I had a game of M2E today and found that the new rules speed up play and were relatively easy to follow. Compared to the first game of Malifaux back in 2009 , the new rules are much improved. I still have my original rule book with all the corrections in red ink (and there were a lot of them). Note: I used to be a Wyrd Henchman.
The Changes
I like the change to pre measure. No arguments about creeping during movement as you can see what is being measured and know whats happening. The streamlined duels are good and moving the soul stones bit to the start speeds things up as you know exactly what you need to reach TN or win. Removing the CA as a stat to the attack actions and also the weapons section to the attack actions simplifies the game processes. The charge action has changed from getting 1 attack with a + damage flip to getting 2 AP 1 attacks.
Tactical actions do not require an opposed duel and Attack action do. Focus and defence are more usable now as you can choose to do a defensive stance 1 and stack it twice. Damage is the same, you can still cheat damage if its not – . I like the rewording to “Accuracy Modifier” as its make more sense that combat total modifier. Horror duels have been rewritten quite a few times and I think the current 2E is the most understandable yet. There is no concept of falling back, you just get Paralysed instead. So instead of running you just do nothing.
The use of soul stones has been refined and it doesn’t add a card to a duel total anymore, but allows a + flip or a suit to final duel total. Or the one I like is that a soul stone can add + your defence flip and – to any damage flip. The bit that was always confusing was the coloured suits in the stat line, for triggers. This has been removed and the suit added into the attack stat line. Makes it easy to see what trigger to use.
In summary , its definitely different to Version 1. Is it better? I like the “cut down” stats and abilities and it makes it easier to prepare for a game. Not as much card reading during the game speeds up play and the soulstone changes are subtle but aid the forward thinker.The upgrade cards are a great idea to add flexibility and change the way you play a model with and without the upgrade.
The bits I don’t like so much
Having to get some more models or remodel some of my old ones. Specially Joss (has only 1 ax and a pneumatic fist), Maybe I can use the guild model Ryle and convert but he is on a 40mm base.
Having to wait until all the models get new stats , I know it takes time but I am impatient 🙂
Not being able to use the Voodoo doll with LOS. I know it was good but the new range is 10 inches and you have to pay 3 to get a Voodoo doll. I guess you get to deploy the voodoo at the start of the game hence the cost.
Silurids costing 7, they are not that good. They use to cost 5 and have a leap of 9 inches 😦
Not having the new model Cojo ( The big gorilla ) as he looks like a must have for a Marcus lead crew.
The bits I really like
Having to learn the rules and what the models do, it is like a fresh start
Streamlined play, its heaps faster
The new factions , especially the Ten Thunders
The awesome art work in the rule book e.g.
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