We recently received a Warlord Games Maxim MMG as a gift from a well-meaning spouse devoid of any concern for or knowledge of optimized list building. It's available here.
[note: ignore the HMG designation. This appears to be an error. The only Soviet HMG is the DShK which currently lacks a Warlord Games model. The Maxim above is a MMG]
We'll be conducting a review of this unit and model. It's our fourth in the series where we attempt to provide an all-around assessment of a purchase both in terms of its gameplay characteristics as well as a model to be assembled and admired. We evaluate:
1. Functionality
2. Kit characteristics
3. Value (a judgement which considers the price in reference to the unit's funtionality)
1. Functionality
The maxim is a MMG. As such it has a range of 36" and a rate of fire of 4. It is a team (3 crew), fixed weapon. A maxim rated "regular" comes in at 50 points and a gun shield can be added for an additional 5 points. As a MMG the maxim has no damage bonus. It cannot damage or pin fully armored vehicles. It will struggle to destroy soft-skins but is quite good at adding a pin to such vehicles.
2. Kit characteristics
More fantastic sculps from Warlord Games. Assembly is straightforward, although our crew did require a bit of tidying. The mmg itself goes together without any trouble. No base is supplied, but embrace the freedom this gives you as a hobbyist. Build up a nice rubbled window-sill for your maxim; or perhaps you want to surround it with downed trees to use as cover!
3. Value
Would you take a maxim over a medium mortar? Would you take a maxim rather than a truck with MMG? There is, in short, a lot of competition for the 55 points you'll spend to field a maxim. We do not classify the maxim as an optimized unit. Normally we like to use a unit at least six times before we make even a tentative judgement. However, in the case of the maxim MMG we must admit that we have never played a game with it. On its face we never considered it a good use of points (knowing the truth of something without having to experience it is called a priori knowledge). As such, we'll conclude with a few thoughts regarding how we intend to use it in the next few weeks:
1. When you need a pin. Leroy Hoard, a running back for the Cleveland Browns once said, "Coach, if you need one yard, I'll get you three yards. If you need five yards, I'll get you three yards." And so it is with the humble but reliable maxim. It has a long range and four shots. Even shooting at distant concealed targets it has a good chance of landing a hit. It might not kill much, but it can be relied upon to put a pin on a unit. Later in the game when units are attrited that extra pin from a maxim could make a big difference. Sure it's not going to red mist infantry squads like a medium mortar, but it will perform more consistently if less spectacularly.
2. Ambush. Four shots with a 36" range can make an effective ambushing unit, particularly against outflanking team weapons. For example, our own nosediver loves to outflank a flame-thrower team in universal carrier. The carrier drives on 9" with an advance; then the flame-thrower team debuses with an advance order, moves 6" and roasts a squad. A maxim set to ambush would stand a decent chance of killing one model, maybe both, in that unit (remember, moral test if you pop one member of two-strong infantry unit). In addition, if it is able to take advantage of hidden deployment the maxim has a good chance of living until turn 3 or 4.
3. Harass recon units. Many recon vehicles are open-topped and thus vulnerable to being pinned by the maxim. If targeted by a maxim the player controlling the recon unit will have to decide if they really want to burn their one recon move to dodge a MMG. This frees up your AT assets to go after other units. The 36" range means the maxim will always have good table coverage too. Now unfortunately this strategy demands that the maxim receive an early order dice. Tactically this may not always be a good idea.
Conclusion
This is a great model and as a unit we're going to give it a few games. We would certainly recommend it as a necessary addition for any collector. It's only €9 and looks damn good. Here's our maxim painted up and eager to prove its value:
Labels: Bolt Action, BristolScale7, Review
