Well, as many of have been in the hobby for quite some time now and have seen several different Epic systems, there is no doubt that each has their own ideas how a game should play, how armies should fight, and how game mechanics should work. And then there are serious gamers and not-serious gamers. I have bounced around between both over the years.
Being introduced to AT/SM1 first, I was simply BLOWN away with that game system, which you could argue, was several in one. AT first, then rules for infantry, vehicles, and robots to follow in White Dwarf, which were all more experimental really, to be refined in SM1, and then split between the existing detailed battle system, and the known as the Epic Battle System, which went on to evolve into SM2.
What I loved about the detailed damage system of SM1 though, was getting wrapped up in the micro part of the game versus the macro. I loved the scale, but still appreciated a individual model saving the day with a weak weapon system, or pulling off an impossible shot from a great distance. Those micro moments do slow down games, and believe me we needed several nights to play out large games, but I loved it and in part still do, although I know for many gamers that just isnt practical.
The worst part about AT/SM1 today, and even at the time, were all the supplemental White Dwarf articles scattered around the magazines. Easier to find today than back then, but its still a mess. SM2/TL was a reboot that helped bring everything closer together again.
I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to SM2/TL. The only reason I went was because my gaming buddies demanded it. At the time, I hated the simplified stats and lack of tactical options, but over time I could appreciate its faster playing time, and easy mechanics. Even today, if I were to introduce a new player to Epic, I would start out with SM2/TL first. SM2/TL might look like a cartoon as opposed to a wargame which is why I don't take the system too seriously, but it has the color from Games Workshop's Golden Years that I still miss in their games today. Not everyone likes that color too, and I understand that. Nevertheless, this was by far the most popular version of Epic before or since. I am very sure that if any game was to be 'reprinted' as it was, and re-released similar in scope, SM2/TL would be very popular.
When Epic 40k was released, I was initially repulsed like everyone else. I didn't want abstract. I loved the minis though, and actually bought a lot to replace my older ones. It wasn't until I bought just the rulebooks for dirt cheap because I was bored was I surprised by how creative some of the concepts were. There was valid logic behind causing more casualties yet still losing an assault. Or that aircraft essentially just came and went. I wasn't crazy about the short weapon ranges and firefights, and still aren't. But once I got the set (and I actually have bought several over the years, one brand new still sealed for $17 once), was I blown away by how much game was in that box. I still go back and forth on some things, and it isn't my favorite game either, but if I was asked to play I certainly wouldn't turn it down.
If you think about what comes in each starter set, or lack there one in the case of EA, think about what else you have to buy to expand on it.
In the case of AT/SM1, as much as I love Titans, battlefields are pretty empty without infantry and tanks, and infantry and tanks aren't as impressive without having Titans around. And some of the best stuff is located in the hard to find Codex Titanicus, and spread out across some 20 or so White Dwarf articles. Nevermind hunting down all the minis. I love the grit and detail of that game, but I recognize only the really motivated are going to enjoy getting into it.
SM2 is a pretty good box set, while a little vanilla on the miniatures, at least the rulebook expands the contents a bit. But the real meat is in the expansion box sets, as well as scattered across some of the later White Dwarfs as well. The Titan Legions set, while lacking a lot of options on its own, is still a fun an interesting accessory to the SM2 set. But its a lot to buy and track down.
Epic 40k on the other hand, not only comes with some really dynamic miniatures, but more importantly includes rules that covered just about all the former armies and minis. Yes a little got left out, but just from that Armies book, not only did you have to rules right there to expand, but the structure of the armies allowed you to build detachments from leftovers in your bitz box. That is unheard of from GW before or since. It is by far the best economical Epic purchase ever, even at today's ridiculous Ebay prices. That box set is a complete hobby all on its own.
EA, well we all know came with nothing, and many of the minis were a step back from what we had in Epic 40k. Not to mention the lack of variety in official armies released by GW. Yes, I could refer to fan made lists created on Word, but thats not what inspires me. I love flipping through books, reading the fluff, seeing the art. Its not all about the table-top to me. We all spend far more time reading and painting out minis than we actually do playing. And most of the time its the fluff, art, and pictures that inspire me to work on my hobby in the first place.
Mechanics-wise, all have their own pros and cons. And at this point I am not even sure a perfect Epic system could be created to please everyone. But what I dream of if we could ever get an Epic Mk V, is that it would come with a comprehensive box set like Epic 40k did, even though I know that will never happen.
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