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Description
Malifaux is a skirmish miniature game in a horror/steampunk setting.
Each player builds a force of 5-7 figures from a faction to battle it out. A force is composed of minions and at least one master.
Malifaux involves elements of resource management as hands of cards are used instead of dice to resolve skill checks.
Each check involves drawing a card from a deck and adding it to a figure's statistic. Players can then use cards from
their hands to raise the value. The highest value in an opposed check wins.
The turn system is integrated, with each player alternating turns between model activations.
Year Published
2009
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 16
This page: 16
Sentiment:
pos 11 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 4 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–16 of 16
Video tp6pW6hTVpI
Nerd Bunker Channel general_discussion at 2:09 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 11152 · mention_pk 32810
Click to watch at 2:09
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- distinctive setting and mood
- strong thematic flavor
Cons
- limited discussion of mechanics in transcript
Thematic elements
- pulp-infused dark fantasy with supernatural elements
- alternate Victorian fantasy world with pulp horror tones
- narrative-driven skirmish gameplay
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- resource/dice mechanics — dice pools or specific resources to drive actions and abilities
- skirmish miniature battles — small-scale encounters focused on individual models and feats
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I will be controlling all of the undead all of the skeletons
- how to play Song of Blades and Heroes
- space marines codex
- D&D miniatures so if they get stuff on them you can just throw them in the dishwasher
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8E85Baoncog
Tabletop Minions general_discussion at 31:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10999 · mention_pk 32400
Click to watch at 31:40
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong card mechanic adds tactical variability
- great for new players due to smaller scope and cost
Cons
- steep learning curve for card interactions
- less ubiquitous compared to GW games
Thematic elements
- deck-building card-driven activations and narrative miniatures
- Dark fantasy/steampunk-inspired skirmish battles
- boss-rights and thematic crew builds with thematic flavor
Comparison games
- Kill Team
- Warhammer 40,000
- X-Wing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven activation — uses a unique hand of cards to activate and resolve actions
- Crew-based miniatures with individualized abilities — each model has distinct capabilities and upgrades
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a great system to start with
- it's a good primer for playing 40k
- the rules are in one book
- the board that it comes with is 22 by 30 which is a really smart thing
- it's always a good idea for a business to try to find an easier way for people to get into into the game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pBOlTKPEZeM
Unknown general_discussion at 9:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9820 · mention_pk 28952
Click to watch at 9:54
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly aesthetic models
- accessible starter pricing when combined with core components
Cons
- deck-driven systems can have a steeper learning curve
Thematic elements
- Gangs in a steampunk-infused city
- Weird West/alternate reality
- story-driven skirmish battles
Comparison games
- Age of Sigmar
- X-Wing
- Song of Blades and Heroes
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Crew-based skirmish — small, diverse crews with unique abilities
- fate deck (card-driven initiative) — cards determine activation order and outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we are talking about relative terms because what one person might think, well, $20 is that's not a lot. That's a lot of money to another person.
- we are making a value judgment.
- If it's really that expensive, then maybe don't play Warhammer. Maybe play something else.
- Song of Blades and Heroes is an $8 PDF that you buy and download.
- for as little as $40, which is again getting us back to the X-wing price, but now it's still something you've got to like, you know, paint.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mslexB9pSEs
Unknown Channel analysis at 1:38 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 9703 · mention_pk 28645
Click to watch at 1:38
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- strong thematic depth and character-led play
- tactical nuance in skirmish scale
Cons
- faction balance and complexity can be challenging for some players
- thematic focus may not appeal to all audiences
Thematic elements
- character-driven skirmish with deep faction identities
- Weird West/steam-punk fantasy world with supernatural intrigue
- story-driven, flavor-forward narrative
Comparison games
- Warhammer 40,000
- Age of Sigmar
- Bolt Action
- Conflict 47
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-based resolution — uses cards instead of dice for actions and outcomes
- dual-activation — models activate in sequence with tactical positioning and synergies
- skirmish scale — small-numbered forces emphasize hero/recruit-level units and narrative flavor
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- when I want to be bad guys, I'll be Chaos Space Marines.
