I've got Congo Merc (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129307/congo-merc-congo-1964) hitting the table this week - as soon as I put the table back together!
(I just moved the old dining room table out to the man cave, and have to put the legs back on it)
Unconditional Surrender is all setup for the grand campaign.... and I have 2 weeks off starting next Monday. O0
Maybe a little mini-AAR on that one Bartheart? ;)
Blood Bowl just came off and Force on Force Mogadishu scenario will be going on it tonight or tomorrow.
Band of Brothers, SE and GP, and a little bit of 'Gettysburg 150' - a very simple game, but not bad.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on July 28, 2014, 11:23:46 AM
I've got Congo Merc (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129307/congo-merc-congo-1964) hitting the table this week - as soon as I put the table back together!
(I just moved the old dining room table out to the man cave, and have to put the legs back on it)
Hoplites on the floor, but on the table above them, maybe some SBDs intercepting Mavises or something. (Bomb vs Bomber should make the Fighting Wings rules simpler, maybe).
I just picked up Risk: Battlefield Rogue on sale for $7.50 last night at Target. That one hits the table soon
Quote from: MengJiao on July 28, 2014, 10:43:53 PM
Hoplites on the floor, but on the table above them, maybe some SBDs intercepting Mavises or something. (Bomb vs Bomber should make the Fighting Wings rules simpler, maybe).
For a bomber the SBD Dauntless had some serious take-down power with 2x50-cal over the engine and twin 30's on a flex mount in the back. It was probably the most maneuverable and heavily armed single engine purpose-built bomber of WW2. IIRC, the Dauntless shot down more enemy planes that it itself suffered in combat losses. One SBD pilot shot down two Zeros and rammed a third, destroying it, all during the same dogfight. Still, the Mavis was festooned with defensive armament of its own, including a 20mm cannon, so it could be an interesting fight.
Quote from: GJK on July 28, 2014, 05:39:00 PM
Maybe a little mini-AAR on that one Bartheart? ;)
.....
I'll see what I can do....
Quote from: Staggerwing on July 29, 2014, 05:25:58 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on July 28, 2014, 10:43:53 PM
Hoplites on the floor, but on the table above them, maybe some SBDs intercepting Mavises or something. (Bomb vs Bomber should make the Fighting Wings rules simpler, maybe).
For a bomber the SBD Dauntless had some serious take-down power with 2x50-cal over the engine and twin 30's on a flex mount in the back. It was probably the most maneuverable and heavily armed single engine purpose-built bomber of WW2. IIRC, the Dauntless shot down more enemy planes that it itself suffered in combat losses. One SBD pilot shot down two Zeros and rammed a third, destroying it, all during the same dogfight. Still, the Mavis was festooned with defensive armament of its own, including a 20mm cannon, so it could be an interesting fight.
3 Zeros might be hard to simulate, but I think I can get a Mavis flying along. And once that works, add an SBD.
Mage Knight the Lost Legion.... I bought the expansion a while ago and it is time to get it out and play it already!!!! So that is up next, last played Andean Abyss.
PE
I have "A Blood-Red Banner" coming from a game store, hopefully this week. Another State Of Siege system from VP Games, detailing the siege of the Alamo.
Quote from: PanzersEast on July 29, 2014, 08:55:08 AM
Mage Knight the Lost Legion.... I bought the expansion a while ago and it is time to get it out and play it already!!!! So that is up next, last played Andean Abyss.
PE
Hell yeah. Been intending to break out
Mage Knight again for some solo play.
I may end up playing
Kemet next, with family. Haven't done that in quite awhile.
I have Pandemic, and Space Infantry..the latter is still in its box, unopened! I just have too many games.
I finally put away Carriers!..another great game, although every time I play it, I have to relearn the rules.
Messing about with Heroes of Normandie. And still in the initial stages of the "How the Hell do I store Duel of Ages II Collector's Edition?" game as well.
King of Tokyo.
Preparing for the GenCon toonament...
Definitely want to get in a round of Tank vs. Tank as well as CnC: Napoleonics, though.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: MengJiao on July 29, 2014, 06:41:09 AM
Quote from: Staggerwing on July 29, 2014, 05:25:58 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on July 28, 2014, 10:43:53 PM
Hoplites on the floor, but on the table above them, maybe some SBDs intercepting Mavises or something. (Bomb vs Bomber should make the Fighting Wings rules simpler, maybe).
For a bomber the SBD Dauntless had some serious take-down power with 2x50-cal over the engine and twin 30's on a flex mount in the back. It was probably the most maneuverable and heavily armed single engine purpose-built bomber of WW2. IIRC, the Dauntless shot down more enemy planes that it itself suffered in combat losses. One SBD pilot shot down two Zeros and rammed a third, destroying it, all during the same dogfight. Still, the Mavis was festooned with defensive armament of its own, including a 20mm cannon, so it could be an interesting fight.
3 Zeros might be hard to simulate, but I think I can get a Mavis flying along. And once that works, add an SBD.
So I got the Mavis flying. These flying boats tended to get spotted down low when an SBD did the attack. Wildcat interceptions tended to be higher since in those cases usually the Mavis had been detected by carrier air search radar (even in 1942!).
Anyway, the SBDs can catch the Mavises eventually, even though at some altitudes the MAvis can outclimb the SBD.
So out of 5 attacks I ran in the Fighting Wings system (Wildcat from Whistling Death, Mavis from Spitfires over Darwin), the SBD had to break off from hits from the 20mm tail gun 4 out of 5 times. In the real world 4 out of 5 times the SBD shot down the Mavis. So either I'm doing something wrong or the SBD pilots were quite good or something else. (eg, Mavis gunners not that good etc.)
I guess I'll try two Wildcats versus 1 Mavis -- that always seems to have turned out badly for the Mavis in reality.
Quote from: MengJiao on August 03, 2014, 12:17:58 PM
So I got the Mavis flying. These flying boats tended to get spotted down low when an SBD did the attack. Wildcat interceptions tended to be higher since in those cases usually the Mavis had been detected by carrier air search radar (even in 1942!).
Anyway, the SBDs can catch the Mavises eventually, even though at some altitudes the MAvis can outclimb the SBD.
So out of 5 attacks I ran in the Fighting Wings system (Wildcat from Whistling Death, Mavis from Spitfires over Darwin), the SBD had to break off from hits from the 20mm tail gun 4 out of 5 times. In the real world 4 out of 5 times the SBD shot down the Mavis. So either I'm doing something wrong or the SBD pilots were quite good or something else. (eg, Mavis gunners not that good etc.)
I guess I'll try two Wildcats versus 1 Mavis -- that always seems to have turned out badly for the Mavis in reality.
Related..
I saw copies of both
Achtung Spitfire and
Over The Reich on eBay yesterday. They don't seem to be resold as often as many other out-of-print games. I suppose that goes for all the Clash Of Arms games.
I managed to pick mine up from Noble Knight last year.
Duel of Ages II, just messing around a bit with the content the Master Set added. Sweet merciful crap is this a fantastic game. :D
Brant's the one that pointed out that Risk: Battlefield Rogue was on sooper sale at Target.
It is therefore his fault that i went out, bought it, and now have three games in.
Shockingly not horrible.
All it really owes to Risk is area movement/combat and the three dice - two dice combat mechanic. I like the way the classes are borrowed from the video game and my six-year-old has declared it good enough to merit a replay, so it can't be all bad.
Prepare, however, for a fair amount of home-ruling as the rules, for all their simplicity, are a bit of a tangle with big holes in it.
Best,
JIm
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Sure blame me! Next week, unboxing crystal meth!
