It’s the last edition of The News Stand before 2024 and we have an interesting set of articles this time. Releases from Gunslinger and Modern Miniatures, previews from Spectre, Bobmack and more and even the resurfacing of a certain ruleset! Read on for more!
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The big news on Gunslinger this week was the release of the final Kojoti Phase. Containing both the seven-man Security team and a four-figure High Risk Contractors set to go up against them, the pack is the perfect send-off for the first version of Gunslinger. If you’ve been collecting from the start, by now you’ll have two full factions, two special character teams and a whole pile of heads, more than enough to get your figures on the table and start playing. The full release post has some more info on the figures released this week, including more details on the design behind them.
If you want these figures for yourself, you can find them on the Flytrap Digital Patreon where you can sign up for the Gunslinger 2030 tier for $9.50 and be all ready for Gunslinger V2’s first release in the new year.
Spectre Miniatures Show Off More Tier 1
Spectre Miniatures has shown off two more figures from the upcoming Tier 1 release. Both are armed with the 8.6mm carbine we’ve seen previously, although the figure on the left also has a suppressed Gen 12 shotgun. The description also mentions a figure armed with the M320 loaded with Pike Smart munitions. I assumed based on these images, we’ll be looking at a release sometime in January for the full set.
We also had a little post on the Spectre blog covering the thoughts behind the Force Builders included in the core rulebook. As I’ve said in the past, I’m always interested in understanding why rules are written in the way they are, so seeing this information released is always good to see.
Note: I’ve also received my Spectre V3 rulebook and exclusive figure so more coverage on that soon.
Battlespace Up For Pre-Order From Modiphius
A chance encounter while browsing the Rangers of the Shadow Deep page took me to the Modiphius website where I spotted some more information on Battlespace! This solo/co-op game had been picked up by Modiphius in 2021 and then went a little bit quiet. Well, it’s now up for Pre-Order with a release in March 2024. Reading the description it has definitely been expanded from the US Army Special Forces focus of the original release, now including additional playable and enemy forces. The set is also going to include all the cards you’d need, including the manoeuvre cards used for repositioning your force on the tabletop. I’m interested to see how this set looks on release, so I have already got my pre-order in and will be standing by for its arrival.
BobMack3d Shows Off The Marder
Part 2 of the preview for the next Bobmack3d Kickstarter “Schwerpunkt” and we have the Marder 1A2, the West German IFV to match the Leopard 2A4. For those gamers looking to use them in the Ultramodern setting, variants of these vehicles are still being used by nations around the world, including in Ukraine so could definitely find themselves a place on your tabletop (especially if we get the 1A3 variant as a stretchgoal). The Bobmack Kickstarter will definitely give you some variety in them too, with three different stowed options being included in the higher pledge. The Kickstarter itself will launch on the 12th of January 2024 and you can sign up for the release over on Kickstarter.
Black Hills Games Releases Lone Wolf, Talks Future Plans
Black Hills Games has released the anniversary figure for one year in the business! This familiar Tex Ranger is now available for backers on Patreon, so check your DMs. We also got some more information on what’s coming up for Black Hills – December will see a set of 5 Somali Pirates, with the larger release pledge including a motorboat and DSHK gunner to add to your table.
Next year, Black Hills Games has talked about adjusting their sculpting style, but also expanding releases above and beyond the Ultramodern sphere. Although this doesn’t mean he’s leaving entirely – after the solid chunk of OPFOR this year, next year he’ll be working on more regular forces of militaries around the world.
Combat Octopus Shows Off Refinements
Combat Octopus admits there has been some slow progress for this WIP update after the last one but you do get a chance to see some of the refinements on this guy, with the additional textures being added. There is also some tweaks to constructions to allow more options, with the arms being entirely detachable rather than only the ball joint at the hand. That said, we’re getting closer to this pack being released, with one final figure to be worked on.
Modern Miniatures Releases 3 Addon Packs
Finally, Modern Miniatures has released three small STL sets. The Cardboard scatter boxes will be good to fill out your board, while the Support Weapon STL pack and the NVGs are ideal for adding some extra firepower or force multipliers to the figures you already have
Wargame Model Bases Offering 20% For Christmas
Friend of the site and former housemate Dreadquill reminded me that Wargame Model Bases (a company he is working for based in Middlesbrough) has a new website up and a Christmas sale! These guys make very high-quality resin scenic bases and for a limited time you can pick them up for 20% off! They currently offer three different styles of bases in a selection of sizes, so it’s well worth a look for anyone playing either fantasy or sci-fi games and needing something to make those bases pop.
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