Looking Back at 2025 and Ahead to 2026

It was a great year for boardgames, but poor for role-playing and miniature gaming. I'd like to alleviate that for 2026. I also want to bring out games I can play solo so I can get used to the rules and play them with others. My miniatures are definitely longing for the paint brush so more painting in in my future this year including scenery painting.

Only seven role-playing sessions were played this year, three of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay and two each of Dragon's Bane and Twilight 2000. Sickness and life have affected folks coming to my Monday night sessions. We will see what the new year brings.

A total of 83 boardgames were played. Some took 15-30 minutes to play and some took hours (all day for Eastern Empires). I have enjoyed the amount that have been played and both myself and my wife would like to play more with each other and with friends. We will see if that can occur. Boardgames played, in order from most to least played, are: Santorini (13); Marvel Champions LCG (10); Elder Sign/Skyteam (6ea); Arcs/Dominion/Lord of the Rings Dual for Middle Earth/Splendor Duel (4ea); Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship/Quacks of Quedlinberg/Wingspan (3ea); 878 Vikings: Invasion of England/Daybreak/Splendor/Terraforming Mars (2ea); and the following with one game played of each 7 Wonders Duel, 1754, Arkham Horror LCG, Carcassonne 20th Anniversary, Carcassonne Hunters and Gatherers, Cascadia, Crib, Eastern Empires, Grimcoven, Lost Cities, Memoir '44, Paths of Glory, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride Europe, Zane's Homemade Industrial Game (Title to come later)

Twenty-four solo games were played, 20 of Marvel Champions LCG and 4 of Terraforming Mars on a computer) Terraforming Mars. There is no reason why I couldn't play more, and I will, but I also have to balance it with my writing, editing, and schoolwork.

Only 28 miniature games were played this year, about one every two weeks. Need to try for more, if possible, with my friends schedules. Miniature games played, in order from most to least played, are: Heroscape (9)

Batman Miniature Game (7)

Malifaux (6)

    -3e; Parker Burrows (Bandit) 1

    -4e; Viktorias (Mercenary) 1; Jack Daw (Tormented) 5

Battletech: Alpha Strike (3 campaign games)

Gaslands (1)

Marvel Crisis Protocol (1)

For painting models and scenery not much was done. Flintstones Village and people was the only scenery painted with a few others (Cardboard Infinity Terrain and Resin Badlands GF9 terrain for multiple game scales, and a construction set) purchased already or mostly assembled, which is abysmal. For models painted...none really. Still have little bits left to do of the 44 Batman Miniature Game cop keyword models. Paint on scenery and models is the keyword for miniature games as well as playing more of them.

Things That Have Happened since Early September

I have not been idle since early September, but I have been busy with other things. School, homework, and studying has been a part of it plus short local travel, writing, and reading. I need to be better with putting up little missives and happenings.

There was some painting of "cop" keyword models for the Law Forces faction of the Batman Miniature Game. I did a lot of work and now its just the details left on most of them. Below is a sample.

There were a few games of the Batman Miniature Game and in the last one of the year I managed my first win! I think I might be getting used to this faction.

A couple of Malifaux games were played using my Tormented faction. We are starting to get used to the 4th edition.

Battletech: Alpha Strike was played with another game in the Lyran Commonwealth's planetary assault on my Draconis Combine colony world. Good times.

Another Malifaux game.

Played a large nine player game of Eastern Empires (a redo of Mega Civilization which was a redo of Advanced Civilization). I placed last, as the Saba civilization (Red), but it was close. I always love this game.

Another Batman game.

Final miniature game of the year...Marvel Crisis Protocol! Defenders led by Daredevil and I took Spider Foes led by Doctor Octopus.

Have a happy and game filled 2026 everyone!

So many Cops!

