Kings of war Intro

[cornonthecob]

I'm thinking about giving my workmates (whom aren't very wargaming interested) some intro games. I've considered several systems including GW but think that the price will turn them off. As such Mantic seems a good alternative , especially Kings of war with a simple rules set and a nice cross rules model range.

What do you think would be a good race match ?

[Llew]

I like Dwarves against Orcs for the uninitiated. Both are simple, straightforward armies in play, and their special abilities are easy to work with. If you don't mind elf-on-elf action, Elves vs. Twilight Kin can also work well because the armies are similar but not precisely the same. Just focus on more on troops rather than heroes/monsters.

I don't like throwing newbies in with Elves against other races because the movement advantage is easy for experienced players to deal with, but not a brand-new player.

I love the Undead, but they rely on heroes to work well, and they are one of the more complex armies in terms of the tactics available.

I haven't tried a Goblin army against anything - yet - so I can't say anything about them. I suspect they'd be simple enough for newbs, and probably fun against dwarves.

Abyssal Dwarves and Kingdoms of Men are both neat armies, but the tactics for and against them might not be ideal for brand new players.

I hope that helps.

[Max Jet]

Not the game sells a tabletop miniature game, it's the miniatures! Veterans might look more closely at the rules and have the experience to compare them, say which are the most interesting and spot everything.

The game itself is so elegant and easy to learn, that you need not to worry about specific forces or imbalance, as long as you bring a little bit of everything. That's right. Just bring everything you can. Two of Mantics Mystery boxes would have provided you with enough to advertise the game.

Bring a lot of miniatures, from every different race (if you can) keep it fun and easy and don't explain more than absolutely necessary. Afte all you are there to catch interest, not to give an analysis of wargaming.

[Llew]

If he were trying to sell veteran gamers, I would give that idea more credence. But with the info offered -- that he's showing workmates with no interest in wargames the game -- I think you have to go for simple comparisons that can be easily understood, and a good match. For a newb, orcs are easy -- point and go kill things. Dwarves can be similarly basic -- and Headstrong lets you recover from mistakes. If you put newbs in a game and one side positively crushes the other because they have a dramatic advantage, it can turn them off and make wargaming seem a bit silly. A kitchen sink approach just makes too much information for a new gamer to hold onto. (By all means *show* them a bunch of minis, but for the demo game, keep it easily comprehensible.)

Don't worry about points, but try to make forces that are roughly in line, with some similar abilities. Make sure you can run your demo in no more than 30 minutes. If they're not already bored, swap sides and run it again. If you still have their interest, through a fancier unit into the mix on each side. That's the best way to draw someone into wargaming, IMO.

[Hybrid Alpha]

Have you thought about introducing them to Dwarf Kings Hold instead? It gives them a game that can be played in a short amount of time, with easily identifiable objectives and less miniatures. Also, because it is more like a traditional board game, it makes for a great stepping-stone from traditional board games to full wargames.

[scarletsquig]

One thing that you should put extra effort into - fully painted miniatures and nice terrain.

Doesn't have to be stunning, just convincing enough to be immersive. Battlemat, basic (painted) hills, woods, buildings and 2 fully-painted armies.

Bare plastic minis and upturned yogurt pots for terrain isn't going to impress or inspire anyone.


If they enjoy the demo game... keep the new one-player battlesets in mind when the cost of it all comes up (you're right, GW is a no-go). Mention that they can get a small army of 50 models for £30, and get playing with it right away.

Mention that painting isn't necessary, but it is really fun and relaxing. Offer to show them how to paint as well, to a basic "undercoat, paint, wash" standard that they can be happy with right away.