This is really frigging amazing! I have been collecting all this mini stuff for years. I really like persistent game worlds like Blood Bowl and Mordiheim. Also I have this intense hunger for a magic game that the purchasing and playing of Wiz War, Mage Wars, and D&D couldn't sate. I wanted something that had fewer number of spells that where more iconic. I wanted something more than just you lose mana points for casting. Something that felt more like Dragonlance that I really enjoyed in my youth. Here I already have Raistlin and Dalamar minis with the hard to find Draconian Minis and all the Dungeon Command and D&D Adventure System games. I can use all my heroscape terrain and terratiles. This is SO COOOL. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I seen this before and passed on it think it was just some generic fantasy throw together but from your review I can see this beast has meat on its bones. Thanks pal!!!!! You rock!
It's wild that you just posted this, because I ordered the Frostgrave rule set this morning. I'm glad to hear that you like it, because I believe that we have similar taste in games. Thanks for posting!
I've been playing this allot and really enjoy it. One thing worth mentioning is that I know guys playing this with their kids but using Lego. His kids make all the terrain for each scenario, they love it. So if you don't have the minis it doesn't matter.
Looks amazing! Thanks for reviewing games like these. I've recently started getting into tabletop miniature games like 40k. I was a part of the "90%" for a long time and finally decided to give the genre a try =)
Awesome. Glad to hear to it. Venturing down this road (in terms of the videos) is still little bit worrying to me. But, if at least some folks are getting something out of it, then good by me :) Thanks!
Thank you for this review! I'm also a boardgamer who has succumbed to the "gateway drugs" of X-Wing and now Frostgrave. My favorite thing about FG is the way it fosters creativity in creating warbands and building terrain. Looks like it's had the same effect on you! :)
Thanks for the review! I adore this game and have been trying to get my friends to play. One thing I would note - you don't need to bring an apprentice, and you might not want to since they cost 2/5 of your resources, especially if you're playing one-off matches.
Ya that's true. I should have pointed out that it's optional! I've never not brought one, just because it seems more fun to have two wizards rolling, and having the Apprentice kind of "soak" HP to cast spells seems good... and also funny when they die :)
Funny, I have over 350 board games and over the past year have really been getting into tabletop miniatures games; skirmish style. Kill Team and recently Vanguard have got most of my boardgame cash. So much so that I’ve been selling games to fund terrain. This review was helpful in deciding if I should get the book. I’ve also been a roleplayer since the 80’s so it scratches a number of itches.
Rob Oren is doing "FrostGrave Month", this month on the dice tower (or maybe it's just his channel). He covers the entire game from the rules to building the terrain and painting the miniatures. I think all the episodes are going to be live. Most of his are... So for any newbies that don't know how or where to start, check it out. He's going to walk through EVERYTHING.
Great video, I've been playing Frostgrave for a few months too and enjoy it for the same reasons. I'm jealous you already have the Rogue Stars rulebook. I pre-ordered it but it won't be available until Dec 20th.
I think it is, but I would play Rangers of Shadowdeep from the same designer. It uses a very similar system as is designed from the ground up to be played solo.
I'm going to order the book for my birthday. Will make a Warband out of my Zombicide Black Plague minis and then convince someone to try it out with me.
Hey there. Just watched this review, and decided to get the game. I especially like that it is mini agnostic, as I have a ton of Zombicide, SoB, and Descent stuff to use. You mention that the game has a active and friendly online community. Where is the this mainly located? Which site? Also, can you suggest something to watch to get terrain together? I don't want to spend a ton of money, and want it to be about 3x3 in size. I'm thinking of doing it on 1x1 tiles that can be fit together in a modular fashion. Thanks again for the review!
Check out the links in the video description for a couple of great community sites. As far as terrain, I've done a few videos on various types of terrain and mats etc... ua-cam.com/play/PLEDIgtmqncgZaf_Vv467ajSSntrdvwUrL.html
Woooooah just thinking but we can adapt it to be placed in GoT universe! Like beyond the WALL or even in a volcanic scenary like the old and Doomed Valíria! (My favorite one) also The Stone Skin mens are like Ghouls & Zombies
really enjoyed the review I play many war game systems so minis and terrain I already have is there limits to race or rules for race etc could I take a elf or dwarf band would that have any effect ?
