Necros wrote: I'm gonna hit my local store for a demo next week on their FOW night, but after really checking out the site and all I think i might wanna give it a go.
demo's are a good way to see what you like. I'd play a few times to see if you like the mechanics. I thought that it was a solid & fun system.
Necros wrote:So as a total newbie, what should I look into getting to get started, other than models? A rulebook obviously
The rulebook would be a good start. Since
BF gave away so many free core rules when they started second edition you might find someone in the
FoW group who'd be willing to lend you theirs.
Necros wrote: but are there army books/codexes that I'll need to get for the army I pick too?
There are "codexes" but I would play a few games and figure out what you like first (just like
40k)
Necros wrote:Do I need any special counters or anything?
not really. the rules and figures are all you really need, bailed out and pinned units can be marked with dice/coins.
Necros wrote:And I take it like any other game each army has different strengths & weaknesses & playstyles so can anyone give me a quick summary of how the different armies are?
It's not like
40K where armies have vastly different play styles. Basically you've got elite armies (each nation has some of these) middling troops and unskilled hordes (Russians) but you don't have a gigantic variation between armies. Within those 3 different categories are
1. Armored companies (tanks)
2. Recon companies (light vehicles and infantry)
3. Mechanized infantry (mounted in trucks/halftracks)
4. Leg infantry (ground pounders)
5. and to these basic companies you can attach other units (artillery, air support, snipers, engineers, armor, etc.)
Necros wrote: And what can I expect an army to cost me? Do I want a mostly tank army? or mostly infantry army? Or a good mix of both?
How much you pay will vary on what you want. horde armies will cost a bit more. Elites (especially armor) will cost less. I would imagine you can get a good starter army for about $150-200 including the necessary codex.
Necros wrote:Should I just buy one of those army box sets that they sell or will I still need to get extra stuff on top of that for an average sized force?
You will find yourself wanting extra stuff. The box sets tend to supply the basics of making a company (2 squads of infantry with a basic command unit) having a decent mix of armor, artillery, air defense, and infantry.
Hope this helps
Interrogator-Chaplain Severus