Thoughts on the CAV Kickstarter

[papabees]

I just thought I'd throw out some random thoughts on this since it is closed now and I have my stuff.

 

First - Once again Reaper shows they know how to run a Kickstarter. Despite delays (which happen) I always felt I knew exactly what was up, what caused the delays, and what steps were being taken to correct the issues. Well done (Many companies could take a lesson from this *cough*Palladium/Robotech*cough*)!

 

Second - Some models didn't work (Tsuseki) but most turned out really solid. Better than I had thought actually. This should lead to better models in the future and to have a low cost entry option for mechs and vees is great.

 

Third - The grey plastic rocks. I haven't put paint on one yet so that may change my opinion somewhat but this stuff looks really good. I wonder if they are going to switch all the bones over to it. Makes me wish I had waited to get all my CAVs in the grey.

 

In fairness, there were a couple disappointments. The Despot didn't get the size upgrade I was hoping for. As one of the coolest tank minis ever, I really wanted to see it larger. Secondly, we didn't get all the CAVs in bones . Hopefully this will be a big hit for them as CAV and also crossover appeal.  

 

Thanks to CAVBoss for all the hard work. Now get cracking on the next one   

[Last Knight]

I can't presume to speak for Reaper, but I *have* seen some Bones "in the wild" in a grayer plastic. The Mangu Timur in my IN friend's LTPK was gray, as was this Phone Box.

 

[fishnjeeps]

At Adepticon, Bryan mentioned they were switching over to the greyer plastic which is also supposed to be firmer than the original bones and will hold details better. (I could be wrong though)

[Brother Jim]

Both of my Mangu Timur models are grey. They were in blisters.

[Foxden Racing]

My Tsuis sprang back to life with a good boiling, but getting the tailfins to set correctly was a pain.

 

Agreed on the darker plastic; the gray very nicely offsets the slightly translucent nature of bones, making the details so much more visible.

[Sergeant_Crunch]

--snip--

First - Once again Reaper shows they know how to run a Kickstarter. Despite delays (which happen) I always felt I knew exactly what was up, what caused the delays, and what steps were being taken to correct the issues. Well done (Many companies could take a lesson from this *cough*Palladium/Robotech*cough*)!

--snip--

I think Palladium could learn a lot about doing day-to-day business in general from Reaper. (or any child with a lemonade stand for that matter)

[Vytau]

 

 

So true!  I had such high hopes...I also did some contract paint work for some of their demo models.  Ah well - it's like going through a break-up and finding someone even better.  Goodbye, RRT, hello CAV! 

[Sergeant_Crunch]

I went into RRT knowing that it would be a fiasco (not to be confused with the game Fiasco!).  I figured they'll eventually deliver, but only after several missteps.  I didn't think it was going to be this bad though (RRT that is, not CAV, the CAV kickstarter was awesome).  I'll leave it at that so we don't 'jack this thread.

Edited May 27, 2016 by Sergeant_Crunch

[CAVBOSS]

Im glad for the most part everyone enjoyed the models. This was my first KS and I learned many things that will make the next one faster and smoother for completion. Overall I was happy with the way each model turned out, (and yes with patience you can get the Tsuseki to straighten out :) The lessons learned will make the next round of models all the more better for it.

 

Speaking of new models, get ready for July! ;)

[Vytau]

Im glad for the most part everyone enjoyed the models. This was my first KS and I learned many things that will make the next one faster and smoother for completion. Overall I was happy with the way each model turned out, (and yes with patience you can get the Tsuseki to straighten out :) The lessons learned will make the next round of models all the more better for it.

 

Speaking of new models, get ready for July! ;)

I am very happy - my wallet, however, is glaring at me from across the room! 

[CarlZog]

I'm a little late to this thread, but for what it's worth, I have no complaints about the models or the fulfillment of this KS. As for the Tsuiseki, the tail fins on mine immediately bent themselves back in shape the second they were immersed in hot water. The rest fo the models look great.

 

My only real unfulfulled wish so far is that this KS could have been seen and promoted more effectively as the launch of a self-contained game. A New Game. A really good, new game. Rather than just the re-release in Bones of a bunch of old Reaper generic mech minis -- which I'm afraid is how a lot of people seemed to see it. That's understandable given the history of Reaper Bones Kickstarters, but this is so much more than that!

