This isn't a review of the rules - there's so much in that subject that can be looked at later other than to say the rules are far more developed and nuanced than first impressions. This isn't about the game play either - for similar reasons, plus I've only played three times so far so am in that dangerous "I think I have this when in fact I don't" period. This is about the box and what you get.
So what do you get? Contents are as follows:
48 page starter rules booklet. The rules booklet is well laid out and beautifully illustrated. This covers everything you need to play out of the box including rules, some background and squad \ fire team organisation for both sides. It needs to be stressed it is a quick start set so doesn't include stuff that isn't in the starter set if you follow, but everything so far is available as free pdfs so if you want to expand with other models you easily can. There is also a campaign system to allow your troops to progress and improve. It's all good.
Plastic multi part models - in this case sprues to produce 12 Crusader and 12 Royalist infantry. The models are very nice, go together reasonably well, and have enough options to ensure you can make two full squads of ten Quar Rhyfles (infantry) with a couple of spares. This is all you need to play the basic game. The models are stupidly cute and fun. Aww look at his little anteater nose, look at his floppy boots, look at his little assault rifle etc! These are made by Wargames Atlantic so are excellent quality, though as usual with WA there seems to be a shortage of open left hands - a personal peeve of mine that applies pretty much across all WA sets.
A set of very good quality initiative \ activation cards - again beautifully illustrated
Six D6 - standard dice. Yup just standard D6, no need for all those expensive special dice. Which is nice
A bit of nice artwork with the firing table on the reverse.
The box also has some interesting cut out card terrain on the inside. It's very much in theme but I'm not sure of the real value other than as a cute gimmick.
All good. Yup - with one or two exceptions. There are no status markers. This is the only issue for me. They are available online as a free pdf but I'd rather have had them in , or on the box rather than the terrain. It's a minor thing and we will all have something that we can use, but .... I know from talking to "people" in the industry that printed material costs quite a lot in comparison to other components so I do understand. The second minor irk is there is no quick reference sheet. There is a shooting Quick ref as I mentioned before, but it seems a bit of a miss not having something more. Anyway, moving on.
So 24 figs , rules , dice etc - all you need to start playing. Price in the UK varies a bit but you can pick it up for £60.
Would I recommend it - absolutely. I've thoroughly enjoyed putting together my squad, painting them and reading the background. The three games I've played so far have been interesting and engaging. The starter game is set at a Squad + level and on a small 2x2 foot gaming area, but there is an obvious option to expand to a Platoon size game, and support weapons and tractors (tanks) are on the horizon.
I'm waiting til I have a better handle on how the rules play before posting a rules review, but at the moment I'm wholly positive.
Give Quar a try - you wont regret it :-)
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