There are many, many models that have the Cop keyword in the Batman Miniature Game, and very few are not part of the Law Forces faction. Since getting back into the Batman Miniature Game, and painting the Patterson Batman and Batman on Bike, I next decided to tackle ALL the Cop models. Wow, oh wow. When I'm done I will have 44 Cop models from all three editions of the game (metal, resin, newer thermoplastic).

Here are the 1st edition models, with the Cop keyword, that I finished years ago: Commissioner Gordon, four street cops, and three SWAT.

I will have quite a few models that will also have the Detective trait. Its very handy, with the trait, to manipulate suspects at a four inch range rather than having to be right next to them. It also suits the Law Forces faction.

The models on the left are a repeat of my second picture, but the four on the right are part of the Aaron Cash SWAT set. These SWAT models are a resculpt of the first edition metal four pack.

Here are some more SWAT, and two Gordons (Back to Gotham and The Batman sculpts), that also have the Cop keyword. A note about SWAT models is that they have the Elite trait, which means you can only take one of them in your crew. The caveat to that is if you have a model with the Boss: SWAT trait, in which case you can take as many as you want. When I finish these models, five will have that trait (2 Gordons, Aaron Cash, Lt Brandon, and Commissioner Loeb).

Then there are the rest of the Cop models! They are from the Nolan films (3), Back to Gotham starter set (4 plus one detective shown earlier), The Batman starter set (6 including the Gordon model shown earlier and yes the horse mounted cop is in that set), Gotham Central Cops (4 total including the two shown earlier), and Commissioner Loeb from the first edition (Commissioner Loeb and Gotham Police blister).

The models are in the final stages, after I've used the army painter method of using one colour on each model than starting at the first model with the next colour. I will be posting them as I put the finishing touches on them starting with the oldest models to the newest in each set they came out in.

Construction Vehicles Playset

Picked up this Cute Stone Construction Vehicles Playset from Amazon.ca a year ago and hadn't cracked it open. Wanted to get some construction vehicles to go with my Marvel Crisis Protocol and Batman Miniature Game figures and the MCP NYC Construction Site Terrain Pack (currently assembled and primed but not painted). Its important to think outside the box, so to speak, for interesting terrain for miniature games.

There is quite a lot in this set and although there are more larger items than are normally on the table for the size class it gives variety and flair to the tabletop. However the quantity will go nicely with the BMG.

The scale might be a little smaller than they should for MCP but...

...perfect for the big digger, bulldozer, and crane as well as the accessories.

The vehicles have some heft to them for keeping them in their spot, as light plastic ones would move by breathing on them too hard. The bulldozer can also switch out its scoop for a plow or roller too. 

Infinity Cardboard Terrain

A few years ago, when I was getting into Infinity, there was a scenery pack included in a box set (Moto.Tronica) plus I picked up another one in an Arianna large starter box (Navajo Outpost Pack). They provide the same number and sizes of easily put together cardboard buildings and containers, four large and six small. I decided to put together these for extra scenery for multiple miniature game systems.

    Below is a three by three mat with both assembled terrain packs. As you can see it covers an appropriate amount of table area. It just needs some scatter terrain. The only minor quibble I have are that not many metal models should be placed on the top of the larger buildings, but extra cardboard lightly glued inside will reinforce the roof.

    For 32mm models, like the Batman Miniature Game, the size is perfect. Although the look of them are futuristic it still fits, but the smaller containers would work well in a warehouse or dock themed scenario.

    For Battletech: Alpha Strike they can be stacked as buildings and work extremely well for city terrain.

    40mm Marvel Crisis Protocol models also fit well. Same issue as with the Batman game, in that the theme is futuristic. Would work well in an alien world themed table.

    These sets are not sold on the Infinity Corvus Belli's website, but several others are here in particular on page two. A similar assortment, with different art, is the Dawn-02 Aplekton scenery pack for a reasonable price. Two other good sets for the price are the Neon Lotus scenery pack and the Daedalus scenery pack.

