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Author Topic: What are your views about recent Miniature developments, styles, and techniques?  (Read 2121 times)

Godsmonkey

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I've seen some of the newer ones and the recurring thought is... "overwrought".

Theres actually too much detail on some of the newer models to the point its an increasing nuisance to paint them. Or the pieces have so many fiddly bits that it makes painting them a nuisance. Sometimes both.

I compare them to older models from the late 80s to 90s and they come across as better looking somehow.

I feel like the late 90s was probably the best time for mini quality vs fiddly balance. Pieces could be complex. But they were not too complex, usually. But they also sported alot of fine detail. Heartbreaker and Reaper come to mind right off. Though both did better with metal at the time. Same for Games Workshop minis. Right on the cusp of the eventual hard downhill dive GW seems hellbent on.

I agree. I got into Sisters of Battle last year, and picked up the Hive War box set, and am amazed at how overdesigned a lot of GW minis have become. Intricate assembly parts that interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, creating lots of (IMO) uneccesary gaps. Tiny details that break off easily and are then lost in the CARPET OF DOOM. Overhanging details that make painting difficult, and parts that make partial-assembly-painting difficult and not worth the effort.

And the CAD designs lack the character of 80's and 90's physically sculpted minis.

I'm hoping it's a phase we'll get past.

One thing that stands out to me as someone who enjoys printing and painting minis is many of the design studios have signature styles. This is good if you only use one designer but not so good if you mix and match. the designers often reuse parts, which lends to the sameness of their studio. It's understandably easier to reuse basic parts, since crafting a new face for every mini for example is time consuming and cuts into the bottom line. Traditional sculpts dont suffer from the cut and paste nature of digital files, but costs more per design as the sculpture has to create each design from scratch.

hedgehobbit

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The biggie for me is generally fig-to-base ratio. A lot of newer figs seem to love poses or designs that significantly overlap their 1" bases... which means you can't always run another fig up base to base because parts overlap.

Yeah. Bases have gotten a bit out of control lately ...





Godsmonkey

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The biggie for me is generally fig-to-base ratio. A lot of newer figs seem to love poses or designs that significantly overlap their 1" bases... which means you can't always run another fig up base to base because parts overlap.

Yeah. Bases have gotten a bit out of control lately ...






For me, these are display models, not TTRPG minis. Great for showing off your painting skills, but not for gaming.

SHARK

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I even bought some metal miniatures from Reaper Miniatures as recent as last year--and when I look at similar miniatures in Hard Plastic now, like for Frostgrave, or Resin Miniatures I have recently purchased a few months ago, it definitely has made me wonder, "What the fuck are they thinking?"

I bought some Reaper Bones recently at the same time I went on a resin-buying spree (there goes the savings...) and I agree, I had a bit of a WTF? feel - even after spending ages boiling & cooling the bendy plastic, they still look a bit crap compared to many of the new resin minis.

Some resin minis are overwrought, too large, too expensive, but there are some great designers making some great stuff. I love these guys for instance https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255098487684

Greetings!

Yep, S'mon, those bandits are very cool looking! I love them too. Yeah, I bought probably 50 or a hundred Reaper miniatures, and recently a hundred or so Resin miniatures. When I look at the display screens at Reaper, for example, and then look at the Resin displays, it's like, wow, you know? What a difference in etail. And at the time, I thought the Reaper miniatures were looking good, but after seeing some Resin miniatures, I gotta say, Reaper needs to step up their game for sure. And since ordering the miniatures, even having them physically in-hand, comparing them, the visual detail level remains distinct an different. Overall, I'd say the Resin miniatures are a huge improvement in general.

Having said that, I also agree that some of the Resin miniatures I have seen are "overwrought"--far too much finicky and unnecessary details. It's like, fuck, dude, I just needed a cool giga-chad looking warrior wielding a greatsword. He doesn't need to look like he's attending the Met Gala or some shit, you know?

