August Store Tournament Report and General Thoughts on Reinforcements

So I've been kind of lacking in posts, and it's mostly due to trying the new Reinforcements rules and focusing on hobby projects for an event coming in November.

But I thought I'd write a tournament report with a short write up of my games but with the goal of kind of explaining how Reinforcements feels at the current time.

My Lists:

So since Exrah had returned and I've been playing the faction as is, I went with Combined Army. 

So the first list is clearly a vanity list with the Avatar with the intent of just playing it only for Mindwipe, matchup permitting. That said, I could also use this for supplies if I feel spicy about it.

The other list is built with Countermeasures in mind but it definitely can do Mindwipe and Supplies without any problems in list building for the most part.

I will kind of admit CA feels rough to build reinforcements for. This will go into detail on my overall thoughts but the fact you have to take a Nox Trooper, Morat Vanguard or Unidron feels hefty as a tax for what I usually like to take in a list. As well I didn't get as much practice with these lists so it might not be the best I could have done.

Game 1: 

Bye sadly. That said I managed to watch a little bit of agame which was a Tohaa mirror match and how rough that can be for both players. Though I I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued since they were good players piloting them.

Game 2: vs. Tohaa (Countermeasures). Loss 2-6

This was a bit of a rough game. I didn't deploy as good as I could and I had Nourkias get-got on the first turn. I did manage to score one classified on the first turn, but Extreme prejudice eluded me because I outright killed his Greif Operator instead of just putting him unconscious. In return I didn't push with my Speculo when I should and tried to do as much damage as I could since he got Extreme prejudice off it because of Tohaa bullshit known as Endgame (lol). Certainly could've played it better but is what it is.

Game 3: vs. JSA (Supplies). Won 6-2.

This is not my proudest game (or moment) as I played my Avatar list against a new-ish player. That said, I kind of ran over my list and what he did, and for the most part he did the correct thing and ignored the Avatar and played towards objectives when he could. 

My reinforcements never came in since it was only a two round game but his managed to get on and get one of the boxes away from me. I did make a comeback since I possessed his Anaconda and my Gaki managed to kill a CSU and Miranda to have him drop the box. He managed to get it back after saving against a Explosive shot from the Avatar.

Final thoughts:

So I had two games of reinforcements before this, and then three for the tournament so I figured five games would be good to explain my thoughts.

In concept, I think Reinforcements is a great addition to the game and a good way to have another format to play in. Especially since it is a format that feels like the Alpha Strike doesn't feel as strong. This said the execution is something that is...mixed at best for me, even though I enjoyed these games. 

And it boils down to two things:

1) the Commlink is quite the tax in a game mode where you need to play it. So instead of having 250 pts and 5 SWC you're essentially down 18 to 24 pts and half an SWC in your list. 

It does make list building quite awkward since the player has to take it. 

2) The reinforcement section feels quite hard to list build for properly, as not everything alings at a perfect 100 points. And tied to that, you cannot go over either limit for either the main or reinforcement sectiom, so depending how it is built either the main list or the reinforcement section might be at an awkward shortage of points.

So it goes to the main question: Will I play it again?

I think so but I don't think I'd want to do it in a competitive setting, at least in its current iteration of Commlink and a few tweaks to the mission. I am assuming latter problem will have the newest ITS mission pack in mine for that. The former is a larger issue I take with that hampers my enjoyment of what is otherwise fun and unique game mode.

As for the specific faction I played?

As much as I enjoyed being able to field the bugs again, Combined Army felt really hampered by the Commlink tax just to take them. Granted I did kind of go full-on meme mode with the Avatar in reinforcements, but from the few games I played with it in reinforcements the Avatar more often feels like an hindrance more than a help to reinforcement lists.

As well the Reinforcements profiles CA gets are good but feel rather limited what you can do with them, as you don't have any doctors/paramedics nor durable pieces outside the Caskuda. Granted the former kind of feels thematic since the Exrah do kind of die easily.

But at least I'll admit some of my opinions of reinforcements is colored by the fact I played only CA, but I kind of stand by reinforcements as is feels in a beta stage still.

