Play by Play Mission: Destruction

So today's play by play is Destruction. The objective is for the attacker to make his way to the middle tile of the board. So here is the setup of the board. I am Allies and Defenders my friend Alex will be Axis and Attackers.

Turn 1 was nothing special just us moving on to the board and mode of his and my models moved twice. No firing happened in this turn.

 Turn 2 was still just a moving turn I moved closer to block off the entrance to hold my objective. Alex moved around the terrain as quickly as possible.

 Turn 3 was another moving turn almost all the units moved further in place on my side. My Hot Dog was the only unit that fired this turn he hurt 2 of Alex's Battle Grenaiders with the .50cal and .30cal MG. All of Alex's models moved close to my men.

 Turn 4 was a little more brutal but for Alex a lot more moving. My Hot Dog took out Alex's remaining 3 Battle Grenadiers. His Luther fired at my Hot Dog but not damaging it. Alex's Ludwig moved close to the objective.

 Turn 5 Alex won the iniative. His Ludwig fired at my Gunners I made 2 cover saves and lot one model. I returned fire and didn't land a hit on it. His Laser Grenadiers moved close but was block of LOS to my Gunners by his Ludwig. My BBQ Squad moved through my Gunners to unleash on his units. I dealt 2 HP to his Ludwig and 1 to his Laser Grenadiers. Sigrid took the hit. His Luther dealt 1 HP to my Hot Dog.

Turn 6 I won the iniative, my BBQ Squad Flamed the Ludwig destroying it. I also dealt 4 damage to his Laser Grenadiers. Alex killed off Sigrid and lost a guy. His Recon squad fired at my BBQ Squad killing 4 models. My Battle Grenadiers moved and fired at his Recon Grenadiers. He lost 3 models. His Luther dealt another HP to my Hot Dog. My Luther moved and Napalmed the Luther killing it.

 Turn 7 Alex won the iniative, he moved and shot with his Laser Grenadiers at my BBQ squad landing 1 HP and I took it on Joe. Joe and my remaining flamethrower killed off the squad. His Recon Grenadiers fired at my Gunners not landing a single blow and I did the same.

 Turn 8 I won the iniative, I moved my Gunners and fired then at Alex's Recon Grenadiers killing 1 of the 2 left. He returned fire not landing a hit. My BBQ squad moved in and finished off the remaining model with Joe denying him of cover. Victory to me.

Thoughts about this mission: If you are the Defender just sit and wait for them to come to you behind cover. If you are the attacker move as much as possible and fire as much as possible when you can. When I won this mission once I used the cover to my advantage and ran around the outer edges of the map. It in return made him come to me.
Hobby Wednesday will be out tonight I didn't want to spam you with 2 articles at once.

Dust Tactics Game Night in Las Vegas

No review today ran out of new units. : (
I just happen to stumble upon this but The Little Shop of Magic is having a Dust Tactics Game Night every wednesday starting tomorrow April 27th. It's on the calender if you want the info about it.

Dust Game in Philadelphia

There is a some people getting together this Saturday April 30 in Philadelphia, PA at Comics and More in King of Prussia Mall to play Dust Tactics. They want to get more people into the game and have it regularly so if your in the area and play Dust or want to learn how to play Dust show up. For more directions and phone numbers click here for the link to the stores website. It's also on the calender to more details.

Discussion Monday – Army Building with Operation First Strike Models

Today’s discussion is the 2 heroes for Operation First Strike Johnny and Stephan. These 2 are extras I would add to your army. First Johnny I would take his badass ability make you have unlimited UGLs or Demo Charges. You can put him with a BBQ Squad and allow them to just go on a fast frenzy of taking out walkers. While Johnny can be pretty useful Stephan can be just as useful. Give him to a Recon Grenadier squad and they have an anti tank weapon with them using his flamer and can double their movement in a single turn. I would never trade Joe or Sigrid for these 2 heroes but I would add a second hero if I needed to.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone if you celebrate it. I have a play by play to put up today I'll do it when I get to it later going to see relatives today.

Invaders Part 2

So next line up of Invaders. Part 3 will be next Saturday

Announcements - Weekend Events

Don't forget if your in Calinfornia, Pasadena area there is a tournament tomorrow at Game Empire.
If you are in England there is a Dust Tactics Demo going on all day saturday at Static Games in Glasgow.
If your in Virginia, Williamsburg area and Hampton Roads area there is a tournament at Groovy Gecko's Comics and Games. I will be attending this one.

The details for all 3 events are on the calender for phone numbers, addresses, and web addresses.