- when I want to be good guys, I'll be Tau because they're pretty good for the greater good.
- I like to have those kind of defined roles.
- it's lore and aesthetics and a lot of times what really interests me in lower are the defined roles.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CEmO1G4ifQU
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 4:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8313 · mention_pk 24466
Click to watch at 4:59
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high thematic depth and character variety
- great for narrative scenarios with small model counts
Cons
- smaller model pool may limit fluff for some players
Thematic elements
- crews of specialists with thematic powers
- Weird West; magic, steampunk elements
- narrative-driven, scheme-based skirmish
Comparison games
- Kill Team
- Warcry
- Kings of War
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven activation and hand-management — players use a standard deck of cards to activate abilities and resolve actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the pros and cons of quality versus quantity in wargaming
- subjective to some people
- not everyone can be a masterpiece
- it's like a buffet I can do a little bit of this and a little bit of that and kind of keep moving
- lower quantity higher quality they should have made those words maybe just slightly more different
- do you love to see big armies or do you love to paint and spend a good amount of time per model
- it's a personal preference
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video bbjpQ0HujNE
Unknown Channel analysis at 8:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6730 · mention_pk 20000
Click to watch at 8:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Characterful crew options
- Strong thematic flavor
Cons
- Rules complexity for new players
Thematic elements
- Story-driven, crew-based skirmish
- Gothic Weird West-inspired world
- Narrative-driven campaigns and scenarios
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven activation — Player cards drive actions and initiative.
- Crew-building with distinct characters — Each model has unique abilities and interactions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the enjoyment itself is the ends and the means is sitting down painting little dudes or dudettes or whatever robots and aliens and and making that go
- you don't have to be excellent at it
- leisure time equals fun
- if you fret too much about your leisure time... the wrong way to look at it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video aDFSrTZUcyc
Unspecified Channel general_discussion at 0:00 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 4421 · mention_pk 12954
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- Unique mechanics
- Distinct art style
Cons
- Less mainstream attention
Thematic elements
- Pulp/weird west fantasy
- Gothic-meets-horror miniatures game
- Story-driven skirmish
Comparison games
- Warhammer 40,000
- War Cry
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Gritty skirmish with asymmetric factions — Unique card-driven actions and soulstones
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- priming is kind of important because it just allows the paint that you put on after to attach to something that's just a little bit more sturdy
- conversions is cool because it gives you another avenue to bend the game to the way you want it to be
- I would generally always prime that's just the way I kind of do
- start sculpting with plasticine as practice green stuff putty has been the traditional medium
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4uLxqmqLX7A
Tabletop Minions general_discussion at 3:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3068 · mention_pk 8947
Click to watch at 3:45
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Opportunity to participate in an organized Malifaux event (Achievement League)
- Excitement about Gen Con participation
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Magic users, political intrigue, duel-driven character combat
- Gothic fantasy with industrial steampunk elements in Malifaux, a gothic port-city setting
- Crew-based, narrative-driven skirmish with individual miniature characters
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven actions — Turn resolution and activations are driven by a deck of cards representing action points and outcomes
- Close-quarters combat — Skirmish-scale melee with unique duel mechanics
- Crew activation order — Players activate crews in a defined order, managing limited actions per turn
- Pinning and positioning — Positioning and line-of-sight impact engagements, with terrain affecting outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm really looking forward to it
- that the Adept ikonn videos didn't get a ton of viewers frankly
- maybe people aren't that interested
- I'm not there to shoot new products
- I'm gonna be playing in malifaux achievement league
- I'm gonna be at the film festival a couple of times talking to people there
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video R2odHcBmIpM
The Box of Lights playthrough at 0:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2952 · mention_pk 8610
Click to watch at 0:12
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich thematic flavor with distinctive masters and units
- Card-driven mechanics create tense, tactical decision-making
- Plastic minis provide easier construction and more accessible painting
Cons
- Relatively steep learning curve for newcomers
- Niche genre with a lot of niche terminology
- Rule depth can be intimidating without a dedicated rules reference
Thematic elements
- duel-based skirmish where powerful masters command retinues of minions and specialized tricksters to outmaneuver rivals.
