Reply To: Gates of Antares beginner

[phaidknott 7023xp 2]

Hmm probably the Freeborn (followed by the Algoryn), they also match up VERY well for some balanced games.

Yup….. played a fair bit. The “trick” to a good game is the table itself. As the ranges are massive compared to games like 40K, you can pretty much shoot across the table. So you need to set up lots of terrain to block LoS and to encourage players to move (and not just sit on the closest cover to the baseline). So you’ll need LOTS of terrain (a particular thing with BtGoA is to use the most brightly coloured garish plastic aquarium plant you can find…think 70s sci-fi films and TV series for your inspiration) compared to what you may be used to when playing 40K.

The narrative campaign books are great, and I’d also recommend getting a copy of the book “Markov’s Prize” (nothing like reading a good book on the subject to get you all inspired to get stuff done on the painting table). The other two books are collections of short stories.

Markov's Prize Book

I’ve actually ended up getting ALL the factions, the only “gripe” is with Isorians (the rules for their armour is a bit game winning to the point of cheating), you CAN beat them but it takes more than a few games to work out how. Unit’s that can spoil the game a bit are Boromite Lavamites, Algoryn Hazard Suits, Rebel Ghar Weapon teams and Isorian snipers (you can still take them, but don’t go all “min max” and spam them). It sometimes takes a bit of self restraint in building armies for everyone involved to get some GREAT games going.

I’d also recommend not using Isorians or Imperial Ghar in your first few games, again these are both tricky to use (or beat if you are facing them). I’d say both of these armies (along with the Virai) are “advanced” armies to delve into once you know the rules off by heart and are confident in fielding the more normal armies.

But BoGoA can turn into a dangerous addiction. The rules (along with using D10s instead of D6s) allow a bit more fidelity compared to Bolt Action (actually other than using the dice draw mechanic for unit activation, the rule aren’t that similar to BA). The miniatures might at first seem a bit “old school”, but the game feels very Rogue Trader in layout (rules for nasty aliens lifeforms that might attack anyone appearing), Terrain that might just eat you, and some RP elements in the campaigns. I’d say its probably not the best set if you are all into Tourney gaming, but if you enjoy a more casual game and having a laugh…it’s definitely one to get.

But be warned, I only intended to get two armies at the start…but I’ve now got all eight armies with about 20 units/dice in each force. The minis and warlord sales are just too tempting 😀