Axis and Allies miniatures

[sherminator1]

What do you think about AH coming out witha collectible game?

[mhensley]

I think that if the rules are decent, this game will outsell everything else that AH produces combined.

[TrimChris]

I think that if the rules are decent, this game will outsell everything else that AH produces combined.

Maybe. They sell a lot of base A&A games and the minis might boost that by introducing more people to it if they like the minis.

[pagan]

Bingo !

Bango !

Bongo !

[TomJag3]

I'd like to see it, but I don't like the idea of 'rare' units. You can get historical miniatures for about any model with the 15mm scale range. I can't imagine why anyone would pay a high price to get a 'rare' miniature that is made at regular price by any of several companies.

[Da Black Gobo]

It's well known how much I hate collectible games, so I will not go there. What I will talk about is the 'history' of lame rules for collectible games.

If things follow the same principle as other collectible games, the rules will be a dumb down version of a normal miniature game. Also the rules will have many loopholes due to special abilities on the cards. This will lead to overpowered playing pieces, and certain playing pieces being near useless. Also it is true of every collectible miniature game that each expansion must outdo the previous to continue to get players to buy into it. It has happened in EVERY collectible miniature game made to date. I see no reason to believe the pattern of betrayl and bad gaming would not continue with this lame idea.

This really bites.

[fenyan]

I agree with most of your points Black Gobo, being a Magic player and current MechWarrior player. In the case of these two games, "set retirement" and "recycling" has been the mode for future production cycles.

I can't envision how WOTC would do this with an "authentically-accurate" historical-based game. Thel approach used by some board wargame companies for a tactical system is to come out with early war stuff and then later print more expensive late war stuff with all the heavy metal. A&A minis appears to be coming out with a '44 Western front set. Of course I wouldn't be surprised if there are no Tiger tanks, or the Tigers are super rare.

Could it be they'll let the game run its cycle instead of trying to hook gamers for an infinite number of years to come? Looking at Hasbro's latest collectible offering, Star Wars Attacktix, it looks like they'll have figures for each movie and that'll be it. It's kind of hard to overpower the figures, since their abilities are physically-based (just strikers or launchers).

Onto the subject of "lame" rules, I to think Magic and MechWarrior are really good games. True, the rules for both have undergone major revisions, and they don't really have to worry about play balance as much as in traditional boardgames and miniatures games, since all you do is buy your stuff and bring your army to the table. In this aspect I have an impression that playtesting gets short shrift.

Anyhow, A&A minis for me will stand on its merits based on the rules. Painted pieces and accurate sculpts will attract me to the game, but if they've got a very good game I'll play and support it. As a fan of tactical wargames such as ASL and MBT, I'll know pretty quick if the rules are dumbed down too much. Heck for all I know, I might not be part of their target audience.

[Sinister]

I think hard core historical accuracy is not what this game will be about. I think it will be about playing a light WWII game in two hours or less.

[TrimChris]

I think hard core historical accuracy is not what this game will be about. I think it will be about playing a light WWII game in two hours or less.

It's already out! Called Memoir '44.

[vogless]

When are we going to get som pictures? If it will be out in September, they have to have at least a few prototypes in house by now.

[V-Disc]

My attitude about the "A&A" Miniatures reamins the same: "Wait & See".

I guess I'm not voting in this poll because my position isn't represented by the options.

I'm guardedly optimistic about the arrival of "A&A" Miniatures. If the base game is good; and the expansion sets have a thematic/scenario orientation; then I might be interested. The "rare" & "collectable" angle kind of scares me.

I should add that I'm part of the older demographic here {+40!}. I have no experience whatsoever with miniatures. The Axis & Allies theme might actually spark some interest on my part.

Lots of "ifs" & "maybes".....Wait & See!

[TrimChris]

This really is a duplicate poll.

