+1 for what Ian said. -1 for most of what Goss wrote.
Cygnar:
I don't quite know what to make of Constance. Part of me wants to run her tier list for all the SPD buffs, but as a traditional Cygnar player I'd feel a bit naked rolling out without a good deal of firepower. Essentially running at the enemy isn't something she or her army seriously seem equipped to do. I'll test her in the next few weeks and see.
Gallant is awesome. For starters, a SPD 5 jack with reach is huge with certain casters. If you mix in the models he *should* be played with he gets even more bonkers. My plastic kit is anxiously awaiting the bits to convert it into Gallant.
Avenger is also awesome, especially if you're doing the ranged assassination thing. The Caines, Siege and Sloan love having clear LOS to enemy casters. He also gives the Master Gunner purpose finally (manually reloading Grenadiers = shit existence).
Minuteman is just silly with Kraye and any caster who can buff his movement. He'll be awesome for two hand throws and blowing up high DEF low ARM infantry. Full Tilt + Bounding Leap + Light Cav Move = 22" move in one turn. Mix in his Flak Field somewhere for good measure.
Runewood is great. He offers a lot of utility in-house and is no slouch in combat either.
The Storm Strider is one of the better battle engines. Not sure if/when I'll ever own a battle engine, but it'd be around the top of the list for me.
Khador:
Harkevich is awesome. You're really going to want a Demolisher or two with him I think. Really solid jack caster.
Black Ivan is sweet! I can't believe there's a base DEF 12 Khador jack out there now! I would almost want to throw Superiority up on him for DEF 14.
The Eliminators are just stupid. I never want to see 2 units of them and eVlad on the other side of the table.
The Mekanic UA is weird. I like the idea of fixing MoW, but something seems off about how it changes the unit's role to me.
Ret:
Ozzy is awesome! I agree with Ian, I think he's close to the same base power level of Scaverous, but the Ret army itself isn't really on par with Cryx. His feat is insane though. I can't wait to thoroughly blow things away while under it's effects. Also, Quicken on MHSF or Sentinels is just dirty.
Aspis is an awesome bodyguard light myrmidon for 4pts. Shield Guard will keep key models alive, and the Phoenix Field (auto replenish D6 points back to its Force Field) will keep it alive.
The heavies are all awesome. I've only glanced at them but Ozzy and Rahn seem like they've got great synergy with them. I'm sure the same will be true for the other castes.
I love the Arcane Force Generator. If people hate it I hope its out of fear because with the right casters (hello, Ravyn - Snipe + Boosted attack rolls + D3+1 initial shots) shit is going to die fast.
Cryx:
I just assume it's all just broken bullshit.
Although the Wraith Engine seems kinda blah compared to most of the other battle engines. Moving on...
Menoth:
Thyra is really interesting. I really her a lot. I'll be interested to see her in play and what models/units people tend to throw Occultation on.
All three Menoth warjacks seem a bit meh. They're not bad, well Scourge of Heresy seems questionable, but none bring anything new IMHO.
Their named solo, Nicia or whatever her name is, is nuts! A DEF 16 solo with Stealth, Rapid Strike, Quick Work and Weapon Master? Geez!
I dont' get their battle engine. Yes it has more life boxes than the others, but it's taking d3 damage every time it does something. I guess you have to keep Vassal mechanics around at all times.
Mercs:
Damiano = win. His spell list is incredible.
The Rover is really cool as is the character jack. Like Ian said, they're solid and bring some new stuff to the table, but are far from over-the-top.
I'd second the Ragman being 'eh'. I don't get the love affair people on the PP boards have with him. Access to Dark Shroud is cool, but getting him there to pull it off seems way too difficult, or just a once per game kind of thing.
Sylls is just silly. He doesn't replace the Squire in Cygnar (although with certain casters the swapis worth considering). Ret loves him, which is fitting, and I think a lot of War Dogs are going to get put down because of him.
Overall a good release. Feels empty though without actual units being released. The Eliminators and Rifle Team are nice, but I mean 6-10 man units with UA or cav or something. Hopefully we'll get some next year.
