Ex Illis...I want to know more, but whuuut?

[jmp_mydog]

It seems like this is one of those products that sounds great on paper, and can make a big splashy presentation to make us all go "ooooohhh".

But from the sounds of it it's just not feasible enough to run smoothly. Maybe in a few years the tech will be there.

[thetang22]

But from the sounds of it it's just not feasible enough to run smoothly. Maybe in a few years the tech will be there.

The technology is available...its more about whether this is a reasonable use of it. It sounds as though more than 1/2 the game takes place looking at the computer screen, which takes away from the charm of minis games.

Give it a few more years of technology and you may as well just play a good computer game instead.

[NewbieFromHell]

I too have been following this game for some time, I am really interested in the concept but so far can't for the life of me figure WHY I should play this.

And the fact that I'm gonna have to buy enough stuff for 2 people as my lgs has no interest in the game put me off, not to mention that if I decide not to play getting rid of the models cost me money, when in realality it's costs them nothing to move the ownership.( unless they send you something of course)

[Svenn]

At first I thought this was a really cool idea... Then I started to think about it. If everything is done on the computer, then why do I need the tabletop at all? You're really just playing a computer game and moving the models along on the table in real life to accompany it. Sure, that's kinda cool, but I can't see what the point is in the tabletop.

[MadNes]

Well guys, the system isn't for everyone. Some people hust really want to roll dice, or use charts, or use a tape measure, and thats cool. BUT, before you write the game off as a techie fluke, or the models off as unimportant, try the game out for free.

http://en.ex-illis.com/

Go to this site and create an account. The account is free. You may then download a trial army. The army will be good for 30 days.

I suggest using proxy models to play, but if you have no suitable models, you may print out proxies for free.

[MadNes]

Almost forgot, the game is intuitive enough to just download and play at its most basic level. But for those of you who want to undersrtand the deeper mechanics, and the intricacies of the game play, the rulebook, unit descriptions and history / fluff is available to everyone

http://ex-illis.com/wikien

If you have any questions I would be happy to answer.

Give it a shot lemme know what ya think.

[Svenn]

I was thinking about trying it out despite my reservations.

The one question I have is why do you need the models on the table? What purpose do they serve? The best I can get from the website is that they give you an overview... but doesn't the computer also give you that?

If they don't have any real function, then this is just a computer game where you can copy what's happening on your table. You could technically do that with just about any game...

[MadNes]

The models do the same thing they do in any other miniatures war game.

They show you the position of your units relative to other models and terrain.

Show your armies strength via volume of models and models removed.

Show combat facing and orientation for the purpose of flank and rear charge angles.

Enhance your gaming experience by creating an easthetic unparalleled by any other gaming medium

Give you hours if enjoyment as you complete the hobby aspect of building, customizing and painting your models.

Give you a grand overview of the battlefield, which a good general will use to adjust strategies and execute tactics.

Fyi - the software gives you the operational view of the active unit. You can play without the models, but a) you would only be playing half the game it is nearly impossible to get into deep strategic and tactical gameplay that way.

[Malebolgia]

TBH, I still think it's a totally whack concept that isn't going to stick with miniature gamers. I've read the review in the Ancible and it confirmed the reservations I had.

We miniature gamers are an interesting (one might say strange) bunch of people. We revere our small pieces of plastic and pewter and in games want them to do the things we envision in our heads. But take away the 'regular' gameplay mechanics and we lose interest. I think this is what kills Ex Illis for a lot of people. The change to phones and computers takes away the charm for a lot of people I've talked to. To me it all feels like a poor man's computer game or a poor man's miniature game...a hybrid which doesn't work at full capacity.

Although I'll follow the news on them (pretty miniatures are pretty miniatures! ), I'll pass on the game.