Thus spoke the ever-quotable Cindy during the first turn of her introduction to Twilight Struggle: Red Sea – Conflict in the Horn of Africa, a creation by Jason Matthews, one of the original minds behind Twilight Struggle. This game sets out to capture the tension and strategy of its predecessor but in a compact 45-minute experience, focusing on the Horn of Africa rather than the entire Cold War globe. It claims to be the perfect entry point for players new to the Twilight Struggle system. My motivation for adding it to my P500 list was simple: the small chance it might tempt Cindy into trying Twilight Struggle was worth the modest price. After five plays, I am still unsure if it truly succeeds in its mission, and here I will explore why.
First Impressions Before Opening the Box
My first surprise came before even removing the shrink wrap. Despite being a smaller game than Twilight Struggle, the box is taller. I speculated that perhaps GMT intended players to store both games together. This theory quickly dissolved when I noticed the box was narrower than the original, making it impossible to fit the original board inside. Why the size difference exists remains a mystery, but it is a harmless one worth noting.
Discovering New Rules
Reading through the rulebook brought the next revelation. Despite its role as an introductory game, Twilight Struggle: Red Sea contains rules slightly more complex than the original. It keeps all the core mechanics but adds two key features: flashpoint countries, which have unique coup behavior and can trigger an instant win during Africa scoring, and the Strategic Sea Lanes, where influence can shift scoring outcomes mid-game and offer extra endgame points.
At first glance, it seems counterintuitive for a simplified version to add complexity. However, this makes sense when considering the game’s scope. Twilight Struggle spans the globe with up to ten turns, allowing players to adapt and refocus when a path is blocked. Red Sea, in contrast, lasts just two turns (three with a variant), so its condensed geography and timeline require added mechanics to keep players engaged and give them more tactical options when things tighten up.
Accessibility Versus Scope
Twilight Struggle’s barrier to entry has never been its rules but rather its scope and card knowledge. A beginner faces the challenge of understanding which countries are vital and which events are safe to trigger. This is why I question whether Red Sea truly works as an on-ramp to the full game. Against another newcomer, Red Sea is no easier or harder than Twilight Struggle. Against an experienced player, a beginner will lose regardless of their familiarity with Red Sea.
Cindy has only played once, enjoying it enough to agree to a rematch. If it eventually leads her to try Twilight Struggle, I will happily admit my doubts were misplaced.
Comparisons to Other Introductory Card-Driven Games
Cindy and I have played another introductory card-driven game: Watergate. While she was indifferent to its theme, she liked the straightforward mechanics and visual clarity of its objectives. Twilight Struggle’s aims are less intuitive and its subject matter less appealing to her, so I am curious whether these factors will hinder its appeal.
Gameplay Feel and Tension
In play, Red Sea feels exactly like Twilight Struggle compressed. I have tried it solo, with Cindy, and against my friend Chad, who knows the original well. The tension remains—always wondering what your opponent will do next.
Key tension points include the flashpoint countries, which are critical until Africa scoring occurs due to their instant-win potential. Egypt is perhaps the most important battleground, encompassing both the Middle East and Africa. Controlling it denies your opponent domination or control in either region. Access to Egypt comes only through Sudan, a risky one-stability country where a single influence can invite a decisive coup.
When the Game Locks Up
While these strategic hotspots are thrilling, they can also cause frustration when locked down. In one game as the USSR, my hand was filled with low-value cards, and a headline event reduced them further. Chad had secured key spaces early, leaving me with no meaningful way to break through. Even in a short game, spending half the time without progress is unsatisfying, though I chalk this up to inexperience for now.
Card Knowledge and Deck Structure
Learning the deck seems slower in Red Sea, possibly because not all Early War cards appear in each game. On average, five or six are missing, and some Late War cards may not show up either. This means certain scoring events may never occur. This variability is logical for a short game, preventing repetition and keeping players on edge, but it reduces the long-term planning seen in Twilight Struggle.
Condensing the Experience
Despite these differences, the streamlined design feels faithful. There is even a three-turn version for those wanting more depth, and some new cards can be integrated into the original game. I still prefer the full experience when time allows, but Red Sea is a valuable option for shorter sessions or those intimidated by the original’s scale. It captures much of the essence while acknowledging the limits of its condensed form.
