I just tried out the basic version and it's pretty fun. Some things didn't make sense at first: movement is very restrictive, so deployment is very important. You can't afford a single bad move, and that seems very realistic. Enemy units don't align in melee, but I can see the purpose of that, it just takes a little getting used to.

At first I was mystified by all the Italian acronyms but I think I've got it figured out now. But seriously, there's so many English speaking gamers wouldn't it have made more sense to just give us English acronyms? Does regular impetus have the same Italian acronyms?

Where are all the extra regular impetus army lists, or does only basic have a zillion? The army lists are excellent and a great reason to try this game.

Overall, I'm very pleased with this game and I will play it again. I don't know if I'll buy the full book, I looked at the reference sheet and it seems much more complicated than the basic version. Still, I'm planning to buy some new figures to match my collection with the army lists.

Thanks for the great game!

hello friendlyfungus, welcome on board

the movement in BI is more strict than other rules but not so strict. This is because you don't nee lo align with the enemy. Also, froma defensive pint of view, enemy has more difficulties to take you on the flank. Usually I see new players to disorder their troops by moving with a side movement to avoid a flank charge not so easy to be performed.

The use of Italian acronyms is beacuse it is an Italian set and they worked well also for other languages (I think at 90% from Frencha and Spanish). They could be translated but keeping only one version helps the lists to be understood whater is your language. You will become familiar very soon.
Impetus have the same acronyms.

Lists
BI was released more than 2 years ago so there are more lists. Impetus has been released 3 months ago so most lists are under construtions. Also Imetus lists are more complex.
The rule book include 15 lists. More lists are available free at http://www.dadiepiombo.com/beta0e.html with many more that will be added in the nexts weeks. Also we are working at the first supplement that will contain 30 lists of 3 different historical periods.

Impetus is not so complicated, but the best choice is to play BI and when you feel you need something more than you are ready for Impetus.
The advantage is that transforming a BI army into a 300pts Impetus army is a very simple affair. You will have just to add those additional 2-3 Units, the cost of General (in Impetus you can choose the quality of your Leader) and the army will be ready.