Firstly let me say – Respawning as you know it, is absolutely not going away. This is and will forever be a video game sanctuary at heart. For over a decade, Respawning.co.uk has been our digital sanctuary, a place where the pixels of virtual worlds come alive through reviews, news and just general fanboying. It’s been a journey fueled by a deep-seated love for gaming in all its forms, primarily focusing on the sprawling landscapes of video games. From the latest AAA blockbusters to the hidden indie gems, we’ve explored countless digital adventures together. But as anyone who truly loves gaming knows, the passion rarely stays confined to a single screen. It spills over, evolves and finds new avenues for expression and for me, that evolution has led to a significant expansion of my gaming universe: the vibrant, tactile and endlessly engaging worlds of miniature wargaming and collectible card games.
That’s right, folks! After years of dissecting digital escapades, Respawning is officially rolling out the red carpet for a whole new dimension of gaming. We’re diving headfirst into the intricate battlefields of Warhammer (Both 40k and Age of Sigmar!), the strategic depths of Magic: The Gathering and the enchanting realms of Lorcana and Pokémon. This isn’t just an addition; it’s a natural progression, a reflection of where my own gaming journey has taken me and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with all of you.
Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, Crisis Protocol and More Miniature Wargames!
Respawning started because I wanted to talk about gaming. Simple as that and for a long time, that meant video games. But over the past few years, a new, equally compelling obsession has taken hold of my brain. It began subtly, with a curious glance at a beautifully painted miniature, then a dive into the lore, picking up Dawn of War or Space Marine and before I knew it, I was knee-deep in plastic sprues, tiny brushes and the intoxicating smell of primer. Miniature gaming, particularly Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar, has become a huge part of my life. It’s a hobby that combines strategy, creativity and a healthy dose of friendly competition and it’s consumed countless hours in the best possible way.
I’m not just observing from the sidelines; I’m in the thick of it, brush in hand and dice at the ready. My collection is growing at an alarming rate and my painting skills (slowly but surely) are improving. You can expect to see regular, in-depth updates on our miniature painting projects. We’ll cover everything from the initial assembly and priming of models to the intricate layering and highlighting techniques that bring these tiny heroes and villains to life. I’ll share my triumphs, like finally getting that perfect blend on a cloak as well as my inevitable painting disasters, offering lessons learned and perhaps a few laughs at my expense. We’ll explore different paint ranges, brush types and even delve into the world of basing to make those models truly pop on the tabletop. From the grimdark warriors of the 41st millennium to the fantastical beasts of the Mortal Realms, each miniature has a story to tell and I’m excited to share the journey of bringing them to vibrant, often bloody, life.
And of course, what’s a wargame without a war? I’ll be bringing you the stories from my little wars, chronicling the triumphs and defeats of my various armies. These won’t just be dry recaps; I’ll be diving into the often dumb decisions, the unexpected twists of fate and the memorable moments that make each game unique. You’ll hear about the righteous fury of my Adepta Sororitas, their bolters blazing and flamers purging heresy from the galaxy. We’ll witness the chaotic splendor of my Emperor’s Children, dancing through enemy lines with their sonic weaponry and gorgeous daemonettes. The scurrying hordes of my Skaven will flood the battlefield, overwhelming foes with sheer numbers and cunning traps Yesyes. The brutal efficiency of my Orks will bring the WAAAGH! to any who stand in their way. MOSTLY, you’ll definitely hear about my Death Guard army, a resilient force of Nurgle’s chosen and how Mortarion, my beloved Daemon Primarch, will be leading the charge, spreading contagion and despair, no matter how many times my opponents suggest otherwise and that he’s “simply not a good fit for my lists”. Because, let’s be honest, we’re here to have fun and sometimes that means bringing a giant, plague-ridden demigod to a skirmish. These reports will be filled with personal anecdotes, strategic insight and plenty of dramatic flair, giving you a front-row seat to the action – more often than not with details provided by both myself and my opponent.
