It's a very exciting time for Ancient War gaming at the moment, with the arrival of three new rule books, all destined to be released at this years Salute in London. For my money, Warhammer II has been a bit of a flop, with years of waiting and no supporting material, the final rulebook was a bit of a let down. A year has gone by now almost since its release and still no supplements to support it, Forge World may be excellent at making models but seem to be terrible at living up to promises. I think that the black cloud that has engulfed WAB II has opened up a gap in the market. For many years WAB has been second to none In my opinion, but now with the game on its knees I think other companies have seen their chance and moved in for the kill.
The new contenders in the arena are 'Clash of Empires' by Great Escape Games (C.O.E), 'Hail Caesar' by Warlord Games and 'War And Conquest' by Scarab Games. Poor old Rob Broom after being shat on by WAB and Forge World rises like a Scarab beetle from the dung and launches his own company and rule set. Good for him I say, you show 'em Rob. For me getting rid of Rob after years of hard work on WAB was the death of the game. I haven't heard much about his new rules but I wish him luck with them, he's going to need it with such fierce competition looming out of nowhere.
'Hail Caesar' from Warlord seems to be based on their successful Black Powder rules which have proved very popular. Like many War gamers I tend to collect rule sets even If I have no intention of playing them, combing them for ideas and tips. However, I found Black Powder's lack of army lists a real drag and a lot of extra research and working out that I didn't have time for. As hobby time gets even more precious I can't even find time to paint let alone research army compositions...as much as I enjoy it. This lack of lists has tainted the water for me as I like to know what I'm collecting and have lots of pointers and tips.
As It stands at the minute my Denarii is on 'Clash of Empires' by Great Escape Games. It seems to be very similar to WAB in many respects in game play but with lots of new lovely extras thrown in. Armies have their own character and traits which for me is great and just the sort of thing I look for. Also Great Escape Games have promised to release loads of supporting army lists and supplements within the first year, another tick in my book.
Well lets just see what happens, the War games world is full of surprises; why I remember getting excited about Field Of Glory (FOG)...yes quite. I think the real key to success is making a good set, then supporting it and being there for the players. 'Napoleon' from Foundry was another set I got very excited about and even rebased my French army for. To my knowledge Foundry have dropped It like a lead balloon, with no supporting material. I'm still waiting for the Waterloo Army lists for the game...very poor. Anyway that's enough from me, Let the games begin!
May the best Game win!
My table is over flowing again with ancients, which always a good sign, although most of them are from eBay. Having just discovered eBay I went a little over the top. However, after receiving a few dodgy paint jobs I have decided to slow it down. The trouble is, I thought It would save me time by buying painted figures but in fact I spend more time bringing them up to muster. Also I'm a little scarred after buying a regiment of red coats which looked great in the photos...only to discover they're not so great close up. Oh well live and learn, the Plastic Romans have changed my life and the slingers will be drummed into service soon in the Army of Syria.
I have decided to turn those Praetorian Guard into Legionaries, I already have a Cohort of Praetorians and can't justify another. Also It gives me the excuse to paint up another shield design.
