Minifigs:

Pirates; Gladiators;
Ancient Egyptians/Assyrians

by Jay Hadley

With apologies to the readers and to MINIFIGS for the quality of the photos in last month's review column we reprint below the photos of 1M-17 (sepoy rebel, firing); 1 M- 23 (sepoy, advancing) and 1 MC-8 (British Lancer).

Figure Rating: The five characteristics are rated on a O to 1 basis (1 being excellent) the five numbers are added together for the overall figure rating; 0-1.9 = reject; 2.-2.9 acceptable; 3-3.9 = good; and 4-5 a must.

Another new area for Minifigs is their Pirate series. While this has not been an overly popular period thereare a number of rules books coming out that are excellent for role playing. The first pirate (p 3) is holding a musket and is very understated a nice touch for those who like realism.

The second (p 9) is part of an artillery crew and is standing with ramrod. The cannon (p 11) is very nice and very typical of the guns found on ships of this period. Rating: (1) anatomy - .7 (2) animation .6 (3) detail - .5, (4) paint. - .6 (5) casting - .8, Total 2 )

Minifigs always meets the challenge when it produces figures that are from a familiar historical period. Their latest ancients are no exception. The Minifig philosophy is to produce armies that cover every aspect of a given period. Their Egyptians and Assyrians are perfect examples of this philosophy. The Egyptian infantryman (EA 6) comes with a separate shield and is positioned for excellence on the gaming table. The second figure (EA 55) appears to be a Pheonician. The third figure (EAX 10) is a high ranking officer type, and is posed beautifully. Rating: (1) anatomy - .8, (2) animation - .8, (3) detail - 6, (4) paint. - .6, (5) casting - .6, Total 3.0.

A final figure in this period needs special mention. That is the Assyrian mounted bowman (EAC 103) firing. This is a truly superb figure well executed throughout. To accent the completeness of the line Minifigs also produces the large mobile wicker shields (GER 2) used in sedge operations during this period. Rating: (1) anatomy - .9, (2) animation - .8, (3) detail .9. (4) paint. -1.0, (5) casting - .9, Total: 4.5.

For those who like individual combat ancient style there are gladiators. Both the Myrmillo (G 1) and the Retiarius (G 4) have great animation, but the detail is not up to the usual Minifig standard. For those of you who want a sure bet in your next competition try a lion (g 7) a very nice piece. Rating (1) anatomy .6 (2) animation - .8, (3) detail - .3, (4) paint. - .5, (5) casting - .6, Total - 2.8.

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