Homegrown Thursday - Churchill and Challenger

So today's tanks are 2 English tanks. Enjoy.

Hobby Wednesday - Flak Luther and Loth

So today is a simple technique flipping the arm so you can make a loth and a flak luther. Its really simple just pop out the pieces off the arms and turn them around to make them opposite arms. That way you can still make it a regular luther. I also as you can see figured out how to pop the hatches for the axis model I just rammed a nail through the hole in the bottom of the torso and lined it up with the hatch. I also bought and applied small stowages to the models also to give it more realistic look to them.

Tuesday Review – Command Squad

So today’s review is the Command Squads the Boss and Kommandotrupp both are equals in abilities and guns as their each other. The only difference is the amount of shots of the StG 47 versus and the Victory MG.

Pros:

Is a squad of guys rather than just a hero.

Has an officer who can reactivate a unit.

Has a medic who can fully heal a squad or hero.

Has a radioman.

Has a mechanic who can repair vehicles.

Can order indirect fire.

Decent Anti infantry

Cons:

Cannot be joined by a current hero to add wounds to the unit.

Can only have 1 (currently) for armor 2.

No anti tank.

They can only issue 1 order a turn.

Cannot heal itself.

If the radioman is removed some orders don’t work.

Tactics: Keep in them back behind cover for defenders. When a unit gets low move them close to the unit and let the command squad heal the unit. For attacker put them behind a walker and move them forward. That way the walker blocks LOS.

Discussion Monday – Army Building with Operation Cyclone Models Part 1

So today I am going to discuss army building with the new Expansions. Set aside the basics I discussed in the previous army building I would choose some of the newer walkers over the previous ones. The ones I would choose over the other is I would choose the Mickey over the Hot Dog, Bot Hunters and Panzer Killers over the Gunners and Battle Grenadiers, and depending on the points the MG squad and the Command Squad. So let’s discuss the first of the expansions, the Cyclone box. It comes with 2 Heroes, depending on which faction you choose is which one you can have in your force. I personally still like Joe over Rosie, his 4 dice for seizing the initiative. She is nice to use in your force she can repair a tank once per game and she has a 1/4 Bazooka. I just see Joe being more important. I would take her when I can afford 2 heroes. Manfred is a little different when choosing over Sigrid. They both I would say are equals in choosing. His assault and unlimited Panzerfaust can come in handy, while she has berserk and a laser pistol. When choosing these 2 I think I would go with Manfred because he’s cheaper, can damage Vehicles and once per game can make him and an entire squad more double. For the vehicles it’s a little harder to pick each one is so unique to use. When using the command squad I would pick Lothars and Steel Rains over Hot Dogs and Luthors. I would never choose a Steel Rain or Lothar over a Pounder or Ludwig. It all depends on your strategy though. Whether you want to move quickly to attack your opponent or wait for them to come to you. Defenders I would take Pounders, Hot Dogs, and Steel Rains, Attackers I would take Pounders, Steel Rains, and Mickeys. For the troops I would definitely choose the 2 Missile Launcher squads over the 1. They are only 1 or 2 points more than the other and they get 2 Missile Launchers instead of 1. Part 2 will discuss the command squads and the sniper squads when they are released.

Superhero Saturday - The Invaders Part 1

So today I thought I would do the Invaders. They are Captain America's first team and they fought the Nazis in the WWII. Since I already did Captain America I thought I would do his Sidekick Bucky. Also added is the android Human Torch and his sidekick Toro.

Hobby Wednesday and Show Off Friday

So today is a terrain piece I have been working on finishing to show you is a blasted Sherman tank. So what I did was take a sherman and put it together fully. Then I took some pliers and bent the track wheels on one side. This was to make it look like one side was severely damaged and one wasn't. Then I cut a track big enough to cover the length of the damaged wheels on the bottom wheels. I glued the whole thing to a base and started cut and gluing small track pieces to the base. Next I took a drill with a really big bit and on the good side I drilled 3 holes into the side but they were just enough to make an indention into the model not to pierce the model. Next I took a smaller drill bit and pierced the hull of the tank in the middle of where I made the indentions with the other holes. Then I took a dremel tool and a cutting blade and cut a asterisk looking cut into the damaged side's hull. I then took pliers and bend the plastic out to give it a look like the metal bent in the explosion. When I glued the turret to the top but slightly offset it. Then I bent the barrel.

And there you have it a nice looking 3D terrain piece for your Dust Tactics figures to fight on. I plan on using this as a 2 square tank trap.

Tips

I used a Tamiya Sherman model you can use what ever you want.