So for now any battle reports for Reinforcements might be limited, if non-existent.

Infinity Releases: June 2023

 This is going to be a bit late but figured I'd make a review on the stuff that came out in June. This is a bit more releases than last month but here we go trying to cover it now.

Here is the rating scale for standard rating of the models:

The Schriber Scale according to Tanako Skyler:

1. Privateer Press levels of disappointment. Avoid at all costs.

2. Eh, not that good. But if I need to, I'll buy it for my army. 

3. The Corvus Belli Standard Work. 
4. Now we're cooking with gas! We're in the territory of amazing and good.
5. This release made me erect. The best they ever made!

And here is the Infinity Critposting Memeability Scale, introduced in the May release coverage. This is only a rating to 1-3 on how silly, memey or other factors that make it out here in terms of CB standard:

1. Eh, not too Critpost-y. Little meme potential.

2. Possible memeability but also soon to be beaten like a dead horse. 

3. Truly the peak of Critposting. 

Patchers, Structural Response Team

Rating: 4 (The Entire Box)

This is obviously inspired by the Marines and Firebats from Starcraft, but at least it has its own twist on it. I don't on the box but god they are pushing the limit of being an S2 model, but the design of it is very on point for Ariadna in my opinion. 

Profile-wise this is where the Firebat comparison comes in. At 

Infinity Critposting Memeability Scale: 3

Truly this does start breaking what should be an S2 model. Also all the continuous damage on the model makes this wild in Kosmoflot along with fitting that retro-future style Kosmoflot is going for.

O-Yoroi Kidobutai

Rating: 5

Seriously I am shocked how well the new O-Yoroi turned out and looks a lot more bulkier and less fiddly than the previous N2/N3 sculpt. As well, the box gets the new Crazy Koala sculpts which were rated lost month. Definitely a bonus but I wish it did come with the pilot, like always.

Stats-wise it's a pretty good gunfighting TAG with BS 14 and a AP HMG. Though the main gimmick of it being good in CC is something you shouldn't be proactively trying to get into CC, but use it as either a defensive tool or attack of opportunity. Especially with the Crazy Koala being dropped before engaging since it can force the opponent into an ARO tree they have to deal with 

Critposting Memeability Rating: 1

Since the O-Yoroi also came with the new Crazy Koalas like the Hulang this month and the Sputnik pack, it is clear the Crazy Koalas won out in this box because it is the better of the profiles in their respective faction. Otherwise just a solid model.

Sputnik Remotes

Rating: 2.5

It seems that this is a prepack of the old Tsyklon and Lunokhod remotes. Though this is a way for Nomad players to get the new Crazy Koalas... despite the Morans recently getting a new set of models earlier this year. It was something that is kind of infuriating but something tells me the design of the new Crazy Koalas weren't finalized in time.

Looking at the stats for both of them remotes, the Tsyklon is a gun fighter with the ability to shoot out pitchers to extend your hacker range. Which as a Nomad player, it certainly helps to have more out besides Morans.

The Lunokhod is the one that supports the backline with minelayer with the aforementioned Crazy Koalas but also templates on the bot himself.

Critposting Memeability Rating: 3

Seriously, the fact the new Crazy Koalas for the Nomads in the box with the old style battle remotes is certainly the most bafflingly. Not only that, I feel the the Lunokhod is more than likely gonna be a proxy for a second Tsyklon or Vostok if you didn't buy into Crimson Stone (which as a newer Nomad player, you should have).

Stigmata

Rating: 3

Certainly, a fine model, but it personally doesn't stand out too much for me. It is kind of a static pose but it gets the job done. The cloak and religious imagery on the paintjob looks amazing but sadly the imagery does not look like on the model basekit it seems like. 

Statswise, the Stigmata is a rather unique TAG as of writing this post (not withstanding the Caskuda which is coming back) since it is a TAG that hacks but without a high-burst gun perse. It has a CC stat of 20 with a E/M CCW, but you don't want to engage with it intentionally but it is helps. The last main point to this model is the aforementioned hacking, which has a hacking device but an upgrade to its Carbonite has +2 damage. The downside it also opens it up to another avenue of attack by killer hackers.

