Trask, The Last Tyromancer

The Iphone applications for Ex-Illis works exactly the same as the desktop version. It is a large app, so you need WIFI to download it. You login to your Ex-illis account, muster your army and then start killing your opponent. Haaldaar and I will play a game with two Iphones soon, but for testing purposes I ran a “mirror” practice game against my own unit. These shots are from that game.

Ex-Illis Terrain Setup and Randomizer

Iphone Ex-Illis Unit

Ex-Illis Iphone Battle Screen

The game ran smoothly and the graphics were as good as the small Iphone screen can muster. It was  very playable and did not crash.

In other Ex-Illis news, I received my “William Wallace” miniature for buying the beta kit. Here is a shot of William, the only metal miniature out for Ex-Illis.  Sorry for the poor image quality, my camera died and I am using my Iphone until I replace it.

Ex-Illis William Wallace Miniature

Trask, The Last Tyromancer

Here is the initial Ex-Illis unit collections screen that appears when you login.

Ex-Illis Army Screen

The muster screen is a bit odd at first, but it makes sense once you click on the detail screens. Each circle represents an army configuration summary. The green blob in the center is the relative strengths of that army.

Ex-Illis Army Summary Screen

Here is the detail screen to explain what the colors mean on the front page.  More color towards a given spoke on the wheel means your army is relatively stronger in that area. Once I memorize the locations, those colors make it dead easy to pick the correct army for a given battle.

Ex-Illis Army Detail Screen

The army builder uses a point-buy system to determine how many unit you can bring to a battle. Ex-Illis units earn experience for each battle, so they have  levels like a character in an MMORPG or a tabletop RPG.  This creates the interesting situation that a frequently-played miniature costs more points than a “rookie” miniature. Happily you can downgrade a unit for a given army build to keep a favorite miniature in the army without blowing the point-buy cap. Overall the mustering tool worked very well.

Oh, the Mac package worked great and I was able to get in some practice sessions against myself.

Trask, The Last Tyromancer

Bastion Studios, producers of the Ex-Illis Miniatures game and kind supporters of this site announced today they are looking for Ex-Illis players to join their new “Bleeding

Ex-Illis Knight Baneret Miniature Set

Edge Knights” program. The Bleeding Edge Knights function as the Ex-Illis demo team and support network for local gaming stores. BEKs earn points for running events, recruiting new players and  advancing the cause of Ex-Illis. These points can be converted into figures and other exclusive swag. Bastion is also running a contest along with the BEK launch that awards the highest Bleeding Edge Knight point earner a studio painted ” Knight Baneret” (pictured) miniature release. Download the announcement PDF from the link below for full details.

Bleeding Edge Knights Announcement and Knight Baneret Contest Rules

Trask, The Last Tyromancer

Trask, The Last Tyromancer

For immediate release | Quebec City, Canada – 29 July 2009

The Bastion, Inc. team is unveiling the Ex illis starter kit in a special, precommercial Beta version and invites you to Gen Con Indianapolis (to be held 13-16 August 2009) to discover the Ex illis experience.

Ex illis is an improved, hybrid gaming experience which allies the power of new technology with the spontaneity of the human exchange between players. The physical presence of gamers together is capital to the Ex illis experience: the technology is only there to enrich those exchanges, rendering them more accessible and favouring the game’s strategic dimension, by eliminating the physical and technical constraints usually associated with miniature wargames.

The starter kit gives you a privileged entryway into the Ex illis universe. The gameplay is experienced through:

• 54 plastic figurines, the realism of whose proportions is unequalled on the market;
• A completely modular gameboard made of 20 high-quality plastic tiles;
• Free software that replaces dice, measuring tapes and even… referees;
• And a website at the cutting edge of technology that will serve as your headquarters, maintaining the data for all of your units in one place and keeping track of the development of each of your soldiers.

The innovative spirit of Bastion Inc. isn’t limited to the gameplay experience in Ex illis; it also extends to our distribution model, unique in the industry. Henceforth, thanks to state-of-the-art technology, Bastion Inc.’s partners will have more choices and possibilities than before.

The Ex illis Beta program will be officially launched on 13 August, at Gen Con 2009. The program will allow a limited number of players to acquire the precommercial version of the game and try it out for one month. This limited edition of Ex illis includes 54 figurines, the introduction booklet, the gameboard, and the software in its Beta version. The Beta starter kit will only cost a fraction of the sales price of the commercial version, which is one way Bastion can reward the pioneers and forerunners of the gaming community. Interested players should contact the team and reserve their kit ASAP!

contactus@bastionstudio.com