Hello all!

I'm still around, for those of you who may have been wondering. Now I mentioned I would be doing a couple of things by the time October hit. one was that I'd be making a donation to Joe-Customs and that is coming, hopefully by the end of the year. I will keep my word!

The second thing was that I'd have a set of rules ready for the Zombie version of the game in time for Halloween. However, life has caught up with me, had visitors from overseas, work and uni, etc, etc. This coupled with a lack of motivation for the moment means that the rules will need to be pushed back.

However, I believe my motivation may return if I hear from you guys. Have you been playing the game? got any battle reports to submit? Please contact me through the usual methods.

All the best

JAC

The contest submissions

Asphalt's Battleground Submission

Hello all!

I can see there are a couple of people added to the 'flock'. Welcome, welcome!
Unfortunately, the contest wasn't as popular as I had hoped!

There were two entries for the 'best squad' category and one each for the other two. Rather than cancel the contest. I decided to come to a solution that rewards those who chose to enter. Please check that out here.

Asphalt's 'in battle shot' Ouch!

all the details are there so read through it all, I hope it isn't too much writing : P
I know this is a problem for some...

You will find all the images below, if you would like to the stats, check out the link above. If anything this contest was all about quality over quantity. Asphalt and Daremo, did some amazing work, check it out for yourself below. I hope that this contest got at least some more people playing the game.

As always, I would really love to hear from you all, what do you think? have you played the game? got a battle report to submit? Why do you think the contest didn't work out?

Now don't despair, for the few of you out there who enjoy the game, I do plan to release a few more additions to the game, mainly for the 'basic' rules. The advanced will remain on hiatus for a while. I have a bit of sulking, I mean thinking to do...

Enjoy the entries below:

First up Asphalt's SLAYERS

In my opinion, a very creative use of parts, the weapons really stand out. the post apocalyptic feel and battle scars make this a one of a kind squadron, I'd hate to go up against these boys, they seem to really like to get into their opponents faces! Check out the pipe bombs on Erik! I have to say Jack is my favorite, the top hat and cane are awesome!

Asphalt has told me he'll submit a battle report in the future so we can see these guys in action!

L to R Iron horse, Erik,  Ocho (leader), Shrike and Jack

The Second entry was Daremo's JADE DRAGONS
This squadron is very cohesive, the hats and the use of green is very striking, this group looks like they like to work as a team! This squadron looks right at home in both the distant past and the future. Shi is a real stand out for me. These figures look like battle hardened assassins, striking from the shadows! Yet they do not fit the stereotype: check out Peacemaker, a real mix of east and west!
Daremo has stated that they have links to the Yakuza.

Bruiser, Shi, Oyabun, Peacemaker and Fukiya

THE CONTEST AND SUBMISSION UPDATE

Hello all,

DarkWynter from Joe Customs has generously decided to donate some cast parts for customizing Joes! Check out his website here.

Now for the update

1. A new list of Prizes has been posted at Joecustoms go check it out! You'll have to go all the way to the bottom
2. Just a reminder as to who can vote for the winners, I will vote so will Pluv from the Joecustoms website, all round nice guy and designated 'middleman' the distributor of the prizes and the talented and very generous DarkWynter. In addition to this all members of this Blog will have a vote. However, you need to have joined by the end of the month. More details to follow.
3. All submissions are due by the end of the month so hurry! THE FIRST SEVEN ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE A SMALL GIFT!

For the rules on how to enter, the categories and requirements please go here

SPECIAL THANKS TO

PLUV
DARKWYNTER
SLAYER DAVE

You are all amazing thanks for your support!

Voltron Hunk and Yellow Lion Review

If you are interested in the contest please click here

Hello all,

Just got this in the mail today and man was I excited! The box for this figure is bigger than that for the Red Lion!  I have watched a couple of Reviews about this lion and I knew it was massive. But it wasn’t until I had it in my own hands that I realized how huge it is and how massive the finished Voltron figure will be!

Now if you want some background as to what I think about Mattel and this line in general please consult my Red Lion Review. I also want to avoid repeating myself in the Likes and Dislikes section below as many  are similar to the previous set.

Without further ado, on to the likes and dislikes...

Likes:

-The size: this thing is massive and dwarfs most of my G.I.JOE Vehicles!

