! Or rather, I understand why it happens (more followers=louder shouts for lowest common denominator) but it seems like people like that has missed the point/concept/philosophy of this blog; to promote the lesser known stuff. Not to mention the fact that you don't play 40k (as far as I know).
Ah well... good to have you back in any case. :)
No you're right 40k has never been my poison of choice. I always preferred Games Workshops specialist games and Warhammer Fantasy. I played 40k because certain friends didn't want to play anything else.
DeleteHowever, a huge chunk of this Blog is about reviewing new products, and it seems an awful lot of people want to hear what I have to say about the 6th Edition releases. That's fine, I have no problem reviewing them... although I doubt my coverage would go beyond that. Thing is I'm not going to stump my own limited resources up to do that for other people. I won't likely get any use out of those products, beyond reviewing them.
Maybe if I get them and review them I could them get the cats to sign them with their paw prints and give them away as prizes to people or something.
Welcome back, and glad to see you back to a healthy state ( we hope ). Looking forward to seeing what you do decide to discuss and share with us. I am sure they will be good, and will get the people back here in flocks as they were previously..
ReplyDeleteBTW.. I won't feel bad if you don't hit 1 million views of 1000 followers before your second year.. don't let that put more stress to you. Just means that the goal for the third year will just be that much more harder to attain! :)
Well I think the 1 million hits was never going to happen!!! I still have 9 months to go on that though, so we'll see how close I get!!! The 1000 followers could still happen though I reckon. Just got to put myself about a bit more... or get people to do it for me. :P
DeleteNice to see you back man. as others have said, no apology needed.
ReplyDeleteWe all vanish from time to time as other things intrude, it's no bad thing to have some perspective either.
Sorry to hear you had a run in with a "Fan" in the very literal root meaning of the word...
and i can totally understand the ambivalence about Dark Vengance.. I'm an active 40k p;layer, I love the 6th ed changes.. but DA and Chaos? not for me, ta.
Yeah Dark Angels and Chaos Marines was a bizarre choice I thought. But whateves... Games Workshop know what they're doing I'm sure. Plus secretly I think their ultimate goal has always been to get a starter set out that has two Space Marine forces in it and I guess this is as close as they'll get.
DeleteAs for the nut job fan... well they had a run of their own, with the Law. So I'm over it.
I would like to echo the sentiments of what others have said, and hope that things have changed for the better! This blog had become a regular web stop for me in the morning, sat down at the computer with the first cup of brew of the day, and I have to be honest and say I've missed it - and that's regardless of the subject material of the article!
ReplyDeleteBut, it's great news to hear that your health has returned! Just make sure you don't overdo it and go into blogging over-drive ;)
Regarding the content of the blog, I hope you can continue to focus on the smaller companies and releases. Like you say, reviews of new GW, Privateer Press and some other games have been ten-a-penny. It brings to mind a critic in the Independent newspaper, reviewing the first of the Star Wars prequels; he gave the film 1 star, finishing with the comment 'it doesn't matter what I say about this film, people will still see it in their millions'. Not that I'm drawing a comparison to later productions from a company falling way short of their illustrious predecessors, but I'm sure you get the point! I was persuaded to get into Infinity because of your blog, a game which I might otherwise have not been made aware of, and I think it can serve a function for the much wider wargaming community by looking at the bigger picture within the industry!
Anyway, good to have you back and looking forward to future blog posts, whatever they may be!
I will always focus on the small, quirky and niche games out there, don't you worry about that. I'm not about to start writing 40k tactics articles or army list articles for Grey Knights. That's just so not me my good man!
DeleteHowever, it is fair to say that 6th Edition 40k is a big deal for many hobbyists, and it seems many of my readers would genuinely like to hear what I've got to say about it. I really wasn't sure the people who read this Blog would give a damn if I'm honest with you buddy. If they give that much of a damn they help me out with the costs won't they? If not no skin off of my nose.
Like you though I don't necessarily see the point of me reviewing it necessarily, as it is unlikely what I have to say bout the game will change peoples minds one way or the other... but hey, I'm actually interested to see what I think and if people are that interested that they'll drop a bit of cash on the old contribute button.
Good to have you back fella; I have missed reading your Sunday Sermons! I've given a bit of coverage to Dark Vengeance myself, and might give it a bit more once I've actually got the boxed set. There's not a lot of money around at the moment but my Birthday's in 2 weeks so maybe...
