At 8pm BST tonight (in under two hours’ time!) Mantic CEO Ronnie Renton will be hunting through the Deadzone Kickstarter page, answering questions and responding to comments. It might be dangerous, but he’s dedicated to the cause like none other!
Plus, he has a sworn protector. With a shotgun.
Get your questions ready and head over to Kickstarter for 8pm BST!
Gripping his weapon, his finger itching on the trigger, N32 breathed heavily, his back pressed against some low-lying rubble.
The Enforcer Pathfinder shifted slightly, reaching for his belt and unstrapping a metallic sphere from his belt. He tossed it in the air, a red glow bursting from the Drone’s eye, and he opened the vidscreen. It lived.
He had eyes everywhere and still he couldn’t see where the beast had gone.
He’d been on the trail of the Prime Vector for days, even managing to unleash a salvo from his needle-gun into the colossal beast. And still it had kept going, luring N32 into the ruins of Nicorasi and it’s waiting brood.
Now he was cornered.
He knew the 3A’s were out there, he had heard their weapons fire, but it was the sight of the female that had concerned him – about as frightened as an Enforcer could get.
There.
He’d seen it, an oncoming pack – and the Female was with them!
The Pathfinder flicked open his Comms link, inputted the code and pulled himself off the ground…
<<N32-19 – requesting fire support>>
Get Recon Unit N32-19 Enforcer Pathfinder special character for free with a pledge of Recon or Strike Team on Deadzone.
With 13 days to go the Deadzone Kickstarter is really starting to ramp up – you can feel the tension!
As part of the run up to the big finale we’ve got the Survivor sculpt on show today, still Work In Progress!!
The Survivor is a Kickstarter Exclusive miniature – you’ll be able to pick one up via Mantic Points or Shows, but other than that, if you want to buy one you need to pledge on the Kickstarter.
Don’t miss him!
Please pledge your support to the Deadzone Kickstarter.
We’ve been working with the Nottingham Jobs Fund to look into the possibility of getting some local folk into work, and we’re now advertising our first job – we need an Apprentice Warehouse Operations Operative!
The Nottingham Jobs Fund is a Nottingham City Council jobs creation initiative, designed to support unemployed local people back into work. To be considered for this position you are required to match ALL of the following criteria:
• Registered unemployed
• Registered as living within the Nottingham City Boundaries
• Aged 18+
Check out the details here and drop any questions in the comments below! Also, if you think you know someone who’d be ideal for this role, please pass these details on.
Since the Deadzone Kickstarter began, a lot of people have wanted to know more details about the terrain sprues – what’s on them, how many buildings can be made, and so on. Well, we’ve just received final confirmation of the Core Worlds sprue contents, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised…
Yes, it turns out the sprues are even bigger than we thought they would be! In our original plan, each sprue was going to be big enough to hold six terrain tiles – that meant that if we wanted to include barricades, walkways, or other extras they would take up the space of one or more of those tiles. However, the clever folk who have been working on the design have come up with an even better idea: each sprue will now be big enough to hold eight terrain tiles! That means each sprue in the Core Worlds Battlezone gives you six tiles (or five tiles and two half-tiles) and also features plenty of extras like the barricades, supports and walkways shown above.
With the additional sprue that was unlocked at the last stretch goal, the plan is for a Core Worlds Battlezone to include two of each of these sprues plus a connector sprue. We’ll be putting up more shots of terrain sprues once we have them, and over the next few days we will be releasing some images of different ways you can put your Core Worlds buildings together.
If you like the look of this modular terrain, head over to the Deadzone Kickstarter – even if you don’t want a copy of the game, you can pick up the One-Click Urban Battlefield for $100 (four Battlezones plus two accessory sprues) or the One-Click Urban Wargames Table for $285 (12 Battlezones plus six accessory sprues).
So what do you think of the contents of the sprue? What are you hoping to see next? Drop us some comments below!
The Deadzone Kickstarter has reached half a million dollars… simply a mindblowing amount in the time frame!
So to recap, that’s now:
- A fifth free faction of your choice added to a pledge of Strike Team and up!
- The Asterian Faction Starter locked in!
- The Forge Father Faction Starter locked in!
- Digital rules for the two new factions added to your pledge!
Thank you so much!
