I can't decide! Help please!

[Circlechange]

Hello all,

I am looking to get into the exciting world of miniature wargaming, and I think that 28mm miniatures would best fit my style. So, I have the scale down; now the Era is the problem.

I absolutely ADORE history. I can't get enough o' it. It would please me dearly to have any kind of miniatures be they Ancient, Medieval, Napoleonic, Colonial, and anything up until World War Two. My problem is that I don't know what era has the most fun, exciting, and diverse gameplay with 28mm miniatures. Please post your comments on what era you think I should start out in. It would be most appreciated if you do.

 Thanks, Aidan.

[Cubs]

Hmmm, tricky. There's no right and wrong answer here really. I'd favour having a little pick at a few different periods to see what you like - use your library to get the books! But which ones first of course?

Have you got a favourite historical book/series of books? Or a favourite type of movie on the subject?

It's what usually nudges me one way or the other.

[Citizen Sade]

You're going to get a bunch of widely different answers as wargaming's a broad church with lots to offer, but the positive news is that most of it's good.

Few gamers these days have the self-restraint to stick with just one period. My advice? Pick something that really interests you and start small. If you do this, you should be motivated to get stuff on the table quicker.

FWIW, I personally prefer skirmish games - with 1 figure representing 1 man - and a bit of variety. So, for me, French and Indian Wars is a good choice - Indians, American and French Canadian Militia, British & French regulars etc. Another big plus is that there are some fantastic figures and scenery available for the period. American War of Independence is another good option if you fancy something with some local (i.e. SC) flavour.

[Donpimpom]

my two cents:
it's a game! its always fun! is more important to choose the right partner to play than the game or the setting.

Another choice to do is the size of the armies, skirmish rulesets allow you to play with a few miniatures (5 to 15) per side, rulesets for bigger games can require you to build and paint an army of hundreds in some cases.

An option could be an Old West ruleset, they use to be skirmish, there are a few around, with half a dozen of miniatures you can start quickly to paint, to play, learn the ropes, and then go for something bigger in another period of history (or not).

I suggest you to start with something easy to handle also because buying lots of miniatures can be very exciting, but having at home a lead pile, looking at you, waiting to be painted, day after day. Can make you feel like in a never ending job.

[Doomhippie]

As Cubs wrote it is mainly a matter of personal taste. Think about what originally made you like history and start there. That's the best tip I have for you.

[LawnRanger]

Hi Aidan
   What I would say to you is try out your Local wargames club , That way you can see and feel how the different rules/ periods work out ,  I bet the members  of the club would love to have a chat and help get you started on your task ahead .
 
   I started in Napoleonics and now I cover most periods with one or two armies

 what I will say is try and start of with just one scale that way you will save on the terrain and money  ..and just paint one army at a time its very easy to get side tracked in this hobby,

 we all know and have done it but try and paint up one project at a time that way you can get them out on the table and play with them and they will not be left in a box and never see the light of day .. as when they go into the box off i'll do them next week that's it they will never see the light off day again !

Happy gaming ,good luck with the hobby LR

[von Lucky]

I agree with LawnRanger's comment of visiting your local club to see what they're into.

Some useful armies on army choices:
http://www.fanaticus.org/DBA/guides/firstarmy.html
http://www.madaxeman.com/FoGAM/tiki-index.php?page=Army+Choice
http://www.byzant.demon.co.uk/beginner.htm

[Circlechange]

Thank you for your feedback, guys! I'll definitely take your advice to heart. Thanks again!