I'm considering buying this game, but I'm confused about something. It says it is for 2-4 players, but the set seems to only come with enough pieces for 2 people to play (not 3 or 4).

Can anyone comment on this? Is there some expansion you buy to allow for more players?

Thanks

Mattman1 said:

You can play with 3 or 4 players with what comes in the box, but admittedly you won't have many units each to play with. I've played 3 players with the original core set only, where we each just picked units of either side and played everyone for themselves - it worked well and was a lot of fun.

But yes, there are tonnes of expansions, and you can even buy multiples of core sets too, if you're mainly looking to increase the quantity of units that you have.

Technically speaking though, either of the core sets comes with everything you need to play 3 or 4 players.

Ok, well would there be any compatability issues if I purchased an original core set and a revised core set? Would that give me 4 "full" teams to play with that would be compatable?

Thanks for the help.

There are currently two armies, the Allies and the Axis, but players can play as teams, or in a free-for-all, with what comes in the basic box.

With the revised core set, there are two walkers, two heroes, and six squads of infantry. You could play four players each with a single squad, or two players with two sqauds, and two players with a squad and a walker, or any other combination you might think of. Each unit is worth a set point value to help with game balance when creating a force.

Expansion is easy, because you can buy additional sets, or simply additional individual units.

I prefer the idea of team play, as it fits the fluff of the game world better, but the game can function as a free-for-all battle without any problems.

The 2-4 players tag is a bit misleading as there are not really enough models in a basic set to have a decent game for more than 2 players and all they suggest is that each side activates 1 unit in turn, exactly the same as if 2 players were playing. The best way is for each player to have a full command, play as two sides but all players on a side can activate when it is their sides turn to do so otherwise the game will last forever as team mates argue it out on who should get to move.

Major Mishap said:

So for a 4 player game, with player A and B on the Axis, and C and D on the Allies, if the Axis go first, both Player A and Player B go, and then both Player C and Player D go?

I like that idea - less arguing about who goes first, and some interesting opportunities for co-ordinated attacks too.

Ok, so one more question. I watched some videos online and it says that the revised set is more balanced in terms of some kind of point system. It seems like my best option is to buy two revised sets if I want to be able to play with 3 or 4 people easily.

Does that seem right? I've heard that the original core set is a better value, but if it is different on the points system then it may not be the best bet.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

For $10, you can get upgraded cards that upgrade the core set (as well as several expansions) the more balanced point system.

That said, you don't even need the upgraded cards - the more balanced point values are listed on the FFG site.

I wouldn't let the points hold you back from getting an original core set. My recommendation would be to get an original and a revised set. Also, you aren't allowed to field multiple of the same hero units, so doubling up means you will have extra hero units you can't use.

If you plan on buying two box sets, buy one of each, teh original one and the revised one. The point system is completely immaterial, as you can easily use either the old system or the new one with any of the sets. By buying both sets, you'll have a much greater variety of units (which translates to more varied gameplay), than if you had two revised sets.

Another thing to remember is that the old core set comes with map tiles, rather than the posters that you get with the revised.

So, adding my echo to everyone else here: "If you can, get an old core and a revised, and you will have a good mix of units that can be integrated seamlessly with each other and you will get this good mix of units at a good value."

felkor said:

It works really well and use it for all our multi-player games and even at shows where we introduce new players to the game.

Major Mishap said:

Great. So far my gaming group has not been too keen on doing this game multiplayer as they see it as just each side being a single player played by 2 people. This way reduces that effect a bit, and makes the multiplayer experience a bit different than single player, and should reduce a bit of the arguing and playing by committee that would happen with 4 players otherwise. I will see about giving it a try sometime.

Thanks everyone for all the help and the ideas of how to do the multiplayer.

I guess I'll look at picking up an old core set and a revised core set and then adjusting the old core set numbers.

Where do I go online to find the adjusted numbers?

Thanks so much! I think you guys have helped me to make the best use of my bucks.

FFG has the revised point costs listed here: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dust-tactics/support/army-planning-sheet-web.pdf