WarGameGuru
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Interview - Matt Wagner/Eagle Dynamics
    • Interview - Polychop Simulations
    • Review - MonsterTech HOTAS Table Mounts
    • Review - Rebel Galaxy Outlaw
    • Review - EVGA 2080 Super Black Gaming 8GB Video Card
    • Review - ASUS VG49VQ 49 Inch Super Ultra Wide Gaming Monitor
    • In Focus Review - Heatblur's F-14 Tomcat Module for DCS World
    • Classic Review - Jetfighter III
    • Review - Thrustmaster T.Flight Rudder Pedals
    • Review - Thrustmaster HOTAS WARTHOG Joystick
    • First Impressions - DCS World High Fidelity Modules
    • Classic Review - Suncom Strike Fighter Series Throttle
    • Classic Review - F-22 Pro Joystick from Thrustmaster
    • Classic Review - EuroFighter 2000
    • In Focus Review - DCS World Persian Gulf Map Module
    • Classic Review - US NAVY Fighters
    • Review -TrackIR 5 from NaturalPoint
    • Review - Thrustmaster T16000M FCS HOTAS
    • Classic Review - Jane's AH-64D Longbow
    • In Focus Review - DCS World Revisited: Diving off the Flaming Cliffs
    • In Focus Review - State of Flight-Sims and HOTAS Games 2019
    • Review - Flamberge/Jumping Atlas/WASP WSP-1 Models from Iron Wind Metals
    • Review - Star Trek Starships Collection
    • Review - Knight Models Arkham City Bane 35mm Model
    • Review - Knight Models Man of Steel & Frank Miller Batman 35mm Models
    • Review - Mecha Zone 2: The Art of David A White
    • In Focus Review - SuperSystem 3rd Edition
    • In Focus Review - Heavy Gear: Arena Two-Player Starter Set
    • Review - JUNK: Dogface Combots from Grindhouse Games
    • In Focus Review - ShadowSea from AntiMatter Games
    • Review - TRO 3085 Lance Pack
    • Review - Technical Read Out 3085 & Record Sheets 3085
    • In Focus Review - JR Miniatures 25mm Medieval Structures
    • In Focus Review - Dust Tactics
    • In Focus Review - War Rocket
    • In Focus Review/Interview - Plasma Blast Games 6mm Sci-Fi Models
    • Review - PortableWarfare Sergeant Case
    • Review - Steel Warriors
    • Review - Having Good Hex: Hex Bases 101
    • Review - Xmarx & Old Crow 6mm Sci-Fi Models
    • Review - BattleTech Mech Models
    • In Focus Review - BattleTech
    • Review - Song Of Our Ancestors
    • In Focus Review - BattleTech Total Warfare Core Rulebook
    • Review -Rosemary & Co Brushes
    • Review - Q-Workshop Pirate & Sniper Dice
    • Review - HiTech Miniatures SF Commander & 25mm Resin Bases
    • Review - Tengu Models
    • Review - Atomic Super Humans
    • In Focus Review - Warlord 2nd Edition/Savage North
    • Review - The Complete Guide to Miniature Painting
    • Review - JR Miniatures 15mm Scale Terrain
    • Review - HellDorado LOST Starter Set Review
    • Review - Heavy Gear: Black Talon Return to Cat's Eye
    • Review - Mantic Games Dwarfs Iron Belcher Cannon Review
    • Review - Heavy Infantry/Kolony Feral HQ Models
    • Review - HellDorado Westerners Starter Set
    • In Focus Review - Heavy Gear Interpolar War 2-Player Starter Set
    • Review - Micro-Art Studio Hive/Power Plant and Ruins Bases
    • Review - Wargames Factory Shock Troops Models
    • Review - Mantic Games Dwarfs IronClad Regiment
    • Review - Mantic Games Dwarfs Ironwatch Troop
    • Review - MERCS Minis FCC Models
    • In Focus Review - Incursion board game from Grindhouse Games
    • Review - Incursion Models from Grindhouse Games
    • Review - MERCS Minis USCR Models
    • In Focus Review - AE Bounty from Darkson Designs
    • Review - AE Bounty Starter Set Models
    • Review - Micro-Art Studio Great Wolves
    • Review - Kabuki Models Revisited
    • In Focus Review - Eden Post Apocalyptic Skirmish Game
    • Review - Soda Pop Miniatures Models
    • In Focus Review - Warpaints Wargaming Starter Paints Set
    • Review - Freebooter's Fate: Crew Expansion Models
    • In Focus Review - Quantum Gothic Part III
    • Review - Ron & Bones Undead/Skeleton Models
    • Review - Zynvaded Starter Set
    • In Focus Review/Interview - Reaper Miniatures, Inc
    • Review - Armory Primer
    • Review - Pulp City Models
    • In Focus Review - Bob Smith Industries CA Adhesives
    • In Focus Review - Derivan MiNiS Paints
    • In Focus Review - MaxMini Models & Bitz
    • In Focus Review - Studio Miniatures Models
    • Review - Q-Workshop's Forest & Celtic Dice Sets
    • In Focus Review - The Army Painter QuickShade
    • In Focus Review - da Vinci paint brushes
    • In Focus Review - Ramshackle Games Post Apocalyptic Models
    • In Focus Review - Brotherhood of Assassins
    • In Focus Review - Flames of War - Dogs and Devils Campaign Book
    • In Focus Review - Flames of War: Open Fire Starter Set
    • In Focus Review - Wardroids
    • In Focus Review - Coat D' Arms Acrylic Paints
    • In Focus Review - HeroScape Dungeons & Dragons Master Set 3 - Battle for Underdark
    • In Focus Review - Dice of the Dead
    • In Focus Review - Please Stand By
    • In Focus Review - Fear And Faith
    • In Focus Review - Filla-Glu
    • First Look Preview - AE Bounty
    • In Focus Review - The Army Painter Brushes
    • In Focus Review - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio
    • In Focus Review - Quantum Gothic Revisited
    • Preview - Judge Dredd
    • In Focus Review - Tannhauser Revised Edition
    • In Focus Review - Freebooter's Fate
    • Preview - Dust Tactics/City of Thieves
    • In Focus Review - Mutants and Death Ray Guns
    • In Focus Review - Song of Blades and Heroes
    • PC Hardware Review - Saitek X-52 Pro HOTAS
    • In Focus Review - Knight Models: Star Wars 30mm Models
    • PC Review - Wings of Prey
    • In Focus Review - Pig Iron Productions Kolony Feral Squad & Specialists
    • In Focus Review - Q-Workshop Dice
    • PC Review - Torchlight
    • Review - The Adventurers
    • In Focus Review - Mantic Games: Introduction to the Undead
    • In Focus Review - Red Ops 5
    • In Focus Review - All Things Zombie: Better Dead Than Zed
    • In Focus - The Coolest Game You'll Probably Never Play!
    • In Focus Review - Atlas Brush Company, Inc.
    • In Focus Review - Ziterdes Models
    • In Focus Review - Micro-Art Studios
    • In Focus Review - Faction Wars
    • PC Review - Warhammer 40k: Dawn of War II Chaos Rising
    • In Focus Review - Pegasus Models
    • Classic Review: Mage Knight 2.0
    • Review In Focus: Quantum Gothic
    • PC Review: Airstrike Eagles of World War II
    • In Focus Review - Avatars of War & Arena DeathMatch
    • Review In Focus: Windsor & Newton
    • First Look Preview: Kabuki Models
    • Classic Review: How to paint Citadel Miniatures
    • Review: Pig Iron System Troopers/Kolony Militia
    • Classic Review: In Focus ESLO Terrain
    • In Focus Review: MERCS YellowJackets & KemVar
    • Review: Toy Soldiers 101: Little Wars
    • Review: Warmachine Plastic Heavy Warjack kits
    • Editorial: State of the Game Warhammer 40k
    • P3 Model Drilling & Pinning Set
    • Review: Miniature Paints 101
    • Review: Kabuki Models 21st Century Pinups & Dark Messiah
    • Review: Cool Wargame tools
    • Classic Review: Warmachine 2003
    • Retribution of Scyrah Overview
    • Classic Review: Lord of the Rings Return of the King Strategy Battle Game
    • Classic Review: Dogs of War
    • Review: Sabol Monthy Deals
  • Want your product covered?