The Expanded Universe Bundle is the best way to get the two new factions, saving $20 off adding them individually.
If we hit this goal we will add 1 additional Building Sprue to each BattleZone FOR FREE.
Currently the BattleZones are at 3 Building Sprues and 1 Connector Sprue. Hitting this stretch goal will change that to 4 Buildings Sprues and 1 Connector Sprue, adding the equivalent of 6 tiles into each set. We will make sure that the Connector Sprue is resized to give you enough connectors for the extra tiles.
All future BattleZones will get this starting number of sprues as standard.
So, what does that mean for our scenery pledge levels and add-ons?
Only-click Urban Battlefield ($100 + early bird):
PLUS 4 additional Building Sprues – approximately 24 Tiles
Only-click Urban Wargames Table ($285 + early bird):
PLUS 12 additional Building Sprues – approximately 72 Tiles
Urban Fight ($25) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 1 additional Building Sprue – approximately 6 tiles
Urban Skirmish ($50) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 2 additional Building Sprues – approximately 12 tiles
Urban Battle ($95) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 4 additional Building Sprues – approximately 24 Tiles
Urban War ($185) Scenery Add-on:
PLUS 8 additional Building Sprues – approximately 48 Tiles
One of the stars in the lead up to our Kickstarter launching, Doctor Simmonds unfortunately met an untimely end as the Plague outbreak just got too much for her…
Doctor Simmonds was one of the genius minds on Nexus Psi, stationed as both an archaeologist and biotechnician.
By the time the Containment Protocol was ordered and the Enforcers landed, Simmonds had already lost her team to the mutant beasts roaming the streets. Having received basic training by the security teams on board her ship during spaceflight, Gayle managed to preserve her life a little better than the others – but it was only a matter of time before the Plague caught up with her.
Defiant in the clutches of a rabid second generation, her body succumbed to the mutant virus, warping far faster than any other victim previous. She eventually awoke from the turmoil, her need for knowledge greatly exaggerated, a base desire to cause pain greatly inflamed.
With vengeance on her mind, Simmonds vowed to destroy those that had left her to this fate.
If we hit this goal we will be able to sculpt and tool Doctor Gayle Simmonds, a brand new special character for the Plague – and include her free with pledges of Recon ($100 + Early Bird) and up*
Not only that but such is her importance to the Nexus Psi story that Jake will centre one of the scenarios around Simmonds, as the Enforcers will need to quickly end her life if they are to escape her thirst for blood!
* Not including the scenery only pledges.
Enriching the Warpath universe was one of the key motivations behind Deadzone and, if we hit this goal, you’ll allow us to delve further into the background as we will write a short story compilation written by the likes of esteemed authors Guy Haley, Alessio Cavatore, Jake Thornton PLUS special guests.
This epic new compilation will feature all-new explosive stories between the warring factions and special characters both new and old.
If we hit this goal, we will add a FREE digital copy of the Deadzone Short Story Compilation with every pledge on the Deadzone Kickstarter.
There you go guys, let us know what you think in the comments. Let’s get these goals hit!
We’re pleased to be working with Topps on a new licensed Mars Attacks tabletop wargame, due for release in 2014! Here’s the full story:
Is your tabletop ready to be invaded? The Topps Company and Mantic Games have joined forces to bring MARS ATTACKS to life as a miniature-based tabletop war-game! Combining high quality sculpted figures with fast and fun tactical gameplay, Mantic will deliver an exciting new dimension to the resurgent sci-fi property.
Mantic Games, makers of the popular WARPATH and DREADBALL tabletop games, will make MARS ATTACKS their first license. “MARS ATTACKS is a cult classic series that fans have been falling in love with generation after generation,” says Ronnie Renton, Mantic CEO. “Its oddball blend of retro sci-fi visuals, dark humor and over-the-top violence will make for a unique tabletop experience… our team can’t wait to bring the Martians to life in ways no one has ever seen before!”
Set against the backdrop of the new and expanding MARS ATTACKS universe, the game will feature all of the fun and thrill of the classic series, plus new characters and factions that will see action in upcoming comic books and toys. It will also tie-in closely with Topps’ just-announced all-new trading card series, Mars Attacks: Invasion, releasing in October.
