"Rate Infinity" Topic

On a scale of zero (awful) to 10 (superb), how would you rate Corvus Belli's Infinity ruleset?

I thought 0 stood for "never heard of it", and 1 was the pits.

So, give me a 0.

9.

If I had to go strictly on the ruleset as published in English, about a 2. I hear it is much better than the awful translation, hide-and-seek layout, rock-paper-scissors unit relationships, and extremely terrain sensitive play would suggest, though.

9.

8

As OFM.

Never heard of it

6 or 7. Many good ideas, but far too slow pace. (The version I played is not the latest, so things might have changed.)

9. The only thing that kills me about this game is I can't find anyone who plays it. It's otherwise one of the best scifi games I've played.

It does rely on a lot of terrain and there is a slight learning curve but the game uses some innovative concepts that make it fun to play. Its fast and dirty and buy in is reasonable.

8 for the latest version. Innovative rules, nice fluff, best sci-fi miniatures ever.

Played a demo and didn't like it. Really wanted to like it so played another demo months later. Still didn't like it.

So for me: 2

8

�� cannot be rated!

9

9.

6 or 7. Rules are fine, but I just can't get into the fluff and the figure range is very hit-or-miss to me.

Have never read or played them.
so the rating would be "NO INTEREST"

Never heard of it.

11

9 and the miniatures 10++++

For those that never heard of it:

link

The rules can be downloaded for free, both books, you can use any minis to proxy…it's in the rules, there's a free army builder on line, and a forum. There isn't any super powerful force or rule creep as new stuff is added. they are bringing out a campaign book this summer.

rules 7, because there are no vehicles. with vehicles 9
figures mostly 9, robots not always so good.
15mm version with vehicles would be 11

4 for me.

Reads well but the factions and some of the figures turn me off.

I'd give it an 7. It is a very well designed system, I'd say the best modern, sci-fi or near-future skirmish game I've played. The rule book leaves a little to be desired as far as layout and ease of use is concerned though. The rules for different things aren't necessarily in the place you would think and there is no index to find things.

If this book had an index it would easily be a 9 or 10.

The game play is a 9 for flow and cinematic effect in game terms. It forces you to really think about what you are doing and what weapon systems you put where.

Heck if they published an index seperately I'd buy it.

9.5 from me. As far a scifi skirmish games go, this is my favorite. The setting, the miniatures, the game system, all works to form this almost perfect game. The only thing that I would change is some of the engineering in the miniature sculpts… Some of them are too fragile!

Check the game out a few years ago and would of gave it a 1 back then.

Got a chance to read the new rule book recently and give it a 5, the game is clunky, a tad over complicated for skirmish with all the special rules, and the force building is less than intuitive. Maybe if they edited the rule book a bit better and added an index, went to the card format so you could have the rules you need handy I might be inclined to give it a 6 or 7.

Mini wise I give them a 6 maybe 7, some of the sculpts are really nice and then some are just really poor to me. So slightly above average but over all not that spectacular.

Heck if they published an index seperately I'd buy it.

This game makes me want to buy an ipad so I can use their wiki during a game.

9 I think its a fantastic game with great mechanics.

I was sorely tempted by their great looking minis and almost started a Yu-Jing force, but I have never seen anyone at my FLGS's play this game. One of the FLGS used to carry a large selection of Infinity minis, but not anymore. Everyone around here plays only 40K, Warmachine and/or FoW. Some even play Spartan Game's 'Dystopian Wars' and 'Uncharted Seas.'

Though I'll admit part of what turned me off is the fact that Infinity seems to require an inordinate amount of 'high tech' cyberpunkish terrain and buildings that are expensive and hard to find.

Reading the rulebook, I'd give it a generous 5. Horribly laid out, and fluff mixed in with rules (I really hate that). Not to mention the translation errors.

