[Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

Okay so I ended up backing this and looking forward to more boxes coming to the house in a year or so. $120 agent level and an extra $100 for all the mission packs you can eat. I'm also lifting this piece of info from the Kickstarter page which gives some background to the missions in the game in the hopes that it will be useful for other folks on the fence:
Tell us more about the missions?

Half the Missions in each game form a mini-campaign for the MERCS. In the base game, there are dueling objectives in each Mission. In the Mission Packs, they are singular objective missions.

Missions have a specific structure:

Briefing – quick framing text
Recon – first objective
B&C – B&C tile info
Evac – Winning conditions.
Reward – What you get. Also mission continuation name.
The Briefing is a short bit of text that sets up the mission. This text isn’t as expansive as Myth. It frames the mission.

URGENT: A neighboring MegaCon has infiltrated Shuisky’s lab. Shuisky is too valuable. Find him and escort him to safety. If the other MegaCon has him, do not let him escape. Use any means necessary.

Recon provides players with a location that must be interacted with. Locations are things like: open terminals, CFO, or a hostage that must be rescued. These are the first things the MERCS are looking for.

The Recon text for the above mission briefing would be:

Find Shuisky. The MERCS will have a set amount of rounds to find Shuisky. If they fail to find him in that time, then the opposing MERCS have discovered him and attempt to flee.

The B&C provides players with the Breach & Clear setup for the Recon location. If the Mission calls for a specific B&C tile it is listed here. OPFOR locations will be communicated through graphics and numbers.

Evac represents how the mission is won. Oftentimes, it is a split victory similar to the Myth success and failure resolutions. For the above mission:

Escort Shuisky to safety. To escape the building with Shuisky, Shuisky must be alive and the MERCS with Shuisky must get to the northeast corner of the structure.
Kill Shuisky. If the opposing MegaCon have Shuisky, then the opposing MERCS must be killed or Shuisky killed.
The rewards change based off how the MERCS win the mission. In addition, they can lead to different missions or different circumstances in the next mission.

What types of missions can there be?

All kinds. Many are centered on combat, but not all. We have a couple surprises. The missions are created by pairing two complimentary ideas, then adding purpose. Here are some general ideas:

Capture and Escape – MERCS need to find a person and get them out of the building alive.
Sweep and Destroy – MERCS need to kill a specific group of OPFOR and destroy a location.
Protect and Escort – MERCS need to protect fleeing Employees and ensure they escape the building.
Occupy and Defend – MERCS need to defend the building against another MERCS group.
Escort and Infiltrate – MERCS need to escort in an informant and plant information certifying him.
Infiltrate and Kill – MERCS need to enter a building without increasing the Security Level past a certain point and kill a specific person.
Plant and Destroy – MERCS need to find a specific location and plant an explosive device.
Missions can have a lot of variety before the specifics of a mission are added that make it unique. Almost all missions have special twists that differentiate them from other similar missions.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by coopasonic »

$iljanus wrote:
coopasonic wrote:They are going to get those snipers unlocked and I may have trouble resisting at that point and I DON'T NEED THIS!
What the heck do you need snipers for in a CQB game unless there's some game mechanic where they can take shots through a window on the game tile? Pretty good deal for the table top game but I'm interested in playing this just in its board game format. Of course, Galaxy Defenders has a sniper that I could use those minis for and I guess I could practice painting them...
It looks like they thought of that... though it doesn't seem like the minis will be much use.
In Recon, Snipers also have rules (but have no player boards). To use Snipers in Recon, players will have to decide which side of the structure they are deployed on, then interact with the location in the security room. This allows the Sniper to identify Agents in Areas adjacent to the side of the structure they are on. In addition, there will be opportunity for the Sniper to provide covering fire in certain circumstances.

We'll also fold Snipers into some of the KS exclusive Missions. So we can have an escort and protect mission, where the Sniper isn't controlled by a player but escorted to a killing position and the MERCS have to defend him. Or, perhaps the MERCS need to find the Sniper in a building in a certain number of turns to prevent an assassination. Either way, it give us more options.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

Honestly, getting the snipers as part of the $120+ pledge just makes it that much easier to sit down and play the TT game. Without a sniper, your squad would be seriously gimped in TT match. And since they're giving you the sniper, you might has well bump your base pledge to $200 so you'll get the TT rulebook and faction unit cards. :twisted:

104 miniatures now for $120 or $200.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

Smoove_B wrote:Honestly, getting the snipers as part of the $120+ pledge just makes it that much easier to sit down and play the TT game. Without a sniper, your squad would be seriously gimped in TT match. And since they're giving you the sniper, you might has well bump your base pledge to $200 so you'll get the TT rulebook and faction unit cards. :twisted:
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by baelthazar »

Smoove_B wrote:Honestly, getting the snipers as part of the $120+ pledge just makes it that much easier to sit down and play the TT game. Without a sniper, your squad would be seriously gimped in TT match. And since they're giving you the sniper, you might has well bump your base pledge to $200 so you'll get the TT rulebook and faction unit cards. :twisted:

104 miniatures now for $120 or $200.
Ugh... just found out that Cthulhu Wars is being pushed back to September. For some odd reason that makes this one MORE tempting...