Critposting Memeability Rating: 2

I know you people are making UWU Stigmatas. Don't lie to me.

Rodoks

Rating: 2 (If you decide to get them)

A set of kind of disappointing sculpt for a somewhat disappointing unit. Which is kind of fitting for the Rodoks. What you get is an SMG, Missile Launcher and Spitfire Rodoks, which in this box 2 of the 3 models are worth taking as is.

Looking at the stats, these monkies have Super jump and mimetism, but you are paying in the 20-30ish points for a 1 Wound model with 2 ARM and 3 BTS and only BS 12.  The submachine gun profile has Strategic Deployment, which to this day arguments as to how it works still goes on. 

My take is that you declare the link team at that point but the models in the link team can deploy further than before. But I've never seen this rule played in person sadly.

Critposting Memeability Rating: 3

As of right now, Rodoks will still be one of the worst units in the game. And currently I think they are worse than their N3 counterparts which had killer hacking devices and 2 light shotguns (or would be +1 Burst in this edition).

If you managed to win a game with Rodoks I'll give you a secret prize.

(Fun side story is when the Adepticon Seminar was showing off the new upcoming releases, the Rodoks got shown and the room went quiet in abstract disappointment).

JSA Expansion Pack Alpha

Rating: 4

Something of a repack but it's a place to get a lot of the ninjas you are going to be using in JSA, especially the much coveted Tac Bow Ninja from Red Veil. The box here gives you two ninjas as mentioned, a Shikami, an Oniwaban (which is the same sculpt from the JSA action Pack) and Shinobu Kitsune. 

While I think this box is definitely great for it's value for a newer player, I'd highly recommend getting the Domaru and Tanko box first since most JSA lists focus on Samurai link teams.

(This said, the poses and sculpts for thjs repack are really good so getting them for that reason alone is definitely not a bad thing in my book. In fact, I think the JSA range is my top favorites in Infinity)

So for profiles, the Ninjas as your midfield specialists for JSA. Unlike most skirmishers that are you dedicated specialists, Ninjas forgoes the usual equipment of mines and rifle-like weapons (save for one profile) for being great at CC and sporting either an AP or DA CCW depending on the profile. They tend to be on the pricier side since they are better in CC. Most often you are probably taking only one ninja in a list.

Even though the Oniwaban and Shinobu Kitsune are different units, they are the same kind of unit so I'll cover the two together. Ideally the best way to describe the Oniwaban as a whole is that they are impersonator-esque as in they act as assassination pieces for either the enemy LT or some other key piece. However they do not have the Impersonator rule and instead have a +6 Modifier on their Infiltration so it is always a roll to deploy in the enemy half. The Basic one can either be a boarding shotgun or Submachine Gun with Nanopulser, but their main CC Gear is both an E/M and Monofilament CCW. The basic Oniwaban also has CC 24 and MA 24, which makes them very lethal if it lands with either.  Shinobu Kitsune only has a Monofilament CCW but has CC 25 MA5 to get that extra burst in CC. As well her cost is slightly inflated due to the Combi rifle. Most of the time I'd say the generic Oniwaban is the slightly better pick since it has the E/M CCW to force more saves even if it doesn't kill outright and how crits with Monofilament work in N4. This said, you can definitely do well with Shinobu too.

The last model in the box is the Shikami, which is a CC-oriented HI like the Hulang. While cool in concept, it is kind of let down by his weaponry, with profiles a Contender with Flash Pulse and Assault Pistols or Combi-rifle with D-Charges. With CC23, MA 3 and a AP+DA CCW he can be lethal in an up close fight. The problem is the lack of Smoke Grenades to cover his approach up field. At most you may only take one to be your solo striker piece of your list allows for it.

Critposting Memeability Rating: 2

With 4 of the 5 models out of the box, you can make a list that is very close to a 'blank courtesy list'. Will I think it will be a good list? More than likely not unless you know how to pilot expensive one wound models well.

Will it be fun? Oh yeah.