-The design is great, very close to the source material

-Hunk is larger than lance and they both look great together. Part of the same team, similar uniforms and yet both unique in their own right

-Speaking of Hunk, the uniform is orange and it contrasts well in comparison to the Lion, I am told that this is also screen accurate

-Imagining what the whole set will look like on my desk!

-The fact that, unlike my Red Lion, all the springs work and none are defective

-Looking at the two lions side by side

-Did I mention the size?

Dislikes:

Can you see that? he needs to wash his uniform!

-Like the previous lion, the fact that it is centred around the transformation gimmick means that the poseability is horrible, it is very hard to get into any cool poses. I had sincerely hoped that articulation was better this time around but sadly that isn’t the case. You’ll see what I mean when you see the photos.

-The Lions head hangs very low and can only be positioned three different ways

-The springs in the legs and the gimmick seriously hinder articulation

-Unlike the Red Lion the cockpit of the Yellow lion is very odd as there is a massive yellow space behind it! I wish there was some sculpted detail there or at least a sticker!

-Again like in the Red Lion I wish that the cockpit was sculpted rather than stickers, poorly placed stickers at that

-Hunks leg articulation (all of his articulation) is terrible, he can hardly bend his knees and I wish he had a removable gun or something!

-Paint Application isn’t the best on (my) Hunk, there’s some orange bleeding onto the white

-Hunks helmet isn’t removable like Lance’s. I didn’t think I’d mind but I do!

-All in all I don’t think Mattel can excuse poor paint apps, articulation and sticker application these are labelled as ‘adult collectibles’ yet they seem like kids toys. The transformation gimmick doesn’t help!

The cockpit is awesome but see what I mean about the yellow space?

All in all I really think that the figures could have been executed better. However, they are redeemed by the fact that I will have a Titan standing in my room at the end of it all. To be honest that is the real reason I will buy the whole set as I honestly feel the Lions on their own, while good, they are far from great and are definitely not adult collectibles.

I give this set 3/5 Behind the times

More photos below

See the sticker peeling?

So much yellow in the back there!

80's style!

Finally the contest!

Hello all,

Having heard from a few of you with relation to running a contest (just putting the finishing touches on the Zombie Missions for those interested) through here relating to the game.

There will be three categories and the first prize for each of them will be $100 US. Sorry but I won't have second or third place prizes.


How to enter:

Simply send an e-mail with pictures to this e-mail address: g.i.jac0001@gmail.com
Clearly state in the Subject box for what category you have chosen to enter in. You can enter as many times as you like for as many categories as you like just make sure that you send separate e-mails for each entry and category.

Please also include your name and a way to contact you if you win. If you would not like your real name used simply include a pseudonym and clearly state that you would prefer to be refer being referred to by this name.


There will be three categories:

1. Best Squad

You must create a squad based on the rules for the game. The figures must be customized that means you can't simply take existing figures and photograph them. Since the game doesn't truly specify a particular genre your squad can look however you like: Vikings, Aliens, Swat Teams or whatever! The only rule is that they are equipped according to the rules.

Maximum 6 Photos




You must also include a word document outlining each characters equipment and attributes as outlined in the rules you can download the document here



2. Best Battle Field

Once again relating to the rules (you can see a theme here) you need to create a battle field and photograph it. The rules require the battlefield to be 1metre by 1 metre in length and you must leave room for 'set up' zones. Again this is all explained in the rule book. Apart from this however, the sky is the limit as to what you may wish to include. One final note: there must be a way for figures to move around the scenery. Like the squad entries must be customs and must not have been previously featured elsewhere

Maximum 3 Photos

I'm sure you can do better than this!

3. Best In Game Battle Shot

If you have read my battle report you may have an idea of what I mean. When you play the game you'll find certain points in the game very exciting such as when the two squad leaders face off or a single character slaughtering a whole squadron by themselves. Maybe you've got a sniper hiding in the bushes causing mayhem! This category is really a way to encourage you to play the game and chronicle your progress. Unlike the other entries please only submit a single picture for this entry. In addition to the image please include a brief description of how the situation came to pass: some context to help us understand why that particular picture was the highlight of the battle.

Rules

Above each of the categories will be explained in detail. Please note there are a few key rules that you must follow for all categories.

