Hey guys, today we're diving deep into the Wargames Atlantic Boxers! If you're into historical wargaming, especially anything around the early 20th century or interwar period, these miniatures might just be what you’re looking for. Let's break down what makes this set tick, from the quality of the sculpts to their historical accuracy and overall usability on the tabletop. So, grab your magnifying glasses, and let's get started!

What's in the Box?

First things first, what do you actually get when you purchase a box of Wargames Atlantic Boxers? Inside, you'll typically find a whole bunch of plastic miniatures, usually enough to make around 30-40 figures. These aren't your typical pre-assembled models; they come on sprues, meaning you'll need to clip them out, clean them up, and glue them together. This might sound intimidating if you're new to the hobby, but trust me, it’s part of the fun! The plastic used is usually a hard plastic, which is great for holding detail and taking paint. You'll also find a small instruction sheet that guides you through the assembly process, showing you which arms go with which bodies and how to put them all together. It's worth noting that Wargames Atlantic is known for providing a ton of extra bits and pieces, allowing for a good amount of customization. This means you can create a diverse-looking force with different poses and equipment, making your army stand out on the tabletop.

Sculpting Quality and Detail

Now, let’s talk about the sculpts themselves. Wargames Atlantic has really upped their game in recent years, and the quality of their miniatures is generally very good, especially considering the price point. The Boxers are no exception. The figures are well-proportioned, and the details are crisp and clean. You'll find a decent amount of variation in the faces, clothing, and equipment, which adds to the overall realism of the models. One of the standout features is the attention to historical detail. The clothing accurately reflects the attire worn by Boxers during the Boxer Rebellion, with the traditional Chinese clothing, headgear, and weaponry all being faithfully represented. Of course, no sculpt is perfect. You might find some minor imperfections or mold lines, but these are usually easy to clean up with a hobby knife and some files. Overall, the sculpting quality is impressive for plastic miniatures in this scale, and they hold up well against more expensive metal or resin models.

Historical Accuracy

For many wargamers, historical accuracy is a big deal. So, how do the Wargames Atlantic Boxers stack up in this regard? Well, pretty darn good! As mentioned earlier, the clothing and equipment are generally accurate for the period. The Boxers were a diverse group, and their attire varied depending on their region and affiliation. The miniatures capture this diversity, with a mix of traditional Chinese clothing, peasant garb, and even some military-style uniforms. The weapons are also spot-on, with a variety of swords, spears, knives, and some early firearms represented. It's clear that Wargames Atlantic did their homework when designing these miniatures, and they've made a real effort to capture the look and feel of the Boxer Rebellion. Of course, no historical representation is ever 100% perfect, and there might be some minor inaccuracies or omissions. However, these are usually negligible and shouldn't detract from the overall historical authenticity of the models. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy, you might want to do some additional research to ensure that your army is perfectly representative of a specific Boxer faction or region. But for most wargamers, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers will more than meet their needs in terms of historical accuracy.

Assembly and Customization

Alright, let's talk about putting these little guys together. Assembling plastic miniatures can be a bit of a chore, but it's also a rewarding part of the hobby. The Wargames Atlantic Boxers come on sprues, and you'll need to carefully clip out the individual parts using a sprue cutter. Then, you'll need to clean up any mold lines or excess plastic with a hobby knife and some files. Once the parts are cleaned, you can start gluing them together using plastic glue. The assembly process is generally straightforward, and the instructions provided are clear and easy to follow. However, it's always a good idea to do a dry fit before applying glue to make sure everything lines up correctly. One of the great things about Wargames Atlantic miniatures is the level of customization they offer. The Boxers are no exception. You'll find a variety of different arms, heads, and accessories in the box, allowing you to create a unique-looking force. You can mix and match the parts to create different poses and equipment loadouts, adding to the overall realism and diversity of your army. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try converting the miniatures using parts from other kits or sculpting your own details using putty. The possibilities are endless!

Painting and Basing

Once your Boxers are assembled, it's time to bring them to life with paint! Painting miniatures can seem daunting at first, but it's actually a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. The key is to start with a good primer, which will help the paint adhere to the plastic. Then, you can start applying your base coats, using colors that match the clothing and equipment of the Boxers. From there, you can add highlights and shadows to create depth and realism. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and colors to achieve the look you want. There are tons of tutorials and guides available online that can help you improve your painting skills. When it comes to basing your miniatures, you have a lot of options. You can use sand, flock, and other materials to create a realistic-looking base that complements the overall look of your army. You can also add small details like rocks, plants, and debris to add visual interest. The goal is to create a base that tells a story and helps to immerse the viewer in the world of the Boxer Rebellion. Remember, painting and basing are all about having fun and expressing your creativity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The more you practice, the better you'll become!

Gaming with the Boxers

So, you've assembled, painted, and based your Wargames Atlantic Boxers. Now what? It's time to hit the tabletop and start gaming! The Boxers are a versatile force that can be used in a variety of different wargames. They're particularly well-suited for historical wargames set during the Boxer Rebellion or the early 20th century. You can use them to represent Boxer rebels, Chinese soldiers, or even foreign troops who were involved in the conflict. When gaming with the Boxers, it's important to consider their strengths and weaknesses. They're generally a lightly armed and poorly trained force, but they can be surprisingly resilient and determined in close combat. They also have the advantage of numbers, and they can often overwhelm their opponents with sheer weight of bodies. One of the great things about using the Boxers in wargames is that they allow you to explore a fascinating and often overlooked period of history. The Boxer Rebellion was a complex and multifaceted conflict, and it offers a lot of opportunities for interesting and engaging gameplay. Whether you're recreating historical battles or creating your own scenarios, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers are a great choice for anyone interested in historical wargaming.

Comparisons to Other Miniature Sets

How do the Wargames Atlantic Boxers stack up against other miniature sets on the market? Well, there are a few key factors to consider, such as price, quality, and historical accuracy. In terms of price, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers are very affordable. They're significantly cheaper than most metal or resin miniatures, making them a great option for gamers on a budget. In terms of quality, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers are generally very good, especially considering the price point. The sculpts are well-proportioned and the details are crisp and clean. However, they might not be quite as detailed as some of the more expensive metal or resin miniatures. In terms of historical accuracy, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers are generally very accurate for the period. The clothing and equipment are well-researched and the miniatures capture the look and feel of the Boxer Rebellion. However, some other miniature sets might offer more specialized or niche options for specific Boxer factions or regions. Overall, the Wargames Atlantic Boxers are a great value for the money. They offer a good balance of price, quality, and historical accuracy, making them a great choice for anyone interested in wargaming the Boxer Rebellion or the early 20th century. Compared to Perry Miniatures, for example, Wargames Atlantic often provides a greater number of miniatures per box at a similar price point, but the level of detail might be slightly lower. Ultimately, the best miniature set for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Wargames Atlantic Boxers? Overall, I'm very impressed with this set. The miniatures are well-sculpted, historically accurate, and affordable. They're also a lot of fun to assemble, paint, and game with. If you're interested in wargaming the Boxer Rebellion or the early 20th century, I highly recommend checking out this set. It's a great value for the money and a fantastic addition to any wargamer's collection. The level of customization is impressive, and the historical accuracy is commendable. While they might not be the most detailed miniatures on the market, they offer a great balance of price and quality. Whether you're a seasoned wargamer or a beginner, you'll find something to love about the Wargames Atlantic Boxers. So, grab a box, get your paints ready, and prepare to dive into the fascinating world of the Boxer Rebellion! You won't be disappointed.