Badlands Terrain from GF9

 I picked up some GF9 Badlands terrain boxes recently and am very glad I did. I had plans to build some, but these were already made, prepainted, and solid. Also, even though they are labelled as being for 25-35mm models, I have found they are useful for any scale models from Dystopian Wars/Uncharted Seas 1:1200 scale to Marvel Crisis Protocol 40mm scale (1:43).

Out of the four the company sells, I picked up these three. Here they are with Marvel Crisis Protocol figures...

...Malifaux models...

...Battletech models...

...and Batman Miniature Game models.

I intend on using these in any outdoor scenario or setting as they are very handy and much better then my carved styrofoam "rock" escarpments.

Hardwar - Modiphius Edition Kickstarter and Free Quickstart Rules

Modiphius is releasing their Kickstarter for the new edition of the Hardwar Game. Previously owned by Strato Minis, Hardwar was a licensed offshoot of the first edition of Horizon Wars, expanded and modified, which is now in its 2nd edition called Horizon Wars: Midnight Dark.

    Hardwar is a skirmish miniature game using 6mm scale models. It is set in the near future where mercenary companies take contracts and fight for those who hire them, except they do so with remote controlled mechs and vehicles.

    Many of the same mechanics of Hardwar seem to be included in the 24 page quickstart rules, available for FREE as a pdf from Modiphius. I am sure there will be some tweaks in the full edition of the rules. They have also cleaned up all of the Strato Minis models included in the Kickstarter and if the product sells well I expect the rest of the Strato Minis line to get a facelift and rollout under the Modiphius banner.

    I like the quickstart and its little tweaks as well as its clear presentation of the rules.0 My only criticism in the Kickstarter is that the stretch goals are currently focused on the terrain models and the main benefactor of them is only those who choose the highest reward tier. Currently I will likely get a lower grade tier, like Corporate Commando, with some add-ons.

    There is a Facebook site, run by Modiphius, here. You can still download some Hardwar items from Strato Minis website here.

Bedrock, the Cursed Village

I picked up the 1960's Marx Flintstones Bedrock play set, or at least most of one, from a charity shop two years ago for dirt cheap. I thought it was time to paint it up as I needed more 3-4 inch high climbable terrain for Malifaux, as per their new 4e beta ruleset for moving onto terrain.

    I used dollar store paints and made the buildings less cartoony. For the figures I decided to paint them as statues with glowing eyes. You can almost hear the chanting whispers of"Yabba", "Dabba", and "Do".

    Once I was done, I realized I could also use the terrain for the Marvel Crisis Protocol and Batman Miniatures Game. They are a great scale for it. Never be afraid of picking up inexpensive children's toys for your miniature games. You might be surprised what you can find and they are built to be sturdy.

Heroscape is Back!

Over the years my friend and I have been playing Heroscape. The game is still fun and fast to play. To speed things up, he has made thematic teams that also combine models that have rules which support one another and with the rest has made leftover squads.

    Heroscape, licensed through Renegade Games, has started making revamped terrain hexes, new models, and new factions. We have found that the new items are well made and the new models are very fun.  

    The unfortunate thing is that Renegade isn't reprinting the classic Heroscape models. Fortunately there are lots of resellers out there that do, but you have to do some research to ensure they have a good reputation. Sometimes you can get lucky at a garage sale, flea market, or charity store.

    Websites are out there that provide a community and information for folks who play or want to get into it again, like Heroscapers, Gary's Heroscape Site, and Board Game Geek (under the files and forums sections).

    I have my heroscape items, purchased during a few years ago, specifically for the tiles. I have used them for Battletech: Alpha Strike games, but not for Heroscape. My friend has almost everything for the game so no need to double up.

4e Malifaux Beta and its Changes, so far

Myself and a friend tried out the current Malifaux 4e Beta of the rules, May 29th version. He took Guild and Family, Perdita, and I took Outcast and Mercenary, Viktorias. We almost got to the end of turn two, after four hours, but this was no different than 3e when we transitioned to that ruleset. So far, we like the new rules and changes that make models and crews more unique. There are a lot less dual faction models, but are no longer any dual faction crews.

