I need to get out more, as since my kids were born I find I'm spending more time playtesting new games than actually playing "normally"(aka losing touch with reality.) As a result, I've made a list of games readily available locally, and have made a resolution to get in at least one game a fortnight. Sadly, the list isn't compelling reading, and reminds me why I drifted away from club play. I've ranked them #1-10, in order of appeal.
My favourite to play, but I shiver to think of all the new rules I need to memorize to be competent in a competitive environment. I have plenty of minis though (I could almost field a force for every faction) though I must admit only half is painted.... That said, it's a great game, and the models are so, so shiny. I'm pencilling in this as a definite.
2. Dreadball
I simply don't know enough about it but I like the price point ($100) and potential to add new teams cheaply ($25ea). I did love Bloodbowl though, so this goes high on the list of possibilities. Off to the internet to research it more.
I can hear the jaws dropping. But the new warscroll "bring whatever you want" system appeals, as does the free rules, and familiar, easily accessible system. Also, I had a paw through an AoS box set and as usual GW delivers good quality minis. There's also the potential to pick up cheap minis on eBay from WFB players who quit in disgust. In addition, minis can be used for Mordhiem.
The main argument against is the high cost of minis, something shared by....
4. Dropship Commander.
I like the combined arms gameplay, thought-out scenarios, and nice minis. Quite a few folk have armies. However it's relatively expensive, and at 10mm I don't really need another scale, especially as I already have bucketloads of much cheaper 15mm sci fi. I'll probably hang out for Dropfleet Commander.
5. Flames of War
Basically all the list-building, power-gaming crap we love from 40K, in a WW2 package. Fantasy WW2 at it's best. But I do like 15mm WW2 tanks, and the starter set is reasonably priced. Basically, I'm in it for the minis, but I guess I could force myself to play a game or two. There's awareness, however it hasn't really taken off yet locally.
6. Warmachine
I'll let you into a secret. I actually have a lot of Warmachine models, despite their increasingly GW-esque pricing. They're fun to paint and have a lot of the over-the-top character of old-school GW (you know, when they didn't take themselves so seriously). I mean, the undead pirates have possessed steam powered robots, lead by a dragon.... Whilst I'd love the excuse to drag out/paint more models, I don't particularly like the rules (unless I pretend I am playing a CCG and the alternative is joining the MtG crowd) nor the slog to memorize every combo/special rule. I suspect, for me, Warmachine models will continue to serve their original purpose - as generic fantasy models with superior resale value.
7. Mordhiem
Yes, the system still has legs. Why not Frostgrave? It's a good game, but to be honest I don't see any particular advantages over the 'original' to be worth selling it to others. Cheap to get into, and lots of folks have spare warbands. However, does tend to infer a weekly commitment to play I cannot always guarantee, which prevents it placing higher on this list.
8. Dark Age
Not wildly popular, but there's a few people with warbands kicking around. Since they've resculpted the dodgier minis, there's a few decent choices. As a small skirmish game, it's cheap to get into. Also, I fancy the unique Dragyari faction to use for generic fantasy games.
9. Deadzone
I like the idea of more space fantasy models and space Skaven are cool. I'm just not totally sold on the game mechanics, which just seem.... meh.
10. Malifaux
There's a lot of momentum in the Malifaux world at the moment, and I do like the zany horror-steampunk-wild west vibe. They've tidied up the rules. Both the card mechanics and scenarios are good - but prolific special rules and combos and focus on named characters are the reason I drifted away from it years ago. Also, the inevitable switch from metal to plastic does nothing for my enthusiasm.
Warhammer 40K
Nah. Whilst I probably have enough old minis for a (small) Space Marine army, I just can't muster the enthusiasm to pretend to like it. That said, I suppose I could stretch to a game of Kill Team (#11) if it was on offer, though I haven't touched 40K since 5th ed.
Star Wars X-Wing/Armada
I took one look at the prices ($50-80 for a single plastic clix in some cases) and responded "are you serious?" Not unless I suddenly win Lotto, and probably not even then. There's overpriced, there's GW priced, and there's taking the p*ss. And beyond it, is X-Wing/Armada.
As an aside, what is it with CCGs? They're insanely popular (outnumber local tabletop gamers 5:1), and also incredibly expensive. I.e. it's not uncommon to see someone walk in and buy half dozen $20 "booster" packs, and I think I saw three MtG starters sold in an hour. I'm going to investigate CCGs a little more as the "economy" of it interests me (and links to some other thoughts on "pay to win" I have had re: PC gaming). I mean - $120 for a few bits of painted cardboard.... wow. It's like the CCG companies create their own economy/monetary system where they can assign real $ values to pieces of paper...