“MARS ATTACKS is a world where giant robots, mutated insects and hordes of Martian soldiers face off against Earth’s military and innocent civilians— how could you not want to see a game out of that?” says Topps’ Adam Levine. “Mantic has quickly become one of the best in the business, and they’re the perfect team to adapt our outrageous visuals into this exciting new form.”
Mantic plans an early 2014 release.
For more information on MARS ATTACKS, including regular updates on new products and cards, follow on facebook: www.facebook.com/MarsAttacks.
ABOUT MANTIC
Mantic Games is bringing fun to sci-fi and fantasy gaming. In just 4 years, they have already released three complete gaming systems- Kings of War®, Warpath and Dreadball® and many supplementary products, such as Dwarf King’s Hold and Project Pandora. Their obsession for detail, simple but challenging games, and great value- for money has made them a rising star in the hobby industry.
With sales offices in the USA, UK and Germany, a fully staffed studio and a global supply chain supporting a dedicated finance and production facility in Nottingham, England, they are well set for future growth.
To find out more, please visit www.manticgames.com
Or contact Ronnie Renton at ronnie.renton@manticgames.com
ABOUT TOPPS
Founded in 1938, The Topps Company is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of sports cards, entertainment products, and distinctive confectionery. Topps leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, English Premiere League, Bundesliga, Indian Premiere League, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids and other trading cards, sticker album collections, and collectible games. The Company’s top confectionery brands include “Ring Pop,” “Push Pop,” “Baby Bottle Pop”, “Bazooka” bubble gum, “Sharkies” and “Juicy Drop Pop” products.
After a short hiatus, we’re glad to announce that the Mantic Podcast is alive and well – here’s episode 8, for your listening pleasure! Kick back, get out the paints or the tools, and let our soothing tones fill you with hobby excitement!
Here’s what we’re talking about…
Intro (00:00:00 to 00:08:50)
Deadzone (00:08:50 to 00:49:55)
Kings Of War (00:49:55 to 1:00:00)
You can listen to the Podcast by clicking below, or keep it forever (or transfer it to an MP3 player!) it by right clicking the “Download” link and choosing the “Save link” option.
Please support Deadzone on Kickstarter!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Okay, the weather’s still a bit grim (in Nottingham, anyway) but we’re already preparing to kick off our Summer of Kings of War!
With a massive range of releases for Kings of War over June, July and August, it’s never been a better time to get involved with the fastest, easiest-to-learn Fantasy Battle Game there is. Following a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign last year, we’re now starting to receive painted models at Mantic HQ, and we’re going to spend the next seven days providing you with photos of as many Kings of War miniatures as we can!
We’re starting today, with a first good look at the Trolls…
Trolls are large, feral humanoids of dim wits and insatiable appetite – perfect allies for the armies of Goblins, which use them as shock troops. Trolls can regenerate almost any wound and only fire can truly destroy them, while their crude war-clubs smash through armour and crush bones with terrifying ease.
Trolls are released in June 2013, and will be $25 for a set of 3, making a 120-point Troop in an Orc or Goblin army. Also, don’t forget that as long as you also take a solid unit of Orcs or Goblins, you can take them as allies for any other Evil army!
What do you think of the trolls? Will you be getting a box or two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Update from the frontlines! Thanks for Pathfinder Neil for this info:
The Mantic Pathfinders are running a series of Kings of War tournaments across the UK to raise money for charity. Entry is easy – your army doesn’t need to be painted and doesn’t even need to be Mantic models, which means almost anyone can play!
Each event lasts a day and you’ll play 4 timed games of 1600 points (allies are permitted). The ticket price includes lunch and, as well as a winner’s trophy, Mantic have provided some great prize support:
There are two regional Pathfinder Tournaments left (the first one, at Firestorm Games in Cardiff, was won by Chris Morris – well done, Chris!) followed by a national final later in the year. The remaining events are at:
For more information, you can check the Mantic Forum, or download a tournament pack.
There we have it! The Kings of War rules are ideally suited to tournament play, and they’re easy enough to master that even if you haven’t played many games yet, you could still learn them in time for either of these events! Whether you’re a serious Kings of War tournament fiend, a casual gamer who wants to raise some money for a good cause or someone with an existing fantasy army who wants to try a new set of rules, why not get involved?