Mantic Kings of War Rules go Beta

[BobbieTheDamned]

Today Mantic have released their Kings of War rules as a free download to those subscribed to their newsletter. I thought I'd share my first impressions.

At first glance the stats seem similar to those of the Lord of the Rings skirmish game which is unsurprising as both rules sets were written by the same guy: Alessio Cavatore.

Units are formed up in blocks a-la WFB, but can move sideways and backwards (at half speed) which will certainly add some interesting tactics. Most the rules are as you'd expect really, fairly simple with  no lookup tables; nothing like comparing strength to toughness to determine 'to wound' dice rolls its all in the unit stats. It appears that it'll be a very quick playing game, the rules only take up a 12 page PDF and that's with diagrams and some artwork.

An interesting feature they've added into the rules is the idea of 'timed turns' so each player gets the same amount of game time. I know I've been frustrated by people spending 20mins umming and arring about moving a unit or not, well now they wont get the time to. Both players agree to a total time limit for the game and if you run out of time in your turn you loose the game!

Included with the rules are army lists for the elves, undead and dwarves. An interesting point is that you don't have the option to compose an army with odd numbered units, you can only buy units in the sized chunks Mantic sells them in.

[Talsin]

after having a look through the beta rules these look very simple and easy to use.

Mantic have gone for a really nice rules set, and it will be good to watch them develop.

And for those who already own some mantic minis, a very nice touch is that the extra bits you get do have an effect in game.

So keep hold of those Dwarven Throwing Mastiffs, Elven Sabre-Toothed Pussies (yes, really, I am serious, download if you don't believe) and Undead Giant Rats (dogs?).

Orc's next I believe, then who knows?

Now, who fancies a game of Kings of War?

[Marchomer]

Good post!
I immediately subscribed to the newsletter to download the beta. And I really liked it!
I remember WHFB stressed me when I played it... I prefer lighter but still efficent rules and I think Mantic is on the right way.
The fact that an italian (I always esteemed Alessio Cavatore) wrote the rules of this game, makes me quite proud!

On the Mantic website I see some videos too... those guys seems to be more skilled than the GW gurus...

[hel tanner]

had a good look at the rules and must say i'm impressed! the rules look like a real laugh and timed turns (with chess clocks no less) will give games another level of play. looking forward to saterday when i can speak to the mantic guys and play their intro games.

[MortiS-the-Lost]

ok, so a few us got to play Kings of War at the Triple Helix Wargames Grand Opening recently .... so any thoughts people?

[Apocalypsedreamer]

lurvly game (in my opinion better than 40k ( Blasphemy!!!!)) I got dwarves AKA midgety
murderers!!!!

[MortiS-the-Lost]

Apocalypsedreamer wrote

in my opinion better than 40k ( Blasphemy!!!!))

now come on ... cleaning the toilet is better than the current version of 40k [awaits many complaints from the people who think standardized movement, 6 turn games and the assault rules are a good idea]

[Apocalypsedreamer]

Can there be good blasphemy!?