Played some Blood Bowl on a new custom pitch that I made (more pics later):
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2F8-9-2014-BB.jpg&hash=42e09197162f2588514390286c663c142d83fe08)
And also played some Force on Force over the weekend:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2F8-9-2-014-FoF.jpg&hash=6a9e313c2c6d4f7a7730d10e13473e3cbbf5caff)
Congo Merc tonight around grading papers
The situation is starting to heat up around Nijmegen...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FI870Tm6.jpg&hash=73a8c2e973644afb425f3b7bf54bfbb6f92dbf5f)
...and also on the outskirts of Arnhem.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FR3scEDl.jpg&hash=f7259c1872fd3b7261f5d7d1f5d12258d12de847)
Simply one of the best looking wargame maps ever printed.
Quote from: GJK on September 03, 2014, 02:15:46 PM
Simply one of the best looking wargame maps ever printed.
Yep. Those are fantastic games. I have the other two (Where Eagles Dare and No Question of Surrender).
The counters aren't clipped though... :P
Quote from: GJK on September 03, 2014, 02:34:35 PM
The counters aren't clipped though... :P
Nope, at our pace the game wouldn't have ever got going if that was a requirement..:)
Quote from: Tinkershuffle on September 03, 2014, 02:44:18 PM
Quote from: GJK on September 03, 2014, 02:34:35 PM
The counters aren't clipped though... :P
Nope, at our pace the game wouldn't have ever got going if that was a requirement.. :)
You could clip as you play and make it a 6-month affair!! ??? :D
Don't do it! Leave the poor defenceless counters in all their natural fuzziness.
Help stop the madness! :tickedoff:
At WBC 2013, a group of guys had Where Eagles Dare and The Devils Cauldron set up together and were playing all week. Anyone could walk up, get a quick rules primer, and carry out a random formation activation. They were probably a little over half done with the game at weeks end. The games were on a custom made table that had a bend in the middle to accommodate the shape and size of the combined maps. It was about 20 feet long.
I bought a copy of Where Eagles Dare from the MMP booth for $116 and still have it in shrinkwrap.
UC, I looked up both games because I hadn't heard of either. Then saw this image on BGG, showing the maps for both games.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1188699_md.jpg&hash=35a10a1b8fc72f0a7f827823319aabd87b87a506)
Does that look right? If so, holy crap. :D
That's about the size of it. I wouldn't advise playing on the carpet unless you have exceptional knee power. :D
The "boss" of our gaming club also owns them both but unfortunately we don't have enough room to set them up at the same time. It probably would have been the most epic gaming experience ever.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on September 03, 2014, 08:53:17 PM
UC, I looked up both games because I hadn't heard of either. Then saw this image on BGG, showing the maps for both games.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1188699_md.jpg&hash=35a10a1b8fc72f0a7f827823319aabd87b87a506)
Does that look right? If so, holy crap. :D
I did the same thing as I was not familiar with them either. So beside them visually being incredible how is the game play?
You guys talk MMP into coming to Origins to be part of the Central Command next year, and we'll see about trying to get them to set up the double-map and let you guys fight it out
They come to WBC every year. :P Why don't you guys stop by? :)
beacuse we don't get free space and a relatively wide range of latitude to organize our own events the way we do at Origins :)
Quote from: Barthheart on September 03, 2014, 07:11:10 PM
Don't do it! Leave the poor defenceless counters in all their natural fuzziness.
Help stop the madness! :tickedoff:
I agree. It's been decades since counters needed clipping. These days they mostly punch out cleanly, and the few stricken counters can be spruced up with glue or something.
Quote from: TheCommandTent on September 04, 2014, 05:33:29 AM
I did the same thing as I was not familiar with them either. So beside them visually being incredible how is the game play?
Although it's a monster game it isn't rulewise as bad as it could be.There are a few details to remember but I think the overall gameplay is pretty fluid.
The gameplay is based on chit pulling that determines which division/fomation is activated. Every division has a different number of dispatch points, that you use to buy chits in the cup, and command points that are used for certain commands and special activations. Most of the units in the game are company sized and the hex size is 500 meters. Game turn is 2h (except night turn 12h) and it approximately takes 2h real time to complete one turn (in the campaign game).
Certain units like tanks and flaks units can hit you from several hexes away. That's why artillery plays a big role suppressing enemy units and creating LOS blocking barrages.There are no ZOCs, instead the term "fire zone" is used. Fire zones restrict movement and enable opportunity fire.
In GTS games combat results table isn't based on odds, instead you reduce the defender's defense factor, terrain effecst and range from the attacker's fire power. Then you try to roll below that number. Let's say for example that american airborne company (fire power 4) shoots a german infatry (defense -1) in a clear (0) terrain hex. 4-1-0=3 so everything between 0-3 hits, the larger the number the better the result for the attacker. There are also different tables for different types of weapons and armored/unarmored targets. Troop quality, column formations, suppression, improved positions etc. are also added to the mix.
The supply and in/out of command mechanics are quite simplistic. Allies have their supply drop zones and club route to draw supply from, germans need to control Arnhem bridge to be in supply. Both sides also have commanders that have command ranges. If your'e outside that range or can't fill the supply requirements you get -1 to your troop quality but basically your firepower and movement remain uneffected. I think the out of command/supply effects could a bit harsher.
There's a nice Where Eagles Dare Vassal DAR going on at http://gamesfromthefront.com/eagles-dare-campaign-game-session-4-shoring/ (http://gamesfromthefront.com/eagles-dare-campaign-game-session-4-shoring/) if you're interested. :)
Quote from: Tinkershuffle on September 04, 2014, 11:48:54 AM
Quote from: TheCommandTent on September 04, 2014, 05:33:29 AM
I did the same thing as I was not familiar with them either. So beside them visually being incredible how is the game play?
Although it's a monster game it isn't rulewise as bad as it could be.There are a few details to remember but I think the overall gameplay is pretty fluid.
The gameplay is based on chit pulling that determines which division/fomation is activated. Every division has a different number of dispatch points, that you use to buy chits in the cup, and command points that are used for certain commands and special activations. Most of the units in the game are company sized and the hex size is 500 meters. Game turn is 2h (except night turn 12h) and it approximately takes 2h real time to complete one turn (in the campaign game).
Certain units like tanks and flaks units can hit you from several hexes away. That's why artillery plays a big role suppressing enemy units and creating LOS blocking barrages.There are no ZOCs, instead the term "fire zone" is used. Fire zones restrict movement and enable opportunity fire.
In GTS games combat results table isn't based on odds, instead you reduce the defender's defense factor, terrain effecst and range from the attacker's fire power. Then you try to roll below that number. Let's say for example that american airborne company (fire power 4) shoots a german infatry (defense -1) in a clear (0) terrain hex. 4-1-0=3 so everything between 0-3 hits, the larger the number the better the result for the attacker. There are also different tables for different types of weapons and armored/unarmored targets. Troop quality, column formations, suppression, improved positions etc. are also added to the mix.
The supply and in/out of command mechanics are quite simplistic. Allies have their supply drop zones and club route to draw supply from, germans need to control Arnhem bridge to be in supply. Both sides also have commanders that have command ranges. If your'e outside that range or can't fill the supply requirements you get -1 to your troop quality but basically your firepower and movement remain uneffected. I think the out of command/supply effects could a bit harsher.
There's a nice Where Eagles Dare Vassal DAR going on at http://gamesfromthefront.com/eagles-dare-campaign-game-session-4-shoring/ (http://gamesfromthefront.com/eagles-dare-campaign-game-session-4-shoring/) if you're interested. :)
Thanks!
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on September 03, 2014, 08:53:17 PM
UC, I looked up both games because I hadn't heard of either. Then saw this image on BGG, showing the maps for both games.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1188699_md.jpg&hash=35a10a1b8fc72f0a7f827823319aabd87b87a506)
Does that look right? If so, holy crap. :D
That was my reaction when I unfolded all the map sheets for DAK. Looks to be about the same size.
