I just learned that the Malignos with sniper rifle is OOP. Does that mean that a new sculpt is about to come out? Is this an indication that resculpts of other Shasvastii are coming?
It is out of production because it's already included in the Shasvastii Starter Pack. CB has been reducing all product references or repacking in bigger packs to make room for new releases.
Malignos and Shrouded have 2 models only. One of each is in the Shasvastii Starter Box, the other two in blisters. I think it was confirmed that the Shasvastii in Onyx won't get a resculpt, but I doubt CB will keep production on the other references... (meaning 2 noctifer blisters, 1 malignos blister, and the Sphinx). On the other hand, the proxy rules allow you to use, for example, the Maakrep as Malignos Sniper.
They can be quite effective in metas that don't usually see them. Here in the UK I've taken one a couple of times and it's blown away at minimum 5 troops each time just because no-one expects to see one.
I'm sure it's a bit of a surprise! Here the trend is the Noctifer Missile launcher. It just seems there's other better options for long range weapons and he's one of the best infiltrators for objectives.
I've tried the SR Malignos a couple times and being able to deploy him so that he is shooting across the table diagonally means that he will usually be out of the enemies range band and always be in his. I still prefer the FO for last turn tricks in many missions, but I have not been disappointed by the SR.
In active turn, yes. Like the same TO with snipers: Ninjas (BS11 = 42p), Mk5 (BS13 = 24pts plus other Mk added turns to 30 or 40pts), Daysus (BS12 = 42pts), SPEKTRS (BS12 = 39pts) Croc Men (BS12 = 38pts). This ppl are so expensive to carry an sniper weapon, including they are infiltrators and best options do pushing buttons. Also the mk5 are the best way for that BS13 but., its the same stuff, WIP15 its so great to go push and win. Other options are in other TO snipers without infiltration skills, like Hexas from Pano, cheap TO sniper and same BS12 cost 32pts. Or other same roles... But CA have the Noctifer ML to do the job of that malignos sniper, 32pts plus Dogged skill, same TO and the perfect weapon for do the suprise shoot + expansive mode, -6PHY for dodge if you aren't on LoV, and haven't sixth sense.... also other negatives if you are a remote or TAG :/ Ill prefer to go on a Malignos FO mission pusher and a Noctifer in ARO and active turn, think on this: if you paying 42 on the malignos, you can paying a better option on the Noctifer... and if you going on Onyx, remember, you can carry with 2 of that on 64pts 3SWC, and runing on coordinated order in active turn with two ML shoots.
The Malignos sniper seems ok but it's the point cost and SWC that irks me. If I'm to spend those kinds of points I want to make use of most of the skills, otherwise why am I paying a premium for them? Infiltration is a must. I either setup on a board edge playing the risk vs reward ARO game after my first surprise shot if possible or I roll and try to get into their backs doing the same. When deciding if I want to include the Malignos the most important factor for me is the table and my opponents list/deployment. The odds of this all aligning in my favor isn't great. This is a gamble imo and I often don't think it's worthwhile. It doesn't help that Onyx has some reliable options in the Fraacta or Noctifer that cover many of the same situations as the Malignos sniper. The spitfire Fraacta is a good active turn piece with an extra wound. The Noctifer is cheaper and has dogged but lacks infiltration. I forgot to mention... both of those troopers are fantastic models which is a bigger factor than anything else.
I've got one of the old ones, but I just painted up a Haiduk who frankly looks more like a proper sniper anyway.
