Infinity is a tabletop miniature wargame produced by the Spanish company Corvus Belli. First released in 2005, the game employs 28 mm scale metal miniatures to represent soldiers—referred to as “troopers”—engaged in futuristic combat and special‑operations missions. The setting is a science‑fiction universe inspired by manga, particularly the works of Masamune Shirow, and focuses on high‑technology skirmishes within the so‑called Human Sphere, a collection of human‑controlled star systems.
Development and Publication
Infinity was created by Gutier Lusquiños Rodríguez, Alberto Abal, Fernando Liste, and Carlos Torres. Corvus Belli has continued to develop the game through multiple editions, each identified by a numeric code (e.g., N2, N3, N4, N5). The company maintains an official website and a community portal that provide rules, lore, and support material.
Setting
The game’s narrative takes place approximately 185 years in the future, after humanity has expanded across the galaxy. The principal region of play, the Human Sphere, includes several star systems such as Sol, Concilium, Fareedat, Yu Jing, Dawn, and Paradiso. Within this arena, multiple human factions vie for political, economic, and military dominance, while alien forces—most notably the Combined Army and the Tohaa—present external threats.
Factions
Infinity’s major human factions are:
- PanOceania – A technologically advanced superstate with a strong corporate‑democratic structure.
- Yu Jing – A rising power blending traditional cultural values with cutting‑edge technology and espionage capabilities.
- Ariadna – A frontier world whose forces combine rugged tactics with modern innovations.
- Nomads – Space‑faring tribes that travel in massive ships, known for independence and unconventional methods.
- Haqqislam – A faction emphasizing scientific and cultural advancement, integrating ancient traditions with futuristic tech.
- Japanese Secessionist Army (JSA) – A breakaway group from Yu Jing, inspired by Meiji‑era Japan and corporate culture.
Non‑human factions include:
- ALEPH – A sophisticated artificial intelligence that exerts influence across the Human Sphere.
- Combined Army – An alien coalition seeking expansion and data acquisition, composed of various sub‑races.
- O‑12 – A neutral interstellar organization that mediates disputes and enforces galactic law.
- Tohaa – An advanced alien civilization opposing the Combined Army, notable for biotechnology and viral weaponry.
Gameplay Mechanics
Infinity is typically played on a square tabletop of about 120 cm per side, with two players (or teams) alternating turns. Each turn is divided into an “active” phase, where the player spends a resource called orders to activate troopers, and a “reactive” phase, during which the opponent may respond to actions without spending orders. Actions include movement, shooting, melee attacks, hacking, and the use of explosives or smoke.
Resolution of actions relies on twenty‑sided dice (d20). Players must roll equal to or under a target number derived from a trooper’s skill, modified by equipment, range, and other factors. Face‑to‑face combat uses a “Blackjack‑style” roll where each side attempts to achieve the highest total without exceeding the opponent’s value.
A distinctive feature of Infinity is the use of hidden information. Players may conceal trooper identities, activation orders, and certain tactical choices behind camouflage markers or other tokens, creating a fog‑of‑war effect uncommon in many tabletop wargames.
Reception and Influence
Infinity has been praised for its fast‑paced, reactive turn structure and its emphasis on hidden information, which together produce a dynamic and strategic experience. The game’s detailed miniatures, high production quality, and richly developed lore have cultivated a dedicated international community and a competitive tournament scene. Critics have noted that the complexity of the rules and the premium cost of miniatures may pose barriers to entry for new players.
Related Media and Community Resources
Corvus Belli supports the game through official releases, supplemental rulebooks, and scenario packs. Fan‑maintained sites such as the “Human Sphere” wiki provide extensive lore databases, while online forums and organized play events facilitate community engagement. The game’s assets have also been adapted for use in other tabletop systems through custom conversions.