Card Games and Collectibles
But the tabletop adventure doesn’t stop with miniatures. My journey into physical gaming has also led me down the rabbit hole of collectible card games, a world of intricate mechanics, stunning artwork and endless possibilities. Magic: The Gathering, the granddaddy of them all, has captivated me with its deep strategy, rich lore and the undeniable thrill of cracking open a new pack. You can expect regular reports on my Magic games, dissecting my plays, celebrating my (very few) victories and lamenting my defeats. We’ll explore different formats, discuss decktypes and analyse the ever-shifting meta. And of course, there’s the ever-present allure of the pull – those glorious moments when you crack a booster and find that chase rare or mythic. I’ll be sharing all my cool Magic pulls, because who doesn’t love a good unboxing? We’ll talk about the excitement of new sets, the hunt for specific cards and the joy of building a collection that’s both powerful and personal.
I am so very new to the world of Magic, so if this is something you are new too as well – come along and learn with me!
Beyond Magic, I’ve also been drawn into the enchanting world of Lorcana, Disney’s vibrant foray into the TCG space and the enduring appeal of Pokémon. These games offer different flavors of strategy and collecting, each with its own unique charm and depth. I’m excited to explore them alongside you. Whether it’s the vibrant storytelling of Lorcana or the nostalgic charm of Pokémon, there’s a wealth of content to dive into, from deck-building discussions to analysing of the latest sets and the impact they have on the game. We’ll look at competitive play, casual fun and everything in between, always with an eye towards learning and growing as players.
So what will we discuss? Lore, Learning and Just the love of the game!
One of the things that truly binds all these hobbies together is the rich tapestry of lore that underpins them. From the grim darkness of the far future in Warhammer 40,000, where ancient evils stir and humanity fights for survival against impossible odds, to the epic sagas of Age of Sigmar, where gods and monsters clash in a realm of magic and myth, the intricate planes of Magic: The Gathering, each with its own unique history and inhabitants and the expansive, ever-evolving world of Pokémon, filled with fascinating creatures and trainers, there are stories upon stories to uncover. We’ll be delving deep into the lore, exploring the histories, the iconic characters, the pivotal events and the philosophical underpinnings that make these universes so compelling. We’ll discuss fan theories, analyze narrative arcs and perhaps even speculate on what the future holds for our favorite factions and planeswalkers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran who knows every obscure detail or a curious newcomer just dipping your toes into these vast narratives, there’s always something new to learn, appreciate and debate.
And that’s really the core spirit of this new venture: learning and growing together. I’m relatively new to both miniature wargaming and serious card game collecting and I’m genuinely excited to share every step of my journey with you. We’ll navigate the complexities of rulesets, from the nuanced interactions in Magic to the strategic movement and combat in Warhammer. We’ll explore different strategies, dissecting what works and what doesn’t and celebrate the moments of tactical brilliance (and laugh at the blunders). We’ll discover new painting techniques, from basic washes to advanced blending and revel in the sheer joy of seeing our models come to life. This isn’t about being an expert from day one; it’s about the shared experience of discovery, the thrill of a new challenge, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill and the camaraderie that comes with being part of these incredible, passionate communities. Think of this as a shared adventure, where we’ll explore, learn and grow together, celebrating every victory and learning from every defeat.
So, whether you’re a fellow wargamer, a card-slinging Planeswalker, a Pokémon trainer, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, I invite you to join me on this exciting new chapter for Respawning.co.uk. Get ready for miniature painting showcases, epic battle reports, thrilling card game recaps and deep dives into the lore that makes these worlds so captivating. Let’s roll some dice, shuffle some decks and embark on this adventure together. The tabletop awaits!
This expansion of Respawning.co.uk isn’t just about adding new content; it’s about embracing the full spectrum of gaming that brings us joy. It’s about the stories we create, the communities we build and the endless fun we find in these incredible hobbies. So, grab your brushes, shuffle your decks and prepare for a new era of gaming content.