This is the third in a series of reviews of MicroTactix’ new Color Vyllage on the Cheep cardstock building sets. Skip down to the models section if you read any of my other reviews.
In 1999, MicroTactix released the first Vyllage-On-The-Cheep fantasy cardstock building kits. Soon after, the company went totally electronic, and the Vyllage became a PDF product. A second set was added the following year. Both original sets were in black and white, and I put dozens of buildings from these sets together. While the buildings were fun to build, the black and white effect didn’t do anything for me. Yes, I could have colored them, but that was just adding too much time and hassle to make it worth my while.
Now, in 2003, MicroTactix is releasing several new sets of color Vyllage on the Cheep buildings. Set #2 adds several new buildings to the line.
The Tools
All you need to start building is a color printer, some cardstock, a straight-edge, scoring tool (I use an x-acto knife), scissors, and some white glue. The PDF is available on RPG.NOW at http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=632
Set Two features the following models: The Blacksmith’s Barn, The Gentlemen’s Club, a Cookhouse with Accessories, five Merchant’s Stalls with Accessories, and a Blacksmith’s Shop.
Let’s take a look at all the models in detail:
The Blacksmith’s Barn
The barn is a simple structure consisting of a box-type main-building with a dormer and an attached lean-to. The roof and dormer are given a thatched appearance and the building’s doors are supplied as separate accessories that you can place wherever you desire on the building. The lean-to can also be placed on any side of the structure. Or, for more variety, you could print two or three lean-to’s and attach them in any number of configurations.
The Gentlemen’s Club
This building is cool! The main structure is a box-type building, but the front also has a recessed porch. Two large chimneys affix to both sides of the model, and the roof peaks in several places. This model looks great, although some trimming of the roof is required to allow the chimneys to fit. Perhaps the most difficult part of this model was the roof itself, as it has to be bent and folded a certain way for it to fit. A little patience was useful here, and the model turned out fine.
Cookhouse with Accessories
Just add barbecue sauce! These models are small, but add a certain sense of atmosphere to the Vyllage as a whole. The cookhouse and storage building both assemble as boxes and the rotisserie pig, cook pot, and chickens assemble as standups. While these models were intended for use behind the Gentleman’s club, they also could be used as a street-vendor’s stand or placed behind or around any other buildings in town.
The Merchant’s Stalls
These five small structures are two-sided and easy to assemble (mostly just folds). They come with crates and standups for barrels, produce, and seafood. A number of these buildings could be arranged to form a marketplace or bazaar. One caveat: Let the two-sided models dry completely before cutting out the windows! Glue makes the cardstock soft and can lead to tearing of your model.
Blacksmith’s Shop
The last model in set 2 is the Blacksmith’s Shop. While the instructions warn you that this is the most challenging model yet, don’t be fazed. With some patience, you’ll get a nice-looking model for your efforts. The Blacksmith’s shop is an open-air, two-sided affair, replete with anvil, bellows, table, chest, and chimney. Remember to let the glue dry well during assembly, and you’ll have no problem with this model.
Summary
The uncommon models in this set, like the Blacksmith’s Shop, the Merchant’s Stalls, and the Cookhouse, make Set #2 a good buy. Granted, you probably won’t have a lot of use for some of them on the battlefield, but these models are especially useful in RPG scenarios or small-unit tactical skirmish games. Good models and a good price equals a good value.
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