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Wargame Rules / Sci-Fi
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Displaying Reviews: 1 - 1
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If you're into Warhammer 40k, this book is a must!
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Reviewed by Antar Howarth (info@totalmodel.com) July 22, 2004
Before I get into the review I must first add that I have not seen Volume 1 of this series. I cannot compare like with like so this book will be judged in isolation. Also, whilst I am "familiar" with the Warhammer 40K universe - it rules and conventions - that's as far as it goes. I build the models but I don't play the game.
Imperial Armour - Volume 2 aims to document the armoured fighting vehicles of the elite Imperial forces from the Warhammer 40K universe. It includes details of 30 different vehicles used by the Space Marines, Sisters of Battle and the Inquisition. Imperial Guard units are not covered.
The book is divided into chapters, each dedicated to a particular vehicle. This includes all of the units currently manufactured by Games Workshop - not just those produced by Forge World. Each entry provides a full technical breakdown of the vehicle, with details such as armour thickness, road speed, weight, etc. Each chapter also includes a selection of side-on full colour illustrations depicting each vehicle in a variety of different combat liveries. Some of the the most popular vehicles, like the Predator and Land Speeder, have at least 2 pages of these colour schemes. The Land Raider has 6! The quality of the artwork is truly excellent and will certainly provide modellers with an endless amount of reference material and inspiration.
It isn't only the quality of the colour illustrations that's impressive. Some of the best artwork in this book is black & white. The pages are littered with detailed vehicle plans which are used to present each vehicle through a variety of elevations and plan views. Some of the vehicles, such as the Rhino, have additional cut away illustrations which demonstrate the interior details, crew positions and main armaments. The Thunderhawk Gunship requires 5 full pages of line drawings to illustrate its huge profile - and 3 of those are used to document the interior!
Over the years Forge World have developed a very particular style for showcasing their 40k models. Most are shown in life-like battle scenes complete with lighting and environmental effects. The technique - which relies heavily on computer wizardry - is very effective and much in evidence throughout the book. Most of the images are black and white but there are a few of full colour plates.
As well as chapters dedicated to the various vehicles there are several appendices which concentrate on such matters as super heavy vehicle rules, ammunition types and vehicle markings. The latter also makes good use of colour illustrations as it explores the correct use of Chapter devises and markings. Elsewhere an entire chapter is given over to Space Marine combat formations. It too uses line drawings to great effect to demonstrate a variety of armoured assault plans and battle tactics. Game rules for all the different units are also included.
There is a wealth of data contained in this book. Even if you are not a fan of Games Workshop products you cannot help but be impressed by the sheer depth of detail and quality of presentation on offer. Admittedly it does seem a bit ephemeral at times, a bit too glossy - but even then you have to take your hat off and appreciate it's ephemera of the very highest order! For me, perhaps the biggest bonus is the fact that the irritating bloke who writes all the "Adeptus Yawnicus Bangyheady Wallicus" historical narratives (which creep into all 40k productions) has been locked in his box for a change. He's only allowed out on very rare occasions!
The main sticking point will be the price. I think £40 is a lot to ask for a game book. Even so, it would be churlish to penalise this product simply because it's "a bit pricey". Forge World have packed a great deal of time and effort into this publication - not to mention a whole chunk of cash. The result is a book which oozes quality and delivers pretty much everything it set out to achieve.
Ultimately, if you're into Warhammer 40k, this book is a must. If you just like studying the nuts and bolts of futuristic AFVs - you'll be in your piggin' element!
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24
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26
people found this review helpful
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