Hey guys! There’s a new kickstarter out for use with Frostgrave. - www.kickstarter.com/projects/ozclaycreations/the-frost-collection-scatter-terrain-for-the-froze
I know this is an old video, but it would be great if you could do a re-review and implement a low-budget / starter version of the game. I have Descent and would like to try this out, but, as you said, your dozens of custom-painted models and giant terrain are intimidating. It's hard to visualize what this could look like for a beginner player.
Actually if you have Descent take a look at the Into the Breeding Pits expansion for Frostgrave. It has specific rules for "caverns and caves" and you could get started there just using the tiles from Descent as your terrain.
This looks fun. I have pretty much everything descent (all painted too!) so this seems like an easy try for me. Not sure the wife will get into the 1v1 thing but we'll see!
Yes, as long as they are the same scale. The description of the video has a link to a "Frostgrave Diary" where I show all the stuff I used and where I got it.
Great review Joel!I used to play Necromunda and 40K 2nd ed back in the day but shied away from the hobby due to the competative elements that arose in my group. I always missed the rpg elements of the former and as of a couple of years ago I've dived into both Kill Team: Heralds of Ruin and Battletech: Alpha Strike. Both games offers an immersive feel and I would greatly recomend both of them.
Funny you mention HoR. I actually picked up the official Kill Team box and downloaded the rules to HoR. I haven't messed with it yet, but I'm finally painting the stuff I've got from Deathwatch: Overkill. I figure I will just use the Deadzone terrain with random trees etc... Should be able to field a couple games of it soon. Can't wait to try it honestly. Need to finish reading that 40K rulebook though... >
Great overview and review, thank you! I'm very interested in this, but with me having two boys it would always need to be played with three players. You mentioned you have only played it head to head but how do you feel it would play with three people? Does the community have people playing with three and is there any support that you've seen for this? Thanks!
You can most certainly play it with more. Check out some of the links in the description, specifically the Lead Adventure forum. I've read some accounts of multiplayer games. I think mostly you will just want a bit larger tablespace etc...
It's so hard not to pick up at that price... Alright, i'm going to have to throw this in my next group of Amazon purchases. Thanks for the review Joel!
Aren't you afraid with a game like this that requires some investment of time, you won't have the time for all those other games :) The finite time dilemma!
That's a concern in general apart from games like this. The nice thing about this is you can put it away for a while and come back to it... just like anything really.
I tried my first game of FG. I didn't like the treasure mechanic. Your model basically becomes a worthless target that you have to try to creep off the board. And even if you succeed, he's gone for the rest of the game. So are you supposed to ignore the treasures until you kill off the opponents? I don't get it.
Depends on the scenario objectives really. If you're playing the straight-up generated basic scenario, treasure is the most important thing. Tactical positioning etc... is extremely important... and playing with lots of terrain for places to hide.
Many thanks for the kind word about the game!
Keep up the miniature game reviews! Its refreshing to hear a boardgamers POV
Will do. Thanks!
This is really frigging amazing! I have been collecting all this mini stuff for years. I really like persistent game worlds like Blood Bowl and Mordiheim. Also I have this intense hunger for a magic game that the purchasing and playing of Wiz War, Mage Wars, and D&D couldn't sate. I wanted something that had fewer number of spells that where more iconic. I wanted something more than just you lose mana points for casting. Something that felt more like Dragonlance that I really enjoyed in my youth. Here I already have Raistlin and Dalamar minis with the hard to find Draconian Minis and all the Dungeon Command and D&D Adventure System games. I can use all my heroscape terrain and terratiles. This is SO COOOL. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I seen this before and passed on it think it was just some generic fantasy throw together but from your review I can see this beast has meat on its bones. Thanks pal!!!!! You rock!
Man... I'm excited for you... lol. Hope you enjoy it :)
It's wild that you just posted this, because I ordered the Frostgrave rule set this morning. I'm glad to hear that you like it, because I believe that we have similar taste in games. Thanks for posting!
I've been playing this allot and really enjoy it. One thing worth mentioning is that I know guys playing this with their kids but using Lego. His kids make all the terrain for each scenario, they love it. So if you don't have the minis it doesn't matter.
