BoK Reviews: White Dwarf Issue #91
White Dwarf Issue #91: Heroes of the Empire
White Dwarf reviews operate differently than other Blood of Kittens Reviews. The goal with these reviews is to place a value for each issue. The rating system is one to four stars, each star represents $1 in value, to a max of four dollars. The review values are also Warhammer 40k based; Age of Sigmar dedicated issues will still be reviewed, but valued for Warhammer 40k players. It means you could see many low valued issues, with the general Games Workshop hobbyist actually valuing more. Keep this in mind when deciding if a particular White Dwarf Issue is good for you.
Contents: New Releases
This week’s White Dwarf presents after weeks of anticipation the Tau Codex, but wait we got a plot twist! The Tau Codex is nothing more than an update, with GW giving players the “option” to keep the old codex and just pick up the best release of the week, War Zone Damolces: Kauyon! By picking up the campaign book and get all the updated rules for Tau Empire armies. If you are only into models, we finally get the long awaited update to the Tau Crisis suit, along with the amazing new Commander Suit. I have to say the Commander model is just fantastic! GW boosted the size and dynamism making it simply one of the best models GW has put out all year. Like the codex, the new Crisis Suits are more of an update than anything, the size and shape are the same, but we get a more posable model, with a glut of options from heads to weapon systems.
Next the Damocles Kauyon campaign book, follows the trend of previous campaign books. GW interestingly has made some stylistic changes, with how can we say, a more Anime feel and fonts. These campaign sets present the ultimate in how GW believes the game is supposed to be played. I love them and from the preview pictures you cannot go wrong. The new codex brings the Tau up to speed with the 7th edition formats and rules, but to drive home the “update” idea the cover art is the same as before. You can also pick up the limited edition Ghostkeel Edition which has already sold out. Next we get repackaging of Tau Drones, showing GW commitment to providing a wide range of price points for customers. I am sure many hobbyists will pick up these drones to fill out displays and various other unit needs. To go along with the Tau codex is an overpriced Painting guide.
Just when you think this release was going to end, we get Datacards for Tau, White Scars, and Raven Guard, all the factions involved in the Damocles Campaign. GW also wastes a page to show us repackaged Tau units, along with another set of Tau decals. To complete the Tau releases Black Library provides a book about Farsight written, by Phil Kelly. Finally, we have Forge World showcase the Ordinatus Ulator Ad-Mech Horus Heresy death ray model which is set for release very soon.
Contents: Mantle of Heroes
As a none Tau player, I often get confused with all the different Tau Battlesuits. Well White Dwarf has taken the time to provide some clarity; taking a few pages to talk about the different Tau Battlesuits providing both a bit of history and explanation of battlefield roles.
Contents: ‘Eavy Metal
The models present in this edition of ‘Eavy Metal focus on a single Space Marine models. The first, is painted by Martin Peterson, with an expertly painted Angels of Sangunie. The minimalist base focuses us on the model itself, plus the split paint scheme and impressive highlights. The real show stopper though is on the next page painted by Sten Frodin, using a Space Wolf Blood Claw. What makes this model special, is the throwback presentation and paint scheme. Sten uses modern techniques, but the attention to detail from the serrated Chainsword to the green base is pitch perfect for this 90s update.
What is GW saying?
Released Oct. 24th 2015
The Patient Hunter strikes! White Dwarf 91 is here, and with it the Tau take their fight to the Imperium once more, with the release of War Zone Damocles: Kauyon, a brand-new campaign supplement detailing the next stage in the Tau’s Third Sphere Expansion. And, what’s more, the Tau are bolstered in their efforts by the release of the new Tau Commander and XV88 Crisis Battlesuits! We take a look at the whole lot, with full rules for the Commander (including the new XV86 Coldstar Battlesuit!), plus there’s a look at the full might of the Tau’s armoury of battlesuits in our Mantle of Heroes feature, as well as ’Eavy Metal, Armies on Parade, and more. Get one now.
Contents: Armies on Parade
James Karch’s Grey Knight display, is well done, especially considering the often limited paint schemes of Grey knights. The steel armour looks great, providing enough variation hue to pop just right, sadly the simple and drab display board washes out the great detail hidden in the actual army.
Contents: The Rules
Tau Commander rules isn’t anything really new, but does show of the great model along with what the new Tau codex format will look like. The only real difference with the old Commander is the ability for a Tau Commander to now take a Coldstar suit, which makes them into fly if they want, while leaving any drones behind.
Contents: The Week in White Dwarf
The Week in White Dwarf has the usual pointless information, but we get a look at the Damocles war zone fluff and what you can expect from the campaign.
Next Issue Hints: Aid from Azyr, Starborne Slaughter, The Tidewall Rsies…
Final Verdict
Issue #91 is an average WD issue, with a focus on new releases and less on useful content. The Tau Commander and ‘Eavy Metal sections being the highlights.
The most intriguing is the new Campaign book which has expanded rules for Tau, White Scars, and Raven Guard armies.