[Blatz]

I have to agree with V-Disc - I'm going to wait and see. The "rare and collectable" aspect isn't something i'm looking forward to, but I am looking forward to seeing the pieces. Even if the new rules don't make for a good game, at least we might get some interesting pieces to use in the other A&A games.

[Arnminster]

I'm looking forward to seeing what they came up with. It should be similar to the DDM and SWM rule set with modifications based on the setting.

The units will probobly have the following base skills

Attacks - To hit/damage for both Ranged and Hand to Hand (with some units not having a Hand to Hand rating i.e tanks)
Defense: How hard you are to hit. Infantry should be harder to hit than vehicles (though most vehicles will have armor)
HitPoints: Infantry should be killed with 1-2 hits and a tank with about 5 hits
Speed: I see a base speed of 4 for infantry

Specail Abilities
Armor (X points of damage are negated based on armor rating)
Armor Piercing (Ignore Armor) - for infantry you might only have a limited number of armor piercing items
Exploding ordinance - Radius of explosion that affects everything in the radius.

Movement - Not sure if they will have facing in this game. WoC mini games don't like facing.

Targeting - Not sure how they will handle this. Technicly exploding ordinance should be able to target any hex in LOS but in DDM you have to have a mini in LOS to target.

[admiral_yamoto]

i used to collect SWMs. i have yet to get the miniature i want (emperor palpatine). all because i dont have 600$ to buy random cases jjust for that one guy. AH shouldve gone with another war boardgame. Wizards collectable miniatures games are like RPGs, but not anywhere close to fun as it is. you might say thats its a lot cheaper than warhammer, but at least with warhammer you know what your getting and can actually plan your army with out waiting for that one guy your missing.

my prediction: A&A minis will die like stratego legends
i also dont really think that it will make much money. first thing, the collectableness turns most people off. second thing is, A&A is not nearly as popular as star wars. i say this because the only reason i ever started collecting star wars is cause i love star wars. but i couldnt take it no longer. spending 20$ a booster and all i got were bounty hunters that dont really do much, in the movies (but i still love ig-88).

To wizards: fight fire with fire! if you want to compete with GW, make miniature games like GW.

[Mokona]

If you want 1 figure buy it directly:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2537&item=5201264629&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[fenyan]

To wizards: fight fire with fire! if you want to compete with GW, make miniature games like GW.

From what I hear about GW, I wouldn't want A&A minis to be marketed like GW games.

[vogless]

It does kind of stink you can't see what you are getting. However, if you are looking to get into wargamming on a limited budget, this might not be too bad. The distribution on the other mini games has vastly improved. Plus, you are getting a box of painted minis for the price of about 1 metal tank, not painted. I don't think you'll see the hardcore wargammers buying these minis, but I think it may open up the hobby to a wider audience. Plus, if AH is smart, they can always release new rule sets for the more advanced gamers out there that focus on their minis. At the very least I'd also like to see some map packs.

[admiral_yamoto]

note to people:

Miniatures games are not for the low budgeted! sure youll say that youll only buy "one" more, but it turns out that the rare isnt the very rare that you wanted, then youll keep buying and buying until my mom says that i cant buy anymore and theres no one to play wiht and all i do is stare at my star wars minis and wonder if ill ever get emperor palpatine, and i dont want to buy it on the internet cause he costs like 20$!.....

to mokona:thanks :) but i stopped buying SWM :( gotta save up for warhammer. :)

[Der Panzinator]

I've actually done well with MechWarrior. I bought the starter then a few boosters and a couple singles and was done.
I have a nice set of pieces to play with friends when they come over.

[TrimChris]

Admiral

Buy a copy of Star Wars Epic Duels and you'll have all some nice minis to mix in with your others. Including an Emperor.

[DocD]

I got to say....I like the pics I'm seeing on this. As long as the price stays with in reason, and I hope it does, I definitely seeing DocD purchasing this game and its expansions.

[Kaufschtick]

I got to say....I like the pics I'm seeing on this. As long as the price stays with in reason, and I hope it does, I definitely seeing DocD purchasing this game and its expansions.