Starmada Expansion Pack Alpha

Rating: 3.5 (3 for the Sarko, 3.5-4 for the Sekudroid)

The newest box for Starmada and it comes with three models (two being new units for Starmada and one is a deployable weapon for the Sarko, the Wildparrot). I give the Sarko a 3.5 because while I really do like the design for the Sarko, I find the pose a little static. The Sekudroid though looks like he is about to put a stop to some criminal scum with his Adhesive weapon of some manner.

For these new profiles, the Sarko is kind of a generic level camo skirmisher with interesting kit. Instead of having a combi-rifle, their weapon loadouts only consist of either a submachine gun or boarding shotgun. As well he has climbing plus to reach up to objectives that are high up on buildings. It also have a wildparrot in one of its profiles, which can give him the option to go HI or TAG hunting depending on what you are up against. 

The Sekudroid is a non-lethal (save for a heavy pistol) but cheap option to fill your Betatrooper links out. Sporting either the Adhesive launcher or Akrylat-kanon in unison with a +1 burst flash pulse. While it cannot get an additional burst being in a link team anymore, the flash pulse is a nice backup piece of needed. 

Critposting Memability Rating: 1 

Not much for me to meme about these models honestly. Pretty solid no questions asked. 

First Impressions (Hot Takes) on ITS 14

So figured I'd get out my opinions on ITS 14 since I have not yet managed to play it yet but read over the document. These opinions are bound to change, and not to be taken as law. With that out of the way, let's begin.

Main Takeaways:

Let me state that I still have a deep love for the game and get a good amount of enjoyment. Infinity is one of the most dynamic and for the most part well-balanced games on the market with a great amount of depth.

This said, I think the newest season kind of plays it a little too safe with a majority of the missions being action oriented than objective focused as it was back in N3. It also reuses some of the rules back in season 12 where I thought it would go into using Jungle terrain or so. As well, all the missions stayed with the inclusion of one more, whereas I would have liked to see a few of the missions to go away in favor of some new ones. This is particularly the case when some of the missions to be similar to some extent (example being Supremacy and Quadrant control).

This said, I will give Corvus Belli on a couple things they've done in season 14.

1) The creation of Direct Action Missions is a good way to introduce new players into ITS. Considering newer players may not have access to HVTs and a classified desk it is a good way to ease them in. While I'd would of like them to have different but easy to understand missions instead of the four of them being various of reskins of other missions, they work for what they are. 

2) The new mission Cryogenics on paper does seem like a good mix of both a combat mission but also trying to press the buttons in order to get the advantage over your opponent. From what I've read so far, it seems that the advantage of having second turn and scoring the lionshare of the points is somewhat diminished now that the first player could lock the second player out of two points if first player flips three of the four consoles. 

Now onto what I find to be...

The 'Free' Elephant in the Room

I thought I'd put the new Tachimoto rules and free units in this section because I found them to be the same thing for each season it does come into effect. 

What I mean by this is that these are concerted efforts for CB to test a specific set of rules on a unit or push people to buy some models to get the advantage of the full rules for this season. I don't find this to be too egregious for veteran plays but it could be a burden on new players trying to get into the game.

The Tachimoto rule is more to push Forward observer bots into play, or at least seems thay way with them gaining Marksmanship and a Tactical Awareness order. I find this a little surprising since those type of troops are a great toolbox but them getting a bonus might have me take them more often than I do in my list building at times (which is to say not that often but not rarely as well). 

For the free units you get this season in form of the Bashi Bazouks and CSU, I think these are better than the Motorized Bounty Hunters because with MBH I found anctedotially 9/10 times people had chosen the Red Fury profile because you were getting a burst four gun for free. 

Now with the Bashis and CSUs I think there are cases to which profile you want to take, being that the profiles for the both of them have a different toolkit that can play well into different match ups. Whether this plays out in the next few months in practice is to be determined. 

Concluding Thoughts

While I wish CB did more to go back to the more objective-focused nature of Infinity, I still think this season is alright on paper. Though it could be much better by taking a few more risks by cycling out missions that are similar for one or the other, but also having more Direct action missions down the line.

This said, I am going to give this season a go and then reflect on it with enough time. For now, hope to see you in the next batrep or post I write!