What's hot?

[The Other Dave]

When I was a lad, I enjoyed a battle wits and trying to out play my opponent. But nowadays I reckon I would get a bit fed up with the constant "one upping" and pissing contests that brings with it. Again I think War machine would be a fun game against a fun opponent (even if they bring their A game), but crap against someone who is in it to just to try and crush a less experienced player.

On the other hand, MiJ is spot-on when he notes that the rulebook and general "game culture" does talk a lot about sportsmanship and not using the "play your best game" ideal as an excuse to be a trash-talking douchebag. Challenging your opponent: good! Pissing contests are right out.

It's just a tricky game to demo, is all. There's a reason they usually suggest both sides in a demo game just use starter boxes.

[ashmie]

Not a big army? Your best bet would be Blood Bowl, Cutlass and other skirmish games. Strange Aeons could be fun. My main games this year are Warhammer, Black Powder and Blood Bowl. I love Flames of War too but I think these first three will get most playtime.

[Dungeon Lord]

When I was a lad, I enjoyed a battle wits and trying to out play my opponent. But nowadays I reckon I would get a bit fed up with the constant "one upping" and pissing contests that brings with it. Again I think War machine would be a fun game against a fun opponent (even if they bring their A game), but crap against someone who is in it to just to try and crush a less experienced player.

On the other hand, MiJ is spot-on when he notes that the rulebook and general "game culture" does talk a lot about sportsmanship and not using the "play your best game" ideal as an excuse to be a trash-talking douchebag. Challenging your opponent: good! Pissing contests are right out.

It's just a tricky game to demo, is all. There's a reason they usually suggest both sides in a demo game just use starter boxes.

I am sure it does. And rightly so. You've hit the nail on the head there. "Sportsmanship" and a well-monitored amount of trah talking should be the key words for all of us. Shame that not everyone can do that though.

[Dungeon Lord]

Not a big army? Your best bet would be Blood Bowl, Cutlass and other skirmish games. Strange Aeons could be fun. My main games this year are Warhammer, Black Powder and Blood Bowl. I love Flames of War too but I think these first three will get most playtime.

I have BB and would be happy to give someone a game. Just say the word. I have dice but no board though. I actually think that Strange Aeons would be a blast.

[me_in_japan]

ToD is, once again, bang on the money, and expresses it far better than I did. I think the WMH philosophy, and one which should really be applied to all war games designed for competitive play is:

1) Play your best, and expect your opponent to do the same.

If you or your opponent cannot follow rule number 1, then rule number 2 should be applied.

2) Take the time to help the weaker player improve, coach him, and generally help him raise his game. This way, in future, you can both be following rule number 1. Never kerb stomp a newbie. It has no point, and is in fact counterproductive to rule number 1, as he ain't learning anything, except perhaps that you're an ass.


Note that I specified war games designed for competitive play. Warmahordes is. Blood bowl is. 40k is not. Mordheim is not. You have to apply these rules selectively, or people get annoyed because their opponent isn't playing the same game they are.

[Dungeon Lord]

Note that I specified war games designed for competitive play. Warmahordes is. Blood bowl is. 40k is not. Mordheim is not. You have to apply these rules selectively, or people get annoyed because their opponent isn't playing the same game they are.

I find the best is when you and your partner have either just started or have about the same experience. Sadly, this isn't always the way. Not everyone wants to be "coached" if they are the underdog though. I for one like discovering how to beat someone without other's advice. That's why I never surf forums for tactics. For me, there is a lot to say about discovering the complexities of a system.

[Primarch]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I was thinking something like Malifax due to the different playing system and few models required. I liked uncharted seas when I played, 'cause it had ships and again, a different style.

Not too sure on Cutlass. It was an interesting system too, but seems a little simple and plain unless you had some cool terrain (which Prime does) or scenarios.

Malifaux is an interesting game, with most factions having different play styles and different routes to victory. (It's possible to win the game even if you get tabled). The models are either the best thing ever, or not, depending on your tastes. Most crews need 5 or 6 models (gremlins need more as they are pretty cheap), a deck of cards, (you can use normal cards if you want, rather than the official ones) and a copy of the rules, which you could download for free, though if you want the diagrams that accompany the rules, you'll have to buy the handy-dandy pocket sized rulebook which is about 10 pounds from maelstrom.

Uncharted Seas is fun and I have a spare human fleet which I have never used that I would be happy to let go for a low price along with an old 1st edition rule book (rules have been updated slightly, but its all still valid) that you can have as well if you are interested.

Cutlass is designed for scenario play. When I demo-ed the game in Kuwana, it was just a straight up gang fight, but some of the scenarios are pretty cool.

There's always Dust Tactics and the new Russian models.....

[Dungeon Lord]

Anyone heard of Puppet Wars by Wyrd Minitures. I had a brief read a while back and it sounded really cool. I may look into that more to. From what I remember, you build/put together "Chucky" like possessed puppets and have it out while trying to take over the other's workbench where they are constructing their own abominations.

[Primarch]

Anyone heard of Puppet Wars by Wyrd Minitures. I had a brief read a while back and it sounded really cool. I may look into that more to. From what I remember, you build/put together "Chucky" like possessed puppets and have it out while trying to take over the other's workbench where they are constructing their own abominations.

It is based on their Malifaux game. At least the characters are all puppets based on malifaux characters. It also uses a similar card based system I believe, but much lighter rules.

[ennui]

*snip*

I think War machine would be a fun game against a fun opponent (even if they bring their A game), but crap against someone who is in it to just to try and crush a less experienced player.

This applies to every single game, though, right?

I'm going to give another shout out for WarmaHordes. Flavorful tier lists allow for players to make lists that are fluffy and (depending on the list) somewhat powerful. The fluff is interesting, even if the writing is sort of... blah. But the minis are, for the most part, well made and look cool, and the rules are clear and any issues are cleared up with a cursory glance in the forum.

You can also get a starter set for most factions cheaply, and they are all viable for starting players.

Malifaux... is a lot of fun. Half of the models are awesome, the other half, not quite so. I was really into the game last year, but my interest sort of waned. Some people complain that WarmaHordes is balanced by having ALL factions overpowered, but Malifaux isn't balanced at all--some crews just can't beat other crews. And there is no real "theme" to the game, just a bunch of models that the designers thought would be cool to throw together. And nobody wants to fight against my nightmares that i spent lots of time painting and basing. ugh.

Anyway... yeah, Strange Aeons is cheap, fast, and fun! Awesome game. I just got a Gug and a new member for my Threshhold team... a teammate for my pimp. *ahem*