Agreed, I'm with ya' brother!

[Warmonger05]

I think Warhammer 40,000 would be more interesting to play instead of A/A mini. Simply because more people are in to it and the races are interesting.

[admiral_yamoto]

warhammer fantasy is better ;)

just cause theres dinosaurs ;) :D

[lizardbaby]

Even if the game totally sucks the prepainted 15mm figs will attract me. There are several very good rule sets for 15 mm WWII games already. The thing that has always kept me out was the painting. I love painting, but the amount needed for a serviceable force was too daunting. If this game is good then it's just icing on the cake IMO. The collectable thing is annoying, but I no longer worry about chase pieces. As long as I can get the pieces I need then I am happy. Magic killed collecting for it's own sake in my mind.

[Moderator Sinister]

I think Warhammer 40,000 would be more interesting to play instead of A/A mini. Simply because more people are in to it and the races are interesting.


Orcs is space have never interested me much. I got out of wahammer fantasy because its too expensive and way too time consuming, a 2000 point game took 8 hours by the time you traveled, set up, generated your army list, played , teared down, came home, fixed models, and painted. A&A minis will play quick, won't need to be assembled, won't need to be painted. You won't need to make terrian, and you won't have to spend $800 bucks to field an army.

[DocD]

Orcs is space have never interested me much. I got out of wahammer fantasy because its too expensive and way too time consuming, a 2000 point game took 8 hours by the time you traveled, set up, generated your army list, played , teared down, came home, fixed models, and painted. A&A minis will play quick, won't need to be assembled, won't need to be painted. You won't need to make terrian, and you won't have to spend $800 bucks to field an army.
That's what I want to hear Sinister. Less work=more fun.

Isn't this going to be shown at GenCon. I will drop by just to take alook at it.

[admiral_yamoto]

well i guess im just crazy, but i like painting. more work=more satisfaction= more fun ;)

[elindo]

well i guess im just crazy, but i like painting. more work=more satisfaction= more fun ;)

Actually it looks like this formula applies to you:
Too much free time = (paper route + no girlfriend)^no car

I couldn't resist.

[admiral_yamoto]

that was hilarious! im not old enough to drive yet though.

final equation:

computer+ parents always watching crappy shows+ me having no life= the Avalon Hill boards ;) :D

[Kaufschtick]

That's what I want to hear Sinister. Less work=more fun.

Less work = more time to toss back a few brews :D

P.S. DocD, you must have really gone and thrown "The Evil Emperor" (aka Cousin_Joe) over the railing for real, ain't seen too much from him on here. Or is it just that the House Rules got sub divided into so many sub catagories that it wound up being like the warehouse at the end of the first Indiana Jones flick! :eek:

[jdm61802]

I am considering getting into Axis and Allies Miniature, but to be honest, the whole collectable game is a big henderance to my playing. I have played Heroclixes for the last few years, and am tired of the having to do a bunch of trading, saling, or purchasing in order to get all the figures I want.

The fact that you only get one rare per pack and there are 15 rares is keeping me away right now. I don't want to have to spend big bucks to be able to get a squad of tanks. I would much rather that the figures were purchased in packs where I can build the army I want, and not have to rely on luck or trading. I am still interested in the game, but I think I'll hold back for now to see how things play out.

[Sinister]

I am considering getting into Axis and Allies Miniature, but to be honest, the whole collectable game is a big henderance to my playing. I have played Heroclixes for the last few years, and am tired of the having to do a bunch of trading, saling, or purchasing in order to get all the figures I want.

The fact that you only get one rare per pack and there are 15 rares is keeping me away right now. I don't want to have to spend big bucks to be able to get a squad of tanks. I would much rather that the figures were purchased in packs where I can build the army I want, and not have to rely on luck or trading. I am still interested in the game, but I think I'll hold back for now to see how things play out.


