What I've learned so far...

[kojibear]

Making the move from a game like Warhammer Fantasy to a skirmish game like Warmachine takes some time, but it has been well worth the effort.

I think Warhammer is the game of remembering things, what buffs has this unit got, did I hex that enemy unit, don't forget that 5 point magic item that could save my guy on a 6, parry save from shields etc...

In Warmachine, you really have to know what your caster can do for your units/models and apply it at a critical time, not too soon and not too late. Like Warhammer Fantasy, knowing the other player's army strengths and weaknesses is essential. But there are just so many more warcasters, units and solos in warmachine/hordes, that research is very important. You cannot expect a unit to be played the same way with every caster.

Again, like fantasy multiple charges and baiting the enemy is important, but in warmachine there are so many things going on and so many options and strategies you can consider at any one moment, you really have to think more than just a few steps ahead. Rather, you have to think of a few leaps ahead.

Single models are also much more lethal and can foil the enemy's plans when used right, especially when used in combination with another solo model.

Warmachine, along with Malifaux is a really great way to hone your gaming skills. Warhammer and 40k are good old fun and I love them. Warmachine and Malifaux are fun and challenging on many additional levels and I am growing to love them too.

[me_in_japan]

Yup yup - you're bang on the money with everything you wrote there. I reckon warmachine makes you a better tactician than fantasy battle or 40k player, altho they have their charms, too.

[Dungeon Lord]

I too think baiting is more of an option in Warmachine than 40K. I definitely couldn't afford to throw a unit away in 40K. But sending a small unit or light warjack to it's doom is possible if it allows you to get that Warcaster.

The rules and combos for Warmachine are definitely extensive and require more knowledge than do I need something to beat 3+ armor or 5+.

I will be trying to learn by experience and on Battle College. Battle College is great 'cause u don't need buy or illegally download every codex to know how a unit works. I suspect that I will be getting surprised by special rules for a long time yet though.

[Danguinius]

I`ve come to appreciate $40K and WFB as nice games visually; two huge fully-painted armies really look do look nice on the table top. But they are both nowhere near WarMachine/Hordes as far as tactical depth. You might even argue Monsterpocalypse is deeper tactically than GW`s main games. Much like you, Dungeon Lord, I was hooked on WarmaHordes as soon as I had that eye-opening; look at at all the stuff you can do! A buff here, a de-buff here, extra-movement there, a careless mistake from your opponent and you can win the game in WarmaHordes. It takes many battles just to learn what your own stuff can do and many more battles just to get your main synergies down. I can only imagine how many games you`d have to play to start truly "seeing" what your opponents armies can do. It really is a fun process. When you start to get comfortable with all of the rules and how your army works, try adding Steamroller scenarios and deathclock to your games. I find that having three win conditions (time, scenario, caster-kill) makes the games really deep and tactical. I hope you keep having fun and hopefully we can get a game in next time I`m up around Nagoya.

Danguinius

[Dungeon Lord]

@ Danguinius - I will definitely keep at it. I reckon it could lead to some fun scenarios too. It is much more "action scene" like and could blend itself well to short campaigns and such.

[Colonel Voss]

the tactical depth is like others have said, greater. That Hordes and Warmachine have two different systems that work together (fury/focus) really adds even more depth. Each faction has a variety of ways to run and it can change just by switching out casters. You're going to be learning lots each game even if you are a veteran at this game and with new stuff for each faction coming out every year, there is always a new challenge around the corner.

[Dungeon Lord]

The new stuff seems to come out at a reasonable pace too. Not budget blowing by any standard and still allows for you to play other games. Oh and did I mention "NEW" stuff. Not just revamps of old stuff unlike some other systems I may mention...