Mr Chris wrote:
They weren't as bad as they are now, mind. Inflation really can't account for all of the difference in price between now and 15 years ago. You used to be able to get ace boxes of multi-part orks, Imperial Guard and Mk 6 Space marines containing 30 troops for 9.99. It's now, what, a tenner for 5 plastic multi part marines? Alright, they're better quality, but once you've got the moulds made that's your work done.
I agree that the minis are overpriced, but it's not really fair to compare the new plastics to the old (fucking rubbish) plastics.
I bought a Space Marines tactical squad for 18 pounds. Shocking!
But how much would it have cost me 10 years ago, for models of a similar quality?
3x3 Space Marine blisters @ 4.99
1x 1 Devastator Marine @ 2.99
1x 1 Special Weapons Marine @ 2.50
1x1 Sargent @ (2.50- 2.99 depending on model.. call it 2.99)
Which would be £23.45. With 2 extra models, of course.
I think they used to do a metal tactical squad for 20 quid.
The other thing is that the placcy squad I bought includes far more options. As well as the tactical marine sprue, (which includes armour types etc.) you also get a space marine weapons sprue, which includes flamer, plasma gun and melta gun, chainswords, various pistols. Whereas, your options were much more limited if you bought the old metal stuff.
If you buy the plastic, you can have one tactical squad, or two combat squads. I think you might be able to scrape an assault combat squad out of the bits instead of a tactical combat squad.
Now, 18 quid for a Rhino? Fuck off! I remember when they were a fiver. Yeah, incredibly better quality, but its a Rhino. The most boring vehicle in the entire Imperium.
(Edited to add: Why am I defending the Evil Games Workshop?)