In the midst of Last Chance for Victory.
http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=554.0
Quote from: calandale on September 06, 2014, 09:37:55 PM
In the midst of Last Chance for Victory.
http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=554.0 (http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=554.0)
Welcome to Grogheads! I dig your video reviews. The one that you did for "Carrier" is a classic.
Thanks!
As previously advertised, the next time I make it the WC at Origins, Doug and I are going to play Eurofront II all week long...unless otherwise distracted...sleep will be for the degenerate and weak.
Currently trying to figure out where to set up the full-map (with expansion) of Battle for Normandy. I just want to take a picture of the fool thing.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Dropzone Commander minis being pieced together.
Quote from: calandale on September 06, 2014, 09:37:55 PM
In the midst of Last Chance for Victory.
http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=554.0
Man alive, I gotta get over to your house. Your game shelf is EPIC! :o
About to start a beast of a CDG - Assyrian Wars.
Only other wargame I did recently was the very disappointing Turning Point - what a pile of crap.
Quote from: calandale on September 26, 2014, 02:52:01 PMAbout to start a beast of a CDG - Assyrian Wars.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic488596_lg.jpg&hash=bd8d48dab8ae32049f648bc25dfc445f08a4cc47)
wow - you give those guys a pile of plastic minis and you've got a Fantasy Flight game!
Finally received my copy of FitL today. Great start to the weekend.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1257.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii503%2FGroggyGrognard%2F0926142132-00.jpg&hash=85ae3e38d6a5afbb39be79889dec119794077752) (http://s1257.photobucket.com/user/GroggyGrognard/media/0926142132-00.jpg.html)
^ It's a damned good-looking game. Getting it out later today with some friends!
Quote from: GroggyGrognard on September 26, 2014, 10:52:56 PM
Finally received my copy of FitL today. Great start to the weekend.
Enjoying it myself on my second Vassal game. Doing a four player game tomorrow at the local game club. Can't wait.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on September 27, 2014, 11:39:12 AM
Quote from: GroggyGrognard on September 26, 2014, 10:52:56 PM
Finally received my copy of FitL today. Great start to the weekend.
Enjoying it myself on my second Vassal game. Doing a four player game tomorrow at the local game club. Can't wait.
And it's your turn, even!
heh. No rush. I'm headed off to work in a minute. :-[
Quote from: calandale on September 26, 2014, 02:52:01 PM
About to start a beast of a CDG - Assyrian Wars.
I watched part of your vids on
God Kings awhile back, as the period interested me, but it looked a bit too fiddly in areas. Is this one better?
BTW.. I had ended up getting the latest
Sword Of Rome edition, as the more tried and true CDG, but something closer to the ancient chariot warfare era still piques my interest. Wasn't
Assyrian Wars supposed to be getting a new revised edition sometime in the future?
Played some ASLSK today. Re-read the rules between naps and watching some college football. I freaking love Saturday afternoons in the fall.
Got in a game of Sergeants! today with a new player. Great fun. Need to play this game more often. Thanks AB for selling it to me. O0
Quote from: Barthheart on October 04, 2014, 02:51:29 PM
Got in a game of Sergeants! today with a new player. Great fun. Need to play this game more often. Thanks AB for selling it to me. O0
I picked it up, but haven't played yet. Gotta find the right opponent sometime.
Quote from: Bison on October 04, 2014, 02:26:40 PM
Played some ASLSK today. Re-read the rules between naps and watching some college football. I freaking love Saturday afternoons in the fall.
Good for you! It was a beautiful day here...too much so to stay indoors and game. But tomorrow is a different day. :)
We should get some ASL(SK) tournaments going. I think that there's a number of us playing or attempting to play it now.
Attempting is the operative word on my part.
Quote from: Barthheart on October 04, 2014, 02:51:29 PM
Got in a game of Sergeants! today with a new player. Great fun. Need to play this game more often. Thanks AB for selling it to me. O0
Glad you're enjoying it, man. O0
Back to tabletop.... and on that note, BoardGames > Computer Games.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.boardgameguru.co.uk%2Fekmps%2Fshops%2Fboardgameguru%2Fimages%2Fa-victory-denied-4081-p.jpg&hash=099f44b77f7db7e346661c0e78028e98f7bd9a3e)
Quote from: calandale on September 26, 2014, 02:52:01 PM
About to start a beast of a CDG - Assyrian Wars.
Maybe this P500 is the one is had thought was a remake of Assyrian Wars?
Genesishttps://www.gmtgames.com/p-429-genesis.aspx
Not my table, but a game I played in last night - Soviet forces advancing on the crossroads at Borki during the May 42 Kharkov Offensive. A weak German force is attempting to hold them off until reinforcements arrive.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1252.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh561%2Fgrovesby%2FKharkov%25201942%2520-%2520Borki%2FWP_20141009_012_zps1c0bb0f0.jpg&hash=cbdb480df9152a7640e18953dc6fac131dd1b4f7)
That's a cool table! Is the map printed on cloth? Where's he get it?
O0
It is a printed cloth mat and it looks great. Not sure where he got it. I'll ask.
He gets the mats from http://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/products
Those are really great! I'm looking for something for my new gaming table. I need a surface that is about 48x96. These might do.....
^ the nerd force is strong in that one. 8)
Quote from: Barthheart on October 10, 2014, 08:28:17 PM
Those are really great! I'm looking for something for my new gaming table. I need a surface that is about 48x96. These might do.....
They're the nicest mats of that type I've seen. The price isn't bad at all for the quality. My buddy has a couple already and is looking at some others.
Those look quite nice.
I suppose they dont' offer any that also have hexes superimposed do they?
The other company I've been looking at is these guys:
http://www.hotzmats.com/
They offer all kinds of sizes, with or without hexes or squares of different sizes.
Chessex also has hex mats for sale. None of them seem to be the kind with varied terrain (fields, trees, etc) but they do offer different colors and hex sizes.
http://www.chessex.com/mats/Battlemats_&_Megamats.htm
Quote from: Nefaro on October 11, 2014, 06:09:59 AM
Those look quite nice.
I suppose they dont' offer any that also have hexes superimposed do they?
Unfortunately it doesn't look like they are offered with hexes.
Perhaps someone offers a clear hex overlay mat?
Litko offers a hex stencil that you can use to paint yer own grid with...
http://www.litko.net/categories/Stencils/
Quote from: mirth on October 11, 2014, 06:59:41 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on October 11, 2014, 06:09:59 AM
Those look quite nice.
I suppose they dont' offer any that also have hexes superimposed do they?
Unfortunately it doesn't look like they are offered with hexes.
I actually have a big one with hexes on it. Just tan-colored, no extra terrain painting. They're not cheap so I should probably stick with that, especially since I haven't finished mounting or painting the minis for
Check Your Six! Jet Age to go on it. But a boy can dream.
Quote from: Barthheart on October 11, 2014, 06:14:02 AM
The other company I've been looking at is these guys:
http://www.hotzmats.com/
They offer all kinds of sizes, with or without hexes or squares of different sizes.
I ogled those when I was shopping around last year. But reports of the guy taking months to complete one sent me off for something more convenient (and cheaper).
I like that Nashville (http://cigarboxbattlestore.bigcartel.com/product/battle-of-nashville-gaming-battle-mat-4-x6-plus-123) one. Would probably suit about any mini's game in the US or Europe, some fantasy gaming as well.
Broke out my first game of A Most Dangerous Time.
