Games Workshop has done it again! This time it is the surprise (well rumored a month ago) Harlequin release! As GW continues to phase out Finecast models they are taking an extra step by bring beloved portions of 40k history back with extra gusto. So, far we have the Troupe Unit and Solitaire and since the rumors were dead, we should be seeing the return of Harlie Jetbikes and a new transport on the way. Now, if the High Avatar and Master Mime make an appearance we will have complete Citadel Journal nostalgia.
Looking back, we shouldn't have been so surprised with this release; GW tested the waters last year with the Legion of the Damned codex, with the only difference being the scope. The Legion of Damned failed for many because it didn't go far enough, but the Harlequin release has learned that lesson and expanded on it. The Harlies are really a throw back to the glory days of Chapter Approved armies: release new rules in White Dwarf and rejoice. Even better, unlike the (sorry deodorant stick speeder lovers) scratch built nightmare reminders invading my pupils, we finally get full models without unnecessary kit bashing. It is actually quite brilliant on GW part, tickling even the most jaded wargamer's heart.
Of course, it won't stop the truly jaded seeing this release as should've been for free included in the Eldar and Dark Eldar codexes respectively not a new $50 "Codex" add-on. Conveniently forgetting how happily they bought those White Dwarfs, along with the Chapter Approved book compilations of yore. The only righteous complainers should be Sisters of Battle players as they wait patiently for their entire army.
If you are going to complain though there is one avenue to take: too much, too fast complain train. The Harlequins are just another set of rules to keep track of and along with the confusing Necron Detachment rules you have to wonder exactly where is this game going?
Things are much better then the days of 6th edition, but everything is really getting unwieldy, and while the game in general is more streamlined Formations and Detachments have become land mines for a majority of players.
The scary proposition and one which should keep every event coordinator up all night is what happens when we come full circle? As an example, the Chaos Space Marines should be next up for an update, what happens to the Black Legion supplement? We can't expect GW to give us a FAQ. What is going to be the rules expiration date; as all matter of rules mix, generating a conflagration of contradiction heresies? This has always been a major problem for Forge World, and now as it steamrolls towards 40k proper, what can we do?
You can already see it with a unit like the Transcendent C'Tan (I kid you not) I have read cry babies claiming they can use there Lord of War OP Tranny C'Tan because Escalation rules are separate from other rules. We can roll our eyes at something like that, but this is just the tip of the sword, as bonfires created by insipid rules lawyers will proliferate. If you don't think it will happened, let us be remind people are still raging over 32mm bases.
So, while I am extremely happy with the Harlequin release I have to temper my enthusiasm just one bit, because I have no idea what rabbit hole GW is going me into next.
Warning
Meat for Meta is rated editorial nonsense. These articles are meant to complain about some group, somewhere, that is playing the game for all the wrong reasons or simply to just make fun of 40k nerd rage.