Enter the Hammer of Cadia
So the new Imperial Guard.... err I mean Astra Militarium release has bought the joys of massed armour to us once again. Every veteran scifi wargamer has something stir in them every time they see armoured columns deployed on the table. Flames of War is founded on this principle alone!
So when Games Workshop releases a boxed set packaging an armoured column together I tend to take notice. This time us punters are happy to see a rather hefty discount on the package. Complete with 3 Leman Russ, 3 Hellhounds and a single Hellhammer, what more armour could you want (answer: all of the armours!)
In NZD it retails for $585
RRP of all the components separately total $783
This provides us Kiwis with a substantial saving of $198 which is basically the Hellhammer for free, or a 25% discount from Games Workshop! Smart punters will know you can shop around locally and get between 10-15% off this again
So how are the rest of the world fairing with this boxed deal?
In Australia the price is AUD$495 (NZD$543)
States Side, they pay US$330 (NZD$385)
And in the Motherland, GBP205 gets the goods (NZD$400)
All I can say is Wow. We are still getting ripped off, the Aussies as well, especially considering you can easily find a 20% off deal from the states. The so called price equalisation does not appear to have lasted long. A quick scout around and I can get a Hammer of Cadia to NZ for NZD$330 shipped! That's getting very close to half price....
So the verdict is bad. GW southern Hemisphere trade is still ripping people off, atleast at first glance. Lets look at some other new releases
Taurox:
NZD$65
AUD$55 (NZD$60)
USD$48 (NZD$56)
GBP29 (NZD$57)
So the Taurox is a completely new kit not based on anything else, and the new policy from GW seams to apply here. Pricing is reasonably consistent across the board (16%)
Hydra:
NZD$90
AUD$85 (NZD$93)
USD$56 (NZD$65)
GBP34 (NZD$66)
The Hydra however is based on an existing kit, and could be considered an "upgrade". Huge variation in price here with a 38% price variable. I suspect this has something to do with keeping the price consistent with similar kits (Chimera, Basilisk, Hellhound) in each region, however does go against the pricing policy that is current. I suspect they may have been worried about Aussies and Kiwis just buying the Hydra kit for new Chimeras...
Verdict? Southern hemisphere shoppers are still getting the raw end of the deal, at least for older product range pre 2013. If you have access to buying from Uk or US, do so.
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