Kings of War Version 2. AWESOME!

Yaaaay! Version 2!

As a kickstarter backer I got a PDF version of the soon to be released Version 2 of Kings of War. It's an excellent evolution of the game and I will post some random thoughts here. Some of what I write may be of more interest to those who have played it before. But you may find some points interesting if you haven't played the game yet.

Unit base size has been further clarified.  

Height. Units now have a Height as does terrain. 1 - 4. This is for Line of Sight reasons and looks like it will add that little bit more certainty in the game over any doubts of what can see what.

The rules have an excellent explanation of movement and unit positions. Especially for multiple units hitting a single unit.

Despite base size this rule makes it clear.

Counter Charge (which I think is new) allows a unit that survived a rear/flank charge to turn around and charge back...provided it isn't Wavering of course   

Spells. The game now has SIX spells.

Fireball - Magic Missile damage

Bane-chant - Friendly unit gains a fight bonus or two.

Wind Blast - Push an enemy unit back

Lightning Bolt - Longer range nastier magic missile

Heal - Heal wounds on friendly units

Surge - Move friendly shambling units

Force Builds...

Allies. 25% max, no allied Living Legends, Evil and Good races can't mix but Neutral goes with anything of course.

On Force Lists...

Very clear explanation on the KoW unlock system. 1 Regiment allows you to include 2 Troops and, 1 of the following War Engine, Monster or Hero. 

In Force build lists the option for adding a Banner and a Musician to  a unit are gone. Makes a few less numbers when adding them up and also avoids that +/- during Nerve tests that I usually forget anyway.  

Twilight Kin (Evil Elves) have been dropped. Not sure why.

11 races included to build a list from.

Cannons and the like have increased in points costs. Better reflects the potential damage they can do.

Magical Artefact's. An increase in items. Don't be put off by these as they are not game breakers. Just a bonus +1 here and there or access to a a Special Ability

Scenarios. 6 scenario options to choose or randomly roll for.

Human Forces.

I have used the options for historically styled forces and now there are a few more options for those who would do just that. 

Berserkers. A new unit ideal for any unarmoured fanatic maniacs. Small, Regiment and even Horde sized option. Penitents Mob has been dropped but a Militia Mob can be as large as a 'Legion!' (largest unit possible).

Shooters have 3 entries now rather than just one with the option to be Bowmen, Crossbows or Arquebusiers (guns).

Charioteers. I don't recall them being an option before but great for British Celts or Egyptian style forces.

Stolen from Aventine Miniatures. How Awesome!

Beast of War (Monster). Perfect for that Elephant. Now who makes them in 28mm? 50 x 100mm base size so could be anything really.

Heavy Pike Block. Elite better armoured Pike unit. The Pike special rule has been dumped but Pike units get 'Ensnare' and 'Phalanx'.

Ogre Unit options in the Human list have been dropped. They have their very own list.

Dwarves

Throwing Mastiff rules much clearer.

More units like Earth Elementals, Greater Earth Elemental, Stone Priest, Sharpshooters, and a Jarrun Bombard. 
I haven't played armies other than Dwarves and Humans.

Plenty of nice coloured photos of miniatures. No photos of an actual game in progress though and no example game described. The internet probably more than takes care of that though. 

Lots of History and a Mantica map for building a fantasy world background.

A small part of Mantica.

The copy I have didn't come with an Index but the Hard copy may do. The Contents makes it easy enough to find most things though.

Overall it's a great set of rules for big unit battles. Looking forward to gaming with them again. It's inspired me to source some Elephants.

Cheers from Brendon