Something occurred to be when I was doing this unboxing of the new Age of Sigmar terrain kits, GW’s Chinese terrain kits just don’t seem to be as good as their multi-part kits that come out of England.
Sure they ‘sell out’ of nearly every run of the kits they produce in China (like the Plasma Obliterator) lately, but does that mean they are a quality product?
To me it seems like these new Age of Sigmar terrain kits, the Baleful Realmgates, and the Ophidan Archway are just made from an inferior grade of plastic that’s both cumbersome, and seems to hold less detail.
The designs on the new kits are great, don’t get me wrong, but they just seem to lack in overall quality in general. I like the modular design to the Ophidan Archway that lets you combine multiple kits, and the dynamic design of it’s buttresses. Likewise the Realmgates seem to be a very forward thinking design, that looks great on the tabletop in general. Well I suppose, until you get closer to the model that is.
It is possible that with these kits being copyrighted 2015 it is possible that they were just ‘farmed out’ to China on the fly when GW planners realized they need terrain for the Age of Sigmar release. Either way, I feel they can do better. Plus with so many alternative miniature companies out there nipping at their heels, it’s up to them to stay in the lead.
Via Games Workshop
Baleful Realmgates
This box contains one Ophidian Archway – a highly-detailed plastic scenery piece for use in games of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Featuring evocative carved images of great heroes in combat with terrifying monsters of legend, this is an amazing addition to any gaming table, sure to be the centrepiece of many of your own stories in the realms. Designed with modularity in mind, any number of Ophidian Archways can be combined to create huge, interlocking scenery pieces that will impress and awe anyone who sees them. A Warscroll is included, with full rules – unbox and play immediately!
Pros:
- Packaging is on point
- Low part count makes assembly a snap
- Warscroll rules included – play out of the box!
Cons:
- Plastic seems cumbersome, and not able to hold crisp details.
Ophidan Archway
This box contains two highly detailed plastic scenery pieces for use in games of Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Designed not just to look incredible on the gaming table but also to serve practical gaming purpose, with space on and around the main gate to hold miniatures, this is an essential addition to any Warhammer fan’s collection. You’ll find a Warscroll in the box containing all the necessary rules for playing a game with this scenery immediately – just unbox and start playing!
Pros:
- Dynamic Three Dimensional Styling
- Can be use for both the Age of Sigmar and 40k alike.
- Kit is ‘expandable’ and can accommodate multiple Archways interconnected.
- Warscroll rules included – play out of the box!
Cons:
- Again, plastic seems cumbersome, and not able to hold crisp details.
There’s lots more to see on the new kits in our video review below!
Age of Sigmar Baleful Realmgates & Ophidan Archway Review
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About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
