Andrew over at Not By Strength, By Guile recently picked up another new Infinity army and it got me thinking about my Infinity army. We both dabbled in the Infinity Code One game rules last summer and I realized I haven’t done a blog post about Infinity. In recent blog posts, I’ve talked about Age of Sigmar and about the virtual battlefields of War Thunder and how that can provide inspiration for your painted armies on the tabletop. This time though I wanted to talk not about the inspiration of the virtual battlefield, but about the cinematic inspiration from the grand narratives of film. This week I am going to write about Infinity and how “The Kingdom of Heaven” guided me to choose an army that is near to my heart: the illustrious PanOceania faction.

Infinity and Code One: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the knightly charm of PanOceania, let’s set the stage with what Infinity and Code One is. Created by Corvus Belli, Infinity is a tabletop skirmish game that transports players to a science fiction universe, where skirmishes and strategic battles shape the fate of the Human Sphere. It’s a game celebrated for its depth, tactical gameplay, and, notably, its highly detailed 28mm metal miniatures.

Code One serves as a streamlined version of the original Infinity game, designed to be more accessible to new players while retaining the game’s core mechanics. It offers a simplified entry point into Infinity’s expansive universe, focusing on the most iconic factions and allowing for quicker, yet equally engaging, gameplay. Whether you’re commanding a team of futuristic knights or engaging in covert operations, Code One promises a dynamic and visually stunning tabletop experience.

The PanOceania Faction: Knights of the Future

My journey into PanOceania started with the allure Orlando Bloom and the 2005 film “The Kingdom of Heaven”. I was already searching for a new infinity faction to place and after that movie I found myself enamored with the PanOceania faction. This faction, with its cool blue armor and knightly aesthetics, strikes an impressive pose on the battlefield. The combination of honor and valor of medieval knights with the advanced technology of the future was an instabuy for me. PanOceania is the largest, most powerful nation in the Infinity universe as well, boasting unrivaled technological advancements and a formidable military. After diving into the PanOceanian lore of how different they were from any other army I played in other table top games, I knew it was time to start this army.

The Influence of Cinema

The visual splendor of The Kingdom of Heaven, particularly the depiction of knights, cast a profound influence on my choice. The movie of course, starring Orlando Bloom, portrays the trials and tribulations of a knight during the Crusades, blending historical epic with personal drama. It’s this blend of chivalry, honor, and the aesthetic of the knights that I hope to capture with my PanOceania army. Their armor, not unlike that of the knights in the film, symbolizes the idea of protection and a commitment to higher ideals.

JoyToy Infinity Corvus Belli PanOceania Knights Hospitallers Set

Now I have yet to put my brush to my model but I wanted to really capture the box art for this army. To aid in this endeavor, I did something I have never done before and acquired the JoyToy Infinity Corvus Belli PanOceania Knights Hospitallers Set. This set, with its finely detailed figures, will serve as an excellent painting reference, more so then just trying to copy pictures off my computer. I wanted to ensure that I capture the essence, style, and color of the PanOceania faction as accurately as my skills would allow. My main goal is to remain true to the faction’s aesthetics without deviating too much from their look. I would love for my PanOceania army project to be both visually striking and still fit the look of the world of Infinity.

Embracing the Aesthetic: Painting and Strategy

Painting these miniatures will not just be an exercise in precision. What makes Infinity different from a lot of other table top games is how brightly colored each of the armies are painted. In games like 40k or Team Yankee, most color schemes that are aimed for are dark and matte to give the units a realistic and rugged look. Infinity goes the opposite direction aimed for a bright sci-fi look instead of dark and gloomy. This meticulous attention to detail in the Infinity painting not only enhances the visual appeal of all the armies but also really adds to the flavor of this game and sets it apart from others. I hope in the next little while to get my brushes on my units and learn this bright way of painting.

Venturing into Infinity: Key Considerations

Before the final charge into the world of Infinity and Code One, it’s crucial to ponder a few considerations that could shape your journey. 

1) Firstly, choose a faction that resonates with you.

While PanOceania caught my eye through a blend of cinematic inspiration and aesthetic appeal, each faction offers a unique play style and lore. Explore them all and find which one you like best.

2) Secondly, understand the game’s complexity.

Infinity is known for its detailed mechanics and strategic depth. Starting with Code One can help ease this learning curve, offering a streamlined yet rich experience. You can download the rules from the Infinity website.

3) Finally, community engagement is vital.

The Infinity community is a treasure trove of wisdom, from painting tutorials to strategic discussions. Engaging with fellow players can be very helpful for your understanding and enjoyment of the game. Plus a good opponent can make your tabletop battles even more thrilling.

With these considerations in mind, you’re better equipped to embark on your Infinity adventure, whether leading the technologically advanced forces of PanOceania or exploring the diverse armies that populate this vast universe.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

This fusion of cinema and tabletop gaming highlights the endless possibilities for inspiration in our hobby. Just as the digital landscapes of War Thunder influenced my approach to Team Yankee, the cinematic grandeur of The Kingdom of Heaven has helped me create a vision for my PanOceania army in Infinity. As I continue to bridge worlds, from the silver screen to the painted miniatures on the tabletop, the journey only deepens my appreciation for the stories we tell and the battles we enact in these shared spaces of imagination and strategy.

Stay tuned for updates on my PanOceania campaign, painting tips, and the strategic victories (and learning moments) that surely lie ahead.