Thinking of the future

[Overread]

So Planetfall is rather unique in that unlike most tabletop wargames its got a very strict structure to armies; more so than many others. So I'm sitting here wondering what happens when the last faction helix is released. There are only 7 helix per faction at present and whilst you can, of course, expand to multiple core helix for larger games, one has to wonder what the plans are for the future. 

 

 

So as a general musing thread (though if someone from Spartan wants to jump in and say or hint go ahead ) I can see several options;

 

1) New factions - less likely since its tied to another game in lore and design; but we might see them release more of the allies factions, though that's still building on the same core of 7 potential helix.

 

2) Re-release - possible, they've done it for their other lines; though it can be somewhat messy when there's "two" versions of each unit and the new and old are not quite identical; yet the old are no longer produced and slowly phased out in favour of the new designs 

 

3) Alternate helix options within a faction - ergo having the same structure but now providing alternate helix designs. More likely, though it will be interesting to see how balance factors into this. In theory it makes a sound option to expand the game; however its not just adding one unit but potentially 5 or even 6 new units into the faction at once so it will be interesting to see, if this were done, how Spartan would balance it to keep faction flavour and themes 

 

4) New helix types - another strong possibility. This could mean a totally new "core" type with its own branches of helix; it could mean "support" helix that attach to a main helix (in theory then you've got 6 helix which could each have at least one if not more further support helix - a big expansion of the game content). 

[MaxToreador]

Semi-official statements of #3 have been made in other threads and the book confirms #1.

[Darthp00p00]

Agreed, we'll eventually get cqb focused Leviathans for sure. The dinfrenzi chronos leviathan has already been previewed months ago.

[Marine0351W]

Also Directorate players like me are eagerly awaiting that baller looking Gunship shown in the rulebook  pretty sure that is going to be part of an Aerial helix, possibly labeled Close air support or ground attack

[Kraggi]

I think in the long term we will see multiple helix choices for each faction, as has been called out there are already plans for two Leviathan Helixes per faction, we have an Interceptor Aerial Helix coming out, and that still doesn't include all the flyers seen in the main rule booked (Marine0351W's point is very valid as I cannot wait for that beauty to arrive!)

 

I suspect we will see more Allied factions like Works Raptor / Terquai at some point as well, hopefully a core helix for them in addition to more out helix options.

 

Plus having spent time playing Spartan Derek himself I think that we will definitely be moving to dual battle group's at some point, so allowing you to ally a couple of factions (with Natural allies, potentially four on one side).

 

I have been playing around with a dual battlegroup list for my Directorate by adding in a Dindrenzi Half core (although that might expand) just to see how it plays. 

 

While the army list might seem strict, I think it offers us plenty of oppourtunities to build some truly unique armies. 

[fracas]

I hope you will have option to field stand alone forces for the non-natural allies

[Kraggi]

I hope you will have option to field stand alone forces for the non-natural allies

Might be the early morning, but what do you mean stand alone forces?

Are you referring to a relthozan leviathan with a directorate force?

Apologies monday morning syndrome lol

[MaxToreador]

Think he means cores for the forces that as of yet have no models at all. Like Ryushi, Saurians, etc.

[MPSwift]

With the release of the System Wars expansion and the ships that were geared towards that it is possible that we might see a similar "joining step" style expansion to bridge the gap between Planetfall and Spec Ops. Fixed defensive structures for one player and aerial troop insertions or something for the attacker. How well each player does confers bonuses and penalties in the subsequent Spec Ops game such as injuries or the loss of specialists that are key to the mission at hand or a reduced ability for the defender to respond as their systems are overwhelmed etc.

[fracas]

Think he means cores for the forces that as of yet have no models at all. Like Ryushi, Saurians, etc.

yeah

And tarakians, kedorians, and illossians

[erion]

I think it's almost definite that we'll start to see variant choices for the non-core helixes once there is at least once choice for all of them.  

For instance,  the Leviathan Helix is called a "Leviathan Strike" helix in the rules,  but all of the Leviathans released so far are called "Firepower Leviathan" helixes.  Same with the upcoming Interceptors.   They're not called "Air Helixes"  despite being obvious choices for that spot.  And I am very much hoping for Allied Races core Helixes to make them playable as forces in their own right.  (RSN!)

 

But let's be serious:  Spartan has released an amazing number of products for this game in the ten months since Battle For Proteus Prime.  I counted 39 different items, not including the Interceptors, and there have only been two release windows in that time with no products for Planetfall.  (Juiy because of HALO and February because more than half of everything Planetfall was released in the three windows before then).  While there is still plenty of fertile ground to be plowed for this game,  it's players have been quite spoiled for new toys so far.

[Marine0351W]

Indeed erion, the interceptors are going to be the first unity I don't pick up as soon as I possibly can (partially from an agreement with my wife to finish painting my current Directorate forces before getting anything else, and partially b/c of the plethora of interceptor weapons available to the Directorate already XD )

[Hannibal]

If I remember well I eared in podcast that new factions will be develop next year.

But that doesn' t mean new alternative helices won't be release too

[Spellduckwrong]

I want Spec Ops bad. I'm having 28mm withdrawals.

[Polyphemus]

I want Spec Ops bad. I'm having 28mm withdrawals.

 

+1 to that.

 

Can't wait to get my hands on some scaled-up lizards...

 

P. 

[MaxToreador]

I already nabbed a few models specifically to sub in for beta testing.

[Grayghost]

As long as the prices are in the Spartan usual range, I'm in. I love specops.

[MPSwift]

All of the above. Elite Nyx infantry at 28mm? Yes please!

[Darthp00p00]

Plastic as well please. Can't stand pewter.

[Marine0351W]

Plastic as well please. Can't stand pewter.

probably going to be pewter for the 28mm, pretty sure that's what's been done with Dystopian Legions.

[erion]

Derek has confirmed in a Directorate thread that all six factions will be getting a second aerial helix with ground attack aircraft.

[Polyphemus]

Derek has confirmed in a Directorate thread that all six factions will be getting a second aerial helix with ground attack aircraft.

 

Yes, be afraid, very afraid ... 

[Punisher357]

I just hope the Relthoza don't end up with more dragonfly ships.....ugh

[Overread]

But dragonflies are deadly hunters!

A suitable mighty beast of the skies for the Relthoza

 

Would you prefer majestic moths instead?

[Polyphemus]

I just hope the Relthoza don't end up with more dragonfly ships.....ugh

 

It could have been worse, after the Leviathan (which I love by the way), I was convinced the Sorylians were going to end up with Pterodactyl-type fliers   

 

P.