They say that the cavalry always arrives in the nick of time. Although some would argue that it arrives precisely when it is supposed to arrive when it is needed. The Infinity Reinforcements are still like the cavalry of this wargame, and the truth is that they have taken their time to arrive, and it’s not been a short wait.
Years ago, the development plan for Infinity N2 was as follows: Basic Rules, Fireteams, Campaign Rules, and Reinforcement Rules. So, after the Paradiso Campaign book, with its linked scenarios and Campaign Rules, we began to prepare the Reinforcement rules.
These went through different versions, all highly tested, until reaching a version considered definitive. However, during its development, the need to release the 3rd Edition arose, which left no room for a fourth N2 book. The project was shelved for development on N3, once again following the updated Daedalus Fall. campaign rules.
And again a new edition was proposed, N4, which delayed the arrival of the Reinforcements until now, where they are directly related to the events that take place in the book, Infinity Endsong. In that book, what transpires is explained in a relatable way to the background events and makes sense given the new situation in where the Human Sphere is located.
But, probably what many are wondering is: What are Reinforcements? How are they proposed and what do they mean for Infinity?
Put simply, Reinforcements are a new way to play Infinity. An additional, optional layer of rules that allows Infinity to be played differently than what we would call “standard Infinity,” that is, the way Infinity has been played until now. The Reinforcements are a game changer, something new that represents a change both in the creation of gaming lists, in the strategic and tactical approach to the games, and even more so to the missions.
A quick overview of this new rule is that both players play with fewer troops than normal and when they have suffered a certain amount of casualties, or are going into the third Game Round, they deploy a Reinforcements army list of a maximum of 100 points on their half of the table.
Therefore, both players know that, at least in the third round, fresh troops will appear and most probably be deployed in the thick of things. The usual strategies thus go out the window and both players must consider new formulas to play the scenarios that they know so well. This opens the door to new ways of creating lists, making way for profiles and options that had fallen into disuse and now take on a whole new aspect.
Reinforcements add depth and give Infinity diversity in how it is played. It is a way to refresh the game and enjoy a different gaming experience. And that's a great thing because it gives Infinity greater replayability, creating a new focus of interest and breathes new life into the rules, army lists, and organized play.
However, one very important thing to note is that Reinforcements is an optional rule, as well as an ITS Tournament Mode. Players don't have to use this rule if they don't want to, in fact, it is not recommended for players who are still starting out in Infinity, it is preferable that they first familiarize themselves with “standard Infinity” before tackling another layer of complexity, not so much all rules, strategies, and tactics. Furthermore, if this rule is used, as a Tournament Mode, both players must apply it, both playing with Reinforcements. This guarantees balance between the two players, applying the same extras, just as both would have to use Spec-Ops if they were playing that Tournament Mode.
So this new rule does not replace the so-called “standard Infinity” that we all know and love, but rather it offers an alternative for when you feel like walking on the wild side a bit.
To define the cavalry in Infinity: it doesn't miraculously turn up at the last moment to save the day, but at the exact right time it is needed. It arrives linked to the events detailed in the Infinity Endsong book, and just on the cusp of a new narrative campaign.
There's not much else to say... other than these are undoubtedly “interesting times,” and the very definition of an Infinity situation.
