TJ here to talk about my first games of Infinity. Of course within hours of moving to Maryland, I was greeted by a gang of friends and introduced to a game of futuristic combat set in (shock!) A non-gothic, rather non-dystopian future! I have a few thoughts and a couple of photos, so let's have a look.
The first thing that strikes you when you look at an Infinity table is the amount and types of terrain available. Now, the first thing that strikes me here is that Drop Zone has amazing terrain from Micro Art Studios and Spartan Miniatures to play with.
Deployment was a mini game in and of itself and if I was to compare it to something, I would compare it to 5th ed 40k deployment in it's basic form, but the consequences and benefits of how you deploy are more lethal and will make a huge impact on games of infinity.
The main thing I liked was how the rules scaled. We were able to play a few introductory games that allowed me to learn the basics and then we were able to scale in more complex rules. Now that I have sat down with N3, I can see that the rules scale up for regular games and can even become more detailed.
What struck me was the use of 20 sided five and the way the action and tactics felt real. I inmediately drew comparisons to real life games of scenario paintball for the fast action and lethality of ranged combat. Speaking of fast action, the game lasts only three turns, so you need to get in gear and engage to win a game, which made every decision meaningful and fun.
At the same time, nothing is free. While I could use my orders every turn to advance and move a powerful model multiple times, it meant I essentially skipped turns with my other models, leaving them behind and unable to shape the fight.
Before I wrap this up I just want to note how amazing these drop ships are from Spartan Miniatures and I really hope they keep making these. It's an incredible peice of terrain here or for Planetfall.
Overall, the game is the most realistic feeling squad combat game I have played. It feels fast, it's fun, it is quick (which is a huge factor as I don't get time for four hour games these days) and I am looking forward to more of it.
How about you? Do we have anybody out there who plays? Any opinions on seeing Infinity content here? Does anybody have links to infinity blogs they would like to share here for the blog roll?
Dave and I are gearing up to get our first game in. He went with Nomads and I have a Pan-O force.
ReplyDeletehaving just moved myself I was checking out the near by flgs and the guy there was taking about infinity and how you could get by with just a few minis but play a very complex, realistic game. He compared it to necromunda meets ghost in the shell. Sounds like fun
ReplyDeleteHow good is Infinity? I don't get a huge amount of time to game, but when I do Infinity definitely gets a look in. I was freaked out by only getting three turns for a game and then after the first few games realised that a couple of hours were eaten up with action and reaction.
ReplyDeleteMy limited experience (http://www.spruegrey.com/category/infinity/ )and I STILL miss my Caskuda in the new rules.
I love the Caskuda model. Thabks for the link. I will check that out.
DeleteSuch a beautiful miniature! It's just a shame they have retired it in N3. I hold out hope that they can figure out a way to bring it back.
DeleteDefinitely check out The Wayward Warcor and Critskillpeople.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I will check them out.
DeleteWe at Spectre Studios love Infinity. Your description is spot on with the game play. We do video Battle Reports for it. Check out our channel
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will.
DeleteIt's a great game and like you said, plays fast and fun. The AROs mechanic keeps you really engaged on your opponents turn.
ReplyDeleteI Play!! I Play!! :)
ReplyDeleteI was hooked on Infinity last year and haven't looked back. My friend Kevin and I are heading up the Gateway Region Infinity group and we're in the middle of our first Escalation league right now :)
I love the fact that I played in three straight days of tournaments at Adepticon this year and I came back wanting more. That hasn't happened in a long time. Really glad you like it so far and can't wait to see how you progress.
If you're into Podcasts, make sure you check out Mayacast, the Krug and Totally Crit. Also, the FB group WGC Infinity is an awesome group of people with a great community.
Thanks man! I love the game and the fact I can play 300pts in about an hour is huge!
DeleteI started playing Infinity seriously with the new edition, and I've played it more than 40K this year. I still love 40K for the background, but Infinity has really hit home for me with a tight rules set and a convenient skirmish size.
ReplyDeleteYeah that rule set is amazing. It feels kinetic, there are so many decisions and so much action.
DeleteI play too. I avoided this game like the plague when it first came, believing that it was just another expensive miniatures hobby for me to sink money into. My buddies pushed and I finally tried it out. It's a fun game, and luckily goes fast enough that a 'beat-down' doesn't usually end up as an exercise in demoralizing time-wasting like 40k can. The models are ridiculously well done and the rules are about as solid as there are. I can't say that it's replacing 40k for me, but it's definitely no 'just another game'. I started a few months back and I've already made it part of the weekly rotation. Great game and great post about it!
ReplyDeleteI also avoided it but the minis drew me in. Then all of my friends who really enjoy the mechanics of a game like I do were into it, so I caved. I am five games in now and very impressed. I had resigned myself to just being a painter because I don't enjoy the length or more of 40k games anymore, but this has resurrected the gamer in me.
DeleteThis is quite impulsive post, I liked the way you write and explain all the things clearly. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMichael Woodward