Turn 6 (end of 1572) - Takeda Shingen musters his armies on the weak backside of the Oda Alliance while their armies are fighting in the west, with an eye for Tokugawa's home castle. Tokugawa has been rushing back, after some early action against Azai and Ikko Ikki, but he still needs more reinforcement.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi61.tinypic.com%2Fdgkp5j.jpg&hash=36d3c7d004707c7f109ea5507d552ac8f3d092ae)
Oda Nobunaga and his various generals had been briefly pushed out of Kyo but recently surged back through. He has the various enemy alliances on the ropes but with Takeda's entry, there will be some tough decisions now that it's a two front conflict. Even worse, the Mori alliance will also join the war soon.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.tinypic.com%2F16c9r2o.jpg&hash=077d6dac23edef6a17f11b934fb4f37044c42685)
Enjoing AMDT despite some rules clarification/errata and a few misprinted counters (only relating to set-up indicators on them).
The movement system, chit draws, and betrayal mechanics make for interesting changes in the situation. A personally modified "Good Fortune" rule gives some insurance against repeatedly bad chit draws but limits it to one use per turn between both players so it's gives some value to saving it for the right time.
Even in only the first six turns, the fortunes have see-sawed a couple times.
I'm play testing Inside Blitz Pro Football with the download version.... the core is only $6 USD and gives you all the charts and informed you need to get started. It comes with 2 teams, however you have to purchase a full set separately. I was able to download a the 1988 SF 49ers and played them against the 1991Redskins.
So far I like the system, very engrossing and a small investment point to peak at the game. I tried the PC version as well, and really did not click for me as I felt very disconnected from the game. So far , not too bad and if all goes well I will probably pick up the PDF version of one of the previous seasons.....
The Basketball is another I will probably pick up as well to test play.
http://www.insidesportsgames.org/inside_blitz.htm
Also, Legendary is on my table as I just traded for it and got the core set and almost all of the expansions as well as Legendary Villains. Man it is a fun game and I really, really enjoy it!
PE
I know a couple of people that swear by Legendary and play it whenever they can.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 01, 2015, 10:56:43 AM
I know a couple of people that swear by Legendary and play it whenever they can.
I enjoy
Marvel Legendary for some light deck building. Not so sure I'd like it as much if it weren't for the theme, even though the mechanics don't really promote it. The base set's villains are also too easy and require extra adjustment. Thus far, the pair of games I've played using the
Dark City expansion were better but still easily won.
I've found it easy to teach younger children how to play, even if their reading skills aren't yet reliable. If they can recognize the handful of synergy symbols, then you're gtg since each hand is played face-up every turn. Even though it's not a first choice for multi-player,
Marvel Legendary has this extra advantage when it comes to entertaining kids - with a game that wasn't specifically created for that purpose.
Legendary Encounters has more interesting and theme-oriented gameplay but there is only so much content for it in the base set. The base set is probably all we'll ever see due to the limited amount of movies it's based on. Wouldn't be surprised if they start releasing new
Encounters-style sets for other fiction IPs though. ^-^
As far as solitaire card games which capture the theme and provide a good challenge go,
Sentiels Of The Multiverse is still my #1. I really dig how each character and villains' deck is unique and plays differently.
Yea... good Card Play non-the less.
I've been playing Hold the Line as well lately... which I really, really like how the game is done. With the terrain tile layout and the open ended way you can make your own scenarios.
One thing is needed however, the adoption of the Facing rules from Frederick. I think is a much needed added mechanic.
PE
Facing is easy to add to HtL. In fact, I *believe* somebody posted their houserules for facing on BGG so you might check there if you haven't already. If not, I have my houserule for facing for the game that I can post. IIRC, it was very similar to what this other person posted even though I had not seen his at the time (I thought that I was being original...).
Hakkaa Päälle just came in today so I'm itching to get some ASL (a *real* wargame...grrr!!!) on the table this weekend. It won't be a scenario from that module yet though as I won't have it game ready in time.
Quote from: GJK on April 01, 2015, 04:52:33 PM
Hakkaa Päälle just came in today so I'm itching to get some ASL (a *real* wargame...grrr!!!) on the table this weekend.
I've been posting my non-wargame stuff down in the RPG & Adventure Game section lately. I swear it!
Couldn't help but reply to the deck-builder posts though. That's my excuse, such as it is. Thought I was doing right by posting a couple pics of an MMP game here and look what happens! :P ;D
Wave 1 of the Super Dungeon Explore : Forgotten King kickstarter showed up on Thursday. Even without the additional war bands and tile sets that I purchased, there is a crapload of stuff in these 2 boxes! Now to figure out how to sort and store all of this and everything I already have for the original base game. :o
Oh, AND a big game order also arrived at the same time. It's going to be a weekend of token punching, rules reading, and bits sorting.
pics, PICS, PICS!
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 04, 2015, 05:53:20 PM
Wave 1 of the Super Dungeon Explore : Forgotten King kickstarter showed up on Thursday. Even without the additional war bands and tile sets that I purchased, there is a crapload of stuff in these 2 boxes! Now to figure out how to sort and store all of this and everything I already have for the original base game. :o
Oh, AND a big game order also arrived at the same time. It's going to be a weekend of token punching, rules reading, and bits sorting.
Are the Co-op rules in
Forgotten Kings looking like fun? I've not investigated it much but I may pick this one up just because it has that extra option. It mentioned being compatible with the earlier stuff so..
Also - Do the minis come complete in the FK set, like they started doing with the expansions, or are they pieces that need to be glued like the original set? That was a pain in the ass. Not near as much as Shadows Of Brimstone but still a time burner.
I still have the hero minis from the original base set out on my painting table, half-finished (along with some Descent). Not in a big hurry to add an even longer list of unpainted minis to my To-Do List, but I may do it anyway.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 04, 2015, 08:07:46 PM
pics, PICS, PICS!
That would require some sort of digital device capable of taking them. ;D
Quote from: NefaroAre the Co-op rules in Forgotten Kings looking like fun? I've not investigated it much but I may pick this one up just because it has that extra option. It mentioned being compatible with the earlier stuff so..
Also - Do the minis come complete in the FK set, like they started doing with the expansions, or are they pieces that need to be glued like the original set? That was a pain in the ass. Not near as much as Shadows Of Brimstone but still a time burner.
I still have the hero minis from the original base set out on my painting table, half-finished (along with some Descent). Not in a big hurry to add an even longer list of unpainted minis to my To-Do List, but I may do it anyway.
I haven't had a chance to even dive into the rules yet, but I'll let you know once I've read through them. Everything is completely compatible with the earlier stuff no matter what way you play, BUT you're going to need the new cards. They tweaked the way that the standard game works (no more of that stupid loot board, for instance), cleaned up the status effects and got rid of a pile of them, and just generally cleaned everything up. They then back-ported the whole system into the old content, but you'd need the upgrade pack of Hero/Monster/Item cards. Nothing involved with the KS is KS exclusive, but they'll be an extra purchase for non KS buyers. You'd also need the upgrade pack to play co-op with the base content, since the cards provide the AI routines for the monsters if there's no overlord player controlling them.
You can see what the changes to the regular way of playing are by checking out the first post in this BGG thread (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1171029/known-rule-changes-what-we-know-summary).
The minis come completely built like they were for everything after the original base release.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 05, 2015, 06:56:57 PM
I haven't had a chance to even dive into the rules yet, but I'll let you know once I've read through them. Everything is completely compatible with the earlier stuff no matter what way you play, BUT you're going to need the new cards. They tweaked the way that the standard game works (no more of that stupid loot board, for instance), cleaned up the status effects and got rid of a pile of them, and just generally cleaned everything up. They then back-ported the whole system into the old content, but you'd need the upgrade pack of Hero/Monster/Item cards. Nothing involved with the KS is KS exclusive, but they'll be an extra purchase for non KS buyers. You'd also need the upgrade pack to play co-op with the base content, since the cards provide the AI routines for the monsters if there's no overlord player controlling them.
You can see what the changes to the regular way of playing are by checking out the first post in this BGG thread (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1171029/known-rule-changes-what-we-know-summary).
