EDITOR NOTE: Bronwen received a free memberhip of HeroForge Pro to try out the system, create a character and receive a range of items created from that character, courtesy of HeroForge. This is her review.
I’d heard of HeroForge before; mainly from Girdy, who had created the odd character and displays them proudly on his shelves. Had I even considered building a character of my own before now? No. But I was curious!
So, when offered the chance of a free HeroForge Pro account, create my own character and see them ‘come to life’ as it were, I couldn’t really say no! It seemed like a fun thing to try out, and Girdy thought a review from the perspective of someone who’d never used HeroForge (or anything like it) before would be valuable.
Did I expect to receive all of the items pictured below? Also no. I have an absolute HeroForge loot here! Thanks, HeroForge! I’ll try to do this review justice. (Sorry it’s late, I had to finish up my second year of uni whilst also being hit by the menopause at 40. Could say I took a lack of hormones to the knee)
Creating my character
Throughout our communications, HeroForge were brilliant. They got me signed up to my pro account, and I started building my character up from… the over 130 different options available. That’s a LOT of options!
Reader, I’m afraid for those of you that get inertia when overwhelmed with choice… it doesn’t get any easier from here. The sheer range of options you get from HeroForge Pro is INSANE, and I found I could quite easily spend many hours just refining my character. I may have gotten a little carried away!
However, the system was intuitive, easy to navigate, and I didn’t at any point feel stuck – except for the part where I had to make some concrete decisions!
I chose a Warforged character, made him male, a little bit punkish, with different coloured eyes, strange mohawk-style metalwork on his head, and a red-coloured diamond shape on his forehead. He’s wearing punky jeans, some interesting multi-coloured boots, a weapon on his arm, massive steel blade-type things on his shoulders (I can’t remember what they’re called), a gauntlet and a massive laser gun.
But that’s not all! Oh no. He’s riding a dinosaur – a raptor no less! And he has a small robot helper, and an even smaller baby dino hatching from an egg. He’s pretty wild, and also very beautiful. Yes, I did get attached to my robot/dino party of four. Aren’t they precious?
HeroForge Pro features and experience
I’ve realised that whilst I’ve recounted the creating of my character, I’ve not yet said anything about HeroForge Pro. So, what can it do that a standard membership can’t?
Well, it unlocks advanced design tools like Kitbashing (moving/scaling individual parts), decal customization, and Scene Maker. Pro features also include high-res ‘Spinny’ turnarounds, unlimited 2D tokens, custom lighting, organized folders, and early access to new items. Pretty cool, huh?
I didn’t have the standard version to compare it to, but I did enjoy a seamless experience creating my character and his odd friends.
Receiving my character
Getting my character created and shipped to me took some time, partially because I designed a very awkward character that made it hard to put into dice (I think – and yes, I was somehow getting dice as well as a character), and also because of general shipping issues on the other side of the pond. But finally, my character and additional loot arrived – and I was blown away.
I didn’t know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn’t that my dude and his buddies would turn up in full colour! They look so detailed and exceptionally formed. They’re now on display in my living room.
The keychains were also a fun addition! I can add these to my keys, and onto various handbags as I see fit. Also not pictured are the two stands, a HeroForge pin and two t-shirts!
As for the dice, I was again pleasantly surprised to see my dude, AND his dino, inside a large D20! And that’s not all. HeroForge kindly also supplied a dice with his head, and one of the dino’s head! I feel very lucky. The dice all feel smooth and ready to roll some critical hits!
To sum it up…
As someone who’d never made a mini before, I’m really happy with my HeroForge experience – and next time I won’t hesitate to use HeroForge Pro to create a character.
The system was so easy to use, and I feel comfortable enough to go back in and make whatever creature takes my fancy – as well as to recommend it to friends.
I feel like I’ve truly been spoiled here, and I will cherish my party of four for years to come! Thanks again, HeroForge!
Awww, aren’t they all adorable though?
And you can try out HeroForge Pro and create your own HeroForge mini right here.
Have you used HeroForge Pro yet – and if so, what’s been your experience? Comment below to have your say.
