The "Hobbit" an unexpected cost point (2 of 3)

Do we have value?

 

Hello All,

RGH Here with part two of my series on The Hobbit/LOTR and Value

Today I will be talking about the positive aspects of this game and game system (from my prospective.)  Feel free to disagree as everyone in entitled to be wrong from time to time. :)

Here we go...

The Core system

• The core system for Hobbit/LOTR is simple and easy to learn. (The system is perfect as a War Game teaching tool. I find 40K and Fantasy can  intimidate new players with all of the rules and things that need to be remembered for full turn)
• The Hobbit/LOTR system plays fast compared to it's sister systems.
• It allows for game play that simulates its source material far better than 40K or Fantasy. (Aragorn is a Badass in the movie and the book so this is reflected in his rules and point cost. can 40K or fantasy  say similar, about their own heroes, with regularity?)
• The stat lines are easy to read and cover everything you need without a lot of needless redundancy. (Example: Defense score vs. Toughness + Armor (40K & Fantasy) + cover (40K) + Invulnerable save (40K) + Ward save (Fantasy) + Regeneration (Fantasy)  PONDEROUS.
• The system handles most situations with a simple D6 roll (This may seem over simplified but it speeds up game play.)

   
The Figure Range

• The Figure range for LOTR/Hobbit is 28mm standard non heroic scale. As such it does not match the scale of 40K and Fantasy. There are some exceptions (later releases) that are closer to 28mm heroic. It is sometimes difficult to use LOTR/Hobbit figures for conversions especially for 40K or Fantasy as the models and weapons are generally too small.
• Since 2001 figures in the Range have been cut above most other companies product in quality. Despite  GW's best efforts this continues to be mostly true. (I'm looking at you three hunters!)
• Almost the entire range for LOTR has been produced (from both books and films) allowing a collector to build almost any list from all the major time periods covered in produced works with the exception for the first age- Which may one day come out as well. (I would love a "Fall of Gondolin" source book)
• Troops are some of the easiest to put together and come in a variety of poses. I have been known to knock out 2 boxes (of 24) in an evening. There is little of this multi-part business where you have to select a head, arms, legs and torso then assign it some Bling to make it really stand out. LOTR troops tend to be 1 and 2 piece kits. Many prefer the former but since I despise assembly to the point of laziness I like the quick turn around.

   
 

Source Material

• The source material for this game is EVERYWHERE! Libraries, Internet, book stores, and Movies. There is so much information out there that LOTR books tend to be smaller than their counterparts making them easier to transport. 
• If you want to know the fluff Read the book or watch the movies (live action or animated) ether will give you enough understanding to play some fantastic story based games. There is tons of stuff out there just waiting to be read.
• The level of detail in Tolkien's works is staggering. invented languages, flushed out creation myths, truly evil villains, and a cool story where a man rises from a man of the woods to become king of the most powerful country in the setting. (just plain Awesomeness.)

All of the above shows value: an easy system to learn, A large high quality model range, and extensive background material, but is it enough to offset the high cost? 

In the last installment I intend to compare the two from several angles including input from several folks who's opinions I value.

Till next time.

RGH