I think the new improvements in 3D printing and the Resin miniatures are very cool. I've seen many different kinds of miniatures, different styles and races, different poses and so on, often in depictions that you just didn't see very often with previous metal or plastic miniatures, so I am definitely enjoying the greater choice in selections and the greater variety offered. I also like how some shops have set-ups where you can order different miniatures with or without helmets, being equipped with different weapons and gear, and being modular in general. That's been a very nice perk and feature that I have taken advantage of. I ordered several miniatures with modular features. I have this one Wizard chick--in one pose, she is holding her magic staff in her right hand, and some kind of crystal orb in her left hand, ready for action. In another pose, she is standing at a lectern, looking at a giant open book, and perhaps talking to someone or people nearby in the room with her, for example. Same character, same clothing and gear, but has two different variants--one where she is like in combat or something, and another where she is in a more peaceful and contemplative position.

I have this other figure, she's a Shepherd girl. Maybe a good stand-in for a Shaman, Cleric, Druid, or Witch. In one variant, she's got a cloak, staff, and looking good. In another variant, she's half naked, has a grim look on her face, and is standing on a slaughtered sheep. ;D One is a happy, nice shepherd girl--while the other is the evil shepherd girl that you would never take home to your meet your mother. ;D

I have several different miniatures with different features like that. It's been pretty impressive.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

Kanyenya

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  • Pricewise, resin figures often aren't a better deal than if you bought a hard plastic fig in the store.

I've been buying them off Etsy & Ebay. Prices vary a lot for the same designs, so well worth shopping around.

Yeah, places like that you can probably get them cheaper since they're dealing in volume. I was thinking about some of the sculptors on MyMiniFactory who are charging $7/$8 bucks for an STL. A typical Bones Black miniature runs about $3.50.

On the other hand, from the Avatars of War Patreon, in April I got 5 Dark Elves, over 25 Undead, and a barbarian warlord (that goes for ~$18 on their website) all for $4, so it's all across the board :D

Ratman_tf

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The minis of course take far more time to create. first you have to get the minis to print properly. As youre learning this can take a while. Then once the file is printed, there is clean up involved, especially with supports.

More power to people who enjoy printing minis, but my barriers to entry are 1. The startup cost for a decent 3-D printer, and 2. I really don't need another hobby on top of my existing hobbies. (Learning, maintaining, cleaning, 3-D printers)
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Godsmonkey

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The minis of course take far more time to create. first you have to get the minis to print properly. As youre learning this can take a while. Then once the file is printed, there is clean up involved, especially with supports.

More power to people who enjoy printing minis, but my barriers to entry are 1. The startup cost for a decent 3-D printer, and 2. I really don't need another hobby on top of my existing hobbies. (Learning, maintaining, cleaning, 3-D printers)

TBH, my last campaign was Savage Worlds Shadowrun, and I had developed a good 100 minis for the game. Lots of corp guards, LoneStar Cops, and generic Shadowrun teams to go along with the PC minis. since switching to Stars Without Number, I've yet to print a single mini relying instead on Owlbear Rodeo VTT on my living room TV. Its easier and cheaper, but I must admit, lacks the tactile feel of real minis and props.

My players are begging for minis, but like you, time is an issue, and even though I have already invested in the gear, it's still a daunting task. That said, decent quality printers can be purchased for under $200. Resin is fairly cheap for the amount of minis you can get from it. Cleaning supplies to rinse the resin is also inexpensive, but can be caustic, so dont rinse down the sink, especially into a septic system. and IME, dont use water washable resin. Whle clean up is easy, larger models tend to fall apart in time.

I guess the bottom line is, do what feels right for oyur group of players, and for you.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2021, 06:19:13 PM by Godsmonkey »

SHARK

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The biggie for me is generally fig-to-base ratio. A lot of newer figs seem to love poses or designs that significantly overlap their 1" bases... which means you can't always run another fig up base to base because parts overlap.