June 30th, 2010
In Focus Review - Crooked Dice Game Design Studio
Picture

I've been a Doctor Who fan since Tom Baker was the Doctor in the mid-70s. I have fond memories of watching the Doctor and Leela on PBS in Chicago up into the early 80s. Since there's been 7 new Doctors, the latest of which has become an instant classic among the majority of the viewing audience.

I was skeptical at first. It was hard to swallow that what looked like this kid Matt Smith, could possibly take on the role of the Doctor. Saturday marked the end of this all new first season with Matt Smith as the Doctor, and I have to say I'm really impressed. It has been an excellent ride, and if there were an skeptics before the season began, they should all be believers by now. This kid is definitely the Doctor. What I'm here to talk about today, are two really fantastic 28mm  figures from Crooked Dice Game Design Studio, which resemble two of the most notable Doctor Who series characters.


Tweedy Mattison and May Killan are both 28mm figures sculpted by Kev White, and are the first two figures from Crooked Dice, which just so happen to look a lot like Matt Smith as the Doctor, and Karen Gillan as Amy Pond from this latest season of Doctor Who.


I'm impressed, this really looks like the kid, the hairdo is spot on too. He's holding the signature sonic screw-driver, he has a bow-tie, and is even wearing a tweed jacket with elbow pads and all. He sure looks a lot like the 11th Doctor. May is dressed as Amy was in the first episode of this latest season, as a kiss-a-gram police officer, complete with night-stick and all.


