So you want to get into the Warhammer hobby as a new player, or maybe a returning vet and are kind of 50/50 with both the fantasy and 40K set, so the question is which one to get.
Both give you a lot of models, a getting started book, and a full rulebook for the systems with some dice, measuring sticks, and templates. So far they look the same, but there are a few points to really consider…
First and foremost is the models and the setting of the game- after all this is miniature wargaming. If a fantasy setting stirs your imagination then go for it, if you like grimdark, guns, and walking robot tanks then go for 40K.
No preference either way? Let’s break down the sets.
From the modeling perspective both are fantastic in their sculpts, and the Island of Blood gets you “more” plastic for the price, but Assault on Black Reach is a bit easier to work with for the new player just because the models are fewer to build and paint then the fantasy counterpart. Depending on the age and temperament this could be an issue.
Next let’s look at terrain- an important component of the game. Both boxes don’t come with any, which isn’t a criticism since a big part of the hobby is building your own terrain. Getting started ASAP, the Island of Blood set is a bit easier- some model railroad trees, a foam hill or two, and you are set. Warhammer 40,000 tends to require a bit more terrain then it’s fantasy counterpart, and while you can play with trees, hills, etc. more sci-fi based terrain looks better- ruined buildings, craters, and all that war battle field stuff.
Gameplay is next.
Having experience in both Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Fantasy I can’t say one is harder than the other- although the magic phase in Warhammer Fantasy can be complex at times.
The next question is overall game play and expandability if you never intend to go beyond the box set- which one offers a better value and more complicity- Island of Blood, and here is why.
In the Assault On Black Reach Set you only have both the Orks and Space Marines locked in “as-is”- there is no changing units, equipment, or options. You also only have three missions to play in the book, and the White Dwarf magazine expansion is you can find it. (Note: I’m only looking at “official” extra missions, etc. for this review, and not fan based stuff, which certainly does exist.)
Island of Blood has some additional layers which can really switch up the variety in the game.
The first way to do it is without the Elven and Skaven wizard- leave magic out of the game and just go at it with the armies. When you are ready add in the wizards. Play that a few times and you can then pump up the power level and select different spells from the rulebook for a different feel. Play that a bit and then give them each 100 “points” to buy magic items in the back of the book. With the main heroes do the same- give them some extra points to buy magic items really allowing you to customize your bad guy or good guy. Add to this more missions in the main rulebook, and the three “official” missions on Games Workshop’s website and the IOB box set has a ton more customization out there, and everything being equal I would have to recommend going with that.
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