Yeah. Bases have gotten a bit out of control lately ...






Greetings!

Yeah, Hedgehobbit, I agree. Some of the bases are just ridiculous. They really aren't designed for *Playing*--but instead being placed on display under glass. ;D

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

hedgehobbit

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Yeah, Hedgehobbit, I agree. Some of the bases are just ridiculous. They really aren't designed for *Playing*--but instead being placed on display under glass. ;D

This is the Harley Quinn from the Batman Starter set. The one Harley most people will ever own.
 

GeekyBugle

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I'm on the paper print and play camp. Both for my terrain and my minis. The terrain I'm developing my own but Crooked Staff on DT has some good shit in a PWYW model.

As for miniatures...
Take a look at these beauties:
https://printableheroes.com/
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Opaopajr

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Never been into minis.  :) I appreciate their artistry, just like any diorama work. But to do for myself, no. No interest, money, time, space, or reuseability. And then I have seen 3D printing (and their printers and components and files of design plans) becoming the next minis hobby/collection/obsession. It feeds into an addiction cycle I thankfully don't have but have already seen has less "bang for the buck" returns. It's a chasing of the dragon of the potentiality vs the reality.  :'(

Like casinos, budget yourself before you go in. You will need the self-control. You really don't know as much as you think you know about: cost-value analysis, return on investment, patent laws, serotonin addiction cycles, usable home space, functional time management, etc.  ;D
Just make your fuckin' guy and roll the dice, you pricks. Focus on what's interesting, not what gives you the biggest randomly generated virtual penis.  -- J Arcane
 
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tenbones

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I take the exact opposite approach. Life is too short to skimp out on my hobbies I'm serious about.

I work hard to make my gold. And I treat myself like a king when I can, and when I'm not on the grind. I just bought a bunch of Dwarven Forge. I love it a LOT more than I thought. But this has me thinking a lot about 3d Printing - because I'm super interested in ghost-gunning too. I've been gaming for over four-decades, what price could I possibly put on my favorite hobby after all this time? No price at all, that would be silly. The only thing I aim for is putting on the best game I can within the limits of my interests, right now, I'm into minis again.

Am I chasing the Dragon? Depends on your perspective. I *want* to chase the dragon. And I want to ride it until I fall off and do it all over again, only I'll do it right handed and blind-folded next time. rinse/repeat.

Cry havoc, says I, and let the paint flow!




Opaopajr

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 :-[ But it cuts into my coke habit...  ;D j/k

I've seen too many people obsess over minis and things to the point it harms relationships, budgets, and quality of living quarters. Those who were already deep into the throes of "getting everything just right!" seemed to jump head first into 3D printing with similar abandon. I've yet to see the playable returns (plenty of unpainted models and failed printings, though! and yes, gun parts too...), but I guess there is something to "if it feels good and it all hasn't fallen apart yet, full steam ahead!"

I just think restraint might be the better part of indulgence.  ;) Just like discretion is to valor.
Just make your fuckin' guy and roll the dice, you pricks. Focus on what's interesting, not what gives you the biggest randomly generated virtual penis.  -- J Arcane
 
You know, people keep comparing non-TSR D&D to deck-building in Magic: the Gathering. But maybe it's more like Katamari Damacy. You keep sticking shit on your characters until they are big enough to be a star.
-- talysman

SHARK

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I take the exact opposite approach. Life is too short to skimp out on my hobbies I'm serious about.

I work hard to make my gold. And I treat myself like a king when I can, and when I'm not on the grind. I just bought a bunch of Dwarven Forge. I love it a LOT more than I thought. But this has me thinking a lot about 3d Printing - because I'm super interested in ghost-gunning too. I've been gaming for over four-decades, what price could I possibly put on my favorite hobby after all this time? No price at all, that would be silly. The only thing I aim for is putting on the best game I can within the limits of my interests, right now, I'm into minis again.