She's quite nice, but I think I'd rather have seen her dressed differently, like in one of the short skirts she's been wearing in the later episodes of this season, along with the little dress jackets. It's definitely a nice figure, but the clothing selection wouldn't have been my first choice. Nonetheless, it does capture a moment in time (no pun intended) quite well, and that's a memorable outfit for sure. So I can see why they might have chosen it over any other possible outfits.


Tweedy and May both are single cast pieces, so there are no parts to glue on, I found no flash, and the mold lines were very minimal. Therefore, there was very minor mold line clean up. These were ready for primer in a simple mater of minutes after taking them out of the packaging. I'm yet to see figures this nice from such a small, upstart company too. Kudos goes out to Crooked dice for getting off to a really good start with these pieces.


You can order the set of Tweedy Mattison and May Killan for 7 GBP direct from the Crooked Dice online stop, or 4 GBP each individually. They're worth every penny.




A closer inspection of their website site reveals a really nice green of what they're calling London Teen Daisy Taylor, which resembles who I think is the hottest Doctor babe ever, Rose Tyler (played by actress Billie Piper). They just started to accept pre-orders for Daisy. They also have some greens displayed for what they're calling Robo-Rodents, which don't ring a bell with me as having been Doctor Who foes, but they look to be some sort of a sci-fi foe. Those also recently became available for pre-order.

There's also a nice collection of .PDF files you can download under the Support section, which contain scenarios based on almost every episode from this latest season of Doctor Who to be used with the Doctor Who Miniatures Game rule-set, which is also a free download. Definitely check it out, if you haven't already, it's a fantastic free miniatures skirmish game.


Another project they're working on is called 7TV Inch High Spy-Fi, which is a miniatures skirmish rule-set inspired by 60s and 70s cult action TV shows. The first thing that comes to mind is the Mod Squad, Mission Impossible, Get Smart, Avengers and the entire Austin Powers series which made fun of that era featuring spies, smokin' hot chicks in tight pants, set within the "Make Love not War" movement era. There was a PC game that really captured the essence of just that too called The Operative: No One Lives Forever. If it turns out anything like any of the above, it should be great fun, and I look forward to it.


Here's a bonus Interview we conducted with Graeme Dawson from Crooked Dice on the topic of their miniatures, and the new 7TV Inch High Spy-Fi game system...



WarGameGuru - Who is behind Crooked Dice Game Design Studios, and how did it all come about?

Graeme Dawson - Crooked Dice is a partnership between myself and long time Doctor Who Miniatures Game contributor Karl Perrotton. We share similar interests (wargaming, old sci-fi TV) and decided to produce a set of rules compatible with the DWMG, and figures like-minded wargamers might like. We live at opposite ends of the UK, so most of our dealing are done via email, although we do manage to get together occasionally for a pint.

WarGameGuru - So what other sculpts are in the works?

Graeme Dawson - Release 2 has just gone to pre-order; this comprises London teen Daisy Taylor and two tiny robotic rodents. Next up will be an Alien Minion with 3 head options (pig hybrid, tentacles alien face and mannequin) dressed in a handy generic boiler suit and a sprue of bits to cyber-convert suitable models, including the minion – heads, arms and a chest unit. After that it’s Astronauts with various helmeted/unhelmeted/undead head options, possibly scary statues then more personality figures.


WarGameGuru - Will we ever see some Torchwood inspired sculpts like Captain Jack
Harkness, or even classic Doctors like Tom Baker, K-9 and the like?

Graeme Dawson - Torchwood and Doctor Who are popular with gamers, who will have to keep an eye on our releases to see if we do anything they might like. Lots of stuff is covered by the BBC’s intellectual property rights, so we’re unlikely to produce a K9 or Daleks for example.

WarGameGuru - Will 7TV be a more serious affair like Mission Impossible, as opposed to
being like a more campy Get Smart?

Graeme Dawson - The game is written slightly tongue in cheek, like the James Bond films or The Avengers. That said it’s a versatile rule set capable of playing all styles of games from straight hard cop action through to spoof stuff like Austin Powers and Get Smart.


WarGameGuru - What are the distribution plans for 7TV?

Graeme Dawson
- We plan on selling it as a PDF and an actual printed rulebook. Specifics on each format will be decided slightly further down the road.


WarGameGuru - Will you support 7TV with a miniatures range as well, if so what's
planned for launch?

Graeme Dawson
- As a tiny concern, we might get out only 12-16 models in a year, so choosing carefully is the key. Hopefully everything we produce can work for both 7TV and the wider sci-fi gamer. The rules are deliciously evocative so we hope to work up to a small but exciting range of spies, villains and a supporting cast of expendables.


WarGameGuru - What's the current launch date for 7TV?

Graeme Dawson
  - We’re planning for a late 2010 release. The rules are being worked on to ensure maximum spy-fi per page, then we will get the layout work done and art in. Good progress but still lots to do!


Crooked Dice Game Design Studio

    Comments or Suggestions?

Submit

Picture
Be sure to visit our sponsors!


Picture
Be sure to visit our sponsors!

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.