A Look Back... Operation: Red Veil
In the past, I took a closer look into Kill Team by Games Workshop.
Now, I spoilt myself a while back and bought a brand new box of Corvus Belli's Infinity: Operation Red Veil and with the new expansion pre-orders just around the corner I thought now would be a great time to take a closer look at Red Veil!
This is a 2 player starter box containing:
2 forces (Haqqislam and Yu Jing)
Markers and tokens
Ruler
Template
6 D20 (3 for each faction)
A Rulebook
A playmat (measuring 24" by 36")
And enough scenery to fill the above playmat
The Forces
"HAQQISLAM: (from the Arabic Haqq Islam, New or True Islam) Religious doctrine derived from Islamism, and its associated Neomuslim culture. A modern interpretation of the set of dogmas and precepts of the Quran that permeates the everyday lives of its followers. Founded by Farhad Khadivar in the late 21st century, the Haqqislamic movement proposed a philosophical and theological revisionism of the classical Islam, in order to adapt it to the society of its time. Haqqislam proclaims Humanism, the Search for Knowledge, and a set of Metaphysical axioms influenced by Sufi scholars, as the foundations of its doctrine, while simultaneously rejecting religious hierarchies and Sunnah, âtraditionâ, as dogma. Their doctrine is profoundly concerned with political and social issues, and the culture built around it has rekindled the scientific and artistic heirloom of the golden age of Islam."
The Haqqislam models look vibrant and reminiscent of their origin. While certain models are more modernised (I'm looking at you Al Fasid) they still have that desert/nomadic feel to them.
A great value in this box due to the added Al Fasid.
Yu Jing: Its challenger, its perpetual opponent, the other great power, is Yu Jing (pronounced you cheeng), the Asian giant. The whole of the Far East, united under the banner of what once was China, has produced an integrated, but heterogeneous, oriental culture. Equipped with a blooming industrial sector, state-of-the-art technology and astounding economic growth, Yu Jing is ready and willing to demand the dominant position to which it feels entitled.
Personally I think these models are benefitting the most of Infinity's "Anime Aesthetic". You can envision these models popping out if your favourite anime show or manga.
A great value in this box due to the added Ninja (with TACTICAL bow)
Overall the models are of high quality design, and virtually mold-line-free. However, they are true-scale. So that means really thin arms and realistic proportions... gluing them has been difficult for me. (But I have gorilla hands and the dexterity of a beached whale, so you might fare better)
The Markers and Tokens
These markers and tokens are extremely handy as they encompass all that might happen as you go through the specifically designed rulebook. They're a good start, but as soon as you ramp up your games you'll be needing a lot more.
The D20
Again, same as the above statement about the tokens. They cover your basics and will get you through the rulebook. All pretty designed to go with your faction. However, I'm kind of sad that they didn't give you 5 dice. Why five? Well the maximum rolls a weapon can get is 5. The HMG in the game generates 4 rolls, so that means you'll have to borrow a die from your opponent every time you use it. (and I hate rolling different colours to be honest.)
The Rulebook
This... thing... is... amazing. 5 missions designed to ease you into the broad spectrum of rules and mechanics of Infinity. Each mission adds another layer until you play with your full force on the table. It encompasses a (small) painting guide, some suggestions to expand on the force you now have,âĶ All-in all this thing gives you a solid base to start "playing with the big boys".
The Playmat
This 24" by 36" playmat is where all your action will be happening. And as an added bonus, once you've outgrown this mat you can just turn it around and have a poster.
The Scenery
This is printed paper card which you fold (and tape or glue) so it gets it's volume and shape. They look pretty, however I am worried about general lifespan. And I was doing it the wrong way because there was no instruction manual. Not that it's hard, but I ended up with a tear in 2 pieces due to wrong assembly.
Overall
I love this box, and I'll probably keep all the contents for myself. Infinity looks like an amazing game to play. The model are a joy to look at. And I love the part that Corvus Belli took the time to create an introduction rulebook to go with this set so you don't swamp yourself by studying a 600 page rulebook before you can even play your first match.
I haven't gotten Operation: Ice Storm, but from the looks of it the content is the same as this, just different setting and armies.
Each set is a must buy for anyone thinking of picking up Infinity as their go-to game.
And as always: May the dice gods be ever in your favour.
Don't forget to check out the new pre-order Beyond Red Veil, available for pre-order NOW with an exclusive miniature for every box pre-ordered by August 13th 2017!
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