Setup

-Terrain: Range of 45-65% of play area covered with terrain as long range actions intended to be limited, a minimum and maximum required as climbable platforms for models, requirement for all the different types of terrain.

-Scenarios and Schemes: Base scenarios use strategy markers which cannot be affected (moving, removing, or targeting) unless the model card or scenario specifically says so, pick one from three random schemes, and only have one scheme each turn.

-Faction, Leader, and Hire Crew: Pretty much the same, not spending all your points important for having soulstones as many models use them for various effects.

Turn

-Start Phase: Initiative for turn 1 is always the attacker and in subsequent turns the player who did not activate the last models chooses who gains initiative, hand size is seven instead of six, If you have no Master your henchmen can become the leader until the end of the game (gaining an action each turn too) for a soulstone.

-Activation Phase: If you have the same or less models then opponent you can pass your activation, cannot pass twice in a row, Masters get three actions if game is 50 or more soulstones, Peons get only one action and cannot interact, the lightning bolt free action is now called signature actions, you get one free signature actions per model during its activation but can do it again for another action.

End Phase

-Score Strategy: Can score up to 5 VP with them during the game.

-Reveal Scheme: Can reveal a scheme to gain up to 2 VP during the game.

-Abandon Scheme: Can reveal and discard a scheme without gaining VP.

-Select New Scheme: If you revealed or discarded a scheme you can select one of the three printed at the bottom of the scheme.

-Check for End Game: Four turns instead of five

Other

Character Driven: The rules and abilities for each model, we found, are more unique and better fit what they do. They’re more fun to see what new stuff they can do.

Crew Cards: Each Master can choose which of two they are and they come with different crew cards. For friendly games we are just going to put them on a different base size if they have that change. These crew cards provide extra abilities and actions for each member of the crew that has the same keyword as the Master. A handy list of tokens the crew will be using, and their effects, are on the back of the card. One, or more, of these tokens are special to the crew card and Master chosen.

Tokens: OK, there are now 21 types of tokens across each faction. Add to that the crew card specific tokens. That means you need to make more tokens to show what’s what on the playmat.

Firing into Melee: Cannot find it. Looks like friendly models do not grant cover but enemy models do.

Well, that is a quick overview and once the rules and models cards are locked I will make some helper sheets as I have done for 2e and 3e. Looking forward to playing more games of the new edition. Link to Wyrd's 4e page. To access the 4e beta files you need a forum account.

Visiting the Knight Models Warehouse

I was at the Knight Models warehouse in Madrid in early May. I was in the area on vacation so I took a morning to go there to get replacement for items missing or not shipped that I ordered during the Black Friday sale.

    A nice person helped me by first looking through a big box of ready to be mailed shipping envelopes of replacement parts. Since my name was not on any of the labels, they got replacements from the warehouse floor. They also gave me a model to thank me for coming.

    At the start of the conversation, they looked over the my notes in English and Spanish, starting with my order number and missing parts, when their finger scrolled down the first page and got to the questions there (fixing the App, starting to engage with the public, next miniatures) they shook their head and waved at it. Seems like the person can't or won't answer any of them.

    The warehouse had many organized shelves of models ready to go in their boxes and some larger cardboard boxes of items ready to ship to retailers. I never got to my questions about fans or staff being able to update the compendium and make a more organized rulebook, more environment cards, campaigns, scenarios, hiring more people to address the backlog and make new models, status of Escape From Arkham Asylum, status of Harry Potter second edition.

    The big question of the relationship between Knight Models, DefCon games, and OC Games was also never gotten to. If anyone has a better language skill in Spanish, although they understood most of what I was saying, and are traveling to Madrid perhaps they can visit to ask questions and report back?