For the first time ever, I’m feeling the urge to acquire and play a rank and flank game.
Specifically Warhammer Fantasy Battle – 4th edition. This is completely illogical and out of character for me. I’ve always loved the minis, but battle reports, tape measures, and arguing about line-of-sight have never been my thing.
Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis? I’m sure it’ll blow over. I’ll stop thinking about the 1992 classic soon. Just like I’ve nearly stopped thinking about the Sony PSP. I’m almost over it.
1992 was a pretty good year. Not quite as good as 1993 (in music), or 1995 (WARHAMMER QUEST), but still pretty solid.
I was, and honestly still am a bit, waffling between 4th and 5th edition. The 5th edition box has better contents, over the somewhat boring goblins and high elves in the 4th edition box.
But, for my own personal nostalgia, I’m more attracted to 4th edition because that’s the version that was available before I exited the hobby in 1995.
Even though you use the exact same models in all the version, even Warhammer The Old World, I still seem drawn to 4th edition.
Apparently there are some changes to the magic system and hero-hammerness from 4th to 5th. That really won’t make any difference to me, not knowing one from the other.
Yes, I could try to pick up a modern game. But a game that is locked in time has some appeal. I don’t have to “keep up” with anything. I don’t have to track what supplemental ruleset I’m on. I can just play a game, warts and all.
So, yes, I’m currently reading through the 4th edition rulebook. I’ve made it WAY farther than I ever expected to. I’m on page 28! Almost to hand-to-hand combat!
We’ll see where this leads me. I really don’t need another pursuit, but it’s compelling for now.
One thing that is very interesting, is that a group has compiled ALL the rules online in a very cool webapp: https://4th.whfb.app/
