+1
I am new to Malifaux as well, and just played my first game recently.
The game's biggest drawback is for people like me who want to know all the rules up front. The rules are disorganized, incomplete, and without a consolidated FAQ and Errata that is up to date. I see a lot of posts about rules that are flat out missing from rule books. I think fresh eyes (read: contract this out) are needed for the next attempt at a complete rule book. In my opinions, you really do need all 3 books plus forums to get a complete picture of the game and rules.
All that being said, the game is HELLA FUN, and this makes up for any and all shortcomings it would seem. There is a strong online community here on the Wyrd forums, and where the rules lack, the veterans can fill in the gaps for you. The model line is quite good for a newer company (and they have great painters). The models look great on the tabletop, and the small play surface 3'x3' combined with the use of tons of terrain and cards instead of dice, all come together for a very fresh experience that I am really digging and think you will too!
The game has its own sense of balance: not all masters can be all things, BUT each faction has a good selection of masters for the many scenarios. So balance is achieved through the randomness of encounters, and the availability of choices of masters (chosen AFTER strategies are drawn). In a straight up kill the other team game, with no terrain on the board, the balance will be way off, but if you stick to the randomized strategies for victory, and have plenty of terrain on the board, you'll be far better off.
Have fun at Gencon, wish I could be there as well
Cheers
CP