Question regarding Crackshot

@belouxiotis

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Ferocity - During your assault phase, this unit must attack if able.
(This special ability was removed from the Japanese Type 3 Chi-Nu tank. It’s listed here for reference purposes.)

No, you cant attack and move with this ability. Must attack if able. Then, only attack.

Im sure I’ll run into some things but that is it for now.  Thanks for your help.

I’m really enjoying playing the miniatures game.

I saw your post sitting so long I registered to give you a few pointers on maps. Most if not all the WotC map packs are themed in some way. Originally they were 2" hexes but were changed some time ago. The map packs you mentioned are themed as follows: North Africa - 3 Desert maps and on reverse side 3 jungle maps. Eastern Front - 3 town/factory maps and on the reverse side 3 Russian steppes maps. There are two starters, the one in the cardboard box is the old one and contains 12mm mini’s and 2" hex maps. the new starter is in a blister pack and has 15mm mini’s and 3" hex maps. The maps in the new starter are mixed forest/hills/clear. The rules and revised cards are downloadable through the WotC site.

Additionally, if you download the scenarios that you’ll find at www.axisandallies.com, they’ll actually list suggested units for you.  It makes quick, pick-up games much easier to get started.

That’s great info, thanks everyone!

Max and I played through a short game tonight. It was only when I played solo after he hit the hay, that I really grasped the rules. It’s actually a nice blend of skirmish and area style games. Positioning is oh so important. When I rush in I get slaughtered ‘cause I don’t realize how much damage those tiny pieces of plastic are capable of. I’m lovin’ it so far!

No problem.

Units don’t block line of sight. When attacking you have to declare a (valid) target unit. Only units with blast will attack every non-aircraft in the hex.

“On a sucessful cover roll, can the attacker resume his attack with the effected unit?”

I’m not sure what you mean.

Attacks go as follows:
Attack declares target and rolls appropriate dice, counting successes for hits, etc.
If the defender is in cover and takes hits he does a cover roll; on a 4+ THAT attack is limited to disruption.
Procced to the next unit.

Also, how long do the games run?
The AH site says 30-90 minutes, but for what size battle is that?

If you don’t count the time to formulate your armies, games rarely last only 30 minutes. 30 minutes is usually for a scenario that gets you into the action right away. Tournament games usually last between 60 and 90 minutes. Recreational games can last up to 2 hours if you’re taking your time. You’re first few games will probably last 2 hours.

Not for what point total he wants to play. It’s usually 45 minutes-1 hour/ 100 points you do. At 250 point armies, which is reaching the limit for point totals maintaining game balance (post 300 you’ll see huge balance issues), expect to play and hour and a half- 2 hours, maybe more in the beginning as you learn the rules. It also depends on the scenario you’re playing.

@Garfunkle:

What size is the standard playing surface?

Well, normally it’s the 2x2 maps they give you. But you won’t be able to play on that surface with the point totals you want to do. You’ll need at least one more starter set to have the ability to play on 4x2 maps or 3x3. Hell, I sometimes consider getting a third starter set for even more maps, as sometimes I feel like 4x2 isn’t big enough. I play 150-200 point battles.

@Garfunkle:

Is there good after market support for terrain and miniatures?

The terrain are maps that come with the game. Some people eventually play using 3-d terrain, but then you have to either play using houserules, or go out and buy hex-terrain, which is a whole new set of expenses.

@Garfunkle:

What scale is 15 mm anyway?

Basically 1:120. It’s more like 1:121, but 1:120 is the accepted number for buying terrain for the game.

@Garfunkle:

Are these plastic minis easy to mod and repaint?

Yes.

@Garfunkle:

I would like to have the ability to field a 250 point army

That’s like fielding a 6,000 point army in Warhammer: it’s really big and might make the game take longer than you want. Before making any army goals, play the game a few times. Having a crapload of miniatures to choose from for army building is sweet, but actually fielding 250 points might be hefty for you, since you mentioned that your kids impede gaming somewhat. 150 points is usually big enough to have alot of fun and see lots of units, but small enough that the game doesn’t last forever.

Welcome aboard. May you make every cover save and ignore enemy Superior Armor… :)

-=Grim=-