Oh boy, what a treat we've got for you today; the start of a brand new series where I give my thoroughly qualified and experienced opinion on things in which I probably shouldn't. We start off this series with the brand new 10th edition of Warhammer: 40,000 in the form of the new Leviathan box.
I should start off by saying, that I have little to no experience with 40,000, and come from a purely painting background, as opposed to one that is involved with playing the game. My reasoning for buying the box was that I have been curious to move on from exclusively painting fantasy to sci-fi and this seemed like the opportune time to do so with such a jam packed box becoming available. I'm hoping my opinions here will be useful to those in a similar position to me, where they haven't taken the trip into 40,000 and are tempted to get their little grubby mitts involved.
So let's get started with what is included in this big ol' box of plastic:
- 72 miniatures
- Exclusive Leviathan rulebook
- Leviathan Mission Deck
- Transfer Sheets
Now I don't need to be the one to tell you, that receiving a massive 72 miniatures in one box is a pretty impressive amount. Making up this ridiculous amount of plastic are two full armies; the Space Marines and the Tyranids. As someone who has never gotten into 40,000, this provided me an excellent opportunity to try my hand at painting two vastly different armies, without worrying about which models to pick up. There is absolutely something for everyone here, whether you like painting big monstrous creatures, or regimented infantry troops; this box truly seems to have it all. Let's have a look at the specific models you get
Space Marines
Captain in Terminator Armour This guy is the leader of the this Space Marine force, decked out in that shiny new Terminator Armour. Just might wanna clean your boots when you get back home eh? |  |
Librarian in Terminator Armour The sci-fi equivalent of a wizard, this fella is also outfitted in the new Terminator Armour like his brother above, except he won't be shouted at by his wife for traipsing Tyranid brains through the house. |  |
Apothecary Biologis Whilst I initially thought this guy was some sort of medic, it turns out he's not such a friendly soul, and instead uses enemy bio-matter to use their own bilogy against them. Pretty sick on all levels of the word. |  |
Lieutenant in Phobos Armour Another Space Marine in need of washing his boots down with a hose, you definitely don't want to mess with this guy; if you do, he'll wear a piece of you over his armour. |  |
Sternguard Veteran Squad This little squad are made up from expert soldiers with all the experience and weaponry to give their alien counterparts a friendly hug. |  |
Terminator Squad A friendly looking bunch if I've ever seen one; equipped in the new Terminator armour, these guys are gonna do some damage. So maybe don't hire them for your kid's birthday party. |  |
Infernus Squad These dudes looking like they're about to break the Geneva Convention with their pyreblasters. At least we'll be smelling barbeque just in time for the summer. |  |
Ballistus Dreadnought This hulk of metal and bolts looks like a real fearsome opponent to face on the battlefield.. just as long as it doesn't have to walk downhill at a steep gradient. |  |
Tyranids
Winged Tyranid Prime If these bug looking alien freaks weren't scary enough, then here's one with wings. Good luck swatting that one. |  |
Neurotyrant I'm guessing this one is the brains of the whole operation (see what I did there!?) and he's also got two little cute friends to play with. |  |
Screamer-Killer I feel like this one wasn't very lucky when his parents named him. If it's any consolation, I guess he at least does what it says on the tin. |  |
Von Ryan's Leapers Having no knowledge of 40,000, I have no idea where their name originates from, but I find it funny. That's all I have to say for these guys. |  |
Termagants These guys are the main bulk of the Tyranid force, using weaponry that looks as alive as they do. Truly horrifying to imagine thousands running at you. No bug spray is powerful enough for all of them. |  |
Neurogaunts If there was ever a Warhammer model to look like a cross between that weird water bear, and a flea, this is the one...sorry guys. |  |
Barbgaunts I don't even know what I'm looking at here; some sort of weird blend of big gun and alien bug flesh. Sounds a bit like that night I had in Amsterdam a few years ago.. |  |
Psychophage And topping it off is this big bug of gross proportions. I'm glad he's getting his five a day in though, with that nutritious looking piece of dismembered leg. So delicious. |  |
Well take my shoes and call me Nancy; that's a shedload of miniatures. If you don't overly enjoy the building and painting process, and you're splitting this box with a mate, maybe take on the Space Marine half, as you've got a fair bit less to paint.
As a painter myself, the miniatures are really the only thing I'm overly bothered about in this box, but for the sake of not discriminating, we'll quickly look over the other items included.
The hardback rulebook is a massive book, coming in at 392 pages. It includes the rules (strangely enough) for the new edition of 40,000, as the Leviathan narrative campaign and background, and copious amounts of artwork and photography to treat your retinas to. It also has detailed information for every other faction within the world, so this really is the complete written package for anyone wanting to learn more about this next chapter of 40,000.
There is also a 66 card deck of missions with all sorts of play options for those who actually want to use their miniatures after they've painted them, rather than have them sit solemnly gathering dust on their shelf.
And not that it needs to be said, but of course there is the construction booklet for all that sprue clipping you'll be doing for the next 7 years. And also a Space Marine transfer sheet to further customise your models.
So in conclusion, this Leviathan box really is the real deal if you've got any interest at all to get cracking in the world of Warhammer: 40,000. even if you're just a painter like myself, being able to get your hands on 72 miniatures for the RRP of £150 is a real steal, with each miniature coming in roughly at just over £2 each. If you're looking to get involved in the wider world and game, then this box also offers all the information, rules and details you could ever need. This box is the real deal and the real steal. And as I have bought this myself with my own hard earned money, you can trust my unbiased opinion. Go grab a mate, convince them to spunk their hard earned money on splitting the box with you, and now you're all set to lose hours of your life.
You're welcome.
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If you'd like to purchase this big boy box for yourself, then you can use my affiliate link below to Element Games, who are great guys with great customer service:
Thanks for reading!
(All opinions are my own. This is not a paid promotion or partnership, just my own humble review)
(All pictures are from Games Workshop)
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