Introduction to the Detailing Stage
With the main colors and character definition complete in the first stage, it was time to focus on detailing, weathering, and finishing touches for Troy from the Zombicide Black Plague Huntsman Pack. This phase of the painting process is where the miniature truly comes alive. While the base colors give shape and structure, it is the careful addition of fine highlights, subtle wear, and environmental context that elevate the model from simply painted to fully realized. For a miniature based on such an iconic screen presence, these details needed to be treated with care, balancing realism with the slightly exaggerated style that the sculpt and character demand. The swords, the clothing folds, the boots, and the facial features all offered opportunities to push the quality further. This stage also provided the chance to enhance the personality of the figure, making him look like a veteran fighter who has seen plenty of action yet still retains his signature confident grin.
Refining the Face and Hair
Although the face was already expressive, the final detailing stage allowed for more refinement. I revisited the eyes, carefully cleaning the edges of the whites and deepening the shading in the corners to make them sit naturally within the sockets. A thin glaze of warm skin tone was applied over the face to blend the highlights and shadows, removing any harsh transitions. The lips were given a subtle pinkish tone to avoid looking flat, and a light highlight on the lower lip caught the light just enough to suggest moisture. The hair, sculpted in short, textured strands, was built up in layers from a dark brown base to progressively lighter highlights. These were applied with the side of the brush to catch only the raised edges, giving the impression of natural texture. A final thin glaze of warm brown helped unify the tones, preventing the hair from appearing too streaky.
Adding Wear and Weathering to Clothing
The blue shirt and brown pants had solid color definition already, but at this stage, they needed some storytelling through wear and tear. Using a thin, almost dry brush of lighter tones, I added small scuffs and edge highlights along areas of natural wear, such as sleeve cuffs, pant hems, and the tops of the knees. This technique helped suggest that Troy had been moving through battles, rubbing against armor or rough terrain. For the shirt, I incorporated a few faint streaks of dust-colored pigments into the folds, especially around the lower torso and sleeves. The pants were treated with slightly heavier weathering, as they would naturally collect more dirt and mud. A series of thin washes in muted earth tones was applied near the ankles, blending upward for a gradual effect. These weathering steps gave the figure a lived-in look while still preserving the hero’s strong visual impact.
Detailing the Oversized Swords
The swords were already eye-catching, but to push them further, I added edge highlights using a fine-tipped brush and a bright silver tone. This was concentrated along the blade’s cutting edges and any raised decorative ridges. A few small nicks and scratches were painted onto suggest battle use, placed randomly but with enough variation to look natural. These were achieved by using a thin line of bright silver next to an even thinner line of dark grey, creating the illusion of a cut in the metal. I also applied a light blue glaze in certain recessed areas to enhance the magical shimmer from Part 1. The hilts received additional attention, with a thin highlight of pale gold along the ridges and corners to make them pop. A very light brown wash was used to tone them back down slightly, so they did not overpower the rest of the miniature.
Boots, Belts, and Accessories
The boots and belts provided an opportunity to add more material variety to the figure. The boots, originally painted in a dark brown, were given edge highlights of a lighter brown to suggest worn leather. I added faint scratches to the toes and a bit of dust pigment to the tops to blend them with the ground texture planned for the base. The belts and straps were similarly highlighted along the edges and given small dots of silver paint where buckles and metal fittings were sculpted. These small bright spots draw the eye without taking attention away from the central elements like the face and swords.
Shielding and Armor Accents
Although Troy is primarily depicted with his twin swords, the sculpt features small armor elements such as wrist guards and possibly light shoulder protection. These areas were painted in a slightly different metallic tone from the swords to keep them distinct. A darker gunmetal base coat followed by subtle highlights created the sense of functional, well-used gear. I added a thin brown wash to these metallic areas to represent dirt and sweat buildup from extended battles. This choice kept the armor pieces from looking too pristine, which would have clashed with the weathered clothing.
The Base and Environmental Context
A miniature’s base is more than just a stand; it’s part of the storytelling. For Troy, I wanted the base to reflect the grim fantasy setting of the Zombicide Black Plague world. I chose a cobblestone texture to suggest a ruined medieval street or courtyard, perhaps part of a besieged town overrun by the undead. The stones were painted in varying shades of grey with hints of moss green in the recesses, achieved through thin washes of green and brown. Small tufts of static grass were placed sparingly between the stones, and specks of dirt-colored pigment were dusted over the surface for realism. This environmental grounding made it easier to imagine Troy mid-battle, perhaps moments away from another undead encounter. The boots and lower pants were blended into the base with matching pigments, tying the figure to the setting visually.