- Malifaux, a gothic Victorian fantasy world where magic, monsters, and factional intrigue intrude on a frontier cityscape.
- narrative-driven skirmish with a focus on character-driven micro-stories and dynamic fate-driven outcomes.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven combat and damage resolution — The game uses a fate deck to resolve actions, with damage determined by damage flips and weapon traits, producing a dynamic, card-driven duel system.
- Duel-based checks and cast interactions — Many actions require duels (willpower, resist, or casting totals) where players balance resource cards and cheats to maximize success.
- Movement and terrain interaction — Movement is measured with attention to terrain, including hazards that can be ignored with specific abilities or spell effects.
- Spell casting and action economy — Spells have casting costs and totals, can be modified by caster special rules, and may require checks or resistances by opponents.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- every strike is successful
- these ice pillars have a toughness of three
- we could cheat fate with our command cards if we need to
- Candy is harmless now after Charm
- Runaway Home lets Candy ignore severe terrain when walking
- Charm regains harmless status
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GTBnvZxm66E
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 8:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2180 · mention_pk 6384
Click to watch at 8:03
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Dense terrain enhances narrative and tactical depth
- Visual storytelling benefits from varied setups
Cons
- Terrain balance may affect speed and accessibility to newer players
Thematic elements
- Skirmish warfare with narrative-driven scenarios
- Gothic swamps and magical victorian-era feel
- Strong narrative focus with terrain-driven play
Comparison games
- Infinity
- Arena Rex
- Kill Team
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cover — Terrain provides concealment and tactical positioning
- terrain_pathways — Terrain features influence movement and tactical options
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the amount of terrain that you have on a table and it also depends completely on the size of the table
- having decent cover in a game that has big ranges to all the weapons is important
- there's nothing wrong with just grabbing a bunch of pieces of train stewing them about the table and starting to throw dice
- cover is important when people are sling and lead you want to not be standing out in the open
- the trick is is that you may have a lot of terrain on the board but if you've built it so that there are a lot of just open streets you are building lanes that long-distance shooters are being really given an advantage on
- the tables are all a lot alike because that makes it fair
- think not only about constructing and making your terrain look cool but think about how you construct the board
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Lq6GncehuUs
Mike's Miniatures general_discussion at 7:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1796 · mention_pk 5198
Click to watch at 7:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Distinctive theme and dramatic miniature sculpts
- Rich storytelling potential through factions like the Neverborn
Cons
- Older models and paint schemes can be challenging to balance visually
Thematic elements
- Dreams manifesting as the Nightmare world of Malifaux
- Weird West with dream-visions and nightmares shaping reality
- Surreal, gothic, and dreamlike storytelling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- soulstone/resource management — Action economy and resource management drive outcomes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love Infinity, these Miniatures are metal and the heft feels tangible
- I have to have this transforming dog character
- Gaslands is basically Mario Kart but in tabletop form
- I still love Malifaux and the Neverborn—the Dreamer is so cool
- Stanley on a park bench—terrain can be a feature, not just a backdrop
- I was so irritated with Batman the Miniature Game because they released a new set and a whole new rule set
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video uhLsYzMQO1Q
Tabletop Minions general_discussion at 17:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1779 · mention_pk 5142
Click to watch at 17:25
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thematic and approachable entry point with good starter options
Cons
- Deck management can add complexity for new players
Thematic elements
- Crew-based skirmish with asymmetric factions and narrative potential.
- Weird west with supernatural elements; urban fantasy flavor.
- Rich flavor with narrative campaign possibilities and character-driven play.
Comparison games
- Infinity
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven resource management — Uses a fate deck and soulstones mechanic that drives actions and economy.
