Starting Dystopian Wars

 Long story short I've been busy the last few months and havent made enough time or done enough hobby to hobby.

My progress on my Necrons has been really slow :( although I did get some metallics down on the destroyers and have nearly completed assembling a squad of Death Marks.

In other hobby related news, this year I have started a new game with some mates...Dystopian Wars.
So far Max and I have played a few games using his starter boxes to get our heads around the rules. He has been using the Kingdom of Bretonia (KoB) and I have been borrowing his Empire of the Blazing Sun (Japan/ EotBS).

First game using the entire Navel Battle Group box content

For myself I will be starting out with a Covenant of Antarctica fleet.

What I managed to snag from a local store

Aside from the rules which I think are absolutely amazing, the models are ridiculously cool. There is detail where it has no right to be, in overhangs and there are things like rivets in the sides of doors at the bottom of stairs that sink into the deck of the ships. Additionally on the resin models there are no mold lines or flash coming off the model except for at the base where it is very easily removed.

Covenant of Antarctica Naval Starter Box a few minutes after opening

The aircraft carrier had the most individual pieces (8 excluding turrets, most of the rest of the stuff is one piece)

Dystopian Wars certainly feels like the most tactical and strategic tabletop game that I have played to date.

Things I liked:

• Clear detailed rules
• Regular rule updates for the game (including great forum run by the creators with game designer->community interaction)
• Cool, distinctive models
• Minimal Assembly (can play using a fleet a few minutes after opening the box)
• Low cost (less than $200 AU to get started to a tournament size with models to spare)
• Stat cards for models (come supplied with the models)
• Inclusion of details on other factions and special rules in the core rulebook
• Land, Air and Navel combat all in the single unified system

The game works on a model by model (or squadron by squadron) activation system (I activate one when I'm finished my opponent does). this means that firstly you are active more often which makes the game more fun and involving (no sitting back and only responding by rolling the dice your opponent hands you. Secondly it adds an extra element of tactics for the order of squadron activation. Additionally it reduces the impact of alpha strike tactics. 


Another nice game play feature is the variable maneuverability of the various models, combined with the different weapon firing arcs and the ability to fire all your weapons regardless of movement. This means each model functions differently and is used to distinguish the play styles of the various factions.
I still haven't decided on my final colour scheme. I am leaning towards blue and brass. Being a steam punk setting I think everything looks better with brass.

I have some more goodies in the mail and hope to put some painting updates (and maybe even guides) up throughout the week.