SMOG 1888

[Primarch]

SmartMax has released the rules for free. At least thats one point in their favour.
http://www.smartmaxstore.com/media/SMOG ... 0Rules.pdf

[me_in_japan]

aha. Thatd be kunnin' Marketin' then.

Good on em. Free rules + lovely minis (albeit pricey) = should do well.

[me_in_japan]

Upon first perusal, it looks a bit like Space Hulk: Victorian Steampunk version.

For those who cant be bothered to read em, Id summarise the rules thus:

1) players pick their team. This can be between 2 and 6 models, but some scenarios call for only 1. Models have a points value, so teams are fair. There's also a kinda gang rating system to give lower pointed teams a leg-up.
2) Players set up their minis on the board according to the scenario. Not sure, but you may be able to make yer own board designs.
3) Players take turns to move, CC, shoot or spellcast according to a rather funky wee mechanic that means that its not a case of "You-go-I-go", more a case of "I could use my funky high-Initiative dude right now, but if I do you can whale on me for the rest of the turn with your wee guys. Maybe I should save my funky dude for later" kinda thing.
4) You win/lose according to scenario, or you can just kill the other team.
5) combat is resolved by means of cards. Everyone has cards - how many depends on your team (each character allocates you a certain number of cards each turn. You use em up as the turn progresses). There are 3 types of cards: shootin', fightin, and spellcastin'. Each card has 2 things it can do - attack or respond. If I play a "high attack" you can counter with a "high parry" if you have one. OR you can counter with a "high counter" or a "high riposte" or similar. If you do, then I'm about to take damage, unless I can play a counter card, and so on. You refill your hand each turn, up to your hand limit.
6) Each char has special traits that allow you to bend the rules.

So, aye - basically space hulk with prettier, bigger minis, and steampunkiness.

I like the rule where it says "if both teams have the same initiative, the player born nearer 1888 goes first"

[Primarch]

Upon first perusal, it looks a bit like Space Hulk: Victorian Steampunk version.

For those who cant be bothered to read em, Id summarise the rules thus:....

Sounds good except for the basic price tag of buying the models. Thats probably going to be the biggest barrier for getting people into the game. Look at how cheap Malifaux or any of the Spartan Games are to enter (ie about 20 quid for a basic crew/fleet) and then look at this game where you need to basically triple that figure and for your hard earned cash you get 3 or 4 (admittedly very pretty) models. Now look at how many people actually picked up Malifaux or any of the Spartan Games and you'll get some idea of how rarely you'll be playing SMOG. It does look very pretty, but I cant see it taking off.

[Primarch]

Sigh.

I just went and bought this game didn`t I?

Actually, it looks like fun and comes with 8 character tokens in the box. If I like it, I can get some figures in the future. If not, then I have a board game I wont play very much.

[Seb]

Sigh.

I just went and bought this game didn`t I?

Actually, it looks like fun and comes with 8 character tokens in the box. If I like it, I can get some figures in the future. If not, then I have a board game I wont play very much.

One step closer to your ambitions, your goal of owning every game there is!

[me_in_japan]

well, thats thickened the plot, and no mistake.

I suppose Id best take a closer look at the rules, and consider the minis again...

deary me. And there was me almost ready to cut back on mini spending...

[Primarch]

well, thats thickened the plot, and no mistake.

I suppose Id best take a closer look at the rules, and consider the minis again...

deary me. And there was me almost ready to cut back on mini spending...

Well, like I said, the game comes with 8 character tokens, so no rush there. Of course, if you were buying them to paint.....

One step closer to your ambitions, your goal of owning every game there is!

Is that a problem?

[Seb]

One step closer to your ambitions, your goal of owning every game there is!

Is that a problem?

Nope, rock on sir.

[me_in_japan]

Of course, if you were buying them to paint.....

moi?