One is a big player of GoB and a fan. The rules are flexible and cover the basic figure ranges of Foundry yes, but can easily be suited to proxies or other models, and have seen this enough times to know.
While the game was written for the Foundry Figure range obviously its nicely figure flexible.
The mechanics seem simple, but hide the fact that it is a tactical game and requires some clever thinking at times as you realize that Jake Thornton has layers of rules that work well and allow real forward tactical thinking a little like chess.
Basically
The Game play focuses on commanding an army rather than the minute intricacies of individual miniatures, and what they are armed with.
The rules are simple enough to follow and easily allow players to concentrate on what you want your army to be doing, not like some systems which sub-paragraph whole categories of rules which players in the end argue over.
The rules may not be some super-new, innovative, like every yearly release of say WHFB, but they are smooth and play well, with a hidden depth and tactical approach which makes it an enjoyable system. Leaders, musicians and standard bearers all have a point to play in the game and add not only interest but define how your unit works.
The system covers everything you need to play with no hidden extra issues like, must buy several add-ons to play and support the game. (This I like, one book to rule it all)
Jake Explain in his blog:
As well as all the basics of building armies and how to move and fight across the battlefield with them, God of Battles contains rules for miracles, weather, scenarios, camps, baggage trains, varying terrain and 10 complete army lists with over 20,000 words of background. It is a complete product in a single volume.
The combat system is based on the declare and then measure, so that makes for a fun (defender) and at times bloody (attacker) frustrating.
Army lists are easy and cover the usual races.
Norse Dwarfs
Orc Warlords
Thousand Tribes – Mix, Inc. Halflins
Lords of Undeath
Blood Gorged – Beastmen
Mercenary – Human
The Godless – dark (very) elves
Sea elves
T'lekkan Empires – Giant bugs
Scale of engagements is:
Skirmish 24 points
Battle 36 " "
Havoc 48 " "
Slaughter 60 " "
Example army list – cut down
- Blood Gorged -
Brutes Ravagers 12 Points – 10 Models
Brutes 6 Points – 10 Models
Slayers 12 Points – 10 Models
Younglings 12 Points – 8 Models
- Command -
Herdlord 12 Points – Character
Shaman 18 Points – Character
Such costs mean that you do not need a lot of figures and the system allows any ranges to be used as it is very flexible.
Magic has no range an if you want to cast spells you need a priest or shaman, and the system here means that an opponent can try to stop or thwart your casting, at the risk of not having enough spell points to cast their spells.
Movement and targeting are from leader to leader and allow players to easily range and stops attempts to fudge the rules.
Musicians, standard bears and such all have uses and can help turn a battle.
Average army size is about 30-40 miniatures so small scale but fast action. Good for those looking for a change from WHB or trying out a new fantasy system as compatible with any fantasy miniatures.
From what you said Pattus, these could be a good bet for what you're after 'Small units, fast play mechanics, but tactical' , and as they are on sale a good buy. £12.50 GBP is a steal.
Facebook God of Battles Fan page: link