Am I chasing the Dragon? Depends on your perspective. I *want* to chase the dragon. And I want to ride it until I fall off and do it all over again, only I'll do it right handed and blind-folded next time. rinse/repeat.

Cry havoc, says I, and let the paint flow!

Greetings!

*Laughing* Yeah, my friend, I am the same way! I wouldn't say that I'm *obsessive*. I'm a ham-fisted ape with a lot of stuff though, and believe in simply living life at full-blast. It's a pretty common trait amongst Marines, too. ;D It's an interesting question regarding does the Marine Corps *attract* people with such personalities--or does the Marine Corpse *Train* and inculcate such traits into its members? Or maybe some of both are true at the same time? My wife used to tell me that something she really loved and was supr-attracted to Marines for was, as she said, "Marines are intense about everything in life. That kind of intensity and passion is unusual, and very attractive!" So, yeah, I'm pretty intense as a man with most things.

I by paintbrushes by the handful, bottles of miniature paints by the dozens, and miniature figures also by the dozens or hundreds. ;D

I know that most of the time, for example, my players will usually encounter a half dozen, maybe a dozen, Orcs, Goblins, or Beastmen at any one time. What the fuck did I do, though?

I have a whole fucking platoon of Orcs. Probably about 50 of them. Warriors, berserkers, skirmishers, assassins, archers, some shamans and sorcerers.

Same thing with Goblins, and Beastmen. I have about a strong platoon or so for each.

I recently did some shopping for filling out some city encounters. I now probably have several dozen townspeople, merchants, workers, farmers, and the like. I thought about the taverns and nightclubs, so I got sucked into buying I'm guessing about a dozen dancers and tavern thotties, as well as some Short Stack Kim Kardashian strumpets! ;D I also got some Dance Bar island/Cage thingies and nightclub runways, so all these strumpets can be running around, doing their thing in the clubs whenever the players visit. I have some of the Nightclub "island" platforms rigged with a baby light, so the girls can look extra sexy and special when they get up on these things to dance and be the center of attention.

I have been working on this one design where I have a little glass cube that the miniature can stand in, that's on a raised platform in the nightclub, which is then lit up.

Of course, the women players want their characters to get inside the little lit up glass cubes, too! Gotta show off their dance moves!

Oh, yeah. I also got HATE. HATE by CMON. It's fucking awesome! A *huge* collection of all of these road-warrior, bad-ass barbarian miniatures! And also more than a few ogre and even giant-sized mother fuckers! These guys all have fierce appearances, bad-ass armour, crazy, evil looking weapons, and they all have such fantastic detail! I got the expansions, too, so I have like a fucking barbarian army now. ;D Cool set of miniatures that can be used for player characters, NPC's, bandits, barbarian warriors, villain characters, evil NPC's, just all kinds of uses for them on the tabletop. I highly recommend HATE!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK
"It is the Marine Corps that will strip away the façade so easily confused with self. It is the Corps that will offer the pain needed to buy the truth. And at last, each will own the privilege of looking inside himself  to discover what truly resides there. Comfort is an illusion. A false security b

Philotomy Jurament

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I think minis have become too large, and often too "weird/outrageous" for my taste. By that last part, I mean minis have followed trends in modern fantasy art, with huge fantasy weapons, goofy armor, and so on.

I used to buy a lot of minis (and a lot of tabletop gaming products, in general). These days I simply don't. The tastes and trends in the hobby have moved away from what I'm interested in. I'm okay with that, though. I have what I need and just do my own thing. If I were looking for new minis, today, I'd probably start looking at sculpts from historical tabletop wargaming lines. Scale creep isn't as big of a problem with those (although you can see it happening there, too, in some cases), and by sticking to "historical" figures I think I'd avoid a lot of the "goofy fantasy weapons and armor" problem.
The problem is not that power corrupts, but that the corruptible are irresistibly drawn to the pursuit of power. Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito.