We are now used to the hardback codices with full-colour quality printing. As this is the first 7th edition book, GW has introduced a few changes to the layout. Each unit is now represented on a single-page datasheet, instead of a unit description on one page then all the points elsewhere in the book. The points for many of the generic upgrades are still only listed on the wargear page, but there is a bit less page-flipping. The datasheet format also means there are now Lords of War (Ghaz and the Stompa), a 40k formation (Ork Warband) and a new detachment type (Ork Horde Detachment) also listed. Both of the latter give units of 10 or more models Hammer of Wrath IF they roll an unmodified 10 or more on their charge distance. Whilst this feels very Orky, I am not sure it compensates for losing Objective Secured. Even with a 30-strong mob, how many of those will get into base contact for an extra S3 hit when charging at extreme range? Perhaps 9 super-scoring troops (plus dedicated transports) would have been too much, but we'll have to see how useful these impact hits are in games.
Mob Rule has also changed and is more random. Instead of simply being Fearless at 11+ models, any units with this rule now roll on the Mob Rule table if they fail a morale or pinning test. If they are locked in combat, they ignore the failed test on a 1. If there is a character in the unit, a 2 or 3 inflicts D6 S4 hits to ignore the failed test. A 4-6 gives the same result if there are 10+ models in the unit.
My personal interest with the new book is how it affects my Tale of Gamers army. My first impression was disappointment. Even after only the second month, with the force at 500 pts, I already have to drop models. Both the Painboy and the Battlewagon have gone up in points. Whilst the Painboy is now a separate HQ and so can join any unit, instead of being an upgrade to my Nobz, at 50 pts he is now too much with the Warboss as well at this level. Nobz are also no longer troops with a Warboss. As we are now supposed to be playing 500 pt lists, I will either have to drop a couple of boyz and keep the big mob in the Battlewagon in an unbound list or take two units of 10 Boyz and reduce the Nobz unit instead. I also now need to declare month three.
I think I will stick with the normal FOC for the time being and carry on building up my Boyz. I will stick with Slugga boyz for now, as Shootas are also a point more expensive. Trukks are also slightly cheaper, if still only AV10, so I will try one of those too. I am also very tempted by Stormboyz. At only 9 pts each they can now be taken in units of 5-30 and now run up to 2d6", although this triggers a Dangerous Terrain test. Combined with the new Waagh rule ( run and still assault once per game) this will surprise an unwary opponent.
Whilst Mob Rule is a big change, I think the combos in this book, as with the Astra Militarum book, will change how the army plays in the future. There are some very nice new models in the Ork range, but many of the options seem designed around taking large numbers of boyz as the core of the army. Again, this fits the character of the army. And of course GW also wants to increase sales.
