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Hello everyone!

I am an ex Warhammer Fantasy player who has decided to quit after becoming seriously disenchanted with the game after seeing the introduction of Age of Sigmar. However, I still need my tabletop fix! Thus, I am seriously considering Malifaux. I have several questions. First, could someone please tell me how the game is generally played? Also I am very interested in the Neverborn Faction, could someone please tell me more about it and how it plays? I hear its a hard faction, but I'm really into complex game mechanics in general. Also I am just curious what playing Malifaux is like; like how can a game be played out with only 7ish models? Also, in general, how good are the Malifaux models and how popular is the game in America?

Thank you very much,
Daniel

The truncated version:

The game is definitely complex: you share a primary objective, and each pick 2/5 secondary objective options (which can be hidden from your opponent), and many of the objectives aren't directly combat-oriented.

The game is highly interactive, because both offense and defense are generated (card based, value + stat = score vs. opponent's, suit determines bonus effects), and are able to play cards from your hand, meaning even defensively you have agency. You also alternate single model activations (so it's a lot easier to react).

Model count is typically very low- I'd say 7 is actually right about on the money for a standard game, per side. 4-5 would be the minimum, above 10 is uncommon (though definitely possible with summons). What this all amounts to is a game where you have a ton of interaction, bluffing, and resource management (including very few models and not a ton of turns so every action should be chosen well).

My biggest hesitation recommending the game (which I love) is its complexity, but if that's what you like, I'd highly encourage you dive in.

Neverborn tends towards melee, and has some really nasty heavyweights. I've never seen them as very difficult. In the case of all factions, you leader heavily influences how your force plays: some are straightforward beaters, some are really tricky or even tend to avoid combat.

The models are really nice, though sometimes to avoid undercuts they come in too many pieces IMHO.

The game really depends on the area- it's not hugely popular, but 2/3 game stores in my area have regular game nights.

About how a game can play out with only about 7 models, this does reflect a lot on 40k.

In 40k, models are disposable. GW have reinforced this idea that setting up dozens of models, then removing them by the handful with little interaction on your part is fun.

Skirmish games like Malifaux go the other way. Units are rarely disposeable, and are always valuable for various reasons. They are also more survivable than your average 40k model, with almost every unit having multiple wounds and a decent Defensive statistic. Units of equal stature can take several rounds to beat each other to a pulp.

Then, as spiralingcadaver said, Malifaux as a game is objective driven. You don't build a list with the intention of tabling your opponent - in many cases, this will lose you the game since you won't be getting points for schemes and strategies (Malifauxs version of objectives). You build a list to complete the schemes and strategy that are determined at the start of the game, and in the process try to stop your opponent completing theirs. This involves combat, but if you focus on only the combat, you'll tend to lose a lot.

40k is about slamming two slegdehammers together and hoping the other breaks first. Malifaux is about fighting with scalpels trying to hit select areas and hoping you connect more.

 -Loki- wrote:
40k is about slamming two slegdehammers together and hoping the other breaks first. Malifaux is about fighting with scalpels trying to hit select areas and hoping you connect more.

I don't think I've never heard it put better.