It’s here! It’s pretty fantastic too, I must say! Daddy duties have kept me from immediately tearing into the box, and building up these new models, but from looking through the sprues, this box is just awesome. Both kill teams look utterly stunning, the level of detail on each team really is off the charts. The plastic Death Korps look every bit as detailed as the Forge World resin originals, and out of everything in here, these are the guys that I’m looking forward to the most. But even the Orks look pretty damn good, and that’s coming from me as someone who has never wanted to build or paint an Ork model in my life! The terrain does look a bit chunky, and a bit flat, but it’s still highly detailed and full of character. Very impressive!
I’ve been flicking through the books, and it feels like there’s a lot to take in, probably because it’s such a departure from what I’m used to with 40k, etc. I am a big fan, anyway, and I’m really excited to see how this game is supported, going forward. That sounds like I’m forever looking to the next big thing, and you might wonder just why I don’t take the time to appreciate and explore the current release! Well, I fully intend to, don’t you worry! I suppose it’s more idle curiosity, given that we know GW intend to put out new sets once a quarter. Is there anything else coming for Octarius? Or is it literally just four big boxes like this per year? I am intrigued! 🤔
Quarterly releases feel a bit like the schedule might get rushed. I mean, it could take me three months just to build everything in this box! I think I’d rather a slower pace, but if this box is it, and there’s no expansion for, say, Death Korps Commissars to come out next month, then at least we know what we’re dealing with.
The box has a campaign book, in which we find the rules for the fighters included here. I believe that the sprues included in the box have all of the parts to allow you to assemble a single kill team of each faction, although I could totally see myself buying a second box – indeed, Death Korps teams can consist of a leader and either 9 regular troopers or 9 fancy specialists, or a mix thereof. With a roster having a maximum of 20 operatives from which to draw your team, it kinda makes sense to me to build up two boxes’ worth and get every configuration. Smart move, GW!
The model rules coming in the campaign book is very interesting to me, because I feel like future sets might be smaller, for instance sold without the terrain. I suppose big boxes are a big part of their sales model right now, though, so I am likely to be priced out of this game soon enough! I thought the original Kill Team model of expansion was a brilliant way to sell the game, but this time they definitely seem to be veering more down the notion of bespoke teams, with those ‘compendium kill teams’ appearing almost bland by comparison. Rumours are already swirling about the next box being a new Sisters unit vs Tau Pathfinders, with an upgrade sprue for the latter to, presumably, allow for multiple weapon options. Interesting notion, for sure, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
I’m beginning to sound a bit down on the whole thing, though, and that’s really not my intention. I am very much looking forward to getting my teeth stuck in to the new Kill Team, so stay tuned as I hopefully learn the ropes and – who knows? – get to try out the new edition!!
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