"Critical Mass Games Recon Figures: Pros And Cons" Topic

I placed an order for the following CMG Recon figure sets (one of each)*:

AFLR 1 – ARC Fleet Light Recon Command
AFLR 2 – ARC Fleet Light Recon Troopers Kneeling
AFLR 3 – ARC Fleet Light Recon Troopers Standing
AFLR 4 – ARC Fleet Light Recon Troopers with Missile Launchers and Sniper Rifles
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Each pack contains 8 figures each. In total, the four Recon packs contain 13 distinct variants.

Pros –
1) Detail: Exceptional
2) Mould lines/flash: Minimal to non-existent
3) Height: Compatible with Rebel Minis' Sahadeen and others (see the Dropship Horizon's link below for comparison photos with GZG NAC troops)
4) Human proportions: Highly realistic
5) Poses: Dynamic and varied (running, advancing, kneeling)
6) Alloy: Difficult for longer weapons to bend accidentally

The detail and variety of action poses is absolutely unbelievable, comparable to some of the best 28mm figures currently in production. In height and bulk, these specific sets mix incredibly well with many others already out there, such as those produced by Rebel Minis.

I am very, very pleased with this purchase. In all, I think that the CMG Recon figures are some of the best 15mm SF figures I have ever seen.

Cons –
1) Bases are a bit thick (about half as thick as some of the other figures I've obtained); and
2) Bases have a very sharp top edge (would be best if it was slightly bevelled to avoid excessive buildup to disguise the base – but that may just be a matter of personal taste)

Honestly, the cons are relatively MINOR. I am planning to simply file down the bases a little, to avoid any statuesque heights, and will use a hobby knife to bevel the base edges.

I really think that, with these Recon figures, CMG has set a new standard in the detail and proportions possible these days in 15mm.

If CMG were to continue to produce figures of that caliber, and in a height comparable to what 15mm gamers already have, they are guaranteed success.

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Until this last year, I had not even considered 15mm as a possible scale for me. I thought that 15mm figures could never compare to the high quality normally seen in 28mm figures.

However, during the last year or so, I have had the pleasure of purchasing from several fine 15mm manufacturers (Rebel Minis, GZG and others, and now CMG) and can honestly say that, if there are any 28mm gamers reading this with skepticism, you need to give today's 15mm figures a look. You will be very, very surprised. Like me, you might feel compelled to "diversify".

Thanks.

Dan
PS. Dropship Horizon has excellent photos of the Recon figures on his blog:
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* This review is only for the CMG Recon sets

Hi Dan

Good summary. As you say cons are very few indeed.

I've discussed the bases with Craig and that is being addressed but obviously the first moulds are in production.

If Critical Mass Games had brought out no other figures – I would still be happy. There's something just right about these miniatures – the flow of their postures is very human.

Cheers
Mark

Thanks for the review CC.

Those minis are fantastic. Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the review. One thing I have found for getting bases into specs is a palm sander with some 100 grit paper on it. Beats individually filing them, and really doesn't get hot the way you would expect due to the softness of the metal.

CB

I haven't found the base size to be an issue at all once flocked. In fact I might say it makes the miniature less prone to breakage.

As for other cons, the only other con might be if you don't have good eye site. These miniatures are highly detailed and might make it harder to paint.

On the Pro side I totally agree with everything listed. The miniatures proportions are absolutely dead on. When compared to other manufactures figures in 15mm, these seem to stand out.

Glad to see that you like my very amateur-ish review. It is really my first. I've purchased several figures from other manufacturers, but never had the opportunity to write up my observations.

And with all the absolutely great figures coming out, from Rebel Minis, GZG, CMG and others, I have a feeling that I'll be writing a few more in the future, provided I have time to do so.

Thanks.

CC

As for other cons, the only other con might be if you don't have good eye site. These miniatures are highly detailed and might make it harder to paint.

Not at all. They are perfect for wash techniques to work a treat and you only need to pick out the detail to have a stunning miniature.

Cheers
Mark

Exactly! I plan to use a very simple process, one that I used with my Khurasan Space Demons:

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TMP link

Of course, instead of starting off with metallic blue, I'll use a different base color.

But I may add one step before the wash, and that is to simply touch up weapons and a few other bits with grey/black. Then I'll do the wash.

CC

I just love these Battlefield 2142 video clips:

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YouTube link
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"The year is 2142 . . . and the dawn of a new Ice age has thrown the world into a panic. The soil not covered by ice can only feed a fraction of the Earth's population. The math is simple and brutal: some will live, most will die."
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I think that the 15mm Recon Troops from Critical Mass Games are perfect for the part.

But, what do you guys think?

CC
TMP link