Medium Infantry in Infinity represent Special Forces trained soldiers. The modern equivalent being the American SEALs, Canada’s JTF2, Russia’s Spetsnaz, UK’s SAS and many more around the world. These are highly trained, well equipped soldiers. In Infinity, they’re an entire category of classification. They’re currently the glorified soldier in most movies and video games, which makes complete sense as we’ve got a soldier who has the gear and wit to optimize their country’s agenda. They’re seen as the true patriots and I think that’s a contributing factor for why the media like to glorify them; in addition to the added mystery where they cover their faces. Perhaps they can be seen as a modern superhero.

Last week I had a discussion on Skill Floors and Ceilings, which included a fruitful conversation on the Infinity Forum. I think of Medium Infantry as being High Floor, Low Ceiling type of models.They’re a High Floor because of the nature of being heavily specialized. They tend to have 4-2 MOV, which hampers their ability to get around, meaning that a good player needs to anticipate where they’ll be required. Their equipment makes them an “idiot-proof solution” to the problem at hand. Medium Infantry are designed to take out a particular problem because of their high specialization, which is why they’re a Low Ceiling.

I’ve discussed Tank Hunters being an “idiot-proof solution” with Ariadna due to their capability of bringing the heaviest guns with many penalties for your opponent. The Nomad Intruder is another prime example, especially with the MULTI Sniper version who can line up the most favourable shootouts in Infinity. Another Low Ceiling example is also from Nomads with the Sin-Eater Observants. They’re one of the most glorified Cheerleaders because they provide an Order and halt engagements, which is what a Cheerleader is supposed to do, but Sin Eaters are armed with Neurocinetics allowing full Burst in ARO. The high Skill Floor is seeing what the Sin Eater doesn’t do; most players don’t want to engage so the Sin Eater rarely sees action – your job is to make that area very valuable. The Low Ceiling example is that you don’t even need to be aware of facing in Deployment, just the location.

Another complete Roller Coaster Model are Airborne Deployment troops. These guys are fairly simple to use but once your opponent has jumped over the hurdle of a surprise attack, they become a lot less effective. Airborne Deployment‘s idiot-proof solution is a having a soldier exactly where you need them. Their value isn’t for killing people that often, unless they’re some specialized killing machine like Ariadna’s Duroc or RVZ, but for the ability to be exactly where you need them to be. Infinity overall has a high curve in learning how to use basic troops, most of which boils down to being in the right place at the right time. With the majority of AD troops sporting 4-2 MOV, the cost of being at the right place at the right time on demand is being unable to get to another location if that becomes the right place. Sometimes, it’s easy with Scenarios that score based on a model’s placement on the board but the majority of the time it won’t be as obvious.

Another factor for why Medium Infantry have a Low Ceiling Skill-wise is their superior stats. They usually receive +1 BS, +1 PH and a few points of Armour. Superior stats when you compare Infinity units is another indication of being able to play a little more recklessly. The common addition of Mimetism and MultiSpectral Visors is another reason, as they’re the two pieces of Skill and Equipment that modify numbers. With the ability to shift numbers in shoot outs, their skills are good for fighting once they’re in the right spot. The issue is that the lack of mobility or esoteric skills to make them a unit you can aspire to master. The point of a Medium Infantry is being readily available for when you want a good fighter, they’re the option.