New to the game.

Hey guys, my wife and I debated getting this game at GenCon and finally took the plunge. One of the guys working the booth made it very clear that this isn’t just a solo game, which was the only part of the game that we didn’t like.

We picked up the core box w/ Happy Trails and the new box they had at GenCon, the Shriek box.

I know that the miniatures aren’t needed, but I now regret not taking a closer look at them when I had the chance. How much do they enhance the game? I’ve seen some pictures that you all posted of them painted( fantastic work!) and was just wondering if it helped with the feel of the game. I’m not at all afraid of pulling the trigger on them at all.