Comments on: 2007 TGN Editor’s Choice Award winner

By: shwtd

shwtd — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:03:36 +0000

Perfect review of a very good game…

Apes !!!

By: Osbad

Osbad — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:47:24 +0000

100% behind that review Zac. Agreed with every word! Great game and very desirable product. Some irritations in the mechanism of distribution, but nothing that can’t be corrected in time. If that time exists of course.

By: Ray Rivers

Ray Rivers — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 14:18:03 +0000

I also believe this is a good choice.

Two things really set this game (and what it represents) apart.

First, though the price may seem high, if you are a “new entry” into tabletop miniatures wargaming, it is actually quite cheap when you consider the price of paints, materials and time a “beginner” would also have to purchase/expend in relation to a “normal” unpainted miniatures game.

And second, AT-43 allows new folks to “buy and play” with relatively smart looking miniatures. The focus becomes one on gaming with miniatures, not a painting competition. That is not to say that you can’t put your brush to the minis (which I have done and which, in the long term I hope everyone else, to some extent will do as well), but it is not required.

Thus, making this an excellent “gateway” game into the world of tabletop miniatures wargaming.

By: Kenneth

Kenneth — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 05:24:54 +0000

Agree with the review. Admire Rackham’s balls in putting so much on the line with pre-painted plastics and the AT-43 rule system.

Good vision IMHO, and I’m committed to it up to my neck: no painting, easy to learn, fast game play, and exciting.

Bravo Rackham!

By: Jeff Cope

Jeff Cope — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:44:43 +0000

Woo-hooo! Couldn’t happen to a nicer game!

Sure, it’s no secret that AT-43’s inaugural year has had more than it’s share of bumps schedule wise…but it’s a solid ruleset, a fantastic background, and very nice PREPAINTED models. It is my tabletop game of choice (just as Confrontation will now be my fantasy game of choice).

Thanks to Rackham for creating it. Thanks to FFG for helping to get it out there now.

Here’s hoping that 2008 is the year the game really finds it’s footing and it’s audience!

By: Zac

Zac — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:22:27 +0000

I have eyed the Damocles box at my FLGS, but the price still hangs me up.

As others have mentioned its a better deal if you find a friend who wants the other faction and you both buy one and split the minis.

I did that and I came out with a fairly big UNA force and it makes the price for the starter a better deal.

By: Tertius

Tertius — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:35:50 +0000

Clearly AT-43 is a force to be reckoned with. I think it was the obvious choice. I have eyed the Damocles box at my FLGS, but the price still hangs me up. Since I spend much more time painting and modelling these days, AT-43 may not be for me. That said, I do think it is for many others (especially teenagers and other just starting in the hobby, or put off by painting and assembly). I would like to try it out in the future. Great choice TGN!

By: Zac

Zac — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:00:19 +0000

esp if both players agree limit commander rank to 3 or less.

With the Red Blok and the upcoming Karman factions I don’t think this is will be as big a problem as it is with Therian and UNA battles

By: Zac

Zac — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:59:22 +0000

I like to think of it as the best of both worlds. Prepaints with a good game and no random packs.

I think Wizards could make a lot of money selling their Star Wars prepaints in a similar fashion

By: Doc_Savage

Doc_Savage — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:56:57 +0000

AT-43 is an excellent choice. Not the first pre-painted Mini game on the market, but a solid, non-collectable, hobby game system.

By: metalminimadness

metalminimadness — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:36:26 +0000

Great choice TGN, nothing has captivated teh miniatures world this yaer on both sides of teh fence like this game. I have and like it but I will point out that Rackham’s policy of sending replacements for broken pieces out of the box is suspect at best. Maybe now that FFG is distributing it will get better.

By: oldsalt

oldsalt — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:30:39 +0000

I always find it interesting how many people assume because it is prepainted you can’t paint the figs anyways. My black clad Red block are looking pretty spiffy. You can paint over them or prime these figs which are as good as GW’s unpainted plastics.
As a painter - I love that these a pre-painted. I will paint all of mine anyway- but with this game I will never again have to face a “silver horde”
(i.e. unpainted army)
And as for gameplay I couldn’t disagree with P-ko more.
This is a great mass combat game…. everything 40k should be.
(I love PP games but around 1000pts my head wants to implode.)
Simple rules + fast game play + tactical depth (esp if both players agree limit commander rank to 3 or less.) A fun fast game that’s easy to learn.. and the hallmark of things to come. (I’m looking forward to Monsterpocalypse and Confrontation)

By: LarkinVain

LarkinVain — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:28:43 +0000

Yep. As noted in my post I did go a little overboard. :) Like I do with most games I get into. It’s an addiction I tell ya!

By: ctzn99

ctzn99 — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:24:14 +0000

A reply to LarkinVain’s comment regarding the money he spent…

I would like to point out that that is more than 3000 points of troops and typically the games we’ve been playing at our local shop are around the 2000 point range so you could play for a lot less. Also the scenarios in the core rule book are mostly around 2000 points as well, using the pricing LarkinVain used here’s the last 2000 point game i played with my therians.

1 Units of Storm Golems (6 models) - MSRP $25.00
- 1 Storm Golem Unit Attachment (6 models) - MSRP - $30.00
* note: only some of the models were used from the attachement box.
1 Unit of Assault Golems (6 models) - MSRP $25.00
2 Hekat (1 model) - MSRP $60.00
* note: one of these hekats is not part of the 2000 points total
1 Unit of Assault Medusas (4 models) - MSRP $20.00
1 Unit of Bane Goliaths (3 modesl) MSRP - $30.00
1 Tiamat (1 model) - MSRP $40.00
1 Therian Army Book MSRP - $13.00

Total: $243.00

Although i also did some trading from the damocles set so i think my total price was just a bit less but it left me with some wraith golgoths that i haven’t used much, and overall (as noted above in the article) i’ve got some wierd left over assortment of storm golem leaders due to the way the leaders come in the op dam box and the attachment boxes.

-z-

By: P-ko

P-ko — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:48:15 +0000

well,i don’t agree with taht particular game winning,but i guess it is the first PPP non-collectible game to suceed,to it does deserve mention.
i personally couldn’t even read the rules to the end, always got bored after first chapter or two-the game system is not bad, but very bland for me,it offers nothing really intresting or innovative-might as well stay and play 40k.

my winner from the top ten of yours? GZ Thaumaturgist. great sculpt overall, and a step forward from the very classic image of battle wizard:)