Looks amazing! Thanks for reviewing games like these. I've recently started getting into tabletop miniature games like 40k. I was a part of the "90%" for a long time and finally decided to give the genre a try =)
Awesome. Glad to hear to it. Venturing down this road (in terms of the videos) is still little bit worrying to me. But, if at least some folks are getting something out of it, then good by me :) Thanks!
Thank you for this review! I'm also a boardgamer who has succumbed to the "gateway drugs" of X-Wing and now Frostgrave.
My favorite thing about FG is the way it fosters creativity in creating warbands and building terrain. Looks like it's had the same effect on you! :)
Thanks for the review! I adore this game and have been trying to get my friends to play. One thing I would note - you don't need to bring an apprentice, and you might not want to since they cost 2/5 of your resources, especially if you're playing one-off matches.
Ya that's true. I should have pointed out that it's optional! I've never not brought one, just because it seems more fun to have two wizards rolling, and having the Apprentice kind of "soak" HP to cast spells seems good... and also funny when they die :)
Funny, I have over 350 board games and over the past year have really been getting into tabletop miniatures games; skirmish style. Kill Team and recently Vanguard have got most of my boardgame cash. So much so that I’ve been selling games to fund terrain. This review was helpful in deciding if I should get the book. I’ve also been a roleplayer since the 80’s so it scratches a number of itches.
Nice. Hope you enjoy it!
Rob Oren is doing "FrostGrave Month", this month on the dice tower (or maybe it's just his channel). He covers the entire game from the rules to building the terrain and painting the miniatures. I think all the episodes are going to be live. Most of his are... So for any newbies that don't know how or where to start, check it out. He's going to walk through EVERYTHING.
That's cool. Rob does good stuff.
This review has made me super excited for Frostgrave :)
Awesome! Hope you get a chance to try it.
So I've been looking for new games now that I've left the 40k box, and this sounds right up my alley. thanks for the review
Glad I could help! Hope you enjoy it.
Great video, I've been playing Frostgrave for a few months too and enjoy it for the same reasons. I'm jealous you already have the Rogue Stars rulebook. I pre-ordered it but it won't be available until Dec 20th.
I've done a quick dive on it. Seems really cool. Very different than Frostgrave in a lot of ways.
Thanks!! I just bought Frostgrave books because of you :D I'm big board gamer and your review of Frostgrave was so cool, that i must try it.
Tomáš Daniel Awesome! Glad to hear it Tomas. Hope you enjoy it.
Great review, thanks! What is your opinion on playing this solo? Doable?
I think it is, but I would play Rangers of Shadowdeep from the same designer. It uses a very similar system as is designed from the ground up to be played solo.
I'm going to order the book for my birthday. Will make a Warband out of my Zombicide Black Plague minis and then convince someone to try it out with me.
Awesome. Great idea to use Zomibicide stuff.
Hey there. Just watched this review, and decided to get the game. I especially like that it is mini agnostic, as I have a ton of Zombicide, SoB, and Descent stuff to use.
You mention that the game has a active and friendly online community. Where is the this mainly located? Which site?
Also, can you suggest something to watch to get terrain together? I don't want to spend a ton of money, and want it to be about 3x3 in size. I'm thinking of doing it on 1x1 tiles that can be fit together in a modular fashion.
Thanks again for the review!
Check out the links in the video description for a couple of great community sites. As far as terrain, I've done a few videos on various types of terrain and mats etc... ua-cam.com/play/PLEDIgtmqncgZaf_Vv467ajSSntrdvwUrL.html
Great, thank you. Really looking forward to jumping back into this. Haven't played a mini wargame since 40k in the early '90s.
Woooooah just thinking but we can adapt it to be placed in GoT universe! Like beyond the WALL or even in a volcanic scenary like the old and Doomed Valíria! (My favorite one) also The Stone Skin mens are like Ghouls & Zombies
100%. Could probably just use the minis from CMON Song of Ice & Fire game I bet.
really enjoyed the review I play many war game systems so minis and terrain I already have is there limits to race or rules for race etc could I take a elf or dwarf band would that have any effect ?
Race plays no part. You could take a mix or all of one race or whatever.
Really great review and overview of the game!
Thank you kindly!
Hey Joel, what do you think about using heroscape stuff with this (figures and terrain)? Would it work?
