Archfiend Expansion Pack
Dungeons & Dragons Miniatures
Archfiend Expansion Pack
D&D Miniatures (8 per box)
ISBN 1-7869-3464-6
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast, $12.95
The third set of collectible miniatures from Wizards of the Coast, the Archfiend set, consists of 60 miniatures in all — 16 Common, 24 Uncommon, and 20 Rare. As with the prior two sets, you get 8 miniatures per box, along with a start card for each figure. Miniatures in this set are from the Monster Manual, Forgotten Realms Campaign setting, Miniatures Handbook, Expanded Psionics Handbook, and the Savage Species Handbook.
There are a few differences between this set and the first two. First, the original price of $9.99 has been bumped up to $12.99, which will continue with all future sets (with the exception of the Giants set). Since I already completed my collection at the old price, it is no problem for me, but I do find the price increase a bit unwanted. I'm not sure what reason WotC has for the increase, besides more profit, but it may turn some folks off on this and future sets.
The second difference that separates this set from the first two is that the figures have gotten even better, and they are painted much better too. As usual, there are a few miniatures in this set that are not done very well, such as the Catfolk and Ochre Jelly. Plus a few have that darn bent plastic problem that means that it will take a bit of work to get them back to their proper form. However, as stated, most of these miniatures are very well done, and include some of my favorites, such as the Large Silver Dragon, Evermet Wizard, Bone Devil, Aspect of Orcus and the really cool Hill Giant.
Of course, the biggest gripe here is that these miniatures are collectible, meaning if you want the whole set, expect to spend some big bucks. However, if you are just looking for a nice random selection of figures for your game, pick up a few packs. You really can't go wrong with this set.
(review (c) June 2004 / David Flemming)