New Edition Blues

With the dawn of 6th Edition in mere days, the rumors abound. With the rumors, however, come all the grizzled old veterans, the competitive gamers, and the beer and pretzel folks with their bevy of opinions on what should and shouldn't be done with this game.

Come on people, the new rulebook isn't even out yet!

I'm seeing three major divisions of opinion when it comes to the new edition. Let's have a little fun, and break them down.


The Couch Game Designer

I've heard everything from 6th edition will be the reincarnation of everything 2nd edition was meant to be, to 6th edition will be too much like 2nd, and the game will suffer greatly for it. The only thing these two groups can agree on, is that it looks like 6th edition is bringing back elements of gameplay that are reminiscent of...wait for it...2nd edition. No matter the argument, this is like watching my family at a baseball game. Everyone has their opinion on how the Manager should manage his team...but none of them are team managers. Yes, we are gamers, and yes, we know what we like. However, how many of us have actually written games for a living? For 30 years? Show of hands now folks. Go on, don't be shy.

Right. How about we realize that this will be the 6th edition of a successful game,and it's still going strong. Maybe we need to give the game a chance before we judge?


You Drank the KoolAid-Aid, Didn't You?

These are the folks that have a secret shrine to Games Workshop in their basements, complete with a bronze bust of Jervis. The game developers can do no wrong when it comes to this person, and the rules border on divine prophecy.

Okay, so maybe not divine prophecy, but my point is made. While I may have made the point above to give the game a chance before judging, and that the vast majority of us aren't game developers, I do not think we should give up common sense and logic, either. The new edition will be what it will be, but one thing it will not be is perfect. Accept that, and the switch to a new edition will be easier.


6th Edition? I Still Play 3rd!

These are the folks who refuse to switch editions because their favorite rules, armies or whatever were not carried into the next edition. You people know who you are. You're the ones who still dig out the VDR rules, and the old Genestealer Limos.

Yes! those.

Look, I started with GW back in 2nd edition. I remember all the "Good Old Days" that we like to tell stories about around the gaming tables. You know what? There are reasons we left those days in the past. No, I don't believe the next version of the game will be perfect, any more than I didn't believe the previous 5 editions were. They all have their issues. I do, however, realize that any new players have no idea what we're talking about when we say the words "Rhino Rush". It's in the past, and needs to stay there.

Above and beyond all the fun I've poked at different opinions of the coming new rules edition, your toy soldiers are your toy soldiers. Play with them as you will, and your hobby will be fulfilling.

...but at least try the new edition before you declare it either the second coming, or the fall of man, mmmkay?

- Tim