- Crew-based skirmish — Players compose small crews with unique abilities and upgrades.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The points are not a big deal in Age of Sigmar.
- You can easily teach people who aren't into the hobby too much yet or people who are younger.
- The rules themselves are relatively simple.
- The models for Silver Tower look awesome.
- The points are not a big deal in Age of Sigmar and that kind of thing.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wO3kThdv-sA
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 6:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1576 · mention_pk 4572
Click to watch at 6:36
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Designed with multi-era terrain in mind, enabling reuse across genres
- Extensive terrain and landscape options that fit varied settings
Cons
- Theme and rules may require a learning curve for new players
- Brand-specific components may limit cross-compatibility without adaptation
Thematic elements
- thematically diverse architecture and multi-era terrain compatibility
- Steampunk/Weird-West with cross-dimensional factions
- story-driven skirmish gaming with a flexible world
Comparison games
- Malifaux terrain, Warhammer Underworlds
- Age of Sigmar
- Warcry
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Poker-style resource management — Uses a unique action selection mechanic with resource cards.
- Terrain versatility — Terrain pieces are designed with mixed-era backgrounds to support varied tables.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- can i use this for more than one game
- the sky is the limit
- trees are important pieces to have on your table
- there's no reason that you can't use your ruined skull covered buildings in regular sci-fi
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WME3C9gNmms
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 0:43 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 1298 · mention_pk 3835
Click to watch at 0:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- distinctive art style and lore-rich factions
- deep, story-forward play that shines in themed scenarios
Cons
- steep learning curve for newcomers
- less mainstream compared to some fantasy skirmish games
Thematic elements
- narrative-driven skirmish with dark aesthetics
- weird fantasy/steampunk world with supernatural elements
- story-driven encounters and character-driven scenarios
Comparison games
- Age of Sigmar
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- activation order — player actions are scheduled in a way that creates tactical tension
- Card-driven actions — cards determine activation order and outcomes, adding a narrative twist
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this type of game is designed to be very uneven it is generally a small force or several small forces usually working cooperatively
- the objective is to get from point A to point B and that is to say we need to get to the boat the spaceship we need to get to the castle
- there is a near infinite amount of them that is part of the horror of zombies in these types of situations
- zombies should probably never have morale roles
- the AI basically for the zombies
- every knee player killed a zombie the game master gave them a piece of candy
- you could play it in age of sigmar you could play it in malifaux you could play it in flames of war
- the GM last time gets to swap in and then someone else is GM
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kg3iUlE3PZg
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 5:12 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 1258 · mention_pk 3647
Click to watch at 5:12
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- gangs, intrigue, and magic-powered conflict
- Steampunk/fantasy world of Malifaux
- story-driven skirmish with narrative campaigns
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck-driven turn order — A customized deck determines initiative and action resolution for each model or unit.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The trick is is that you have to try to figure out which type of person that you are to help keep yourself hobby motivated
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 0BvMMMeoios
general_discussion at 32:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 488 · mention_pk 1436
Click to watch at 32:39
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Richf action-driven gameplay with strong painterly appeal
- Interesting mix of fantasy and horror elements
Cons
- Learning curve due to unique rules/cards
Thematic elements
- Interwoven plots and magic within a city landscape
- Weird West/alternate reality with a gothic-meets-spooky vibe
- Narrative-driven, scenario-based skirmishes
Comparison games
- The Other Side
- Ragnarök
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Crew-based skirmish with asymmetric factions — Each faction has unique mechanics, cards, and their own play style
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Gaslands is a very cool game and it's like 20 bucks
- it's going to be probably more accessible to more people certainly
- I really like the kind of bidding system about how you who goes first
- you can't take Kill Team rules for most models too which is cool
- it's almost like X-wing Star Wars X-wing
- Gaslands is a very cool game and it's like 20 bucks and you go to town
- Kill Team is the way to go... it's the next logical step
- it's not about swapping a lot of weapons as much anymore
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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