The minis come completely built like they were for everything after the original base release.
Wow, that's a lot of good info.
So, in order to use the original base set stuff with the new co-op I would have to not only purchase the new standalone, but also two conversion packs? ???
Thanks to a very generous anniversary gift, I have 'The Eastern Front: 1914 - 1917' which is part of 'Der Weltkrieg' series. This should keep me happy for a while; its packed with goodies :smitten:
Quote from: Nefaro on April 06, 2015, 01:48:05 AMSo, in order to use the original base set stuff with the new co-op I would have to not only purchase the new standalone, but also two conversion packs? ???
Sounds like that was their plan to get you to jump on the Kickstarter campaign.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 06, 2015, 05:17:49 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on April 06, 2015, 01:48:05 AMSo, in order to use the original base set stuff with the new co-op I would have to not only purchase the new standalone, but also two conversion packs? ???
Sounds like that was their plan to get you to jump on the Kickstarter campaign.
Must've been.
I'm not too concerned about jumping on the stuff when it comes out. From what I've seen, they tend to keep this line stocked better than many game companies. But when it comes to co-op titles, ya never know. They're pretty popular.
Quote from: Nefaro on April 06, 2015, 01:48:05 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 05, 2015, 06:56:57 PM
I haven't had a chance to even dive into the rules yet, but I'll let you know once I've read through them. Everything is completely compatible with the earlier stuff no matter what way you play, BUT you're going to need the new cards. They tweaked the way that the standard game works (no more of that stupid loot board, for instance), cleaned up the status effects and got rid of a pile of them, and just generally cleaned everything up. They then back-ported the whole system into the old content, but you'd need the upgrade pack of Hero/Monster/Item cards. Nothing involved with the KS is KS exclusive, but they'll be an extra purchase for non KS buyers. You'd also need the upgrade pack to play co-op with the base content, since the cards provide the AI routines for the monsters if there's no overlord player controlling them.
You can see what the changes to the regular way of playing are by checking out the first post in this BGG thread (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1171029/known-rule-changes-what-we-know-summary).
The minis come completely built like they were for everything after the original base release.
Wow, that's a lot of good info.
So, in order to use the original base set stuff with the new co-op I would have to not only purchase the new standalone, but also two conversion packs? ???
I'm not completely sure on what will be included in the FK box when it releases, and what will be available to buy (but was included as a KS stretch goal). I BELIEVE the upgrade deck is going to be a separate purchase, but I could be totally wrong. Of course, if that is the case, you might be able to simply buy the upgrade deck and try out co-op using only the original content. It might require a bit of rules hacking using the FK rulebook (which would be online by then) to reflect the status tweaks and the like to character abilities, but it could perhaps be possible as a cheap way to see if you like the co-op mode. It might also be worth checking out Ebay, since I guarantee some backers don't own any of the original stuff and will probably toss the decks up for resale.
AHA! I knew that I'd seen a text-only version of the new rule system! You can check it out here (http://ninjadivision.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Super-Dungeon-Explore-Classic-KS-Backer-Draft-Rules.pdf). Thisd is the Classic Overlord rule system only, but it shows what they've changed with that setup. The entire Adventure Tracker has been turfed.
It was supposed to hit retail this month, but the West Coast port strike knocked everything back by about 4 weeks, so May seems more likely for retail release at this point.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 06, 2015, 01:09:49 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on April 06, 2015, 01:48:05 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on April 05, 2015, 06:56:57 PM
I haven't had a chance to even dive into the rules yet, but I'll let you know once I've read through them. Everything is completely compatible with the earlier stuff no matter what way you play, BUT you're going to need the new cards. They tweaked the way that the standard game works (no more of that stupid loot board, for instance), cleaned up the status effects and got rid of a pile of them, and just generally cleaned everything up. They then back-ported the whole system into the old content, but you'd need the upgrade pack of Hero/Monster/Item cards. Nothing involved with the KS is KS exclusive, but they'll be an extra purchase for non KS buyers. You'd also need the upgrade pack to play co-op with the base content, since the cards provide the AI routines for the monsters if there's no overlord player controlling them.
You can see what the changes to the regular way of playing are by checking out the first post in this BGG thread (https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1171029/known-rule-changes-what-we-know-summary).
The minis come completely built like they were for everything after the original base release.
Wow, that's a lot of good info.
So, in order to use the original base set stuff with the new co-op I would have to not only purchase the new standalone, but also two conversion packs? ???
I'm not completely sure on what will be included in the FK box when it releases, and what will be available to buy (but was included as a KS stretch goal). I BELIEVE the upgrade deck is going to be a separate purchase, but I could be totally wrong. Of course, if that is the case, you might be able to simply buy the upgrade deck and try out co-op using only the original content. It might require a bit of rules hacking using the FK rulebook (which would be online by then) to reflect the status tweaks and the like to character abilities, but it could perhaps be possible as a cheap way to see if you like the co-op mode. It might also be worth checking out Ebay, since I guarantee some backers don't own any of the original stuff and will probably toss the decks up for resale.
AHA! I knew that I'd seen a text-only version of the new rule system! You can check it out here (http://ninjadivision.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Super-Dungeon-Explore-Classic-KS-Backer-Draft-Rules.pdf). Thisd is the Classic Overlord rule system only, but it shows what they've changed with that setup. The entire Adventure Tracker has been turfed.
It was supposed to hit retail this month, but the West Coast port strike knocked everything back by about 4 weeks, so May seems more likely for retail release at this point.
I checked CSI's listings. There is only one upgrade pack (for the cards) so that's not such a big deal. Problem is that the price is not listed there and it's not available for Pre-Order unlike the Forgotten King set. Their expected release date says April 24 for both so it won't be long no matter what.
I was under the impression that the
Forgotten King standalone doesn't include the card replacements for the original stuff...? Does just the Kickstarters come with the Upgrade Kit as an added bonus or something? The rest of us proles have to purchase it separately, in addition to FK, I suppose. I'm not averse to doing so, but if I can save a little money then that's always good.
Dunno if I'd wait to scrounge Ebay for KS leftovers, however, if I plan on picking up FK after release anyway. The original SDE is a nice and somewhat light "skirmish" style game, but I have quite a few of those competitive types that never get enough group playtime. So getting the co-op, and being able to use all the previous stuff with it, is a nice upgrade that will give it more table time.
The damn dock strike set a lot of stuff back. Even though it's been over for awhile now, shipments had been stuck sitting on the docks so long that they're still not caught up, last I read. My KS reprint of
Agents of Smersh should've showed up by now but for it. The publisher chose to route it through different ports that weren't backed up (to the East Coast instead of West IIRC) so it will still take longer even avoiding that mess. It's been pretty much the same reports from other Kickstarter/Pre-order stuff lately since nearly all of it is made in China and shipped to the west coast.
I ended up getting 2 boxes. One is the Forgotten King set, and the other is a separate box full of stretch goals. Everything in that second box will be available at retail, but they were thrown in as extras for no extra cash for KS backers.
Don't worry...I spent plenty on non-free extras that are still on the way... :o
So, in there I've got :
-Upgrade decks
-Arcade mode decks for base content and the extra warbands
-3 warbands worth of monsters (basically, one mini-boss and a small crew of standard monsters in each)
-A small collection of bonus heroes
-little 3D plastic heart tokens for health and potions
-One set of creeps (a new kind of monster. They're small and don't do much damage, but they slow you down and can neutralize equipment that you're carrying which matches their color. There will be a few different kinds available, each with a different color.)
-A colouring book. (Yes, really.)
-A big, heavy as Hell metal coin which could make for a fairly awesome first player token.
I had also completely forgotten that they've added skirmish play to the game, too. So every hero and monster has cards if you play that way which will also be included in the upgrade deck. Basically, you assemble a warband and take on a warband another player is using.