Ah! I should have mentioned that. You could most certainly use Heroscape/Arena of the Planeswalker stuff for this!
Hey guys! There’s a new kickstarter out for use with Frostgrave.
- www.kickstarter.com/projects/ozclaycreations/the-frost-collection-scatter-terrain-for-the-froze
Hey. That's some nice stuff. Thanks for sharing.
I know this is an old video, but it would be great if you could do a re-review and implement a low-budget / starter version of the game. I have Descent and would like to try this out, but, as you said, your dozens of custom-painted models and giant terrain are intimidating. It's hard to visualize what this could look like for a beginner player.
Actually if you have Descent take a look at the Into the Breeding Pits expansion for Frostgrave. It has specific rules for "caverns and caves" and you could get started there just using the tiles from Descent as your terrain.
This looks fun. I have pretty much everything descent (all painted too!) so this seems like an easy try for me. Not sure the wife will get into the 1v1 thing but we'll see!
Check out the PDF supplement 'Dark Alchemy' which includes three scenarios that can be played cooperatively.
I've heard much good about this game.
I assume one can use models from other games t try it (GW, Mantic, D &D, SAGA/any historic....)
Yes, as long as they are the same scale. The description of the video has a link to a "Frostgrave Diary" where I show all the stuff I used and where I got it.
I'm in Spain and interestingly this is reasonably popular over here.
It seems to have a great group of dedicated players!
Great review Joel!I used to play Necromunda and 40K 2nd ed back in the day but shied away from the hobby due to the competative elements that arose in my group. I always missed the rpg elements of the former and as of a couple of years ago I've dived into both Kill Team: Heralds of Ruin and Battletech: Alpha Strike. Both games offers an immersive feel and I would greatly recomend both of them.
Funny you mention HoR. I actually picked up the official Kill Team box and downloaded the rules to HoR. I haven't messed with it yet, but I'm finally painting the stuff I've got from Deathwatch: Overkill. I figure I will just use the Deadzone terrain with random trees etc... Should be able to field a couple games of it soon. Can't wait to try it honestly. Need to finish reading that 40K rulebook though... >
Great overview and review, thank you! I'm very interested in this, but with me having two boys it would always need to be played with three players. You mentioned you have only played it head to head but how do you feel it would play with three people? Does the community have people playing with three and is there any support that you've seen for this? Thanks!
You can most certainly play it with more. Check out some of the links in the description, specifically the Lead Adventure forum. I've read some accounts of multiplayer games. I think mostly you will just want a bit larger tablespace etc...
Awesome review. Just ordered the rulebook! :-)
Sold!
Just ordered the rule book... thanks Joel :-)
Awesome! Enjoy!
*Enjoyed the review .*
Sounds interesting....had never heard of it.
Ohhhh I own descent and this looks very interesting. Never played a real miniatures game, is this a good first one?
woehrle17 I think so. There aren't many rules and if you've got a gang of Descent models you can just sub those in and play on the tiles.
It's so hard not to pick up at that price... Alright, i'm going to have to throw this in my next group of Amazon purchases. Thanks for the review Joel!
Rolling a D20 in combat sounds REALLY swingy and random...?
Ya I went over that in some detail in the review portion. Not for everyone, but it has it's merits here.
If you love it so much why don’t you marry it?!
Zachary Campbell Maybe I will marry it!
Drive Thru Games If you do I’m sure you will be happy so congratulations and best wishes!
Drive Thru Games If you do I’m sure you will be happy so congratulations and best wishes!
Great video!!
Aren't you afraid with a game like this that requires some investment of time, you won't have the time for all those other games :)
The finite time dilemma!
That's a concern in general apart from games like this. The nice thing about this is you can put it away for a while and come back to it... just like anything really.
I tried my first game of FG. I didn't like the treasure mechanic. Your model basically becomes a worthless target that you have to try to creep off the board. And even if you succeed, he's gone for the rest of the game. So are you supposed to ignore the treasures until you kill off the opponents? I don't get it.
Depends on the scenario objectives really. If you're playing the straight-up generated basic scenario, treasure is the most important thing. Tactical positioning etc... is extremely important... and playing with lots of terrain for places to hide.
Sooooo... Mordheim d20?