Naismith Design

25mm Ancient
Romans and Aztecs (figures)

Reviewed by Jay Hadley

It's great to be back at the Reviewing Stand. Since the last time I did a review for this magazine I have learned a lot about how figures are marketed to the American public. The sum total of this new information has led me to some new review policies. First, from time to time I will be reviewing figures that I purchase in a local hobby shop. If I can't get the figures easily neither will the people reading this column. Also, this will give me an opportunity to review the figures that you will buy; not the polished, flash free samples offered by some manufacturers.

Second, because of the now common practice of selling figures in blister packs I will be giving you the throwaway ration of figures and both the purchase price and real price after the throwaways. It is obvious that a bargain is not a bargain if you have to throw away 25% of the figures that you buy.

The first line of figures for review is distributed in this country by Enola Games in Brooklyn, New York. The current line consists of Greeks, Romans, Aztecs and Conquistadors in 25mm and Samurai, Aztecs, ECW and ACW in 15mm. The 25mm foot sell for $2,00 for 3 figures (66(D approx.) which is reasonable and 6 for $1.50 (250) for 15mm which is high but worth it for the quality you are getting. These figures were produced in England by NavWar and designed by Naismith Design.

Turning to the 25mm Ancients the overall effect of the figures is very good with nice animation in most cases and a very wide selection. This is especially true of the Greeks which gives the gamer the ability to mix and match many different helmets, shields and armour combinations. Some of the ancients are somewhat chunky and may not match up well with some other figures in the line. Also some of the faces seemed to be pushed together which is probably a molding problem.

The Imperial Romans are thinner than the Greeks and are on the whole a nice grouping. I did however have some problems with the execution of the animation in some instances. All over not a bad line with enough variety to make it worthwhile. Rating: Anatomy - .6; Animation -.8; Detail - .8; Paint. - .8; Casting - .4; Total - 3.4.

Another major effort by Naismith is an Aztec/Conquistador line which may not be overly popular but superb. Each Aztec pack has three different weapons for variety. The sculpting is great, animation excellent and they are practically flash free. These figures are naturals. The line offers the gamer the opportunity to test the waters of small group actions in this relatively unknown period. Rating: Anatomy -. .8; Animation - .9; Detail - .7; Paint. - .8; Casting - .7; Total - 3.9.

The Naismith Design 15mm range consists of four lines previously mentioned. Although these figures are on the expensive side they may be the best to come along in this scale in recent years. These figures have character, folks. Unlike many 15mm figures available on the market today these figures are not stilted, but have a degree of zing or flair that really makes them attractive. The weaponry is especially well done as is the draping on the uniforms. Highly recommended. Rating: Anatomy.9; Animation - 1.0; Detail - 1.0; Paint. -.8; Casting- 1.0; Total - 4.7

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