Well this is an interesting question as there are so many choices for sternguard models, even if you exclude the old kit there are all the forge world models which are almost the same price.

Even with all the rumours I was still surprised when I saw these models. i really like the look of them. I often think plastics that have evolved from metal sculpts look a ton better than the one that are done in cad software. Just like the tactical marines these Sternguard have a fresh look. There are subtle differences from the old kit, so you can use it without duplicating the old finecast models. at the same time there are lots of common armour plate designs and poses from the old kit. There is a small risk that your old models won’t mix well with these new ones given they all have long loin cloths between there legs.

There are a host of options with the new kit, including some hat tips to the old power armour suits, a New MK4 leg and head design a couple of Mk6 torsos and heads including a mk6 helmet similar to the limed edition 25th anniversary model. There is also a new Mk8 torso and for the first time plastic mk8 legs, or leg depending on how you look at it. There are also new heads and lots and lots of weapon choices. Both a heavy flamer and heavy bolter come with the kit. There are also a ton of combi weapons enough to kit out each marine with a combi weapon which can be built as a combi grav, plasma, melta or flamer. The sergeant comes with a choice of power fist or power sword. There are also lots of alternative style bolters included.

Rules wise this new Sternguard Squad has a slight edge on the old one. There is the increased choice of combi weapons allowing a more useful build. Along with not having to build a sergeant with a power fist this has to be a better set to field the Sternguard.

Now it’s time to look at the price and it was going so well, £30 yes that the most expensive 5 man power armour squad gw sell. What you have to remember is there are a bunch of extra weapons that were previously sold for £8 separately. I was expecting this kit to weigh in at £25 Given the inclusion of all these weapons it not so bad, but we are still talking about 2 sprues including 5 plastic space marines for £30, that’s £15 per sprue design. One thing is for sure GW stand to make a lot of money of this kit

Over all I’m very happy with this. If you mix the kit with some tacitacal marines to make a 10 man squad it’s no more expensive than the old squad plus you get all the extra weapons. I’m looking forward to having a full play around with this set. That’s two kits GWs have done well with this release.

• Appearance 9/10
• Options in the kit 9/10
• Rules 8/10
• Price 6/10

• Over all 8/10

Next time I’ll look at the Vanguard veterans.

To recap

• Centurions 6/10
• Captain 6/10
• Librarian 6/10
• Chaplain 5/10
• Tactical Squad 8/10
• Sternguard 8/10

Well I think this question is a mute point, of course you will end up buying this kit. It’s going to be very hard to avoid it. There is still the question of should you buy the new squad, the old one while it’s still available, which should be a long time given how many have been made, or even should you take the forge world route.

I’ve been waiting for this kit for a long time. Given the level of anticipation Games Workshop have got to deliver on this kit. Let me start buy saying I both really like it and I’m disappointed by it at the same time. On the positive site it managed to have a fresh look. It has subtle differences from the old kit while still incorporating a lot of the same heads, torsos and arms; which is quite clever. If it had been made to look very different we would all have been up in arms about our old squads that now look tied and old. This way we can mix the new models through our collections and keep the old ones on the game table to.

There are a host of options with the new kit, including some hat tips to the old power armour suits, New MK4 legs, a couple of Mk6 torsos, more Mk6 heads and a new Mk8 torso with a high collar, there are also new heads and lots of weapon choices. All the old heavy and special weapons are included, the back pack for the missile luncher has been brought up to date with the devastator and old black reach kit. A Grav Gun, Grav pistol and a combi weapon which can be built as a combi grav, plasma, melta or flamer. Some of the old chain swords and pistols have been removed to achieve this. There is also a new aiming bolter stance and reloading bolter pose. The only issue on options is that there are no other heavy weapons included.

Rules wise this Tactical Squad has a slight edge on the old one. The grav pistol gun and combi weapons will allow a more useful build. The rules also now allow for a special or heavy weapon in a 5 man squad. As well as these you have the option of taking a Veteran Sergeant, although why you wouldn’t want the extra point of leadership escapes me.

Now it’s time to look at the price, £25 yes oh yes only £25. I guess I’m glad they didn’t add any more heavy weapons or this certainly would have been higher. I was expecting this kit to weigh in at £28. Given the inclusion of 10 different leg poses, more torso choices, the grav and combi weapons I think this squad is worth the extra £2. Not only are three different sprues, but they are all separate designs, that’s £9.33 per sprue design, as many as there are in the new necron super heavy kit but for a lot less. There are also 10 men in the box that’s £2.50 per man. A lot less than many of the other GW kits

Over all I’m very happy with this. I can’t wait to get myself at least one of these sets. At last something that was worth GWs effort from this release.

• Appearance 9/10
• Options in the kit 8/10 (-2 for missing heavy weapons and sergeants weapons)
• Rules 8/10
• Price 8/10

• Over all 8/10

Next time I’ll look at the new veterans.

To recap

• Centurions 6/10
• Captain 6/10
• Librarian 6/10
• Chaplain 5/10
• Tactical Squad 8/10