ReplyDeleteAs some of the other readers have said, the blog has certainly done its job in getting people into some less mainstream stuff; limited funds means limited games as I'm sure you know but I certainly wouldn't have looked at Dwarf King's Hold if it wasn't for your coverage on dungeon crawlers! I guess the thing to remember is, even though this can seem a bit of a thankless task sometimes especially when you get such negative reponses, you ARE making an impact on the gaming world and that's always worth it.
Thanks for your kind words... and I'm sorry about your bank balance. I know I'm responsible for so many people being skint it's not even funny anymore!!! Heavy Gear, Infinity, Dystopian Wars, Freebooter's Fate and God only knows how many other games I've gotten people into, who I don't even know.
DeleteMy actual friends curse the sound of my name because of all the games I've successfully pimped to them over the years. I'm just taking my own personal talents to a global scale with this here Blog it seems!!! I know what I do is valued because so many people email me to tell me it is, which is nice to hear and nice to know. What's also nice is that people also seem to come back and value my opinion.
Hi Jody
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you're getting back into the swing of things. I didn't think anything at all of the absence. Indeed, I didn't really notice anything untoward - I just assumed you were enjoying the sunshine and the Olympics/ Paralympics! Glad to hear both you and the good Dr are feeling better after the lurgy.
I was really surprised and saddened to hear about the grief someone has been giving you. Anyone who's had any correspondence with you by email or online (like me) will know what a totally stand-up, very generous guy you are. You give the most valuable thing you have freely - and that's your time. So please don't take it to heart and definitely don't let it make you think twice about continuing your excellent blog and fine Sunday Sermons! Looking forward to hearing much more from you, in your own good time, whenever!
Heya buddy, how are you doing? Your Blog going well?
DeleteI have to be honest, I did catch an awful lot of the Olympics, but most of that was done in between sleeping and feeling ill.
As to the grief... well I guess I just rubbed somebody up the wrong way. They've embarrassed themselves and got themselves into a spot of bother they didn't think they would I'm sure. I think normally rational and civilised individuals seem to forget themselves when the anonymity of the Internet presents itself. Obviously though there are ways of tracking people down. I'm not taking it to heart, even if it was the first piece of abuse that I took deadly seriously. Hopefully I won't have to put up with that sort of crap every again.
I can only echo the comments made so far, glad to see that the previous state is starting to pass.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'll be slowly trying to get back to some sort of normality on here.
DeleteI was not very surprised when you said nothing about 6th ed or the starter box. To be fair to GW you would want to play at least a couple of games of 6th before rending any judgement. Such judgement would like be that they fixed rules X,Y but made Z worse and created new problem Q. They also did A,B, and C to clearly push model sales. Ending up with a game about the same.
ReplyDeleteThe starter set would be nice snap fit models if you like and style and are interested in the factions. Maybe better starter stuff since it appears to have scaling missions like 4th ed and more info on the unit special rules compared to 5th. Price is to high as it is 66% more than the last starter set for essential the same model counts and types.
Well I seem to be the odd one out it quite often seems on the old Interwebs, insofar as I only ever pass judgement on a product once I've given it fair hearing and actually given it a fair go. So I'd only write my thoughts on 40k 6th Ed after playing a fair amount of games and really trying to get under the bonnet of it. I'm not going to rush to snap decisions about anything. But honestly I wasn't going to review it at all. I guess given how much interest there is for me to pass judgement on it though perhaps I ought to give it serious consideration, and if I get enough contributions to do so I most certainly will.
DeleteMy deepest empathies. I had a crush of my own recently, everything came down on me. Whoever said bad luck comes in threes was mistaken, I felt like been cursed, my car broke down, I had 2 accidents, sudenly I had financial problems and emotional ones. I've gone apathetic and lazy but pulled myself together, and I realized then... noone could help me in this matter, and if I wouldn't do anything about it I would end badly.
ReplyDeleteSo I bought a bicycle and kept myself bussy not to think too much, hobby helped me a little bit too.
So glad to see you back, I must admit I missed you Sunday Sermons.
Ps. Bicycle is like a time machine, I love cross country rides now, and been to places I wouldn't even imagine existed around me, realy soothing experience.
Sounds like you've had a month to forget as well. I hope things pick up for you soon matey. It's never fun feeling like life is one never-ending ceaseless grind. Things do get better, mainly if you get off you arse and do something about it (which is what I do) and it seems it's what you've done... quite literally it seems as you've got a bike!!! lol.
DeleteKeep on going buddy!!!
Glad to see you back in action. Sorry to hear about you and your partner's health problems, hopefully you're both on the mend. As for the ITG (internet tough guy) they seem to pop up everywhere, but this one sounds like he took it much too far.