Final Glazes and Color Balancing
Before sealing the miniature, I used a few final glazes to unify colors and smooth transitions. The shirt received a very thin glaze of blue to tone down any overly bright highlights, while the pants were treated with a similar approach in a warm brown to keep them cohesive. The face was glazed lightly with a warm flesh tone to ensure the highlights and shadows blended naturally. These glazes not only balanced the overall palette but also reduced the visual separation between individual elements, making the miniature feel like a single, cohesive figure rather than separate painted parts.
Protective Coating and Finish
Once all the detailing was complete, I applied a matte varnish to protect the paint from handling during gameplay. This varnish removed any unwanted shine from the clothing and skin, helping them look more natural under various lighting conditions. However, I left the swords and some of the metallic details with a satin finish so they would still reflect light and stand out. This combination of finishes added depth to the final presentation and made certain focal points pop when viewed from tabletop distance.
Reflections on the Process
Completing Troy from the Zombicide Black Plague Huntsman Pack was both a technical and personal joy. The combination of a strong sculpt, the nostalgic connection to Bruce Campbell’s iconic character, and the opportunity to push weathering and detail techniques made this project stand out in my painting collection. Every step, from refining the facial expression to adding the final touches to the oversized swords, was guided by the desire to capture that larger-than-life, slightly chaotic hero energy. The environmental base and realistic wear helped ground the figure in its dark fantasy setting while still letting the personality shine. Looking at the finished miniature, I see not just a game piece but a tribute to a favorite film memory, a well-loved character, and the shared fun of painting with a personal connection in mind.
Introduction to the Final Stage and Presentation
With the painting and weathering of Troy from the Zombicide Black Plague Huntsman Pack complete, the final stage shifts from technical execution to storytelling, presentation, and how the miniature fits into gameplay. At this point, every detail on the figure is set, but the journey is not over. A miniature like Troy is more than paint on plastic—it is a character on the board, a piece of the game’s narrative, and a visual centerpiece that can enhance the immersive atmosphere for players. This part focuses on blending hobby craftsmanship with gameplay enjoyment, exploring how the model can be presented, used, and appreciated both on the table and as a display piece. It also looks at how a miniature like Troy can inspire scenarios, add flavor to campaigns, and connect personal memories with the fictional setting of the Black Plague universe.
Displaying the Finished Miniature
When a model has as much character as Troy, simply placing it back into a storage tray after painting feels incomplete. Displaying it allows the miniature to be appreciated even when it is not in active play. For display purposes, lighting plays an important role. Positioning the miniature under a soft, diffused light source brings out the details in the sculpt, especially the weathering on the clothing and the metallic sheen of the oversized swords. A rotating display stand can also be used to show the model from multiple angles, allowing viewers to appreciate the layered highlights and careful shading applied throughout the painting process. For those who enjoy photographing miniatures, setting up a small backdrop that matches the theme of the base—such as cobblestone streets, medieval ruins, or castle interiors—can enhance the visual story. In my case, a simple printed background of a ruined city wall instantly tied the miniature into the fantasy setting and gave it the dramatic tone it deserved.
In-Game Presence and Tabletop Impact
Troy’s visual impact on the tabletop goes beyond aesthetics. In the heat of gameplay, where multiple miniatures crowd the board, a figure with a strong silhouette and well-defined colors stands out clearly. This is especially important in Zombicide Black Plague, where identifying survivors and tracking their actions is a constant task. The large swords, dynamic pose, and expressive face make Troy easy to pick out even at a distance. This visibility not only helps during play but also gives a sense of pride when the miniature you painted becomes a key figure in a tense moment. I’ve seen Troy lead charges through crowded zombie-filled streets, hold a defensive position against incoming undead waves, and pull off last-minute rescues. Each of these moments is heightened by the fact that the miniature was painted with personal attention, making every move feel more meaningful.
Integrating Personality into Gameplay
While Zombicide Black Plague provides mechanical stats for characters, adding a painted miniature like Troy opens the door to incorporating extra personality into the game. The connection to Bruce Campbell’s cinematic style makes it easy to infuse the character with memorable traits. During sessions, Troy might deliver over-the-top one-liners, take unnecessary risks just to show off, or make dramatic last stands against hordes. Players often find themselves roleplaying more vividly when the figure in front of them already has such a distinct look. In campaigns or custom scenarios, I’ve used Troy as a central figure—a wandering hero who joins the survivors temporarily, bringing with him both skill and chaos. This makes the miniature not just a token but an active piece of storytelling in the game world.