I really need to start sorting through all of this for real. I didn't get around to it this weekend. ;D There are probably a bunch of other things which I've completely forgotten about. There's also a little deck of cards which...frankly, I don't know what the Hell it's for. Maybe those are the skirmish cards? I think I'm going to tuck into this tonight, so I'll post again later about what exactly is in the FK box and the pack of extras.
Okay, so there are standard mode and arcade mode cards for all of the monsters and bosses. As well, there is an Explore deck consisting of standard cards in every game, and boss specific cards that will get shuffled in depending on which of the 'big bads' you're going up against. There are also boss-specific treasure cards which get shuffled into that deck.
There are now a total of 7 statuses with tokens : Poison, Bane, Hex, Fire, Ice, Slow and Knockdown. They also seem pretty straightforward, and no more mass of status effects becoming obnoxious.
The only parts of the base material you'll keep are the dice, the figures and the boards. You could toss in your life and potion tokens, but the new ones look a bit different, and you really don't need both sets anyway. While the boards can be used, they look rather out of place. The new ones are much more vibrant and interesting...and they're also a bit smaller. In fact, the old ones won't even fit in the new boxes. So you're going to run into slight issues when trying to line them up with new boards.
The new models look fantastic...with one exception. One of the warbands is basically retread models from earlier material. While the mini-boss is new and pretty neat (Salt. He's basically a crystalline monster), the minions aren't all that great. There is some sort of dog monster which is just the Ember Hound redux, and the Sorrows are just re-branded Fire Gels. The only difference is that both 'new' creatures are now green figures instead of red ones.
I still haven't really had a chance to crack open either rulebook yet. Materials wise, I'm quite pleased with the game.
I believe the life and potion pieces you got in the KS are exculsives. The little tiny plastic bits, right? I watched an unboxing vid to see what was in the KS set.
From what I gather, all I would need is the FK set and the Upgrade Pack. Although I do own VonDrakk Manor expansion, I believe the Upgrade Pack contains all the new version cards for all the earlier stuff.
I'm a bit concerned about not being able to use the original boards for the 'Arcade Mode'. I think there are some extra tile designation stuff to facilitate that co-op mode, printed directly on the new map boards. I'm not as sold on the FK monster theme and heroes as much as the original stuff. It's quality stuff but some of the theme is a bit flakier. That's to be expected, I suppose.
Quote from: Nefaro on April 09, 2015, 10:44:09 AM
I believe the life and potion pieces you got in the KS are exculsives. The little tiny plastic bits, right? I watched an unboxing vid to see what was in the KS set.
From what I gather, all I would need is the FK set and the Upgrade Pack. Although I do own VonDrakk Manor expansion, I believe the Upgrade Pack contains all the new version cards for all the earlier stuff.
I'm a bit concerned about not being able to use the original boards for the 'Arcade Mode'. I think there are some extra tile designation stuff to facilitate that co-op mode, printed directly on the new map boards. I'm not as sold on the FK monster theme and heroes as much as the original stuff. It's quality stuff but some of the theme is a bit flakier. That's to be expected, I suppose.
There were a couple of tile packs in the KS that I added on. They'll be part of Wave 2. One was a set for the Von Drakk manor, which I'm looking forward to since playing that stuff in the stupid ember caves made absolutely no sense. ::)
Anyway, there will be more tiles coming at some point. They were $20 a pop during the KS campaign, and each set also comes with a set of creeps.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi61.tinypic.com%2F2cgehrd.jpg&hash=aff974dfaeb1f434d4c36dc6ed25ebd87fb61276)
Polis: Fight For The Hegemony game start.
Quote from: Nefaro on April 16, 2015, 03:14:40 PM
Polis: Fight For The Hegemony game start.
Solo? I assume looking over the game it does not play well solo.
PE
On the table now: Blood and Roses.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on April 16, 2015, 07:33:13 PM
On the table now: Blood and Roses.
The jewelcase to your Smithereens CD? :))
Virtual tabletop (VASSAL): The Alamo is besieged! It is February 26, 1836 (turn 5) of my pbem game of Texas Revolution (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10584/texas-revolution). I am commanding Santa Anna's Imperial Army.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FTR_Alamo_Besieged.jpg&hash=aa903d52c48ac84e03e100958fdc08fd6461850c)
Quote from: PanzersEast on April 16, 2015, 04:11:05 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on April 16, 2015, 03:14:40 PM
Polis: Fight For The Hegemony game start.
Solo? I assume looking over the game it does not play well solo.
PE
It's a 2-player game with alternating turns. Not the greatest solo game, of course.
Flash Point : Fire Rescue, as I play through some expansion stuff (Extreme Danger, 2nd Story and Honor & Duty expansions). Perhaps The Golden Ages, if I get the rules read. Same goes for Super Dungeon Explore in co-op mode.
I went out to a game night a somewhat local cafe and joined a group who wanted to try out a WWII board/card game called Quartermaster General by Griggling Games.
It's meant to be played by 6 players but as we only had 4, one player played both the US and UK and one played Japan and Italy. I played Germany. It's got a simplified world map board that's somewhat similar to Risk or Axis and Allies but a little less detailed. Your goal is to try to build a supply chain of armies and navies to reach into areas that contain VP locations. Building and fighting is controlled by playing cards. It's got a few interesting ideas but the consensus of everyone at the table was that it was far too dependent on luck and drawing the right cards from your deck early on. There are special event cards that allow you do affect the outcome of play in significant ways but if you don't have them, you're SOL. I didn't get the cards Germany needed early on (blitzkrieg, dive bombers, broad front) and so the Axis just kind of ran out of gas and the Allies won on points despite the fact that nothing really happened at all. At one point, Germany did drive through the middle east to grab India but that was the only real conflict of note.
I wouldn't recommend it.
https://youtu.be/L-nSpcbAga0 (https://youtu.be/L-nSpcbAga0)
I've never played QMG but have seen my local gaming group play it a few times. That's one their 'go to games' late in the night after they've played something more groggish. They really seem to enjoy it. Alcohol may be involved however; I'm not sure.
It was my first time playing it and I wasn't very impressed. The others had played it a half dozen times and had all come to the conclusion that it was just too random and that the cards dictated play rather than the player. A lot of reviewers seem to be taken with it though so maybe it has more to offer the more you play it. For me though, it seemed like it was trying to be Axis and Allies but with even less depth.
Send in the Space Marines.... Breach // Clear // Rescue.
Last Frontier: The Vesuvius Incident
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0003.JPG&hash=82d60b24a8ffe59ac068a1b4ddc0501f23a128fb)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0004.JPG&hash=48b2838123dba86992d6b56ab2bab37a3e918106)
^ OK, I looked that up and it's called "Last Frontier: The Vesuvius Incident" - but all I can find online is some cheap thing in a plastic baggie, nothing like what I see in your two pics, PE.
Was that the result of a Kickstarter campaign, those upgraded components? Where can I get it, if it's available? I see it came out in 1993, but looks to be a reprint...and the company, Fat Messiah, doesn't look like the page has been updated in 10+ years.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 20, 2015, 02:43:48 PM
^ OK, I looked that up and it's called "Last Frontier: The Vesuvius Incident" - but all I can find online is some cheap thing in a plastic baggie, nothing like what I see in your two pics, PE.
Was that the result of a Kickstarter campaign, those upgraded components? Where can I get it, if it's available? I see it came out in 1993, but looks to be a reprint...and the company, Fat Messiah, doesn't look like the page has been updated in 10+ years.
Yes it is Last Frontier: The Vesuvius Incident, sorry should have clarified that.
