It's really worth it. I'm sure Warmahordes are good games, but I only have space in my life for one minis game (I mean, I have to play roleplaying games, after all ), and Malifaux is it. For me, one of the big selling points is an integrated turn system. No more "I activate my whole army oh look I blow up some of your pieces that you don't even get a chance to have fun with!" It's interesting in that activations become a kind of resource and definitely have strategic and tactical implications ("Which model should I activate now? Which model is my opponent likely to activate next? How does that impact my strategy?" etc.).

I went and looked at this today, the boxed sets seemed a bit higher priced than I expected, and the steampunk influence seemed a bit stronger too. The figs looked good, so I might wait for it to hit the discount bin and pick up some just to paint. They look like a few would work as good conversion fodder for something like Necromunda. As for the rules, are they included in the figs like Confrontation used to do, or is it a separate purchase?

The rule card for each model comes with it, but to play the game you need a $15 rulebook.

I can understand that the boxes were more $$ than you were expecting (sort of?), but you're going to be up and running after having paid a lot less than with either 40k/fantasy/warmahordes.

$32-38 for 5 regular sized figs compared to 20-something for 5-20 GW figs. If you want to compare it to say Mordheim, you're going to pay quite a bit more. That rulebook is also free. I worry more about the cost figs by piece than by total outlay since I enjoy modeling and tend to buy and convert a lot... say like having all roster options, full coaching staff and cheerleaders, and custom reroll/turn counters. Even though it is quite a bit more expensive than the GW skirmish game, I would still give it a try if not for the Steampunk stuff. Is there a link to a description of the setting?

Oh sure, Mordheim: I don't know about that game. That's probably cheaper. But it's not exactly being supported these days, is it (he asked honestly)? Malifaux's living & growing and it's pretty easy to find a group.

For setting stuff, check out the Wyrd Chronicles, specifically the first one.

-www.wyrd-games.net/forum
-look on the left hand tab, you'll see "Wyrd Chronicles"
-3 volumes

The rule books are actually $35 I think. There's the main one, and then the second Rising Powers one for the new models they've released (so that one you should probably only need if you want those models). I do like that the cards come with the models, so as long as someone has the book, not everyone should need one.

I do agree that the Malifaux models are pricey, but I like the fact that I can drop $40 on a boxed set and be ready to play. The boxed sets are actually slightly cheaper than buying the models separately, at least at my gaming store.

I haven't gotten a chance to play recently, mainly because I haven't finished putting all my models together since I've been busy with school and now painting a Warhammer army for a friend. (Yeah, you could say I'm nice for doing that, but I'm charging him $2 a model, lol)

Yeah, Book 1 & 2 are $35 each, but the Rules Manual, which contains just the rules for each (hence, all you need to fully play the game) is $15. Book 1 & 2 contain all the model stats & fluff if you want it, but you don't need it (as previously said, model stats come with the models).

Additionally, the Rules Manual is available as a free PDF.

And if you're looking at a price comparison, sure, 1 Malifaux model is going to cost more than 1 Space Marine. But you only need 5 or so Malifaux models to play the game at a "normal" (say, 1500pt 40k) level. How many Space Marines do you need for that?

Mordie is still supported. I guess it depends on your group/area. I can make one call and get a Mordie campaign going complete with terrain and a story with all the great stuff people have spent years developing. Malifaux doesn't have that kind of following here. I think our FLGS still has Mordie campaigns from time to time. The other thing is that you can load up on figs from the used/OOP box for it. I think Mordie is probably the cheapest minis game you can do.

I think he meant supported as in the company still treats the game as a thriving and legitimate line in their catalog.

Well, it is available, the figs are still sold, there are new sculpts being made, and the rules are still available. I guess since they give the rules away for free, it might not be considered thriving, but it is still a legitimate line in the catalog.
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/landingArmy.jsp?catId=cat480008a&rootCatGameStyle=