is back from Council of Five Nations.
Today, we're popping the lid on one of the starter boxes for Heavy Gear: Blitz!, the sci-fi game from Dream Pod 9.
The outside is utilitarian: a box with a sticker on top. No scale listed, but they're 1:144 scale.
Inside, there's a bag of black plastic bases, and another bag full of plastic sprues. No paperwork needed in these digital days!
One mech per sprue, 14 models of six different types.
And 14 bases, 25mm and 40mm sizes.
Each sprue provides parts for one mech, including optional parts. This is the Kodiak (one per set):
And if you're worried how to assemble the models, the 39-page assembly guide for all the starter sets is a free download on DriveThruRPG. Here's the Cheetah (two in set):
The instructions are pretty sparse, but it's a mecha: head, torso, hips, arms, legs, right? This is the Ferret (one in set), which you can build in walking or wheeled mode:
As an example of weapon options, the Grizzly assembly guide identifies the extra parts as MRP (two on sprue), CMD Sat Uplink, MATM (2 on sprue), Vibro Blade, HAC, HBZ, FM/GM, PG and PG folded. And if that seems like alphabet soup, there's a parts identification chart in the guide, too. (MATM, for instance, are anti-tank missiles.) Here's the Grizzly:
Some of the models, such as the Hunter (below, four in set), have optional walking versus running legs:
And lastly, this is the Jaguar (four in set):
As the assembly guide explains:
The Northern Army Box makes 2 combat groups, one with a primary unit of 4 Hunters and RC or FS support unit if selected. Plus a second combat group with primary unit of 4 Jaguars and support unit if selected.
Includes 3 round bases for the 2 Grizzly and 1 Kodiak and 11 hex bases for the other Gears.
I'll be adding these to my Northern Army forces soon.