This Christmas, I got not 1, but two Imperial Assault boxes in anticipation for skirmish.

Our group has a long history of playing Warmachine; Hordes; 40k (fortunately not anymore), Fantasy and Dust Tactics. And, of course, X-Wing. The only grid game we play is Blood Bowl. And we haven't delved into Descent.

We played the demo of Imperial Assault a couple nights ago and I couldn't get a very good sense of the tactical element of the game.

Has anyone played the skirmish game extensively? How is it?

It's absolutely fabulous fun. After map setup it makes for a fast paced intense battle. I'd estimate that tha matches duration will be comparable to a regular X-Wing game.

The squad building and command card have parallels to how you'd build in X-Wing.

The tutorial game in "Learn to Play " is in essence strictly designed in order to immediately have the two sides engage in battle and let's the players make some decisions and roll some dice. In skirmishes the two sides are rushing for objects and valuable Victory points (first player to 40 VP's is the winner)

Yep, and the Command decks we can build add some great strategic options to the mix without it becoming fiddly.

Very fun indeed.

Love it, the reason I bought the game. I don't care as much for the command card part of it, but it doesn't detract too much.

Dude...dude...Skirmish Mode is, like, TOTALLY AWESOME!

Seriously though, I've thoroughly enjoyed the skirmish mode gameplay. It's fast-paced and exciting. And there are lots of squad build options, with just the Core set. I can't wait to see what options open up when we start getting more and more expansions thrown into the mix.

A few things I don't like the cost of the game is some what high for kids to get into which was a big play for Janesville. Setup takes too long at first. Yeah I think over time it will be fine.

I really like that melee can do just as good as shooters. I have been playing a royal guard build with officers and a set of troopers and one probe.

I like the tactics of this game over swm. I can't want for tournament play. I do think having a second set or trying to buy a officer and card, probe card, nexu elite card. I really hope that league kits come out with these cards. Minis wise your set its just the cards.

I think locally I am going to say it's ok to only have one setbof cards even if you need more. Odds are at Regionals or nationals you will be able to borrow from a friend.