I have managed to assemble all the models, read the full book, and play a game of Age of Sigmar. That being done, I can say I'm ready to take a look at it as a review.
First up: The Models!
These models look fantastic, especially as plastic kits. It terms of mass produced, plastic models, it's hard to beat these ones right here. I've seen plenty of models, I've had old pewter ones, prepainted plastic ones, newer plastic kits, etc. and few compare to the models in this set.
There is a deep layer of detail, and because we no longer have units on square bases, a ton of dynamic poses. I think plenty of the models display a nice sense of movement and weight, all due to the sculpts they have.
Also, the way they fit the pieces together allow for it all to look like a single piece. They do a good job of hiding join points, characters no longer are split in half vertically and then you put a head on. Instead, most models hide the join points behind other layers or in areas of the model you're not going to really look at during a standard viewing of the model.
Also, the instructions are very well laid out and you can see they took the 3D CAD model they use to sculpt and dissect these and basically reversed them to show you how they go together. It's helpful, even if most figures you can easily see how they go together.
You also get a huge amount of models, 47 in total, and only two sprues are copies (and these for the basic troop levels for both sides), so it's a lot of unique models as well.
Khorne Goretide
Khorne models look like Khorne models, they have the angles you expect, the spikes you expect, the bloodthirtsy horde design you'd expect. None of this means they're all bland, however.
The look makes them blend well as an army while still maintaning the look of disorganized hordes mixed with a proper army. The warlord looks properly evil and has a fantastic gorehound with him, the bloodreavers and bloodwarriors look menacing, and everyone overall fits the part.
The Bloodsecrator (yep, that's what he is) is a particularly awesome model. The standard he has is absolutely huge and the ponytail pulled through a human spinal column is ridiculous, in all the right ways.
The Korgorath is an interesting monster, not quite "classically" demonic like many of Khorne's demon models, he's more of a hulking brute with some interesting details. I especially like the skulls that are erupting out of his body and the viscous bone and tentacle hands. The bones for head with skull in the middle for a face is a little odd however. His handler, the Bloodstoker, has a great sense of motion, especially with his whip held high. Of particular note is that he's a massive pudgy warrior, a look that's usually reserved for Nurgle. It's nice to see those Chaos Gods being more inclusive.
Stormcast Eternals
While I can easily see the Space Marine comparisons with the Eternals, especially with the Retributors, you can also see the very fantasy vibe of them as well. They look like soldiers in heavy plate armor, but of a fantasy variety, not sci-fi. They have a fantasy look to them, but I can see why the design influences are there, especially to grab the attention of those that only have played 40K.
The Prosecutors are properly gorgeous, especially with how they used their scrollwork as a "flight peg" to hold them aloft.
The Lord-Celestant on his dracoth is a hulking model with a good amount of heft and size. Again, the detail and look of motion of the figure is incredible and he looks properly in charge, he holds himself as a leader.
The Lord-Relictor is probably my favorite model, not just because of the interesting backstory he's getting in the fiction. The skull helm makes him immediately unique as a base figure and his reliquary also draws the eye. It has a ton of great details as you look at it closely and all ones that fit into what it is actually used for.
Though I said I didn't think I'd have the time, patience, and ability to paint these guys, I'm having trouble looking at them as just gray. Seeing how good these guys looked painted, both from other people who purchased and the pages of White Dwarf, I may have to cave in and try to give these guys a go.
Overall, the models are fantastic, even if you're just looking for some nice looking figures to paint. The Starter Set is worth it based on these guys alone.
Next, what's in the book and how does it play?
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