ReplyDeleteAgain, good to have you back. Take care.
Yes this Internet tough guy did step over the boundary of what I felt like I could safely ignore and laugh off.
DeleteBut hey I'm back and I'm getting used to using Blogger again.
PRICK is such an awesome reference I jumped out of my chair when I saw the video snap shot. The wife is looking at me right now as I pushing buttons. Glad you're writing, hope things get better.
ReplyDeleteHeya, yeah Kevin McMahon is really cool. I love his stuff as Prick and I quite like his Lucky Pierre stuff too. At the time the first Prick Album came out I was just starting out with my own industrial band, and I just loved the fact that he was able to be more 'pop' friendly, melodic, clean and well funny. His music was fun and stood in dark contrast to many other industrial bands at the time who were all just a bit grim and depressing... or aggressive. Glad at least one of you liked the reference.
DeleteGood to hear that you're back and your household is none the worse for wear.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised that you've gotten a strong push to cover 6th edition. Your blog has always been rather "post-GW" in tone. While I assume most of your readership actively plays GW games, I wouldn't think they would come here for their GW fix. Personally, I want to care about Warhammer (FB and 40K); however, nothing out of GW in recent years has really captured my imagination, but I keep hoping that will change.
Anyway, glad you're writing again. I look forward to reading your work on whatever topic you choose to pursue.
My hobby has always sort of been about other companies as well. I've never solely tied myself to any one single company or product. But yeah in recent years my hobby has slowly been less and less about Games Workshops products. For no other reason than it no longer interests me and I think the one game I used to love WFB is actually one of the weakest rulesets on the market right now. If that were to change I'd be there in a flash.
DeleteHowever, this Blog is about wargaming and I guess it is a little bit bzarre that I haven't even spoken about the latest incarnation of the hobby's largest and most played franchise. Even if it is to just acknowledge that it exists. I have read the rules and seen games being played, and I'm skeptical, but until I've played it comprehensively I'll not judge it as it's just not fair.
Glad to hear things are on the up for you - remember that just because visitors don't always post doesn't mean they aren't reading, enjoying and appreciating your Blog :-)
ReplyDeleteOh I know... but according to the stats people aren't even turning up and reading anymore!!! :P
DeleteI guess I'll just have to start over again and drum the support up again. I did it once so I guess I'll be able to do it again.
Don't let it get to you Frontline! Like you said, you did it once :) Besides, I can't be the only one who has been (re)reading your older stuff :p
DeleteNah... it doesn't really bother me too much Aeria. Just gives me something to do again I guess. :P
DeleteSo glad to see you are feeling close to your old self and willing to blog again. Sorry about Dr.Brainiac being under-the-weather (hopefully nothing serious) and the sad loss of good gaming money lost to DIY. And sorry such feelings get condensed to net shorthand.
ReplyDeleteAs to 6th edition, I can understand some having interest in your views, but recognizing there is a finite amount of Frontline, is it the best investment? So much new and hidden to explore vs learning a game that was never your cup of tea seems like an odd choice (doubly so in light of recent personal issues).
Anyway solo glad your back, I'll even donate right now but you must promise to spend it on something completely self indulgent and non-GW.
Martin
Hmm something fun you say? Hmmm...
DeleteI'll have to think about that. I'll throw a review up when I've decided.
Very glad to have you back, as you've been sorely missed. I'm sure I speak for many when saying we're glad you've got things sorted out (though from what you've said, people seem to have no problems speaking for themselves... wow what happened to you over an article is 5 shades of WTF??!!!).
ReplyDeleteEither way, You've got a communities worth of respect and support, and again, welcome back.
:)
There are plenty of Bloggers or podcasters who have to put up with abuse from disgruntled maladjusted twats believe me!!! I've been contacted by enough people who have had similar experiences to know I'm not a special case. :P
DeleteI think it is just part of modern life on the Internet. The anonymity empowers people to behave like complete dicks.
TL;DR Peeps above all make good noises!
ReplyDeleteMany much man hugs for you. I was kinda pleased not to have my inbox filling up with Dreampod 9 posts ; P
Also did I see your lovable mug on the Mantic FB page??
You may have seen my loveable mug on a number of Facebook pages apparently. I've been snapped and shown on a few recently according to some.
DeleteAnd I'm sorry but I'm going to be doing more Heavy Gear Blitz stuff soon...
I pretty much only play 40K, and I'd be interested to hear your opinions of the new rules. However as others have said I don't expect youto cover it, I enjoy reading your blog for the minority game reviews, scenery reviews, and your thoughts on the wargaming hobby as a whole.
ReplyDeleteOne game very few bloggers have covered though, that deserves some attention IMO, is Saga by Gripping Beast. These days there are more and more 28mm plastic boxed sets of Dark Ages minis, which makes starting this skirmish game quite affordable. It also has some interesting mechanics. I haven't played it yet, but I'm about to make the leap and order some plastics and the rules.
I think perhaps there might be a fair few like you who read this here Blog. People who primarily play GW's stuff, but read my Blog to hear what's going on in the rest of the hobby etc.
DeleteI don't think I'll ever cover 40k on this Blog. Why? Because others out there have more interest in it than I do and will therefore cover it far better than I could. But... people do seem to want to know what my thoughts are on it.
As to Saga, I had a demo of it a while back at a convention I think. Don't remember too much about it, apart from the fact the game was badly run because it was done a s a rolling game... i.e. new people were allowed to step in at any point and people were allowed to leave at any point. Made the whole experience fragmented. Perhaps I should give it another look.
Its not entirely through choice that people play GW stuff, thats all you can play round here unfortunately, kind of a vicious circle where GW is popular so people who want to play something buy it and so on it goes. That said I did at one point love the fluff and bought lots of minis so I have a big enough collection I never need to buy anything new. Indeed I don't buy anything new on principle, don't like feeling like I'm being ripped off.
DeleteAs for Saga, I work at an eductation centre with reconstructed Viking and Celtic buildings so might be able to get some of the guys there interested if I get a couple of armies together. The rules and special dice are a little bit pricey but I'm told that a single box of Gripping Beast plastic Viking Hirdmen (available for £16 inc delivery from Triple Helix http://www.triplehelixwargames.co.uk/product_details.php?subId=341&pId=10991&mid=336) has 44 figures in it, enough for two 4 point Saga armies. You can't get more affordable than that!
Sounds to me like you need to start evangelising new games. Perhaps Saga's the one for you and your mates... that does sound bloody cheap!!! Let me know how it goes. :)
DeleteDon't forget your RSS subscribers. I've not visited the site since your last post because I knew there was nothing new to look at. Now that you're posting again I'll pop over to visit. Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. I hadn't thought of that.
DeleteRSS to the rescue, indeed!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I wouldn't want you to play games you don't find interesting (anymore), even if I'm back to playing HoMachine and slightly drooling over MoFaux mini's. Give me a chance to show my willpower by tempting me with lovely, lovely new games. So pretty. Preeeetty, yesss.
Ahem.
I'll be tempting you with new stuff soon enough... don't you worry about that buddy!
DeleteHowever, I really ought to look into doing more HoMachine articles as it's a big part of our hobby time round these parts. Plus I really enjoy it.
I've missed your updates (so much so that upon hearing about some new releases I found myself wondering what you'd have written about them) but real life, particularly the health and well being of you and your family have to always take priority.
ReplyDeleteI hope the positive comments and feedback from the community you've created go some way to offsetting the damage done by some wanker and good on you for ensuring that the authorities were notified.
My initial thoughts with regards to the potential of you reviewing Dark Vengeance were that I'd be interested in what you had to say (more so the updated ruleset rather than the boxset as a whole), however, on reflection, given that you have limited time and financial resources, I'd much rather hear about something that you have an interest in and something that isn't getting as much coverage elsewhere.
As to the tool who sent some wonderfully colourful threats, I knew he was in the minority and that most people in our community are decent sorts... even if some of them do play with Grey Knights. So it didn't really make me think everyone was out to get me or anything. Although I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me question whether it was all still worth it briefly.
DeleteAs to Dark Vengeance... you know what I'm really starting to wander what I will think of it myself. I'm almost keen to review it myself now. GW normally do a good job with the plastic mini's in these boxed sets and I have to say I've been pretty impressed by what I've seen so far and... well... I want to see what I think of it. I'm not feeling negative or positive about it as a product right now, I'm sort of ambivalent... but enough people have asked me that now I'm wondering what I will think of it.
Glad you came back, FLG. Sorry to hear about your ills and happy that you've overcome them. As to what you cover, I'm interested in hearing as many honest opinions about as many games as I can find, whether the publisher is large or small.
ReplyDeleteLife is sent to try us as they say. Would still like somebody to tell me who the bloody hell 'they' are.
DeleteAs to the Blog... well I'm continuing to do what I've always do with it to be honest with you. I'm still not quite at the levels of production I was before the brief 'interlude' but I'm not going to rush to get back there.