Photographing the Finished Model
Photographing miniatures can be both a way to document your work and to share it with the hobby community. For Troy, the challenge was to capture both the intricate details and the personality that the paint job conveyed. Natural daylight from a north-facing window proved ideal for bringing out the skin tones and subtle fabric highlights without creating harsh shadows. A neutral grey or muted fantasy-themed backdrop kept attention on the miniature rather than distracting from it. Close-up shots focused on the face, swords, and weathering, while wider shots included the base and its cobblestone details. Using a tripod helped keep the camera steady for sharp focus, especially on macro shots. A series of angled photographs also showed how the light played differently across the metallic surfaces of the swords, reinforcing the sense of movement and energy in the sculpture.
Creating a Narrative Backstory
Part of the fun of painting a miniature like Troy is imagining who the character is in the world of Zombicide Black Plague. While the Huntsman Pack might provide an outline, adding personal touches can make the character stand out even more. In my version, Troy is a wandering swordsman with a knack for getting into trouble and an uncanny ability to survive situations that should have ended badly. His oversized swords are relics from a long-forgotten kingdom, enchanted not just for battle but for theatrical flair. The wild look in his eyes is less madness and more the result of having fought through countless undead assaults. This backstory made every game appearance feel richer, especially when his in-game actions matched his imagined personality. A dramatic leap into a horde to save another survivor suddenly felt like a scene from his legend rather than just a lucky dice roll.
Linking the Model to Player Memories
Painting Troy was a deeply personal experience, tied to a fond college memory of attending a special screening of Army of Darkness with Bruce Campbell present for commentary and a Q&A session. That event was filled with laughter, energy, and an appreciation for the blend of action and humor that Bruce Campbell embodies. Bringing that memory into the miniature painting process created a connection that made the model more than just a game component. During play, moments where Troy defied the odds or turned the tide of battle felt almost like nods to that night in Madison, Wisconsin. This is one of the unique joys of miniature painting—how a figure can become a bridge between personal history and fictional storytelling.
Sharing the Finished Work with the Hobby Community
Once a miniature like Troy is complete, sharing it with other hobbyists can lead to valuable feedback, inspiration, and conversation. Posting clear, well-lit photos in miniature painting forums, local game groups, or social media pages dedicated to the Zombicide Black Plague community can inspire others to try new techniques or even paint their own Troy in a different style. Describing the process, challenges, and decisions made during painting can help less experienced painters learn, while also giving experienced painters something to discuss. In my case, sharing Troy’s finished photos sparked conversations about weathering clothing, creating realistic metallics for oversized fantasy weapons, and even how to capture the essence of a famous actor without directly copying every detail.
Storage and Maintenance
For miniatures that see frequent use in games, proper storage is essential to preserve the paint job. Troy was given a matte varnish coat for protection, but careful handling and secure storage trays prevent accidental chips or scratches. Foam-lined cases with individual slots work best, ensuring that the oversized swords do not rub against other miniatures during transport. Periodically checking for dust or surface marks is also a good habit, especially if the miniature is displayed between games. A gentle pass with a soft brush can remove accumulated dust without damaging the finish. Taking these precautions means the work invested in painting Troy can be enjoyed for years without significant wear.
Introduction to the Final Chapter
Reaching the final chapter of Troy’s painting and presentation journey is a satisfying moment. This part focuses on tying everything together, reflecting on the process from start to finish, and sharing the lessons learned along the way. By this stage, the miniature is fully painted, detailed, weathered, and integrated into both gameplay and personal storytelling. What remains is to capture the emotional and practical value of the entire experience, explore the long-term enjoyment of a completed miniature, and offer thoughts on how similar projects can be approached in the future. Troy from the Zombicide Black Plague Huntsman Pack was never just a figure to paint—it became a vessel for creativity, nostalgia, and hobby skill development.
Revisiting the Project from Start to Finish
Looking back, the journey began with careful preparation. Cleaning the miniature, removing mold lines, and applying a smooth primer provided the essential foundation for everything that followed. The initial focus on Troy’s expressive face and distinctive pose in Part 1 set the tone for the rest of the work. Establishing strong base colors early on helped keep the later detailing stages efficient and precise. In Part 2, the real transformation began through weathering, layered highlights, and small battle-worn touches that added personality. Part 3 brought the miniature to life on the tabletop, integrating it into gameplay and narrative, while also ensuring it was displayed and stored properly to preserve the work. Now in Part 4, the goal is to step back and see the bigger picture—how all these individual decisions and techniques combine to create a final piece that tells its own story.
