It is a stand-alone set, and it is possible to play a game using only the miniatures in one set. A much better game is played with each player possessing their own set, and the best experience comes from mixing and matching the components of several sets to build your own warband.
A set of Tyranny of Goblins contains the following:
* 12 miniatures
* 12 matching creature cards
* 36 order cards
* 2 leader cards
* 2 large tiles
* 2 small tiles
* several tokens
* 12 monster cards for the D&D Adventure System game
As one might expect, the theme of the expansion is goblins, and the set provides nine goblinoids to play with: goblins, hobgoblins and bugbears. Two large figures are also included, the Feral Troll and the Horned Devil, which are two of the better miniatures in the set, and a wolf rounds off the selection
The sculpts of the miniatures are quite nice, and they are made out of tough plastic (in complete contrast to the Pathfinder miniatures) which makes them extremely easy to transport without needing special cases to protect them. However, there is one big problem with the miniatures: the paint jobs on the goblinoids are very muddy and unattractive. Seen up close, you can make out some details and differentiation between the colours, but from any distance (like if you’re using the miniatures in a game), they’re just blah.
1. The photo showing the warband is incorrect, if it wants to show the minis you get out of the box. The box contains a Goblin Champion (possibly the most important goblin in the box) and only 1 Bugbear Berserker. You also say that the box contains 9 different creatures, but it contains 10 like the others before.
2. I think that this expansion is very homogeneous. Yes, the order cards are very often not playable for some creatures, but the creatures themselves work very well together and the CHA cards really boost your little ones like crazy.
3. You didn't mention Snig the Axe who really helps the little buggers to deal some damage to the opposition before being fried on the spot. His ability brings a complete new play style to the table.
4. I LOVE goblins!
As you might suspect this is my favourite set by far.Otherwise I mostly agree with you. And the paint job on the goblins could have been better, indeed. Especially the suits look as if they were simply dipped in colour and taken out again to dry.