Infinity: The Review
I figured I'd start a new type of post on my blog in which I review games I play / have played for anyone interested in giving it a try.
First up, Infinity by Corvus Belli.
Description
Infinity is a very high-tech sci-fi skirmish game set in Corvus Belli's proprietary IP universe. A typical "full size" game will have 10-15 miniatures per side on a 4 foot by 4 foot play area. Games are not quick - three turns will fill up two hours easily. Minis are 30mm-ish scale and based on GW-style 25mm bases.
Cost
Rules are free via the website as is their Army Builder app. Miniatures are moderately priced - retailing for around $9-$11 each. Finding them on sale is usually pretty easy on many web stores. The cost of a "full sized army" is going to be around $100. You'll want to buy some acrylic flame templates too for $12-15.
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Phenomenal miniatures. If you're a painter, you'll be very happy.
- Rewarding game play that's much more than just an I-go-u-go dice rolling contest.
Cons
- Weird dice mechanics that take a bit of getting used to.
- Ability for very powerful models to dominate a game.
- Tons and tons of "special equipment" for models which require game time to research if you're not completely familiar with their effects.
- Lots of markers.
My Opinion
I'm happy I picked it back up. When we first tried it back around 2013 it wasn't what I was expecting and it did not appeal to me. Years later once I wrapped my head around what they were trying to sell me, it became a lot interesting. "So, what are they selling," you ask? It's a fine-grained infantry skirmish. Each model has a lot of details and needs to be managed as such. You do not control a mob of 15 identical dwarf warriors, you control a group of uniquely-capable fighters that need to be managed appropriately. Certainly you're going to have some "grunts" and some "superstars" but you still need to figure out how to best manage your resources.
Each turn is made of of many actions per player - essentially each side gets as many actions as it has troops on the table. Multiple actions can be used on a single model during a turn - it's not really a "one per figure" situation, so a hero-type character could be doing a good bit of running around and shooting while his teammates watch on in awe. A typical game is going to also involve a lot of counters and markers on the tabletop - be prepared to delve into your collection for suitable tokens.
Specific roles are well-represented such as snipers, close combat-specialists, medics, and hackers. Walking out in the open in front of a sniper is stupid, as it should be. Close combat specialists will dominate less-capable foes and medics offer an easy way to keep casualties in check.
Oh yes, hackers. Instead of magic and spells, some models are "hackers" and can use cyber-attacks to affect enemy and friendly models. It isn't overly powerful but adds a boatload of flavor and charm.
Parts of Infinity feel clumsy at first but get better the more you play. Having a computer handy is extremely useful so you can look up rules on the Infinity Wiki as you go. I wouldn't consider playing without a handy internet device.
Infinity's complexity might make it a poor fit for novice gamers but otherwise I give it a strong endorsement.
One other consideration and don't take it lightly - TERRAIN TERRAIN TERRAIN. The more the better. If you don't already have a solid collection of 28-32mm scenery you'll need it.
First up, Infinity by Corvus Belli.
Infinity is a very high-tech sci-fi skirmish game set in Corvus Belli's proprietary IP universe. A typical "full size" game will have 10-15 miniatures per side on a 4 foot by 4 foot play area. Games are not quick - three turns will fill up two hours easily. Minis are 30mm-ish scale and based on GW-style 25mm bases.
Cost
Rules are free via the website as is their Army Builder app. Miniatures are moderately priced - retailing for around $9-$11 each. Finding them on sale is usually pretty easy on many web stores. The cost of a "full sized army" is going to be around $100. You'll want to buy some acrylic flame templates too for $12-15.
Pros
- Inexpensive.
- Phenomenal miniatures. If you're a painter, you'll be very happy.
- Rewarding game play that's much more than just an I-go-u-go dice rolling contest.
Cons
- Weird dice mechanics that take a bit of getting used to.
- Ability for very powerful models to dominate a game.
- Tons and tons of "special equipment" for models which require game time to research if you're not completely familiar with their effects.
- Lots of markers.
My Opinion
I'm happy I picked it back up. When we first tried it back around 2013 it wasn't what I was expecting and it did not appeal to me. Years later once I wrapped my head around what they were trying to sell me, it became a lot interesting. "So, what are they selling," you ask? It's a fine-grained infantry skirmish. Each model has a lot of details and needs to be managed as such. You do not control a mob of 15 identical dwarf warriors, you control a group of uniquely-capable fighters that need to be managed appropriately. Certainly you're going to have some "grunts" and some "superstars" but you still need to figure out how to best manage your resources.
Each turn is made of of many actions per player - essentially each side gets as many actions as it has troops on the table. Multiple actions can be used on a single model during a turn - it's not really a "one per figure" situation, so a hero-type character could be doing a good bit of running around and shooting while his teammates watch on in awe. A typical game is going to also involve a lot of counters and markers on the tabletop - be prepared to delve into your collection for suitable tokens.
Specific roles are well-represented such as snipers, close combat-specialists, medics, and hackers. Walking out in the open in front of a sniper is stupid, as it should be. Close combat specialists will dominate less-capable foes and medics offer an easy way to keep casualties in check.
Oh yes, hackers. Instead of magic and spells, some models are "hackers" and can use cyber-attacks to affect enemy and friendly models. It isn't overly powerful but adds a boatload of flavor and charm.
Parts of Infinity feel clumsy at first but get better the more you play. Having a computer handy is extremely useful so you can look up rules on the Infinity Wiki as you go. I wouldn't consider playing without a handy internet device.
Infinity's complexity might make it a poor fit for novice gamers but otherwise I give it a strong endorsement.
One other consideration and don't take it lightly - TERRAIN TERRAIN TERRAIN. The more the better. If you don't already have a solid collection of 28-32mm scenery you'll need it.
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