Playing the game, 6-7, depending on how much terrain. The Action Pool system was a bit out of control too. One figure could potentially use all the AP in the pool. The reaction mechainic is a bit out of control especially in wide open spaces. The first player could loose all of his models to opposing reaction fire before his opponent even activates for the first time. The game works best with lots of terrain. Wasn't too crazy about the close combat rules, seemed to simplistic and abstract for a game that has the appearance of lots of crazy anime CC action.

Models are beautifully sculpted, however the castings leave a bit to be desired (lots of flash on every sample I have), especially for the prices they ask.

I much prefer Rezolution or Urban War myself.

"rules 7, because there are no vehicles. with vehicles 9"

Then go play 40K since it is loaded with vehicles and elite units.

Very few core troops though but you do get big huge vehicles.

I don't do ratings but I find myself rather agreeing with CmdrKiley on the points he mentions.

It's a good (= better than decent) game but has a quite strict "domain of applicability". Also the last I read the rules CB hadn't ironed out their presentation problems.

Miniatures are a separate issue from the game anyhow so I don't factor them in with the rules. I'm glad they didn't go "extreme anime" with them tho because they are by and large usable and aesthetically pleasing.

Fluff is also a separate issue but apart from a certain amount sillyness it is surprising good for a miniature game so no problem with that either.

7-8 for rules/play.
6 for models. I've seen better, I've seen worse. Only around 20% of the range appeals to me (but that's normal for pretty much every other manufacturer also for me).

It's the most popular non-GW game played in my area, beating out FoW and WM/H.

I'd give it an 8 or 9. I'm honestly rather surprised at the 6-7 ratings. It's always seemed to me like a game you'd either really like, or would really hate. Or to phrase it tnjrp's terms I think it very much has a strict domain of applicability.

While I absolutely enjoy playing it as a game, the way the order pool mechanic works makes about as much sense as the way FoW's ground-scale works: ie. they both make sense if you make a lot of allowance for 'game' conceits.

In a sense Infinity is vaguely like an RTS or the like – in which a relevant resource is the player's time. For those of you who don't know, in Infinity each figure in your force generates an order, and you can have up to 10 models in each combat group. All the orders that are generated are then useable on the player to get any mini you want to take a turn. So you could have one figure move+shoot 10 times or you could have 10 figures all do so once, or whatever.

Initially it DID lead to a bunch of us locally playing rambo-style, where you have 9 cheerleaders sitting around in buildings while one super-soldier goes out there, but I think the game does a pretty good job at developing players into using around 4-6 figures a turn from a standard 10 figure battlegroup. Plus the way things like infiltration and drop troops work you get a lot of opportunity to mess around in the enemy's DZ if they're not doing much with their troops there.

It's not alternate activation, but like Starship Troopers or BF Evo and to an extent Tomorrow's War/AA, models get reactions against enemies in LoS or who are otherwise aware of them.

The fluff is… different in tone, I felt, than things like the Tuffleyverse and TW and so on. Definitely more anime-inspired, but I found it kind of refreshing. It still plays on modern stereotypes to some extent, but hams them up in some ways and picks out things from other times in history to emphasise elsewhere.

The models are hit or miss – mostly hit given the style they're aiming for. They've also gotten significantly better as the range has grown, so now and then you get two 'generations' of models together and it's very obvious. And you still get some occasional missteps. Sometimes they're HORRIBLE to put together though.

Aside from the still sort of badly laid out rulebook, the company does a fair bit to support the game. Free rules online, a free army builder, support for another one, a decent tournament/league kit for stores. Someone reshuffled the English rules and fixed some of the grammar, and there's a link somewhere in their forums to that – it's much better.

I'm not going to talk about the minis, which range from a horror of bleeding thumbs and cursing to assemble to the best I have ever seen, because they don't make the game (but gosh they look good). And you don't have to mortgage your house to buy a decent army.

It's a 6 or 7 if you just go on the rulebook and don't get into its tactical depths. But, given the rules videos clearly explaining the mechanics, the quick start rules, the fan-consolidated rules, the online wiki, the army builders and the awesome online community, it's definitely a 9.

