A Look Back and a Look Forward
Posted By Lankira on January 4, 2012
Ah, 2011. I look back at the year from Game Theory’s new location, and can’t help but notice that most of the faces at our tables came to the game within the last 12 months. The new faces and names enjoying Warmachine and Hordes make me happy, not only as a Press Ganger, but as a person who enjoys watching other people enjoy themselves.
It was a great year for new books and models. WARMACHINE: Wrath was released midway through the year with loads of anticipation and speculation. As a Cryx player, I was (and still am) more than pleased with the new offerings for my faction. Sure, not all models are 100% useful in all lists, but even the more specialized models (Wraith Engine, I’m looking at you) still fit solidly into many of my favorite lists. My other half, a Khador player, is still over the moon about almost every model to come out of Wrath…for his faction at least.
Then, there was HORDES: Domination. Even as a non-Hordes player (as of now, I’m looking at going Trolls when I do finally pick up a Hordes faction), I am overall impressed. Unfortunately, I may not see a lot of the new models hit the table at Game Theory regularly because there just aren’t many Hordes players there. I do look forward to seeing people at cons and other large events bringing the Hordes battle engines, new solos, and beasts. Especially Ghetorix…I love Kromac, and love that he has a character beast even more.
2011 has also been the Year of the Battle Engine. I, for one, love seeing a player fielding two of the hulking behemoths across from anyone, especially me. I would love to get my hands on the Throne of Everblight…just to paint it. It’s massive, and the sculpt is very true to the concept art. My other half loves his Gun Carriage, although I can only paint it in bursts (so many rivets! WHY!?). My Wraith Engine paint job is progressing slowly but surely, and I can’t wait to run it in a Deneghra2 list. Incorporeal models everywhere!
For the Gunbunnies on the whole, this has been a huge year in tournaments, conventions, and store openings. We made an impressive first run at Spring Fever 2011. Fifteen (or more) players came from around the state for our first run with Iron Arena at a con we had never run events at before. Next year, I’m sure we will have even more players, and even better prizes! Over the year, we held 33 tournaments, averaging about 9 players per event. Some of the star events have been special Privateer events, such as Wrath and Domination release events and The Longest Night. Personally, I love the achievement-based format of these events, both as TO and participant.
2012 is already shaping up to be an interesting year. The War-Torn Alliance leagues look to be interesting, and I know that GameTheory wants to host them. I’m almost 100% confident that we will have more tournaments on the books this year than last. Also, convention-wise, it looks like it’s going to be a big year. We are confirmed for demos and an open Highlander table at IllogiCon in January, Iron Arena at StellarCon in March, Iron Arena at Spring Fever in April, and more Iron Arena in November at MACE.
Have a happy and safe year, and we hope to see you at one event or another.
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