Almost Definitely
1. InfinityMy favourite to play, but I shiver to think of all the new rules I need to memorize to be competent in a competitive environment. I have plenty of minis though (I could almost field a force for every faction) though I must admit only half is painted.... That said, it's a great game, and the models are so, so shiny. I'm pencilling in this as a definite.
2. Dreadball
I simply don't know enough about it but I like the price point ($100) and potential to add new teams cheaply ($25ea). I did love Bloodbowl though, so this goes high on the list of possibilities. Off to the internet to research it more.
Maaaaaybe...
3. Age of SigmarI can hear the jaws dropping. But the new warscroll "bring whatever you want" system appeals, as does the free rules, and familiar, easily accessible system. Also, I had a paw through an AoS box set and as usual GW delivers good quality minis. There's also the potential to pick up cheap minis on eBay from WFB players who quit in disgust. In addition, minis can be used for Mordhiem.
The main argument against is the high cost of minis, something shared by....
4. Dropship Commander.
I like the combined arms gameplay, thought-out scenarios, and nice minis. Quite a few folk have armies. However it's relatively expensive, and at 10mm I don't really need another scale, especially as I already have bucketloads of much cheaper 15mm sci fi. I'll probably hang out for Dropfleet Commander.
5. Flames of War
Basically all the list-building, power-gaming crap we love from 40K, in a WW2 package. Fantasy WW2 at it's best. But I do like 15mm WW2 tanks, and the starter set is reasonably priced. Basically, I'm in it for the minis, but I guess I could force myself to play a game or two. There's awareness, however it hasn't really taken off yet locally.
6. Warmachine
I'll let you into a secret. I actually have a lot of Warmachine models, despite their increasingly GW-esque pricing. They're fun to paint and have a lot of the over-the-top character of old-school GW (you know, when they didn't take themselves so seriously). I mean, the undead pirates have possessed steam powered robots, lead by a dragon.... Whilst I'd love the excuse to drag out/paint more models, I don't particularly like the rules (unless I pretend I am playing a CCG and the alternative is joining the MtG crowd) nor the slog to memorize every combo/special rule. I suspect, for me, Warmachine models will continue to serve their original purpose - as generic fantasy models with superior resale value.
7. Mordhiem
Yes, the system still has legs. Why not Frostgrave? It's a good game, but to be honest I don't see any particular advantages over the 'original' to be worth selling it to others. Cheap to get into, and lots of folks have spare warbands. However, does tend to infer a weekly commitment to play I cannot always guarantee, which prevents it placing higher on this list.
8. Dark Age
Not wildly popular, but there's a few people with warbands kicking around. Since they've resculpted the dodgier minis, there's a few decent choices. As a small skirmish game, it's cheap to get into. Also, I fancy the unique Dragyari faction to use for generic fantasy games.
9. Deadzone
I like the idea of more space fantasy models and space Skaven are cool. I'm just not totally sold on the game mechanics, which just seem.... meh.
10. Malifaux
There's a lot of momentum in the Malifaux world at the moment, and I do like the zany horror-steampunk-wild west vibe. They've tidied up the rules. Both the card mechanics and scenarios are good - but prolific special rules and combos and focus on named characters are the reason I drifted away from it years ago. Also, the inevitable switch from metal to plastic does nothing for my enthusiasm.
No. Just.... ...no
Warhammer 40K
Nah. Whilst I probably have enough old minis for a (small) Space Marine army, I just can't muster the enthusiasm to pretend to like it. That said, I suppose I could stretch to a game of Kill Team (#11) if it was on offer, though I haven't touched 40K since 5th ed.
Star Wars X-Wing/Armada
I took one look at the prices ($50-80 for a single plastic clix in some cases) and responded "are you serious?" Not unless I suddenly win Lotto, and probably not even then. There's overpriced, there's GW priced, and there's taking the p*ss. And beyond it, is X-Wing/Armada.
As an aside, what is it with CCGs? They're insanely popular (outnumber local tabletop gamers 5:1), and also incredibly expensive. I.e. it's not uncommon to see someone walk in and buy half dozen $20 "booster" packs, and I think I saw three MtG starters sold in an hour. I'm going to investigate CCGs a little more as the "economy" of it interests me (and links to some other thoughts on "pay to win" I have had re: PC gaming). I mean - $120 for a few bits of painted cardboard.... wow. It's like the CCG companies create their own economy/monetary system where they can assign real $ values to pieces of paper...