For the base I used tiles plastic card. If you get the right size you can just bend off the size you need without having to cut plastic and just use the other side of the tiles.

You can add tank stowages and more rubble to the terrain. I just left it bare for the instructions.

Homegrown Thursday - Axis Vehicles

So this week's vehicles are the Panzer I, the Puma Armoured Car, and the StuG III

Announcement

Sorry for the delay on articles. My girlfriend came to visit and I got a little distracted. I will post the cards tonight when I get home and I will post a hobby article tomorrow instead of some painted models. The reason is because the hobby article is a little bit of both.

If you would like to write some articles for tactics, battle reports, hobby stuff, cards, or anything about Dust send me an email.

Tuesday Review – The Mickey

So today’s review is the Mickey. The story about the Mickey is that it is named after Mickey the scientist/mechanic who developed the Allie walker that all the Allie forces use. This was the first of the walkers and was named after her by Joe because she designed it and because she sacrificed her life to save Joe and their force against Sigrid.

Pros:

Only new walker from cyclone that does not need to reload.

Has Fast ability.

Has Self Repair ability.

Very durable for anti-troop and anti-vehicle mostly vehicle.

It’s the cheapest walker so far.

Cons:

Range 5 on the Howitzer which can be countered with the Fast ability.

Only new walker in cyclone that doesn’t have indirect fire.

Sort of weak against vehicles.

Tactics: If you have a choice between a Hot Dog and a Mickey take the Mickey.

Discussion Monday – Upcoming Operation SeeLowe

So today I thought I would discuss Operation SeeLowe. It consists on Fast Walkers, a Space Marine and I Zombie Gorilla. The 4 new walkers coming out look amazing a lot different than any other walkers we have seen before for either side. For the axis they have 2 walkers the Heinrich and the Hermann. The Heinrich has 4 canons mounted to it while the Hermann has a huge laser cannon attached to it. I can only imagine what that thing will do to tanks and infantry. The allies have the Wildfire and the Honey. The Wildfire has similar armaments as the Heinrich. The Honey has 2 phaser weapons. Who knows what these are going to do but I would assume something awesome. Next on the list are OZZ 117 and Markus. OZZ 117 is a space marine looking Hero. He has a Flamer and a Rocket Punch aka Powerfist. It is a combat weapon with 1/2 on tanks. He has move 2 and Jump which I am not sure why he would need Jump unless armor 3 cannot fit through small spaces. Markus on the other hand is a brute. His fist do the same damage as OZZ. He has charge and 6 wounds that’s going to take a lot to get rid of him. Both of these Heroes have armor 3 which reduces some weapons damage to only 1 or 2 damage per shot. So far Operation SeeLowe looking really interesting and I can’t wait to see more.

Superhero Saturday - Last Members of the JSA Sandman, Spectre, and Hourman

So today I thought I would finish up the remaining member of the JSA. There will be a Play by Play tomorrow but, no articles from Monday to Wednesday have something to do those nights.

 

Show Off Friday

 Check out what theguildllc from the FFG forums painted and converted models. British Cruiser Tank styled walkers. They are really nicely converted. Another conversion he did was the British Rangers at the bottom using gas masks and British helmet heads. These are amazing models.

Demo Day for Dust Tactics in the UK

If you live in the Gaslow area or can get there, there is a demo day at 12:00pm on May 23rd at Static Games. Its on the calender for address and phone number. If your looking to learn or want meet some follow players check it out.

Unofficial FAQ

I've been working on an FAQ for people to use. Go a head and take a look its under the Rulebook tab at the top.

Announcements - 2 Tournaments Coming Up This Month

So there are 2 tournaments coming up this month for Dust Tactics

On April 22nd there is a tournament at Game Empire in Pasadena, CA starts a 6:30pm
On April 23rd there is a tournament at Groovy Gecko's Comics and Games in Williamsburg, VA starts at noon.

Information is on the blog's calender for more information and addresses.

Also if you know of a tournament or event at your local store for Dust Tactics feel free to send me an email and I'll post it on here. The link to my email is on the sidebar. It doesn't need to be just a US event or a store event.

Homegrown Thursday - Crusader, Grizzly, and the Ho-I

 I decided some odd countries in Dust. Japan England and Canada. (Odd being that the big 3 are US, Germany, and Russia in the Dust Tactics world).

Hobby Wednesday - Add scenic affects to you models

So today I thought I would show a quick easy thing to add to your models to make them stand out. Armorcast makes small bits called scenic effects. These are gun muzzles and rocket smoke to make the model look like it’s in the battle firing right now. Simply buy the bits and glue them on to the models, paint them and you have a nice model that stands out among the rest.

