Sunday, June 03, 2007
Mindstalkers
Some of the games make me realise that I am just not in the same spending league as their intended market. Manorhouse Workshop's Mindstalkers is an obvious example.
The demo game using the flat tiles was okay - the game mechanics were reasonably simple and it didn't take long to pick it up. On the face of it, not really much different from other tabletop game systems. I couldn't see how the one box would keep me occupied for very long and the need for variety would mean further expenditure on figures and scenery.
The boxed set went for £50 if I recall correctly:
which contains 8 figures, dice, counters and four "3D scenery elements" like:
I mentioned to the guy demonstrating the game that the figures looks very well painted and wondered how they could manage that quality in volume. He admitted that he'd painted the figures and that they shipped unpainted. Similarly the resin "scenery elements" which look fantastic above are plain black in the box (as you can just see on the far right in the top photo). So an additional reason why this is not a game for me is that the level of painting needed to make the pieces look acceptable is way beyond me. Defintely a product for the rich figure-painter.
The demo game using the flat tiles was okay - the game mechanics were reasonably simple and it didn't take long to pick it up. On the face of it, not really much different from other tabletop game systems. I couldn't see how the one box would keep me occupied for very long and the need for variety would mean further expenditure on figures and scenery.
The boxed set went for £50 if I recall correctly:
which contains 8 figures, dice, counters and four "3D scenery elements" like:
I mentioned to the guy demonstrating the game that the figures looks very well painted and wondered how they could manage that quality in volume. He admitted that he'd painted the figures and that they shipped unpainted. Similarly the resin "scenery elements" which look fantastic above are plain black in the box (as you can just see on the far right in the top photo). So an additional reason why this is not a game for me is that the level of painting needed to make the pieces look acceptable is way beyond me. Defintely a product for the rich figure-painter.
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I think you are looking at this game in the wrong way. Its not a game where you field 100's of Miniatures, 4-8 is the standard amount. The 4 Models each side amounts to 660 points for each Faction. In fact you are looking at 6-7 Models for a 1000 Point Army, which would cost you around £57 Mark. Whereas (for example) a 1000 Point Space Marine Army (which is plastic) will cost you £102.00 PLUS you have to buy the Rules & a Codex (so another £35-£40 at least), requires more hassle to paint, the models aren't as nice, the game play ISN'T as much fun and changes every couple of years requiring you to 'update' your Force (and GW aren't the only ones to do this anymore), You could buy your Mindstalkers Force, and a Starter Set for £107 - which would actually give you three Armies to Play with AND Terrain to play upon! With Mindstalkers you can Download the rules and Reference Cards (although they are producing a full print rulebook soon, but there will be a downloadable version too). Mindstalkers is unique, fun to play, a really great background, and the models are simply stunning - and just not that expensive to get into. I don't have a great deal of spare cash - but I have three playable forces for Mindstalkers (thanks to the Starter Set) and am planning a Fourth! If anyones interested, I've started a Mindstalkers English Speaking Forum (http://www.phpbbplanet.com/ordoexcubiarum/index.php) and a Web Site (http://mindstalkers.110mb.com/) dedicated to this FANTASTIC Game! Blogs a great, no doubt - but you sort of went off half cocked on this one. 40mm is actually EASIER to paint than a Smaller scale.
Hi A., thanks for commenting at length.
Our difference in opinions is because I'm not a tabletop figure gamer and you are. So I'm really comparing the cost and entertainment value of Mindstalkers with, say, a set of Ticket To Ride or some D&D books. If I had the money, would I buy a set of Mindstalkers or WH40K? No, because I just don't see the return on my investment.
And I can't paint regardless of the scale - don't have the patience or dexterity.
Our difference in opinions is because I'm not a tabletop figure gamer and you are. So I'm really comparing the cost and entertainment value of Mindstalkers with, say, a set of Ticket To Ride or some D&D books. If I had the money, would I buy a set of Mindstalkers or WH40K? No, because I just don't see the return on my investment.
And I can't paint regardless of the scale - don't have the patience or dexterity.
I really appreciate your Honesty, I am a roleplayer too and take your comments as reasonable and logical. A hobby is what you get out of it. As for not being able to paint, thats not entirely accurate. Painting is a skill that can be learned like any other. ANYONE can learn to paint to a reasonable standard, but not everyone is going to win a Painting competition! Its ironic you claim you don't have the patience to paint - being a Games Master (for D&D or any RPG) requires a lot more patience and time planning than any Miniatures game.
"being a Games Master (for D&D or any RPG) requires a lot more patience and time planning than any Miniatures game."
You obviously have not experienced my 'wing and a prayer' DMing style. I pride myself on being able to make things up on the spot. Although I really benefit from putting in prep time before a game, I get bored after a while and never finish.
You obviously have not experienced my 'wing and a prayer' DMing style. I pride myself on being able to make things up on the spot. Although I really benefit from putting in prep time before a game, I get bored after a while and never finish.
I can dig that, I've done that on many an occasion - especially the 5 year twice a week Shadowrun Campaign we once did. But I also know you have to know the rules inside and out to do that properly - and theres your patience and preparation.
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