You can get it at the link below, the new updated version. It comes in a baggy, however the components are very good! The version is their "Classic" version set. I believe this was kickstarted some time ago.
http://www.printplaygames.com/product/last-frontier-the-vesuvius-incident
PE
Ha I just scrolled past the picture thinking, wow that looks cool and then realising that I bought a copy. Usually only happens with steam games ;D
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fm645Zgo.jpg&hash=7f3f8095089900b0b85c1ae65642f0c994addaf0)
Liking this little thing...liking it...if the rulebook was written by infinite chimps on infinite typewriters...
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: Cyrano on April 20, 2015, 04:58:12 PM
Liking this little thing...liking it...if the rulebook was written by infinite chimps on infinite typewriters...
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
After skimming the rules, I can see that HoN will be fun. Breaks out of the WW2 wargame norm and does it's own thing without getting too bogged down with umpteen player aids and excessive DRM lists.
OK, Cyrano and Nefaro...what is that game? HoN, what's that? ???
Heroes of Normandy.
I didn't know there were blocks in it though.... ???
Thanks, Barth. I've heard of it here, but I've never seen the components.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 21, 2015, 08:10:45 AM
Thanks, Barth. I've heard of it here, but I've never seen the components.
If you had been at Origins, you would've seen it!
Heck, if read GARPA on a regular basis, you'd have seen the Shadows Over Normandie expansion that adds Cthulhu critters to the game.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 21, 2015, 08:14:26 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 21, 2015, 08:10:45 AM
Thanks, Barth. I've heard of it here, but I've never seen the components.
If you had been at Origins, you would've seen it!
Oh, sorry! Let me wave my magic wand and create piles of cash so I may whisk myself away. Or better, let me wave my magic wand and make my wife disappear temporarily or agree with everything I ask for. :)
Now you're talking!
Ha. If I had such a wand I'd market it, be a billionaire, and friggin' BUY Gen-Con. :)
you're too much of a skinflint to invent it ;)
Trust me, I am NOT a skinflint. If I had the means, I would be there every year.
sez the guy who is going on a cruise instead of Origins! :buck2:
:2funny: :2funny:
Yeah, some things the wife is willing to spend money on (in this case, our tax refund check). She doesn't want me going off and having a good time, and as she's about as anti-gamer as one can get, no way in hell she'd see a week at Gen Con as a fun time. :(
@Vance: The blocks are order markers -- think "Heroscape". As will shortly be revealed -- FORESHADOWING -- their scarcity is a big part of the game's strategy.
I've little use for the spook-show stuff, but the Carentan and Ste. Mere-Eglise expansions have me a bit pumped.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: Barthheart on April 21, 2015, 08:04:55 AM
Heroes of Normandy.
I didn't know there were blocks in it though.... ???
There is a set of blocks for each side, numbered in order. You'll get a numbered amount up to your command limit value, which can be increased if you purchase leaders/units with the appropriate bonus symbol. Pretty much all the various unit values and abilities are printed on the large counters, which is quite nice and lends more individuality to different troop & vehicle types.
Back to the blocks - each player places them face down on their units in the order they want to activate them. There are also specials available that are more flexible and can trump the order during turn play. Your opponent can't see the order of the number ones, of course. Activations alternate.
I think the attractive part of the system is all of the various value and abilities for each unit being printed on the counters, a lesser amount of rules exceptions & fidgety junk, and the card play dynamic. The force purchasing is also interesting since it restricts what types of counters you can purchase for a specific unit, but still leaves some flexibility, all in a graphical color-coded frame.
It may take a little time to learn all the graphical symbols/colors by memory alone, but it seems intuitive enough to not be a problem.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on April 21, 2015, 07:59:17 AM
OK, Cyrano and Nefaro...what is that game? HoN, what's that? ???
I talked about it somewhere when I first got into it...aha! http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=10758.0
I have since purchased A LOT more of it. I have enough extra material to play a 4-5 player skirmish game. It sets up the same way as a minis tabletop game, where everyone has a point total and you spend those points as you see fit to purchase units, upgrades and equipment. Set up a series of boards for your play area, load it up with terrain, trenches, hard points, bunkers and so on, create and set up your forces, and go to town.
Once you've played a game or two, the only aspect of things that you'll still need to look up are the various special ability icons.
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
Why didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
Nice.
I've only punched & clipped the counters in
Hoplite, but I couldn't resist picking up the new
Alexander Revised and Extended version when it finally hit some stores at a better price than GMT's $100 listing.
For me,
Alexander is the ideal GBoH since it has the most varied amount of troop types & abilities, and many battle scenarios featuring the quantity-vs-quality dichotomy.
I also picked up a used copy of
Chariots Of Fire not long ago because I've been interested in some Bronze Age stuff and
Ran. I still feel a need to pick up some more, despite being too overloaded with currently owned ones yet to be played. Like a collector's sickness. :))
I'm hoping that
Cataphract and an
SPQR Extended Deluxe hits P500 reprint before long. In the meantime, I can get some of the Roman/Carthaginian fix with the old PC version (http://www.gog.com/game/great_battles_collectors_edition) if need be.
Quote from: Nefaro on April 25, 2015, 04:30:26 AM
Nice.
I've only punched & clipped the counters in Hoplite, but I couldn't resist picking up the new Alexander Revised and Extended version when it finally hit some stores at a better price than GMT's $100 listing.
For me, Alexander is the ideal GBoH since it has the most varied amount of troop types & abilities, and many battle scenarios featuring the quantity-vs-quality dichotomy.
I also picked up a used copy of Chariots Of Fire not long ago because I've been interested in some Bronze Age stuff and Ran. I still feel a need to pick up some more, despite being too overloaded with currently owned ones yet to be played. Like a collector's sickness. :))
I'm hoping that Cataphract and an SPQR Extended Deluxe hits P500 reprint before long. In the meantime, I can get some of the Roman/Carthaginian fix with the old PC version (http://www.gog.com/game/great_battles_collectors_edition) if need be.
Yeah I'd really like to get Alexander, it's just this week hit distribution in the UK, but still a little expensive for me to buy just at the moment.
I've been tempted by Chariots of Fire as I've seen it cheap a few times. It's a period that interests me, but it always seems like a step to far to create such a detailed game on an era where we have virtually no information regarding the battles. I probably just need to get over it and accept it as a game. :)
SPQR has long been on my wishlist.
I'll be playing more 'Der Weltkrieg' this weekend. Have the Galicia scenario set up atm.
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Quote from: bob48 on April 25, 2015, 06:59:05 AM
I'll be playing more 'Der Weltkrieg' this weekend. Have the Galicia scenario set up atm.
I've been really tempted to grab the introductory game they just released, keep hearing great things about the system. Would really like a WWI game I could get stuck into, I've got Grand Illusion which is good but it's a bit of a beast in terms of time needed. I heard the Eastern Front module has some shorter scenarios so would probably be worth it if I liked the system.
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Yeah I really like the order chit pull system which I know isn't in most of the rest of the series. Looks like I picked the right jumping in point.
I have got the Simple GBoH book so I'm tempted to try that out with something else in the series. Partly just to get a few more manageable length games on the table.
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 25, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Yeah I really like the order chit pull system which I know isn't in most of the rest of the series. Looks like I picked the right jumping in point.
I have got the Simple GBoH book so I'm tempted to try that out with something else in the series. Partly just to get a few more manageable length games on the table.
I've imposed as much of the Hoplite rules as I can on the 1995 Alexander and the Tyrant and Phalanx modules. I'm happy with the Hoplite rules so I've never seriously looked at Simple GBoH.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZRZbWeW.jpg&hash=0e38c4f8f6054f467fc9148be2b565a759abf9ce)
Rather proud of my son. Sure, he drew two "Armored Attacks" in a row, but his Allies gave my lads a pounding in the bocage. This is the base set "Operation: Cobra" about three full turns in.
Wound up a 5-3 beating.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
I'm not terribly enamored with the treatment of non-Spartan Hoplites in some of the rules.
