I have a softspot for Spartan Games and their Dystopain Wars and Firestorm Armada game systems.
As such I was excited over the release of the new French faction in Dystopian wars.
Today's entry will take a look at most of the initial release and some initial thoughts on the effectiveness of the French fleet.
The French had a special release last year in the form of the Magenta Battleship. The first iteration of this ship could fly (for a limited time) or land in the water.
The new French forces don't use this convention anymore (however in a nice nod to those that have the original model and rules the new French rule book allows players to continue using these "prototype" battleships).
Now certain ships can "Skim" the water, they are airborne but not true flyers. This means you only need one version of the model, not seperate "flying" and "waterline" versions for the same ship.
Now onto the models themselves.
I've got to say I really dig the aesthetic of these ships. They are perhaps the most "traditional" Steam Punk like to me (perhaps the Kingdom of Britannia gives them a run for that title). I also have a soft spot for flying battleships... See my Star Blazers (space Battleship Yamato) addiction for proof of this. The French ships look Good!
First up is the box set. For 54.00 US you get a lot. 1 Battleship, 3 Cruisers, 9 Frigates, 2 Bombers and 10 tiny flyer tokens. In addition to these models you also get a great mini faction rule book and 4 counter sheets.
Let's start with the ships...
This is the water-lined version of the Magenta. The Mk. II mounts the formidable Heat Cannon in the bow. This model is crisp and chock full of details and is typical of the latest Spartan fare. I've got to say I love the design ethic on this.
From the superstructure and Antenna array to the deck layout and turret detail the ship comes together in steam punk goodness.
The model comes with a single piece resin hull, resin Superstructure and bridge, also resin is the massive heat gun. Metal standard turret and antennae round out the list of parts.
The only downside I can see was some minor mold slipping, but nothing that a hit of Sandpaper can't cure.
Model Rating: A
These are very nice models. The Marseille class are the only Sea Skimming ships in the box set. As a result there is plenty of detail below and above the water-line of the ship.
This ship looks like a smaller version of the Magenta and that's a good thing in my book.
The ship is a single piece of resin with a single metal turret.
These have become my favorite cruiser model in the game.
Model Rating: A
The frigates are single piece resin models and like most frigates is pretty small. The ship maintains the design linage from the battleship and Cruiser effectively but is so small that the overall effect is not as stunning as the other ships.
There is nothing wrong with these ships, they are sufficiently detailed and look good they just don't jump out for attention like their larger brethren.
Model Rating: B
This is the first unit to really deviate from the design ethic of the naval ships, however since this is a flyer I'm willing to cut it some slack. The model is single piece and all metal.
Detail is good. My only issue it that it looks pretty high tech compared the the naval ships. That said the model is slick and certainly conveys the "Interceptor" part of it's name.
Model Rating: B
Model Rating: C
The Boxed Fleet set also includes a handy booklet of French history, vehicle stats and special rules. The book is well prodcued, chocked full of artwork and a real pleasure to read.
Like all of Spartan Games box sets the French fleet box is a great deal. You really feel like you get your money's worth when you open it.
Now beyond the fleet box there are are also a series of individual ship releases. We will take a look at these next.
Magenta MK I Class Battleship
This is the one that sets the tone for the entire French range. This Sea Skimming battleship is a beauty. The upper half is the same as the Mk II, without the option to mount a Heat Lance.
The Model is well sculpted with details consistent with the logic of the ship. i.e. doors are in logical places, etc. The detail on the deck and superstructure makes it look like a real ship. It has the same number of pieces as the MK II version with the full hull being a single piece.
This ship is, by far, my favorite in the French fleet and in the running for all time favorite Dystopian Wars model.
Model Grade: A+
Couronne Class Battle Carrier
The Couronne is a large (massive actually) model. Like the other ships it has several design cues that make it easily recognizable as French.
The ship is a single resin hull with several resin bridge parts and metal antenna. Assembly was very easy and the ship looks good!
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| Note the Elevator! |
My only issue with this is that it is very plain. It LOOKS like a real aircraft carrier. There are not enough fantastical elements that scream steam punk to me.
The Heat Lance on the Box of the ship is a start but it looks very conventional.
Something I have to give Spartan Credit for is the aircraft elevator! A much needed addition to Dystopian Wars carriers.
Model Rating B+
Toulon Class Armored Cruiser
This ships also mount a Heat Lancette. A powerful cannon on the prow that looks very intimidating and packed with detail.
Model Rating: A-
As we get some paint on these and get some games in we will update the blog with more in-game info and reviews of the new French fleet.
Thanks!
Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of making the French my 3rd DW fleet, and your review certainly reinforces my expectations for the set.
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