So. Many. Minis.

I do wish the rulebook was written a bit more clearly. Also, I'm worried about production issues, such as the warping boards of Myth, being an issue.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Zarathud »

That's a great price for the plastic. But I need a second case for my sci fi miniatures for Paranoia. Keeping my resolve.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

I think it's up to 112 figures now for the $120 or $200 backer level.

Add another $100 for the "All In" pack, and you get 38 more from the first five mission packs, plus whatever is part of the just-revealed 6th pack (5 MERCS + 2 specials?)
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

I keep being tempted by the tabletop game, but honestly I don't know if I will ever play the tabletop game. The only miniatures type game I have played is X-wing... not eve sure where that counts on the tabletop spectrum. But I keep being tempted by the idea of the TT version of this... must resist... must resist... seriously I don't even think I will get to play the TT version.... must resist...

Side note I really don't see how the latest SG for Myth really fits the Myth universe. I will use it with Myth from time to time for sure, but it simply doesn't look like it fits at all.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

I think they said the next expansion for Myth will include Gnomes with a clockwork theme. I guess a bit like the Dwemer from Morrowind? The loader is apparently part of that.

...and they just unlocked another freebie pack for people supporting at $120 or $200 -- with 20 more figures with the general responding security force theme (SecFor I-IV, 5 of each)

I think we're up to 133 figures now for those pledges, another 45 figures (!) for the $100 "All in" Add on. Insane!
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by coopasonic »

It appears 750k is going to fall. I wouldn't have guessed that yesterday.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

I'm totally with you on that one. I figured we're limp across the $600K line and get the ISS faction. The idea that we're now going to get more Security Forces and the GCC faction (in ~$7K) is insane!
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

I thought this was a worthwhile thing to purchase with my pledge:
KS Exclusive Kit Campaign Supplemental

We are creating 10 double-sided upgraded weapon kit tokens and supplemental rules for players who want to upgrade their MERCS over a series of Missions.

These weapons will have special names, better dice, and special rules. Check them out.
Also added a couple more dollars for the possible purchase of the custom dice or another exclusive figure and CPP209. This is quite exciting except for the part where I have to find room for all this stuff.

Edit: It has broken $750k. It's raining minis!
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

We might even hit 800k. Interesting.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

Say what you want about MERCS Miniatures, but they know how to run a KickStarter campaign.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

Smoove_B wrote:Say what you want about MERCS Miniatures, but they know how to run a KickStarter campaign.
Just not how to write clearly in English :D
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by coopasonic »

Chrisoc13 wrote:We might even hit 800k. Interesting.
I think I would bet against at this point, but I think they have been averaging 40k an hour for the past two days so it's possible.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

Wait until they reveal grip mats or painting kits at the 60 minute mark -- then you'll see it hit $800K no problem. :D
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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sonofabitch it's gonna happen.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

$797,328

$798,677

$800k plus
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

Wow...totally absurd that $800K was hit.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

Well I'm happy with how this ended. I'm glad I stayed at Agent level only. Sounds like for the TT game to be a complete experience there are lots of things to add on during the pledge manager. I'll just stick with recon.

The all-in deal turned out to be a great deal. Pretty happy with it, 7 mission packs unlocked. Happy with that. I may add another infected one though so I can keep my myth and recon stuff separate and not have to get more boxes out when I want to play one or the other.

They said at least one more stretch goal during the pledge manager. I'm guessing we will easily hit that. One more faction I believe? So I'm sure they will find a way to get more money out of me, especially since I have now already paid for this if they wait long enough I will feel like it is much less money overall than it already is.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by baelthazar »

Oddly enough, I was reticent to back this, but now that I have it backed I am super excited for it. So much so that I think I will add the extra $100 to go All-In once the PM gets set up!

One of the reasons I am excited is because this looks like the perfect solo tactical squad game. In fact, I think that it might even be BEST as a solo-play game, considering you can synchronize your squad strategy more effectively. Sure, playing with friends is neat, but this style of game lends itself well to hermit gamers like myself.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

baelthazar wrote:Oddly enough, I was reticent to back this, but now that I have it backed I am super excited for it. So much so that I think I will add the extra $100 to go All-In once the PM gets set up!

