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So got my email to join the Beta for this cool sounding game. I am really excited about this because I have finally suckered my girlfriend into playing a mini because this sounds like it is such a simplified system. Any other Dakkaites joining the beta at all? I purchased the "Collectors" Ed. for 72 shipped which is not too bad for what it sounds like I will be getting. I will be posting a review of the system, what you get and everything else about the game once I get all the stuff in.

Do you have any other information about this game, perhaps a link?

Sure do here ya go

http://en.ex-illis.com/

Also the D6 did a interview with these guys at Gencon if anyone is interested in finding out more info. The website does not get a whole lot of info but it will get you going in the right path, the interview they did is what got me hooked. Its a historical fantasy game sent in 1309. Lots of characters and no real "factions" to speak of. I think the coolest thing about this game will be that the computer will be doing all the dice rolls and measuring and such. A non war gamer that may be interested in the hobby but does not want to learn big rule sets this may be the perfect start to get them hooked.

Uhm, the website is really light on info, and mainly just reads like a press release. Are there any pictures of the mini's, or games in progress, or screenshots of the software working?

Yeah, what's this all about already?

Yeah there really is not a lot of info on the site as of yet it is pretty PR heavy. The best thing I can say is listen to the D6 interview and as far as pics on the mins I know they have some on the site here: http://ex-illis.com/en/gameplay.xml (sorry guess I should have posted this link instead of the other one....) then click on the troops and there is a pic of each type of unit there.

I signed up for the beta, but haven't heard anything back from them. I'd really like to get involved in this.

Lormax wrote:I signed up for the beta, but haven't heard anything back from them. I'd really like to get involved in this.

Me too!

I guessing I didn't make the cut, but I am interested in hearing about it from those who did!

Lormax wrote:I signed up for the beta, but haven't heard anything back from them. I'd really like to get involved in this.

Alpharius wrote:

Me too!

I guessing I didn't make the cut, but I am interested in hearing about it from those who did!

You both may want to try and email them and see if you can get in since you signed up. I emailed contactus at bastionstudio dot com after I signed up for the site and got my email telling me I was in today. I signed up on the 21st.

So is it basically WHFB with a nearby laptop doing all the heavy lifting?

EDIT: Ok, I'm reading the PDF on "Melee" right now, sounds like an early Renaissance/late medieval game with heavy fantasy elements. It mentions Swiss Pikemen, Varangian Guards, and the increasing appearance of ogres on the battlefield. It seems the map is broken into "zones" (pics of their custom roll-up map indicate a square grid). There's a plethora of different combat options, which seem to derive from the nature of the weapons the units are equipped with as well as who/what they are fighting.

http://ex-illis.com/en/image/media/pdf/melee.pdf

Sounds like it combines the ease and complexity of Medieval 2: Total War with fantasy wargaming miniatures. My curiosity is piqued.

It also appears to make use of the iPod as an integral part of the game. Cute idea, we'll see if it works.

Well my stuff shipped today so I will make a new thread somewhere with my impressions and such of the game and minis.

Keep in mind, it makes use of ipods and laptops, with versions for things like the palm pre coming along. Since laptops are common these days at gaming stores, I can see this game being doable.

There's also more than just using computers to handle combat. It also tracks unit experience, armies, and more.

Vertrucio wrote:Keep in mind, it makes use of ipods and laptops, with versions for things like the palm pre coming along. Since laptops are common these days at gaming stores, I can see this game being doable.

There's also more than just using computers to handle combat. It also tracks unit experience, armies, and more.

Yep already planned on testing it out on my Ipod Touch and the GFs netbook plus my HTPC. I am a techie geek so its gonna get ran on anything that will install it! I too think this will help TONS if the system its self is not 100% borked. I do not think it is but only time shall tell.

Why don't you just play a computer game...

Linkdead wrote:Why don't you just play a computer game...

If we all like fantasy combat so much why don't we all just LARP instead of playing with silly plastic figuers? Ooh yea... we don't want to, and there are times you don't want to play full video games either.

There are always those that take a dim view to innovation.

Also, miniature games tend to be more social than video games.

Linkdead wrote:Why don't you just play a computer game...

Because as a tech geek and a mini war gamer I like the innovation of this idea. Everyone always whines about this codex is gimped or that rule is broken and I think in the long run this game will not see such issues. Hell if GW would do this I would be WAY more into it than I am now.

te3b0r wrote:

Linkdead wrote:Why don't you just play a computer game...

Because as a tech geek and a mini war gamer I like the innovation of this idea. Everyone always whines about this codex is gimped or that rule is broken and I think in the long run this game will not see such issues. Hell if GW would do this I would be WAY more into it than I am now.

yes and if you you think a unit is cheesy you could always change code, ahh the joys of being a techie

there was already something alike.. and that "thing" called Eye of Judgement, some card game for ps3. All i can say - that game was horrible

penek wrote:there was already something alike.. and that "thing" called Eye of Judgement, some card game for ps3. All i can say - that game was horrible

Sorry but not even close!!! That was just cards. This is a full on mini game with having the rules, measurements, and dice rolls done by the computer. You are right eye of judgement was crap but not like this. At least in theory thus far. EOJ was a computerized version of Magic this is a computerized version of WHFB at least IMO

From what I saw at Gencon the computer combat system reminded me of Advance Wars. The miniatures are plastic, but the detail is not very good. I couldn't tell if the miniatures will come as pre-paints the demo game minis had some horrible paint jobs.

Seemed like one of those games you see once at Gencon and never hear from the company again.

Linkdead wrote:From what I saw at Gencon the computer combat system reminded me of Advance Wars. The miniatures are plastic, but the detail is not very good. I couldn't tell if the miniatures will come as pre-paints the demo game minis had some horrible paint jobs.

Seemed like one of those games you see once at Gencon and never hear from the company again.

That part I can tell you they will not come pre painted they come unassembled and unpainted. Not sure of the detail of them yet however.

The figs actully have very good detail I would say they are on par with GW in terms of quality. The gameplay sadly is lackluster. I would rather be playing a mini game or a computer game, not a combination of both.

The beta is very rough, most of us who have downloaded it have been unable ot play a game and you need to be a heavy tech geek to get the game to play. Those that have a passing knowlege of computers should pass as they seem to give very little help to get the game to run propperly.

I bought the game just for the boards which are similar to the ones GW did, but cheaper.

beowulfhunter wrote:The figs actully have very good detail I would say they are on par with GW in terms of quality. The gameplay sadly is lackluster. I would rather be playing a mini game or a computer game, not a combination of both.

The beta is very rough, most of us who have downloaded it have been unable ot play a game and you need to be a heavy tech geek to get the game to play. Those that have a passing knowlege of computers should pass as they seem to give very little help to get the game to run propperly.

I bought the game just for the boards which are similar to the ones GW did, but cheaper.

Well at least I am a tech geek so I can try and work through the glitches. How bad have they been?

Well my set came in today and just looking at the figs I am VERY impressed! The quality is right up there with GW for sure. I will post pics of them once I get home and I will start a new thread in the other gaming section if anyone wants to see my thoughts on this game once I start playing it.

Last one here before I make the new thread and pics are coming soon. With football starting tonight put a hitch in the plans but will get em posted ASAP but those still interested just a FYI:

Hi everybody,

Just a quick note to let you know that no application for the Ex illis beta program will be possible after September the 10th.

We need to concentrate on finalizing the game and preparing for the big launch early November!