Honestly,

That's why I try to stay away from collectible games unless they are so cool you must own them. The cost of the game never ends. You pay, then pay some more, and then we then expansions come out, you pay again. At least the number of collectible figures in the A&AM isn't so high your shelling out 100s of dollars.

[Arex]

Honestly,

That's why I try to stay away from collectible games unless they are so cool you must own them. The cost of the game never ends. You pay, then pay some more, and then we then expansions come out, you pay again. At least the number of collectible figures in the A&AM isn't so high your shelling out 100s of dollars.

I can see that happening because it happened to me when I used to play Magic the Gathering. Then I saw the investment, stopped, and sold everything. I used to like but booster boxes every 4 months (that’s how often Magic Expansions come out during a year) and traded like crazy with the duplicates to get 4 of each card from every set. It was insane.

But then after a while I realized that depending what you really want to do, doesn’t need to be that bad. I mean, I got back into magic again like a year after I sold my collection, and when I came back, instead of being a crazy collector buying every possible card, I just got the stuff that I wanted to play with. Since then, my new collection has grown a few cards and my investment afterwards has been minimum.

So I think the same can happen with Axis and Allies Minis. It will all depend what do you want to do with it. If you want to be a casual player where you can build a good army and play for fun? Or are you a player that want to get into this game and beat everyone and everything investing tons of dollars to get every mini possible from all expansions and multiples of each? Or a player that wants to play competitively trading for only the minis you really need (or investing on them) and doing some trades? Or are you a collector that like the minis but don’t care about the Organized Play?

See, all of these situations can tell you what type of player are you and will tell you how much money you will spend, how much you will play and at what level. I truly believe that with minimum investment, you can play this game and win. :)

Just my 2 Mexican cents.

[snake_eater]

Death to this game! A&A should be known to all as the classic board game, not a toy gimmick!

[Stojakovic]

Death to this game! A&A should be known to all as the classic board game, not a toy gimmick!

This guy hurt my feelings... If I had feelings. All of my feelings have been Krushed Killed and Destroyed. Any ways I love this game it kickes ***** it is not craptastic like SWM D&DM Mech Warrior or Hero Clix.

[Y2UAsk]

It's funny, though, the power that those little plastic tanks have. I started with one booster and a half-case of boosters, and just recently ordered another case of boosters. That's a significant $ investment for a simple, quick-playing game. Then I think about all the times I've been in hobby stores in recent years, looking at newer, paper-based tactical wargames, and thought, "No, I really don't want to spend $50 on another tactical WW2 game." Yet I've spent several times that on A&AM -- because it has little plastic tanks.

Who needs orbiting mind-control lasers when a few pennies worth of plastic can enslave us more diabolically?

Steve

[Autarch]

That's funny, Steve. I know exactly what you mean.

Long ago when WotC took over AH, I lamented on the old AH forums that soon they would come out with a WWII trading card game. I envisioned exchanges like this: "my Hitler throws a Teutonic Tirade(TM) that disrupts your Churchillian Rally defense..." and vowed never to get suckered in by any kind of collectable game that the evil minds at WotC could devise.

Well, gotta go check UPS tracking to see when my next two cases will arrive.

Best Regards,

Sucker :)

[Akela152]

Death to this game! A&A should be known to all as the classic board game, not a toy gimmick!

Iguess that if you would've tried the game you woudn't say that. It is almost like a boardgame and i'm sure it is intended to be played by an older audience.

The game is preaty much a PanzerBlitz simplified with cuter units.

I think that A&AM is WAY superior to SWM or dungeon mini in term of strategy and reality wich smaller kids (12 and lower) does not necessarely have the capacities to apreciate. It's no big game, will probably not be a Classic like the chess, Risk or even A&A but still.

Finnaly I hope that they will not start to do some unrealistic overboosted duper commando that is going to blow 873465 tanks while the ennemy infantry will not be able to fire at because he's got a 8/8 defense... with superior armor 3 I think that the easy 8 is a bit too much but is still borderline in what I could accept.