Imperial Zero-G Assault Troopers

Originally developed to operate in the hard vacuum of space Zero-G Assault teams have proved to be valuable spearhead troops in many theatres. Clad in armoured environmental suits they can operate in virtually any hostile environment, extending the empires reach to many alien worlds.

The box set of Zero-G troops is unusual in that the figures are solely based on RPG designs (the only other box being the Rebel Characters). The chunky power-armour style is perhaps a little odd looking more like deep-sea divers than Stormtroopers. 

They came with eight bodies and eight pairs of arms to assemble however you want, useful if wanted more and yet keep some individuality. The arm poses however are a bit basic, adding to the ‘diver’ look. They also lack any visible hand weapons and although the box art suggests integral blasters they are not clearly defined. Pairs of grenade launchers are sculpted above the shoulders, some in extended firing position.

Once painted up however these models acquired a charm. With their (as my wife calls them Ugg boots) block feet and huge back-packs one should visualise them on a rocky moon or toxic gas giant. Stated up a elite troopers with grenade launchers, blaster pistols and very heavy armour would make them formidable opponents on the table.

For the painting I deliberately avoided pure white, the palest being Vallejo Offwhite for some specular highlights. I think the result was a much more realistic ’white’ toned down by shadows and reflections. Also one of the minis had a casting blemish along the top of the head, as this looked like a blaster burn I decide to paint it as such rather then green stuff the damage.