First Impression
The Walking Dead
All Out War
I recently visited my Friendly Local Gaming Store and found The Walking Dead, All Out War. I have already played it a number of times and wanted to give you my first impressions. This is a miniatures game which means you are free to move and shoot around the battlefield by using a ruler and measuring distances. With that being said, this might not be a game for you, but don't stop reading yet because I think this may change your mind.
First, I would like to tell you that I have only played Solo and Cooperative Missions but have read over all of the rules for competitive games. I will not be touching on competitive play quite yet though, I hope to get this game to a FLGS next week to test that type of game.
I know what you are all saying "Not another zombie game" well this is just that, another zombie game. In this game you will either be working together (or solo) to fight zombies and trying to obtain an objective. You can also play against each other, trying to use sounds and event cards to move the zombies to your opponent, but like in said I will not be going over that in this article. The missions that I have played have been both from the book that Mantic Games provides and some scenarios I have created.
First, I would like to tell you that I have only played Solo and Cooperative Missions but have read over all of the rules for competitive games. I will not be touching on competitive play quite yet though, I hope to get this game to a FLGS next week to test that type of game.
I know what you are all saying "Not another zombie game" well this is just that, another zombie game. In this game you will either be working together (or solo) to fight zombies and trying to obtain an objective. You can also play against each other, trying to use sounds and event cards to move the zombies to your opponent, but like in said I will not be going over that in this article. The missions that I have played have been both from the book that Mantic Games provides and some scenarios I have created.
I would like to give Mantic Games a lot of credit. The rule book is written beautifully, starting with the first two missions. They do a great job walking you through and having you jump right into the game. If you have ever played a miniatures game before then you know that there are a LOT of rules and with the way everything in this rule book is laid out for you, you never feel overwhelmed. I remember the first time I played Warhammer 40k, I was so overwhelmed by rules and stipulations that I never fully enjoyed it until after at least 5 games, with this game it is different. The points system that is used is so easy to pick up, all of the points are listed on the player cards and equipment upgrades. With that being said, the point system for zombies is just as easy, one zombie equals 15 points. So when I played my first cooperative game with my wife, we used Rick and Carl (of course we did) and after we added our points from the character cards and upgrades we started at a total of 150 points so we placed 10 zombies out at the start of the game, easy as that.
Now let's talk a little about the combat. Ranged combat is easy and straight forward. You will measure the distance between you and your target and if the target is blocked by cover they will either receive a few extra dice for their defense roll or you will not be able to attack at all. If you are to shoot at an enemy that is in contact with one of your character, there will be a possibility that you instead hit your character (Don't shoot Carl, Rick!) The best part of ranged attacks, other than slaughtering hordes of zombies and Negan (sadly he is not included in the starter set) is the noise they create, this will cause either one or all of the zombies to move towards the noise. Zombies can also move when you run (due to the noise that you create) or you are able to simply make noise to try and lure a zombie in your direction.
Now let's talk a little about the combat. Ranged combat is easy and straight forward. You will measure the distance between you and your target and if the target is blocked by cover they will either receive a few extra dice for their defense roll or you will not be able to attack at all. If you are to shoot at an enemy that is in contact with one of your character, there will be a possibility that you instead hit your character (Don't shoot Carl, Rick!) The best part of ranged attacks, other than slaughtering hordes of zombies and Negan (sadly he is not included in the starter set) is the noise they create, this will cause either one or all of the zombies to move towards the noise. Zombies can also move when you run (due to the noise that you create) or you are able to simply make noise to try and lure a zombie in your direction.
Enough about how the game is played and lets talk about if its actually any good. There are a lot of good aspects of All Out War I will list a few of my favorites.
Simplicity. I know this is in the eye of the beholder but if you have ever played a miniatures game then you will find that this is simple in comparison. With this being said, that is definitely not a bad thing. I love the fact that I can break out a game that I can teach to anyone and have them catch on pretty quickly. You will always have those times where you will have to reference the rules but you will do it much less then you would with a game like Warhammer 40K.
Walkers. The addition of the third element like the walkers is great. This brings in an X factor and I really enjoy that. The moment and manipulation of this walkers never feels "fake". This is a mechanism that makes this game stand out from other miniature games that I have played and it has been excepted with open arms.
Comic. I really like the fact the Mantic Games used characters from the comics instead of the show. I have been a fan of the comic books since they started. I know this is relative and some people my be upset that they wont see characters like Darryl but the major roles like Rick, Michonne and the infamous Negan will all be there.
Solo. I am a fan of games that have the capability of being played solo. There has been many times that I really want to play a game but have no one around and games that allow me to break them out means they will collect much less dust then others.
Price. I picked up TWD All Out War for only $30 and this gives you everything you need to open it up and play. This is not common for other miniature games and I believe this will be a huge plus when people see it on the shelf.
The Bad. I only have one disappointment and by no means is it a deal breaker. When you by this game you will take it home and open it up. You will find pretty good quality miniatures and nice character and equipment cards. They even throw in some cardboard cards and barriers that are not to bad. But then you will pull out a flimsy folded piece of paper that is going to be your battlefield. I know that most people, including myself, are going to going to make extravagant battlefields from all of the scenery fixtures from your local hobby shop but I wish the starter box came with something with a little more quality. I would have been willing to pay a few extra dollars for a better quality battlefield.
Simplicity. I know this is in the eye of the beholder but if you have ever played a miniatures game then you will find that this is simple in comparison. With this being said, that is definitely not a bad thing. I love the fact that I can break out a game that I can teach to anyone and have them catch on pretty quickly. You will always have those times where you will have to reference the rules but you will do it much less then you would with a game like Warhammer 40K.
Walkers. The addition of the third element like the walkers is great. This brings in an X factor and I really enjoy that. The moment and manipulation of this walkers never feels "fake". This is a mechanism that makes this game stand out from other miniature games that I have played and it has been excepted with open arms.
Comic. I really like the fact the Mantic Games used characters from the comics instead of the show. I have been a fan of the comic books since they started. I know this is relative and some people my be upset that they wont see characters like Darryl but the major roles like Rick, Michonne and the infamous Negan will all be there.
Solo. I am a fan of games that have the capability of being played solo. There has been many times that I really want to play a game but have no one around and games that allow me to break them out means they will collect much less dust then others.
Price. I picked up TWD All Out War for only $30 and this gives you everything you need to open it up and play. This is not common for other miniature games and I believe this will be a huge plus when people see it on the shelf.
The Bad. I only have one disappointment and by no means is it a deal breaker. When you by this game you will take it home and open it up. You will find pretty good quality miniatures and nice character and equipment cards. They even throw in some cardboard cards and barriers that are not to bad. But then you will pull out a flimsy folded piece of paper that is going to be your battlefield. I know that most people, including myself, are going to going to make extravagant battlefields from all of the scenery fixtures from your local hobby shop but I wish the starter box came with something with a little more quality. I would have been willing to pay a few extra dollars for a better quality battlefield.
My conclusion. I don't think you would be unhappy with this game. I don't know if there would be as much satisfaction from the hardcore miniature gamer but if you want a game that just about anyone will be willing to play even if they are not miniature games, this will probably be the one. I cannot stress enough on how well the 3rd party walkers movie just like you would expect them to in the comics or show. I do recommend it and hope you enjoy! Share all of your game play with me on social media!