New article up on the FFG Dust Tactics page - Modeling Masterclass 3 its on how to add details to your walkers.

Tuesday Review – Operation Cyclone

So I got Operation Cyclone last week and I thought I would review it. First you get the 2 Heroes Rosie and Manfred. They are pretty cool looking models. My Rosie came miss casted and instead of having 2 firsts like she’s taunting you she just has her middle finger which I laughed so hard when I saw it. I give her an A for the model it looks really cool overall. Manfred is pretty cool also but I think they just took a commander model and slapped a different head on it. I’d give him a overall. Next is the extra stuff in the box you get 3 landing craft tiles and on the opposite side there is a Submarine. This is really neat because one of the scenarios is a dry dock stile map with the industrial of the other tiles. You also get like 6 terrain tiles with one side terrain the other side some walking platforms. These are for the mission with the sub to walk between the sub and the land and the landing craft missions to walk from the landing craft to the land. I was thinking it would be cool to use for the Zombie mission I made in my mission section as the stairs to the terrain tiles. Next is the extra terrain you get 4 tank traps and 4 ammo crates the axis ammo crates look different than the Blue Thunder ones.  Last is the rulebook it has all the rules for the new artillery rules and the new missions all in one book rather than the 2 for Blue Thunder.

So reviewing the 2 Heroes

Rosie

Pros:

- Has a 1/4 Bazooka rather than the 1/3.

- Has Tank Head and once per game can repair a vehicle.

- A hero who can hurt a Vehicle.

- Medium range weapon

Cons:

- Has less wound than her counterpart

- 1 Shot against infantry

- Tank Head is only once per game and even if it doesn’t work then it is used up.

Tactics:  Stick her with a Recon Squad while putting Joe with Gunners or Bot Hunters. That way you give the Recon Squad an anti tank.

Manfred

Pros:

- Has assault and give it to his squad

- Unlimited shots of Panzerfaust.

- Can hurt a Vehicle.

- Has 5 wounds.

Cons:

- Cannot nearly damage a Vehicle as hard as his counterpart.

- Assault is once per game.

- Close range weapons.

Tactics: Stick him with the Battle Grenadiers or the Panzer Killers. That’s an extra dice to use to take out a tank and he can use assault to get the squad close for him to do damage.

Discussion Monday – Transporting your Dust Tactics Box and/or Army

So today I thought I would discuss some different ways of transporting your Dust Tactics models. First is the obvious leave it in the box and carry the box everywhere. The Pros to it is that you already have the box since you bought the game, you can easily categorize it and all your stuff easily fits in it. The cons are there is no way to expand the box, it’s a big and awkward box with no handles, it has no way to organize, and it is made of cardboard easily breakable. I still carry my stuff in this box but I too and suffering from some of these problems as I buy more guys it gets heavily and less room in the box. Another way to carry your men is a tool box or tackle box. You can easily get this at Walmart or Home Improvement Store. The Pros to this is it has handles, it’s made of sturdy plastic, can be made in various sizes to fix all your guys. The Cons to a tool box is that they are they can be expensive because of the size you would need for the models and room to expand, they way a ton by themselves, and not a lot of ability to organize in it. Another is getting a miniature game case. These are made from usually Sobol or Battlefoam. The Pros to these they are light weight, can easily organize, protects models from each other and outside materials, has handles, are in various sizes, allows room to expand, can get them custom made. The cons to this is that they are very expensive including carrying case a cheaper foam set is the pluck foam rather than using the custom foam. Battlefoam themselves make foam designed for Dust Tactics if you are looking to pay the price.

Announcement about the blog

You may have noticed a new link the Army Builder link. It's to the link for the file for Army Builder 3.3b from Wolf Lair. Many of you that play various games like 40k and Warhmachine may have used this before. If you have not there is a link to the site. The program is $39.99 USD but they have a free trial that allows you to produce 3 units at a time. With this you can print out army sheets and not have to have the cards. Also if you see any errors feel free to email me and I'll fix them right away. Now there isn't any Operation Cyclone models in this file yet. I am following the policy the people who make the 40k one and not releasing the files for a current model until 1 month after its release.

Superhero Saturday - Sgt Rock and Sgt Fury

From DC comics Sgt Rock and the Easy Company and from Marvel Sgt Fury and the Howling Commandos

Show Off Friday

BlkDymnd posted these on the FFG Forums they're nicely done and are not the normal color scheme which is also cool. Check them out.

He also got Custom Green Dice with the Allie symbol for the hit marks from, I assume Chessex.