1. The category you choose needs to adhere to the rules outlined in the game rules which you will find here. There is an expectation that you have read the rules and played the game.
2. Your submission should not have featured in another website
3. All submissions will be presented anonymously
4. While you do not need to join my blog to submit an entry you do need to be a member to vote. This will hopefully eliminate cheer-leading and potential cheating!
5.If your entry wins 'payment' of the prize will be made via paypal
6. If there are less than 5 (for any category) the contest will be cancelled

I really look forward to seeing your entries and posting them on this blog. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at g.i.jac0001@gmail.com (please use this e-mail address and not the one on the cover of the rule book) or via facebook.

Dates:
You have  from today until the end of May to submit your entries. I will begin showcasing them in June and voting will occur late June or early July. Anyone who is a member of this blog by that date will be allowed to vote.

Good luck!

Behind the Times: John Carter

 Went to watch the film John Carter yesterday, I have to say that I really enjoyed the film. Yes it is clichéd but there is just something that made me want to keep watching! The special effects were great; I’m not a fan of 3D so I won’t comment on that. 

I don’t know enough of the back-story or the work of Edgar Rice Burroughs except for Conan and that only comes from the movies so I’m no expert. I’m sure if I did I’d be a lot more critical, I’ve just finished reading the Hobbit again just so I can compare it to the film at the end of the year!

Anyways, the film is a perfect space opera filled with swashbuckling escapades, stem punk technology and monsters. How much better can it get? I did not walk out of the cinema shaking my head like I did for Avatar or the Phantom menace not to mention the recent Conan film!

On to the likes and Dislikes:

Likes

-The use old clichés like the princes having to marry a man she doesn’t love, blue for the good guys and red for the bad guys, a primitive horde based on the Mongols with an Avataresque dash of American Indian, a sinister force secretly controlling the world and humans ‘travelling to another world’ think Narnia and Avatar again, a colosseum fight to the death. This movie actually makes it work, it doesn’t try to be more than what it is, a spectacle clear and simple. Not a laboured allegory

- The Tharks are really really cool! Reminded me of the Kroot in Warhammer 40k or should it be the other way round?

-That ‘Flash’ Dog

-It was actually fun to watch and very entertaining

-A fascinating world I would love to see developed over a few more films

-The way that Carter tricks the Thern into giving him the amulet

-The epic battle between Carter and the enemy Thark tribe

-Carter’s objection to war is explained clearly

Dislikes

-What I do have an issue with is the motivation of the true villains of the piece it isn’t elaborated on sufficiently except that they like overly villainous and convoluted plots.

-There really isn’t any way that the Burroughs character could protect Carter’s body on earth

-I didn’t buy Kitsch’s ‘southern accent’

-The negative connotations associated with a deity and its servants it’s an allusion to religion in the real world and I feel that’s copping enough flak

-The fact that this film doesn’t have a 3 ¾” toyline!! That’s all I could think about as I watched the film!

-The overly elaborate and convoluted plot forcing the princess to marry the Jedak of Zodanga just to kill her seems unnecessary. Especially since he has the power to destroy everyone with his ninth ray secret weapon!

-The final battle wasn’t as good as all the others portrayed in the film, I don’t understand why Sab Than didn’t use the ninth ray and simply disintegrate everyone?

-Why was everyone’s blood blue?

Well all in all I can’t say enough about this film, it is simply a lot of fun, like a really good Saturday morning cartoon.

I give it 4/5 behind the times. It’s still the best I can do...

The Game Update (Post Slayer Con)

Hello faithful readers,

While I've had to inform myself from secondary sources about the great success of the game at Slayercon2. I have to say that it looks like we are closer to the advanced version of the game. From the reviews I have read about the game at the con, it is clear that the people at Slayer have made use of the advanced rules I provided them with.

What does all this really mean? well hopefully it means that soon there will be a full version of the game with a name and advanced rules which will include:

-Many more missions that players can play! With additional scenario specific rules!
-Many different upgrades for figures and squads
-The ability for figures to gain experience and cash and then use both for upgrades and skills
-Improved weapon rules
-Leaders will have special abilities and be able to issue orders
-The ability to have multilayer games much like those seen at Slayer-con
-Future add ons to the game will allow for the use of vehicles as well as animals.

Hopefully the game can only grow from here, my only wish is that Slayer Dave can get back to me soon so we can make this happen.

Eventually I will run a game based competition stay tuned!

You can download the basic free version here
If you are interested please let me know through the following mediums:
e-mail: g.i.jac0001@gmail.com
Facebok become my friend!

Send me pictures and battle reports so I can put them up here at my blog!