A Review of the Outland Games 25mm Landsknechts figures.

Someone I know was kind enough to review some of the Outland Games Landsknechts figures line. I have to correct him on one minor item…I did not sculpt the original figures. I modified them, though, for my casting molds. I need to contact the sculptor and see if he grants me permission to mention his name here.

Landsknecht Pikeman, Command and Mounted Men-At-Arms Miniature Review by Outland Games

The Landsknecht pikemen were deadly rivals of the famed Swiss Pikemen and a staple of European Renaissance armies, known for their colorful and flamboyant dress as well as their deadly use of pikes. In this review, I’ll be looking at some, which on his website are marketed as 25mm, but blend seamlessly with several 28mm manufactures, miniatures by Outland Games, representing these glorious soldiers.

[name redacted by poster], owner and sculptor of the Outland Games Landsknecht line sent me the miniatures in a USPA flat-rate box, bagged, and wrapped in a plastic blister. The packaging provided excellent protection for all but one of the minis during shipping. A Hauptman’s polearm was damaged and I replaced it with brass wire and a spearhead.

Figure 1: Outland Games Sample Figures Provided

The sculpting on this miniature is top-notch. The poses are dynamic, representing the pikemen at rest, and a few as if they’re entering battle with the pike held at an angle as if preparing to thrust. The facial details are excellent, with a strong expression of determination. Most are wearing slashed sleeves and flamboyant feathered hat, which are faithfully recreated, lending to their distinct, iconic look. The lads posed for battle are depicted in armor, which is also meticulously detailed, making it stand out in any battle lineup.

These figures are cast in a softer alloy, which holds detail well without being too brittle, yet easily worked. Some minor mold lines are visible but easy to clean up. The metal castings are sturdy, making them easy to handle during clean up, assembly, and painting.

The miniatures came individually cast without pikes. The mounted men were cast separately from the horse. The Drummer had his drum cast attached. The pikes were simple wire pikes sourced from another manufacturer. A simple pin vice drilled the hole through the hand and the pike was superglued in place. I had no issues with either clean up or assembly. I did take the doubles of the figures supplied and swapped heads with some resin sculpts I bought from Etsy.

Figure 2: Outland Games Landsknecht Pikemen at Rest, ready for their primer.

The level of detail on this miniature provides plenty of opportunities for highlighting, shading, and adding intricate patterns to the clothing. The folds in the fabric are deep and clearly defined, which should help with shadow work. The surface texture of the metal alloy is smooth and holds the primer paint well, making it a dream to work on for any painter.

Listed as 25mm they blend with 28mm Landsknecht offered by other miniature companies in that scale. The Hauptman stands slightly taller than some other Landsknecht in my collection, but as people are of differing stature, there is no issue putting a larger man in charge of a unit.

Figure 3: Manufactures from L-R: Old Glory 25s, Perry Miniatures Plastic European Mercenaries, Warlord Games Plastic Landsknecht, Outland Games Pikeman, Warlord Games Metal Landsknecht, Foundry Miniatures Landsknecht, and Steel Fist Miniatures.

Figure 4: Outland Games Landsknecht Hauptman, ready for primer.

Figure 5: Foundry Miniatures Mounted Landsknecht Officer, Outland Games Man-at-Arms, Perry Miniatures plastic Man-at-Arms.

Overall, they are exceptional Landsknecht miniatures that combine historical accuracy with convincing sculpting. They’re perfect for those who appreciate fine detail and want additional figures to expand the variety in their units making them stand out on the battlefield. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add a touch of Renaissance history to their wargame forces.

Rating: 9/10

Dan [last name redacted for privacy reasons]

Thanks Dan for the lovely comments. NOW we both need to complete painting up our regiments for might Landsknechts clash at some big miniatures gaming show like Historicon!