It's also a rare game that has tournaments requiring honesty on the part of the players. Afterwards, there always talking points and highlights… and the game encourages you to never, never give up. It also requires a lot of skill and cunning… I played chess before and after starting up Infinity � and I got a lot better at chess.

Fluff wise, I think we've been desensitised to the fact that we are playing with xenophobic, genocidal, fanatical, genetically engineered, power armoured supermen with flaming braziers on poles above their bare noggins zipping around on motorbikes with old books strapped to them, waving electronic swords. A game for one that has a hopeful, humanistic view of a future Islam � that's a rare thing, anywhere today, to say nothing of all the other diverse ethnicities and cultures played upon.

Finally, it seems to attract nice players and has a very friendly and supportive community.

Hats off to Lion In The Stars for introducing me to the game.

Please include a selection for 'I've never played Infinity.'

You're welcome, Lampy!

Link hunter 99, I do need to ask: Why does a game that's written for 10 models per side no matter the points level actually *need* vehicle rules?

I'm not going to deny that Infinity needs lots and lots of terrain. If the other members of the gaming club aren't complaining about you hogging all the terrain, you probably don't have enough on the table. No joke, if you can shine a laser-pointer from *any* side of the table to another, you don't have enough terrain.

The biggest problem with infinity is that the learning curve is *steep*. The first time you see a new skill or ability in a game, it's probably going to cost you the game. Then you figure out how to counter that tactic, and it's just something you plan on.

There's this big meme over on the Infinity forums: "It's not your list, it's YOU." The thing is, there are no killer lists, no killer combos. *EVERYTHING* has a counter-tactic. Not counter-item. Counter-tactic.

Oh, if you guys do wander over to the Infinity forums, I post as Section9 there (system would not accept LitS).

I honestly rate the game about a 7, because there is *currently* a lack of scenarios to go with the game. Special Operations with a squad per side always have missions.

I've never played Infinity either.

John T

I'm loving the irony of rating infinity between 1 and 10.

'Need' vehicle rules? No, it doesn't, really. TAGs are probably enough. Though I'd like to see some, because…I'm crazy that way.

I'm seriously considering a jump into Infinity later this year. With Atenocenti's stuff, and Mercs being good expansions of the 'style', there's a decent amount to choose from, let alone my mad desire to use some of Lead Adventure's Post-Apocalyptic Russians as Ariadna…

But I do have a gripe. I can't stand some of the poses, even though I really like the quality of the sculpting. Some of Ariadna's HMGs, Yu Jing's monks, etc. If I wanted dioramas or gymnastics competitions, I'd be doing…well, dioramas, or Two Hour Wargames' 'Blue Mats of Doom' Gymnastic Competition Rules. And while there's all sorts of supertech details in the fluff, there's still some units whose equipment seems to say 'I want to hit them with my sword!' 40K is not alone in the swordiness.

Yep, some of the poses are not just a bit silly but a real pain when you consider the rules call for very exact true line of sight. And yes, I do know the rules say that you should treat the minis as abstract cylinders but I also have played the game (and similar true LOS games) quite enough to say it doesn't really work. I've also been reprimanted quite often enough for saying it doesn't so you don't need to run that by me again, thank you � it's one of those things we'll need to agree to disagree on (-:)

As an aside, I'm not really too surprised about the 6 to 7 ratings. The game works within it's intentented sphere (= very small skirmish) so it's hardly a less-than-5, but that doesn't mean you have to like how it works or the combat scale it works in so it doesn't necessarily need a more-than-8 either. One game among many.

Since Infinity supports terrain that doesn't look like it dates somewhere between the middle ages and 1945 � I am in favor of it. I am truly sick to my soul of gothic buildings/terrain in a sci-fi setting � whatever it might cost.

I have played it a couple of times at conventions and it seems fine although I will admit that the rulebook I have (not the most recent) is d*mned hard to follow.