Lessons Learned from Painting Troy
One of the most valuable lessons from this project is the importance of respecting both the sculpt and the inspiration behind it. Troy’s design nods to a beloved pop culture figure, and capturing that essence required balancing accuracy with personal interpretation. Paying attention to small details—like the wild look in the eyes, the confident stance, and the oversized swords—was crucial in maintaining the miniature’s identity. Another lesson was the value of incremental progress. Breaking the project into stages prevented it from becoming overwhelming and allowed time to refine techniques between sessions. Each phase offered its focus, from smooth blending on the skin to adding environmental context through the base. This methodical approach can be applied to any future painting project to achieve a polished final result without losing motivation midway.
The Role of Emotion in the Creative Process
The emotional connection to this miniature cannot be overstated. Painting Troy was not just a technical exercise; it was also a way of revisiting a cherished memory of seeing Army of Darkness in a theater with friends and hearing Bruce Campbell’s live commentary. That personal tie infused every step of the process with added meaning. The more I worked on the miniature, the more it felt like I was capturing a piece of that memory in paint. This emotional involvement is a reminder that miniature painting, while a skill-based hobby, is also a form of personal expression. A project gains depth when it draws on real-life experiences, favorite stories, or meaningful symbols. For anyone taking on a similar task, finding that emotional anchor can turn a good paint job into something truly special.
Long-Term Enjoyment and Table Use
One of the rewards of finishing a miniature like Troy is seeing it in action during game sessions. On the table, Troy is more than just another survivor—he becomes a focal point of strategy, drama, and in-game storytelling. The clear, distinctive paint job ensures he stands out even in crowded scenes filled with zombies, terrain, and other survivors. Beyond gameplay, the miniature also provides long-term enjoyment as part of a display collection. Even when not in active use, he serves as a visual reminder of the hobby journey, ready to spark conversation when other players or hobbyists see him. This dual-purpose—functional in games and beautiful in display—makes the effort of painting well worth the time invested.
Advice for Future Painting Projects
If there’s one piece of advice to carry forward, it’s to start with a clear vision but remain flexible during the process. I had a strong idea of how Troy should look from the beginning, but small adjustments along the way—such as altering the pants color for better palette balance—improved the final result. Investing time in preparation and priming cannot be overlooked, as it sets the stage for cleaner, more controlled paintwork. For complex miniatures, breaking the work into manageable sections helps maintain focus. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of environmental context in the base. A well-crafted base can ground the miniature in its setting and enhance the overall presentation.
The Miniature as a Storytelling Tool
In miniature-based games, a well-painted model can become a storytelling tool in its own right. Troy’s final look suggests a battle-hardened hero with flair and unpredictability. During games, these visual cues naturally influence how players treat the character. Friends often expect Troy to take bold moves or be placed in high-risk situations, and that becomes part of the shared game narrative. Over multiple sessions, the miniature begins to accumulate its in-game history—victories, close calls, and even defeats that players remember. This ongoing narrative builds a bridge between the fictional world of the game and the real-world hobby of painting and collecting miniatures.
Final Photography and Archiving
Completing a project also means documenting it for personal records and sharing it with others. Final photography sessions capture the miniature in its best light, showing all the details and color choices clearly. I took multiple shots from different angles, ensuring the oversized swords, facial expression, and base texture were all represented. Archiving these photos serves two purposes: it allows me to look back at the project over time to see my growth as a painter, and it provides a way to share the work with others without risking damage to the actual miniature. Keeping a digital gallery of painted miniatures can also be a great motivational tool for future projects.
Conclusion:
Bringing Troy from the Zombicide Black Plague Huntsman Pack to completion has been a journey filled with skill-building, creative satisfaction, and personal meaning. From the first steps of cleaning and priming to the final protective varnish, every stage was an opportunity to add detail, personality, and narrative depth. The finished miniature is both a tribute to a beloved character and a reflection of the time and care invested in the craft. It stands ready for both display and play, bridging the gap between hobby art and gaming utility. More than that, it carries a piece of personal history, making it unique in a way that goes beyond paint colors and techniques. For anyone considering a similar project, the lesson is clear—choose a miniature that means something to you, take your time through each stage, and let the process be as rewarding as the final result. In the end, the combination of skill, creativity, and personal connection is what makes miniature painting such a rich and lasting hobby.