"AIRFIX BATTLES: Inside the box!" Topic

I have written a description of the contents of the recently published AIRFIX BATTLES on my blog here = link

I have yet to use the rules, but from what I have seen so far they look like an excellent jumping-off point for both new and not-so-new wargamers.

Furthermore it all packs away into a box that is about the size of a ring binder, which means that it can be easily carried and stored.

Below: One of the double-sided terrain maps

Looks cool, but what a strange decision to not include any figures….

Right? Apack of germans and a pack of americans, and "done and done".

Right? Apack of germans and a pack of americans, and "done and done".

You'll need a few tanks as well and other support weapons such as HMGs if you've got 'em.

but what a strange decision to not include any figures….

Apparently it would have increased the price significantly.

Its a board game nothing more!!!

Not so – the pieces can be replaced with Airfix figures (the board is plenty big enough).

Then it's a miniatures game played on a gridded terrain board.

Then it's a miniatures game played on a gridded terrain board.

Exactly so!

HammerHead,

It is a board game that has been designed so that the playing pieces can be replaced by figures and model vehicles … and as it has been created for Airfix, it is hoped that users will buy Airfix figures and model vehicles when they do so.

How would adding a couple sprues of figures increase the price significantly? Doesn't make sense. People who already have lots of Airfix figures, and who want to play this, would buy it either way. But newcomers would be a lot more likely to buy if there were some figures included.

There's a good reason so many of the bigger wargame companies sell the rules in a starter box with figures…

How would adding a couple sprues of figures increase the price significantly?

You'd need a lot more than "a couple of sprues of figures" to do all the scenarios in the scenario book. Not to mention the tanks.

Given that a box of figures runs to about £6.99 GBP and tank kits often cost more, you could easily more than double the price and the designers have said that they wanted to keep the price low so as many as possible could get the game (see article in MWBG 394).

I would think enough infantry to do a couple of introductory scenarios would have been a good idea.

It's still awesome for nostalgia.

And the target audience already has a bunch of Airfix figures and/or is not averse to acquiring their preferred Airfix boxes for the game.

Also, not published by Airfix, so complications would invariably ensue….

There is apparently a deluxe edition planned for later in the year.

Way to go Airfix………you`re goin to end up with a ton of stuff you can`t shift

Way to go Airfix………you`re goin to end up with a ton of stuff you can`t shift

??? How so?

Because no one will buy it.

Baffling to use the Airfix brand and then not include any figures. As soon as you see the logo you're thinking models.

Because no one will buy it.

Apparently Modiphius are selling them pretty fast and it is not even on general release yet.

Baffling to use the Airfix brand and then not include any figures. As soon as you see the logo you're thinking models.

On the contrary, being able to use the Airfix branding will almost certainly generate sales.

I really like the size of it and keeping with my younger days man, many years ago, sigh! It can be played solo I believe. I have my copy but a bit disorganised so not had time to play yet but looking forward to it

Regards
John

Major B,
I'm not saying they should have included figures and vehicles for every scenario. I'm literally saying they should have included a couple sprues. That's what people will expect when they see "Airfix." There is no reason why you couldn't use a mix of figures and cardboard counters for the scenarios that go beyond some basic infantry. GW in fact did that for years. Sorry, but not including a "starter set" of figures is baffling.

That's what people will expect when they see "Airfix."

People seem to be forgetting that the game is not produced by Airfix. It is produced by Modiphius. They have permission from Airfix to use their branding. The game originators have stated that including figures or models would have increased the price beyond what they consier to be an acceptable price point. Their decision. Read the article in MWBG 394.

Not the first Airfix game…

link

SUCH NEGATIVITY!!!!!!!!!!!

It is a game, if you don't like it don't buy it. Also if you haven't played it or bought it then don't flame it!
JEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MajorB, you are, of course, correct about the production and permission to use Aifix branding. BUT the issue is consumer expectation – anyone of my generation seeing the Airfix logo &c. immediately thinks 'plastic kits'. So, albeit unintentionally, it does tend to mislead.

Lonkka1Actual, I have a battered, old second hand copy, having somehow missed it when originally on sale. One day, I'll replace the broken figures with 10mm lead, because it is quite a good game. And meets purchasers' expectations by having plastic figures!

I'm with the doubters here I'm afraid. I think Airfix missed a trick – when they licensed it, they should perhaps have made an arrangement to supply at cost (ie pennies for a plastic sprue) some figures. That way it would have been a fun starter set.

I know I have loads of figures, but for a casual purchaser maybe a few sprues would have been worth it for Airifx's sake – call it PR, but the minimal cost (and not the £6.00 GBP a box sells for – but actual cost) may have grabbed some extra enthusiasm.

Of course, YMMV

Robogear…. That went well

anyone of my generation seeing the Airfix logo &c. immediately thinks 'plastic kits'. So, albeit unintentionally, it does tend to mislead

I think part of the assumption is that people who will be drawn to the Airfix name on a wargame will already have Airfix figures.

I could use the ones I bought a lot of years ago.

BTW: I've played it – it seemed like fun, is a quick play and has room for expansion.

I think it was right to keep the costs down and not include figures. Everything you need is in the box, and you can replace counters with figures in your collection.

I've used a mix of figures and counters here link

Cheers,

Furgie

Just a thought on this, the Airfix battles intro set has everything you need to get started for £25.00 GBP quid. The Flames of War starter set (with mini's, but limited terrain) costs £50.00 GBP quid. Big difference if you just want to taste a game.