One of the reasons I am excited is because this looks like the perfect solo tactical squad game. In fact, I think that it might even be BEST as a solo-play game, considering you can synchronize your squad strategy more effectively. Sure, playing with friends is neat, but this style of game lends itself well to hermit gamers like myself.
Funny, I'm also more excited now that it is over. I was really up and down on it during the campaign but now Ia m very excited for it and don't regret the money I put down on it (I went for the all in package too).
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

I'm starting to read up on miniature painting in anticipation of getting all these minis landing on my doorstep in the future. And like Baelthazar, it was the potential for good solo play that hooked me. I think this was the most money I've pledged to a Kickstarter project but I'm okay with it too.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Zarathud »

There are some very good tips in our miniatures thread. Putting the minis on wood blocks with blue tac has helped greatly in detail painting. I am also very happy to have stopped using Games Workshop paint pots -- the Reaper and Vallejo bottles have been excellent for paint consistency and mixing.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

I really didn't enjoy assembling and dealing with the metal versions of the KemVar faction, so I'm actually pretty excited to get them all again in plastic for another round of painting. If the plastic figures are done the same way (detail level), they should be a pleasure to paint. That's one thing I really do like is the art style for the MERCS line. It has just enough of a comic book feel but not cartoony. But yes, definitely hit up the painting thread here.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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Zarathud wrote:There are some very good tips in our miniatures thread. Putting the minis on wood blocks with blue tac has helped greatly in detail painting. I am also very happy to have stopped using Games Workshop paint pots -- the Reaper and Vallejo bottles have been excellent for paint consistency and mixing.
That thread certainly has delivered and I'm slowly working my way through the pages. Kudos to all of you in the thread! Or damn you all for making me spend more $$$... :P

My daughter is a pretty talented artist and very precise. She also has a good variety of quality brushes, some of which would be great for minis that I'll ask to borrow. With her sharp eyes and small fingers she'll make for a good sweatshop painter...um, daddy's helper.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by $iljanus »

Rule book has been posted on website for anyone interested. I'm kinda looking forward to this game coming out. Especially since I dropped some serious coin on this game.

http://megacongames.com/downloads/downl ... ame-rules/
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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I'm afraid to even look after myth... I'm really hoping it's better but scared to look.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

I'm not really good at just reading rules without having the stuff in front of me, but I don't see anything crazy in there that I'm not understanding. There's lots of steps but it seems intuitive. I've also been following the changes to the table top rules and from what I've seen proposed, I think it's also going to be a good update. I maintain the amount of game play coming with all this stuff is absurd.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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I thumbed through the rulebook, it already looks better than Myth from page 1 because it actually has a better setup guide so that's a plus. In reading through it I actually am more excited about this game which is a big plus since I spent a fair amount of money on it. After reading the rulebook I think I will give it a go rather than sell it immediately which was my initial idea.

The rulebook could use a little more clarification but hopefully that is just because we don't have the cards and components in front of us yet.

Also anyone have any idea what the current shipping date is supposed to be? Seems like it's pretty up in the air still.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

During the Myth 2 KS, I think I remember them suggesting their plan was to have floor copies for sale at GenCon with backer copies going out in June. I know they were hosed with production and shipping because of the California labor issues but I haven't seen anything officially announced.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

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Smoove_B wrote:During the Myth 2 KS, I think I remember them suggesting their plan was to have floor copies for sale at GenCon with backer copies going out in June. I know they were hosed with production and shipping because of the California labor issues but I haven't seen anything officially announced.
I'm happy to wait at this point because I am in the process of moving (which is a huge mess with KS it turns out) and I will be in my new place by June so any time after June is music to my ears. Zombicide season 3 is a real problem because they don't know when they will be shipping it but the shipping labels are already printed out and they aren't willing to change it so that should be fun.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by baelthazar »

Chris,

My Zombicide pack came today, so yours might already be in the mail. I think it came FedEx, so you can likely call FedEx, explain your situation, and see if they can reroute the package to your new address. If it is coming USPS, then you can get them to forward it (if the USPS will actually, you know, do it correctly).

I really want to sell my Mercs pledge, but I do not know how. I might just wait until I have the stuff in hand and ship it out (although, once I get things in hand I am far more likely to be tempted to open it).
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

That's good news. Hopefully mine will be here soon. I have one more month before we actually move so it sounds like it should work out. Otherwise yeah I'll have to contact FedEx or something.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by baelthazar »

It came USPS priority, actually. Did you get a shipping email?
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Chrisoc13 »

baelthazar wrote:It came USPS priority, actually. Did you get a shipping email?
Nope. Not yet. Usps is good news though since it means when I forward my mail it might actually work. There's still time though. 1 month.
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Re: [Kickstarter] MERCS: Recon

Post by Smoove_B »

Just as an update, for anyone that wants to play but you're overwhelmed by the idea of putting together the figures (which aren't all that difficult to assemble) and possibly painting them, one of the BGG dudes made color paper standees which I can confirm work fantastic. Find them here. My buddy has played through a few games solo and he's indicated it's a lot of fun and that he's ready to teach it. He did have some basic questions on a few rules, but overall it made sense with the caveat that we play the tabletop version of MERCS so understanding some of the tabletop mechanics as they've been translated into boardgaming made sense. He said in general it reminded him of playing something like Rainbow 6 - very tactical and that his favorite thing was the AI deck that moves the enemies and workers around. Once you add the randomness of the dice to that, he felt the replay value was really strong.

EDIT: Also, another motivated individual chap on BGG made some version of single player boards (so you can solo easier with everything on a single sheet). I'm not sure if they're a work in progress or a final version at this point, but there are a few on BGG as well - here's a link to the CCC.
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