Evolution of a 40k gamer

[CouchViking]

I started 40k in my early 20s in the military and instantly drawn to the invincibility of the space marines. They were the ultimate of cool, and their do or die mentality mirrored my own (sad I know because I was a telephone operator). I must admit the thought of invincibility for any young man in any incarnation a very intoxicating drug, and quoting a famous general "the only way to win a war". During my time playing marines I found myself wanting to play the most hardcore and best army to win, however my grasp of tactics were that of a big stick, hit them as hard as I can until they quit twitching. It wasn't until I got out of the military and got into a new gaming group, that I learned the finer points of tactics and sportmanship.
It took a new player for me to take a fresh look at the game and my growing family for me to look at my pocket book for the game. My now good friend who truly opened my eyes to what 40k can really be and several "tactical arguments" with the little lady about fiscal spending, brought me a far from my big stick mentality. I found myself dissatisfied with how marines played. I soon found myself in the fold of the space elves, playing a subtle ballet of subterfuge and misdirection to fool my opponents.
Now, I'm near 30 and building a witch hunter/imperial guard force for some fun. Slowly, but surely my new force is growing however it comes in a distant second to my family. Birthdays, fit throwing, mutton busting, and sneaking in the rare alone time with the little lady encompasses my days. I have to say though there is nothing better (the beer helps to :P ).

[DrLove42]

I like dmarines when i started, but chose Eldar cos i knew everyone did marines. But now 4 years on i have a started my Tau army, look forward to building my Dark Eldar army when their book comes out, have started Fantasy and have plans in my head for my future guard and Marine armies (all heavily converted and custom chapters of course). Its interesting to the see the "evolution" from where i started to just play to now enjoying the modelling, fluff creating and painting side of it more.

As another example of "evolution" look at your models from the first one you painted to the last one you finished and see how your skill has grown.

[Schnitzel]

I started 40k roughly two years ago while stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. It took me roughly a year and some months to learn to play, and the only reason I finally got it down was thanks to getting stationed back in the states where there was no language barrier.

Like you I started with Marines, however I was Chaos SM. Being a good guy in real life, I prefer to take on the persona of the baddie in my games. Not entirely "bad" per say, more a rebel without a cause.

My game style hasn't changed much since I started. Where before I was a "hit 'em with a big" stick sort, now I'm a "chuck a brick at the face" sort it you follow. Whats the difference between the two? I've accepted mech into my lines. :P

I firmly believe in blitzkrieg style tactics. Its the way of the Marine Corps, and I consider it a way of life. Come in fast and hard and give it you're all. Sure I don't win them all, but I win enough on the competitive level to keep me satisfied. There are certain army builds that completely tank my army if they get the first turn against me. I'm fine with that. I like running with a glass tank. I think it adds flavor to the game. Besides, I've never really cared whether I win or loose. Honestly, I just like rolling the dice, crafting a story and enjoying the interaction with other gamers. The only time I don't enjoy loosing (or even winning at that) is when my opponent is a dick.

In my oppinion, the evolution of a gamer is not so much the tactics he brings to the game, but the change of the gamer's out look on playing the game. Where as I started as a casual gamer who really hated loosing, even if its against good friends, I changed to a more competitive gamer who can take a punch and still smile back. Its a matter of maturing and learning to live and let live. You can't expect everything to always go your way, and you have to except that your plans will change. There is a certain random factor that comes into play in 40k, and it can destroy even the best laid plans. Embrace the randomness and take the game for what it is, a fun time to bond with fellow gamers.

[titan eddy]

I started around 4 years ago>:confused:

[DarkAngelHopeful]

I started with Ultramarines in 2nd edition and by 3rd edition was running with Dark Angels. I haven't look back since, even though I feel JJ did a disservice to their current codex. I have started a fledgling Spacewolves army because I like their attitude in game and in their fluff. They seem to be the kind of guys I'd want to hang out with and play a game of 40k with. Except that if I beat them, I'm sure a lot of things would get destroyed...but it would be with a smile and some laughter! =D

I started with Dark Elves in 5th edition WFB. I didn't have a lot of money then to buy models and I mainly played with my best friends so we pretty much played fantasy with paper. I know that's anathema to some players, but I learned how to play fantasy and was pretty good, I thought, by using paper blocks the same size of the models we were representing lol. I got back into WFB at the twilight of 7th edition and then I deployed. I wanted to play High Elves since the WD article back in 2007 I think. When I finally got around to buying an army book I bought HE, DE, and WE lol. I decided to stick with HE and then 8th came out and I'm pleased that I did. I may revisit DE at some point in the future. I'm kind of an Elves freak and a SM freak for that matter.

My girlfriend supports me and the hobby and even encourages me. She promises me if we get married that I'll still be able to buy models. Fortunately, she's pretty honest, so I'm taking her at face value. But that hasn't stopped me from buying a lot of stuff right now while I'm still single. ;)

I imagine in the future, when I'm married, I'll probably have slightly less time to play, but maybe I'll have more, who knows? I've already taught my girlfriend how to play. And she seems interested enough. Plus I'm converting my basement in my new house into a game room. =D