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Hey all!

So my brothers and I have been steady LOTR players just these past two years, and we've been hearing some mixed reports about the new Hobbit ruleset. We're quite happy where we are with our source-books and mini blue books so we're a little hesitant to jump into the next phase (Though willing since more people seem familiar with those rules rather than the original). Are there game-breaking rules? Changes to the individual flexibility of models (IE, swimming, climbing, dismounting, etc.)? Rules that nerf some armies and stupidly empower others (I heard Goblins are even more fierce than before because of some sort of Creeping Hoard rule or something?)? I'm having a hard time finding straight, clear answers to the differences between the two books and I'd like to hear it from you guys who are actively playing it and whatnot.

Thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWFbeAG_fgZOnJ9pVkUGiubYBj5bC5xIj

The biggest changes are that individual types of Hand Weapons (axes/swords/maces ect) not have individual rules, which is something I'm not a fan of, and the shooting rules changed a bit. They added some more heroic actions.

GW have posted on their site a list of all the character and model rules for the Hobbit Unexpected Journey book, so if you're not bothered by using the new weapon rules or heroic actions, but want to use the Hobbit characters, then you should be fine with that and the blue book.

Regarding balance, the Goblins from Goblin Town now count as having free spears when supporting other goblin models, and have a character that allows them to roll on extra Goblins every turn, which can be a bit much.

Other issues I've noticed are Azog being amazing at killing characters (wounding any heroes, up to and including the Balrog, on a 3+) and Hunter Orcs getting +1 attacks when fighting on foot.

Other than that, most of it is ok, with the old or new rules.

The hand weapon changes give bonuses depending on the weapon, but with some downside if it goes wrong (using the special effect is optional) ie an Axe can choose to go all out for boosted strength but if they lose the combat get hit at -1 defence

Shooting has had a minor tweak, if you move you suffer a minus 1 modifier to hit, the half move still stands

new models have a few special rules similar to the previous heroes

Wizards can now get a boosted version of spells using might (i think)

otherwise is pretty much the same

Paradigm:Actually...he has burly.So he wounds ALL heros on TWO+.

Oh. That would be why people seem him as OP then. That's fair enough.

Hey guys thanks for the answers! The Hobbit sounds quite intriguing with the shooting and hand-weapon rules: Methinks I'll play-test it at the local shop and see how it rolls. (Of course being rank-and-file Uruk-Hai puts a bit of a dampener on the variety, but hey I needed an excuse to start buying goody-two-shoes lists)

So can you pick these hand-weapons or is it whatever the miniature is holding? Cause if it's whatever the figure happens to have, I have been eyeballing Perry Normans for a pre-movie Men of Dale force for a while now anyways, so...

It's entirely dependant on what the model is holding.

Da krimson barun wrote:
Paradigm:Actually...he has burly.So he wounds ALL heros on TWO+.

Uh...no. That's not what Burly does, anyway. Also, the FAQ specifically says that it can't be modified

Evil Heroes
Q: Can the 3+ To Wound roll for Azogʼs I am the Master
special rule be modified by any means? (p185)
A: No.

Oh it can't be modified..but let me explain.
Azog has a two handed weapon and we all know that that's 1+ to wound -1 to win the combat.
Burly means no 1-.
Why wouldn't you use the two handed axe?