Below is a link to a basic starter rules summary that Beasts of War generated which simplify and break down the mechanics:

PDF link

I don't buy into the universe (at all) but still very much like most of the figs and am a fan of any decent skirmish rules that actually have a sci-fi feel.

BTW, the Infinity terrain page (Arcologies), is the best I have seen as regards sci-fi terrain in 28mm. Between the ideas on Infinity's "Arcologies" page, MAS terrain and Antenociti's terrain my gaming group has found all we need to run Traveller (Classic and 2300), Shadowrun, Eclipse Phase, etc. and most any 28mm sci-fi skirmish rules.

Regarding vehicles, there are actually rules for dropships. There are also motorbikes and you can ride one of the TAGs. Vehicle armour is mentioned, but mostly they are objectives. One good justification is that once you get vehicles, you start needing vehicle platoons… and we start the slippery slope towards dumbing down rules and mass produced plastic. At which point it becomes Epic in 28mm with too many rule, instead of Rogue Trader.

Who in their right mind would take a vehicle into the middle of an urban zone full of angry Scots with rocket launchers?

Who in their right mind would take a vehicle into the middle of an urban zone full of angry Scots with rocket launchers?

Or a tank into downtown Fallujah full of angry Iraqis with RPGs?

/Dee

Jed says:
Rules: 8. Could do with a campaign system to push it to a 9/10.
RuleBooks 7: somewhat poor layout and poor Index, but getting better.
Figures: 8. Casting issues remain, assembly can be tricky, but that is the penalty for such ambitious poses. I dont like the recent TAGs at all.

The ethos of the game is that one character can do cinematic style non-stop order-pool-sapping manoeuvres, that is quintessentially "Infinity", so marking down on that basis seems a bit harsh…but I can understand why that element is sometimes disliked as it is not common methodology in rules ..sometimes I (caps) don't like it…generally when I am on the receiving end of a non-stop Ariadna CC onslaught.

But I do have a gripe. I can't stand some of the poses, even though I really like the quality of the sculpting. Some of Ariadna's HMGs, Yu Jing's monks, etc.

Yeah, you do run into that, sometimes. I think every minis company has some models that are unpopular, though.

And while there's all sorts of supertech details in the fluff, there's still some units whose equipment seems to say 'I want to hit them with my sword!' 40K is not alone in the swordiness.

When you really are doing a spec-ops raid 100m from the police station, sometimes a knife to the throat is the better option.

One of the interesting counterpoints to the "one-model-Rambo" concept is that if you burn all your orders with one model, that model will almost certainly die in the next turn, because it's so far away from any models to support it.

When you really are doing a spec-ops raid 100m from the police station, sometimes a knife to the throat is the better option.

This is a good point!

As for the funky poses, it's probably for the better that the game will allow me to make a worthwhile force around the figs I like. :)

I keep getting closer to taking this plunge…

Well, I think the background is just pretty different from a lot of sci-fi games. There's the kind of 'gritty' Tuffleyverse/TW/etc. stuff which just sort of assumes that everything will be the same in a couple of hundred years except we'll be in SPAAAAACE – which is fine and plenty of fun, but has always sat strangely with me. There's the grimdark stuff of which 40k is obviously the paragon. And then you've got the clean slick non-earth-humans style fluff of things like AT-43 or Void.

But, at least in my reading, it's rare you get a future that's sort of like ours but the balance of power has shifted in certain arenas, and in which the prospects and promises offered by various ideologies actually turned out to be not too bad.

There's obviously some off-the-wall stuff, because it IS still inspired by some more ludicrous anime. Kilt-clad space Scotsmen are perhaps the most egregious of the lot.

Miniatures get a 12 out of 10

they are that good, IMO they are the gold standard.

Game rules 5 or a 6, call it a 5.5

Some neat rules, but some unorganized rules layout. Hate having printed army list and rules for a army.

Like the convenience of having a stat card.