 

I'm very hopeful that now that this initial model release is complete, Talon and Reaper will focus on promoting CAV:SO through organized play, retail demos, and con presence.  

As a combined arms mech game with lots of potential for big multi-player games and scenario-driven campaigns, in addition to the standard points-based army building and 2-player duels, CAV:SO could really fill a niche in the market and go a long way.

 

I would love to see that happen and am happy to help, but haven't heard anything more from Jon about his demo team plans. In the meantime, I'll be working up my own scenarios to run at my local shops and conventions for the rest of this year, now that minis will soon be available for interested players to buy.

Edited May 29, 2016 by CarlZog

[papabees]

I'm a little late to this thread, but for what it's worth, I have no complaints about the models or the fulfillment of this KS. As for the Tsuiseki, the tail fins on mine immediately bent themselves back in shape the second they were immersed in hot water. The rest fo the models look great.

 

My only real unfulfulled wish so far is that this KS could have been seen and promoted more effectively as the launch of a self-contained game. A New Game. A really good, new game. Rather than just the re-release in Bones of a bunch of old Reaper generic mech minis -- which I'm afraid is how a lot of people seemed to see it. That's understandable given the history of Reaper Bones Kickstarters, but this is so much more than that!

 

I'm very hopeful that now that this initial model release is complete, Talon and Reaper will focus on promoting CAV:SO through organized play, retail demos, and con presence.  

As a combined arms mech game with lots of potential for big multi-player games and scenario-driven campaigns, in addition to the standard points-based army building and 2-player duels, CAV:SO could really fill a niche in the market and go a long way.

 

I would love to see that happen and am happy to help, but haven't heard anything more from Jon about his demo team plans. In the meantime, I'll be working up my own scenarios to run at my local shops and conventions for the rest of this year, now that minis will soon be available for interested players to buy.

I'd love to see you share any scenarios you come up with.

[CAVBOSS]

I'm a little late to this thread, but for what it's worth, I have no complaints about the models or the fulfillment of this KS. As for the Tsuiseki, the tail fins on mine immediately bent themselves back in shape the second they were immersed in hot water. The rest fo the models look great.

 

My only real unfulfulled wish so far is that this KS could have been seen and promoted more effectively as the launch of a self-contained game. A New Game. A really good, new game. Rather than just the re-release in Bones of a bunch of old Reaper generic mech minis -- which I'm afraid is how a lot of people seemed to see it. That's understandable given the history of Reaper Bones Kickstarters, but this is so much more than that!

 

I'm very hopeful that now that this initial model release is complete, Talon and Reaper will focus on promoting CAV:SO through organized play, retail demos, and con presence.  

As a combined arms mech game with lots of potential for big multi-player games and scenario-driven campaigns, in addition to the standard points-based army building and 2-player duels, CAV:SO could really fill a niche in the market and go a long way.

 

 

 

I would love to see that happen and am happy to help, but haven't heard anything more from Jon about his demo team plans. In the meantime, I'll be working up my own scenarios to run at my local shops and conventions for the rest of this year, now that minis will soon be available for interested players to buy.

-- Catching up continues and check your email box as I have sent out the COG info at last while we were waiting for the full retail release. For anyone else wanting to join up or at least check it out go to: http://talon-games.com/cog.html

 

We are putting the finishing touches up on a tournament system and the first Flashpoint release as we move into the First Galactic War!

 

If you have a convention in your area you would like me to attend, please forward me the info so I can see if I can make it work out!

[Humansquish]

 

 

Speaking of new models, get ready for July! ;)

I'll make my request now. TIGERS!

[Vytau]

I'll be very, very happy if Adon & the Templars get the same attention even as Malvernis & Ritterlich got this last time around.  I'd really love to see the Knight, Sovereign, Gladiator, Bishop, Challenger, and Sultan redone in Bonesium. 

 

More APCs and Aircraft seem like a must to me,and I'd also love, love LOVE to see Bones infantry - there were 3D sculpts on the CAV:SO Facebook page that looked absolutely gorgeous.  It's been suggested that plastic infantry in 10mm would lose detail, but still, gotta say I'd love to see more variety, and if the price were to come down, even better. 

 

Again, I'm as excited for July as my wallet is angry!