Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So, anyone here have experience playing Infinity via Vassal?

I've played quite a bit of Vassal 40k - though mostly offline (via email) - but Casey's Law and I decided to give the Infinity Module a bash today. I'll save him the embarrassment of letting you know how it went, but we were only using the BoW v2 Quickstart Rules and introductory forces - so a Lieutenant and 2 Line Infantry each.

Anyway - if there is any interest - I'll try to update this first post with some links to Vassal and the Infinity Module and some getting started notes. And if anyone wants a hands on tutorial, I can try to help with that too (though you may need to bring the rules knowledge!)

There is an Infinity module for a program called MapTool too - if anyone has any experience with that that they want to weigh in with.

Somehow I seem to find for more Vassal games than actual ones...

Catchya!
Arakasi

I did look at MapTool for running online RPing, but damn is it an inefficient way of going about it. I could set a scene in a few lines of narration, but it took me ages just to build a couple of maps, and half the time I know my players would go off in a completely different direction and miss that encounter entirely.

I can see the appeal for online RPing programs, but it just doesn't appeal for Infinity. It has the very major drawback that I don't get to play with my pretty models.

I have played on Maptool and Vassal and although its passable, its not what I would recommend. Infinity is very much a 3-Dimensional game

Both MapTool and Vassal modules come with prebuilt maps - or the ability to make your own with the same "tiles" (interestingly, they both actually use the same tiles...) - setting up is as quick as you want it to be. Though I think it would benefit from a more 40k Module way to setup terrain (ie select and choose individual terrain pieces)

While I agree the experience is not optimal - I would ask the question - is a non optimal experience better than none at all?

- If you have no Infinity players near you, now you do.
- If you don't have time or willing spouses to go out a lot, you can play from the comfort of your own home.
- If you want to play across the world against a variety of opponents - without travel and accommodation expenses - now you can.

If you have a vibrant local Infinity hub in your area - then more power to you!

Personally, I find it easier to learn the nuances of game rules by playing games. While you have to make allowances for 2D in Vassal and MapTool, and can't use your pretty miniatures, if you can't find regular games easily I find this quite reasonable for learning the game rules. Which I expect will make my rare "in person" games much more enjoyable.

Well to me, this isn't infinity. These games, IMO, are meant to be played on a board with abundant detail with lovingly painted minis against passionate hobbyists. It's not only not optimal, it's far less than optimal.

This just sounds like an extremely watered down and boring waste of time. But that's just my thought. You might as well play Starcraft or dawn of war.

I guess if there's absolutely no one in your area to play against, well it's your free time and might as well go for it.

While I do have sympathy for someone who doesn't have anyone in the area to play with, I can't say I'd be interested.

A while ago, we were thinking about doing a MapTools Pathfinder campaign so we could game once a week instead of every other weekend. But at some point in getting it all together, we asked ourselves "how is this any better than WoW?"

If you're already playing on the computer, I don't know why you wouldn't just play something that is optimally fun for the medium.

In case it wasn't clear, I'm not suggesting Vassal as a replacement to table top gaming - Infinity or otherwise. I too much prefer to play in person! Vassal is a tool. As a tool, it is going to have strengths and weaknesses. This thread is to discuss those strengths and weaknesses, how to reduce some of those weaknesses, and to help out those who would like to try it if any of those strengths appeal.

I respect your opinions, but please don't start making sweeping statements putting down those who use or may wish to try out such a tool. At best, it comes across as "Infinity is no better than playing computer games", at worst as elitist (if you can't play Infinity "properly", don't play it at all). I'm sure neither was either of your intent.

If you have no use for Vassal or similar tools, or think they are detrimental in some way, please feel free to express this - even better if you have any suggestions for improving the tools, or alternatives to them - but be aware that this thread may not be for you.

I don't consider learning the rules via Vassal "a waste of time" if better alternatives are not available (feel free to suggest some...). No amount of playing Starcraft, Dawn of War or WoW is going to improve my Infinity experience. Not everyone's idea of "fun" is the same.

I've tried vassal and it left me unsatisfied.

More unsatisfied than simply not playing a game. Miniatures to me are all about the 3D aspect (even if they only use a 2D movement system).

Sure, it's only a tool - but it's a 3/4" socket when I'm looking for a Stilson.