Distractions…

Hobby time can't seem to catch a break these days. At weekends my time is currently taken up with working in the garden (I do have a nice tan though!) and any downtime in the evenings sees me flaked out, usually on the sofa, watching tv through increasingly closed eyelids.

I do have another distraction that has become a bit of an obsession. XCOM on the iPad. Despite being available for both my Xbox 360 and my iMac I downloaded the game for my tablet and that was the end of my free time and sanity.

Anyone who played the original will know how addictive it was and this updated version is better and perfectly designed for the iPad. It has taken me 4 goes to get my team in good shape and advance the storyline to a point where the end is in sight (excuse the pun) – playing Iron Man mode (can't save) doesn't help. I can't explain in words how awesome this game is – if you've never played it… go buy it!

I now have two deadly Snipers who, with the right upgrades, make the difference between success and death. One of them has psi abilities, which he hasn't used much. However, my other psyker – a rock-hard assault marine – has a range of abilities now and will often mind-control the enemy to ensure they get picked off by their comrades. I've binned all my Heavies and have a great mix of Support/Assault with a Mech plasma vehicle as scout.

I like the way you get attached to individuals in your team, especially as they progress and get promoted. There's nothing worse than losing your favourite bod to a stupid move or an enemy popping up that you didn't anticipate. I've learned the hard way that over stretching you team can have dire consequences.

This attachment to your team is something that I like about skirmish level wargaming too. This used to happen in Necromunda all the time… and it's starting to happen with my Romans.