Rivet Wars

I had my reservations about Rivet Wars. I loved the look of the pieces, the steampunk theme, but was unsure about game play. In the end I am very glad with the purchase, it has filled a perfect niche in my collection.
The game sets up and plays like a board game:
1) You draw/discard cards
2) You deploy your troops, depending on cost
3) You move and attack
4) Collect points
The game board is set up per scenario, with each scenario having its own win condition, usually a Victory Point total, but sometimes including specific objectives.
The above is a simplified description of play, as their are finer points to each of the steps, but it is the simplicity of the game that makes work for me.
The 2 kinds of cards really add to the board game feel:
1) Secret Mission – these cards give you minor objectives to try to achieve for bonus points.
2) Action! – cards that give you special actions, attacks or bonuses during play.
As well as the Score Tracker with card placement, Victory Points, and Rivets (your currency for deploying troops). Clearly visible in one spot for both players, adds to the board game feel.

Keep in mind, this is still a miniature war game, but there are no tape measures, tools needed to figure line of sight, or fiddly mechanics. There’s more dark humor than serious tactics.

Cons:
1) This is not a realistic tactics, serious war game. It not meant to be serious at all.
2) Its not about painting finely detailed, realistic miniatures. Though the minis are really cool looking, and people do a great job painting them.
3) The number of cards, both action and secret mission, are a little too limited for standard game play.
4) There’s a limited number of scenarios.
5) You can still spend quite a bot of money on expansions.

Pros:
1) This is not a realistic tactics, serious war game. Its not meant to be serious at all.
2) Its not about painting finely detailed, realistic miniatures. Though the minis are really cool looking, and people do a great job painting them.
3) Set up and Game play is fast.
4) There are lots of scenarios you can download for free to supplement the core set.
5) The Core Set has everything you need to play. Minis for both sides, grids, tokens, scenarios – everything you need for basic play. A full miniatures war game (light) for $70.
6) There are 3 expansions already out and 3 more on the way, including air combat and support adding more replay value.
7) It is easy to learn and teach.

I got this game cause I wanted a miniature wargame, but I did not want to have to piece together an army, or paint figures, or use a measuring tape or tools for line of site or distance.
I did not want a new hobby, but a complete game in a box and I got just that. AND, I am a sucker for steampunk cartoon minis.However, I like the game enough I will be buying the expansions.