Some Questions...Thanks

[JYossarian]

Hello, I am new here. I've been out of the computer gaming scene for 1-2 years now and I was looking into getting back into it and purchasing a new game. When I was younger, I used to play the Avalon Hill wargames, especially the solitaire ones (Ambush, B-17, and my favorite; Raid on St. Nazaire). I've always favored computer games with SOLID gameplay (Civilization, Baldurs Gate) I'm looking for a good computer wargame and Tin Soldiers struck me because of its alleged solid game play, the fact that it covers an era of history that I am unfamiliar with, and it looks like the system will be expanded. Before I purchase it, I just had a couple of questions;

1.) I've been reading that the game follows "miniatures rules". What are "miniatures rules"? Are they different than tabletop board game rules? Is it correct to say that games using miniatures are more abstract and not as detailed as tabletop games?

2.) What scale is the game in? In other words, how many soldiers do each of the miniatures represent? Is the scale different for each battle.

3.) What are stands? Are they the same as steps ("population" of the unit) in tabletop games?

4.) Can someone who has had no exposure to miniatures still enjoy this game?

Thank you,
JYossarian

[Deride]

ORIGINAL: JYossarian
1.) I've been reading that the game follows "miniatures rules". What are "miniatures rules"? Are they different than tabletop board game rules? Is it correct to say that games using miniatures are more abstract and not as detailed as tabletop games?

There are a number of games that use "minis" or figures that they setup to simulate battles. For example, Warhammer is the most popular of these games, and they have stores all over the country where you can buy figures and find others to battle.

Our game is very similar to how these games are played. However, we have the advantage of being computerized, so our rules are a bit more complex than many -- but it won't take you months of experience to be able to play since you don't have to remember everything.

I'm not sure of the distinction between "tabletop games" and "miniatures" that you are thinking of. Can you clarify if this didn't answer your question?

ORIGINAL: JYossarian
2.) What scale is the game in? In other words, how many soldiers do each of the miniatures represent? Is the scale different for each battle.
3.) What are stands? Are they the same as steps ("population" of the unit) in tabletop games?

Each figure -- we call it a stand -- can have up to five steps. Each step represents 100 troops. Therefore, each figure that you see represents up to 500 troops. Units are made up of 1, 2 or 4 stands. So, for example, an infantry of 4 stands represents 2,000 troops.

This scheme stays the same for each battle. Larger battles just have more units and more terrain.

ORIGINAL: JYossarian
4.) Can someone who has had no exposure to miniatures still enjoy this game?

Absolutely. We took inspiration from minis for both the look of our game and a general background on how it is played. However, if you haven't been exposed to minis in the past, you will still find this game fun to play. For example, a large number of our alpha/beta testers had no experience with minis before.

Deride

[Marathon]

ORIGINAL: JYossarian

4.) Can someone who has had no exposure to miniatures still enjoy this game?

Thank you,
JYossarian

I never had an exposure and I love this game.

[JYossarian]

Hi, thanks for answering my questions. I guess what I meant to ask in the first question is are miniatures rules similiar to hex-based wargame rules? (i.e. attack factor/defense factor, a ratio is worked out and a die roll is made...etc.) I know that simplifies it but I was just curious if miniatures games "played" similiar to traditional wargames.

Thanks again

[Catgh_MatrixForum]

I would recommend not worrying about whether or not miniatures rules are similar to hex-based. When you first start the game and dive into the first scenario, you don't even think of rules...


There is a discussion on how the rules work in the "Unit Statistics" subject.

[Hertston]

ORIGINAL: JYossarian

Hi, thanks for answering my questions. I guess what I meant to ask in the first question is are miniatures rules similiar to hex-based wargame rules? (i.e. attack factor/defense factor, a ratio is worked out and a die roll is made...etc.) I know that simplifies it but I was just curious if miniatures games "played" similiar to traditional wargames.

LOL... I'd argue that miniatures are a lot more "traditional" than anything involving hexes ! [:D] Toy soldiers have been around an awful long time.. and in all honesty that's all miniatures are, a way of representing wargame units that is a little more interesting than paper counters. Miniature (and toy soldier, come to that) painting and collecting is a hobby in itself, with many keen gamers involved both in researching every last detail, building and painting their armies and then commanding them in tabletop battle. That can be anything from classic Napoleonics to popular fantasy games, like Warhammer.

There really isn't that much difference in game mechanics. Miniatures are traditionally played on a large surface (a BIG table) with terrain features being added by players - imagine model railway scenery. In gameplay their function is identical to different colour codes on a paper hex map. Miniatures games generally use measure distances with a ruler rather than counting hexes, but other than a few complexities regarding facing and such that's about it.

Tin Soldiers, by the way, is pure "hex", and if you are used to what you call "traditional" games you will be right at home. The graphics just give it a miniatures "feel" - which is the point, really. It can't be equated directly to paper/counters games though because of the simultaneous turns, a far better method of gameplay for this scale IMHO.

Buy, and enjoy [:)]