Song of Blades and Heroes has an excellent premise and good basic mechanics. Unfortunately some parts of the rules are poorly worded so they are difficult to understand. For example, I didn't realize a defending miniature can knock down or kill its opponent when it is attacked on my first reading. The other frustrating part of the book is its constant references to supplements and other publications by the author. It tells you you can give a unit an ability like illusionist, tower shield, or music, but doesn't explain what those abilities do. This is annoying and makes the game feel unfinished.