I can get by as written in
Hoplite since it also adds that movement randomness to the first charge, but reading the latest
Alexander rules I also see them getting a different treatment.
There are extra rules that pretty much treat them as an unruly mob who can't be controlled after given the order to charge. It also implies that the normal M.O. for Hoplites were to charge as a loose mob every battle. As if they were all Marathon all the time. :idiot2: Not only does this seem weird to me, due to the way a hoplite formation fights, but also because it could be said for
all unit types of the era (if it goes for one, it should for all). The reason given is that they were citizen soldiers; again, that would qualify for the vast majority of military units in the game, not just the Greek hoplites. Fortunately it has an "Optional rule" designation next to it - I suppose others expressed similar views to mine.
Sometimes I think they try a little too hard, making a distinction between different titles in a series, and these extra rules are due to that mentality.
I've not read the extra rules for chariots in CoF, but it definitely points out that they're more detailed than others in the series. Which is fine as long as it's not some unbalanced oddity. Anyway.. my point is this: use additional/optional rules with discretion.
Playing GMT's Blood & Roses, Blore Heath scenario.
The rules are somewhat similar, and also somewhat simpler than GBOH.
Blore Heath has the Yorkists in a defensive position. An anti-cavalry trench in the rear, a wagon lager on their right, and caltrops.
In my game, the Lancs (red counters) were embarrassed early, as the Yorkist (white counters) long bows chewed up the Lanc bowmen, and stopped a mounted men-at-arms charge in its tracks. But now the main Lancastrian battle (a group of units under a leader), with dismounted men-at-arms and infantry, gets in the fight. The grand melee begins.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2Fblore%2520heath_zpsakyr33rb.jpg&hash=ac1d32ba2adeb0647e80699758c69ecae6399da1) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/blore%20heath_zpsakyr33rb.jpg.html)
Quote from: Nefaro on April 25, 2015, 08:32:58 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
I'm not terribly enamored with the treatment of non-Spartan Hoplites in some of the rules.
Sometimes you have to go with the odd charm of some slightly eccentric rules even if they do tend to over-do some aspects of what they are
supposedly simulating.
For example, the clumsy, fragile, non-Spartan Hoplites of the Hoplite game can make you see why Marathon was so unexpected and how the Spartans kept an edge despite subscribing to the same odd adaptations that the Hoplite mode of warfare includes.
Having looked into the period more carefully, I think in its own way Hoplite does an interesting job of representing the Greeks and Persians while the Alexander game tends to perpetuate the idea that Alexander was somehow more than just an alcoholic with a lot of luck and an army with more flexibility and shock power than a bunch of part-time Greeks in rather archaic gear. I've looked in vain for anything worthwhile about Alexander other than a big ego and a nasty disposition who happened to show up as the Persian empire was starting to fall apart. What came after him in the region (mercenary tyrants attacking each other) pretty much confirms the whole mess was sure to have happened in some form or other and that he didn't impose any order at all.
Anyway, with Hoplite you can sort of confirm or return to your grade-school romanticism about the greeks, while with Alexander you end up watching the dull spectacle of yet another person's fantasies about why Alexander was so wonderful (when he was basically a cosmic jerk).
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 25, 2015, 02:19:12 PM
Quote from: bob48 on April 25, 2015, 06:59:05 AM
I'll be playing more 'Der Weltkrieg' this weekend. Have the Galicia scenario set up atm.
I've been really tempted to grab the introductory game they just released, keep hearing great things about the system. Would really like a WWI game I could get stuck into, I've got Grand Illusion which is good but it's a bit of a beast in terms of time needed. I heard the Eastern Front module has some shorter scenarios so would probably be worth it if I liked the system.
Well worth it - excellent game.
Quote from: MengJiao on April 27, 2015, 11:56:34 AM
Sometimes you have to go with the odd charm of some slightly eccentric rules even if they do tend to over-do some aspects of what they are
supposedly simulating.
For example, the clumsy, fragile, non-Spartan Hoplites of the Hoplite game can make you see why Marathon was so unexpected and how the Spartans kept an edge despite subscribing to the same odd adaptations that the Hoplite mode of warfare includes.
Having looked into the period more carefully, I think in its own way Hoplite does an interesting job of representing the Greeks and Persians while the Alexander game tends to perpetuate the idea that Alexander was somehow more than just an alcoholic with a lot of luck and an army with more flexibility and shock power than a bunch of part-time Greeks in rather archaic gear. I've looked in vain for anything worthwhile about Alexander other than a big ego and a nasty disposition who happened to show up as the Persian empire was starting to fall apart. What came after him in the region (mercenary tyrants attacking each other) pretty much confirms the whole mess was sure to have happened in some form or other and that he didn't impose any order at all.
Anyway, with Hoplite you can sort of confirm or return to your grade-school romanticism about the greeks, while with Alexander you end up watching the dull spectacle of yet another person's fantasies about why Alexander was so wonderful (when he was basically a cosmic jerk).
Alexander was certainly an angry spoiled alcoholic, but reading some of the detailed accounts of his lesser known political (& other) decisions makes me believe he had a good understanding of how to manipulate other people & political entities (when he was sober). The guy obviously had a good thinker on his shoulders when he used it. I don't think his massive success was just due to a massive streak of luck, either in the political or military arena. ;D It didn't take any time for all that to come crashing down once he was dead, so that's another indicator.
As for the non-Spartan Hoplite rules, they seemed to be overly harsh. Perhaps for more balanced gameplay, I dunno, but the excuse that they were "Citizen Soldiers" just doesn't hold up because every army of the day consisted almost entirely of levies. Experience was related to how often they fought. That's why Alexander's army was so good - it fought constantly for a long stretch of time. The Persian troops, on the other hand, hadn't needed to in such numbers very often at that point. Regarding being "Citizen Soldiers", most of the units in all those armies were originally that or levies, called up only in times of war, so there's no need to single any one of them out for special negative treatment on those grounds unless it's a blanket modification for all of them. That's why I don't plan on using the optional one in
Alexander, at least.
I gave 1775 a whirl over the weekend and found it to be a very enjoyable light wargame. My only complaint about the title is that the random turn order draw can really make the end game unbalanced. I played in a a four player game as the British regulars. On the final turn, my loyalist allies and I were up 9-3 in controlled regions but then the turn order pull gave the final two rounds to the continental army and the patriot militia and they were able to game the rules and eke out a 6-5 win.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on May 03, 2015, 03:09:45 AM
I gave 1775 a whirl over the weekend and found it to be a very enjoyable light wargame. My only complaint about the title is that the random turn order draw can really make the end game unbalanced. I played in a a four player game as the British regulars. On the final turn, my loyalist allies and I were up 9-3 in controlled regions but then the turn order pull gave the final two rounds to the continental army and the patriot militia and they were able to game the rules and eke out a 6-5 win.
Sounds very much like the actual war.
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 25, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Yeah I really like the order chit pull system which I know isn't in most of the rest of the series. Looks like I picked the right jumping in point.
I have got the Simple GBoH book so I'm tempted to try that out with something else in the series. Partly just to get a few more manageable length games on the table.
Say! I have some GBoH games (Hoplite, SPQR (and barbarian module), Alex (lastest version with old version of Tyrant, but Phalanx and Diadochi built in)) -- I've played them off and on for decades but never with an opponent. If you are interested we could set up a Vassal game with any of those -- PBEM style since our time zones differ.
Quote from: MengJiao on May 04, 2015, 01:51:43 PM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 25, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Yeah I really like the order chit pull system which I know isn't in most of the rest of the series. Looks like I picked the right jumping in point.
I have got the Simple GBoH book so I'm tempted to try that out with something else in the series. Partly just to get a few more manageable length games on the table.
Say! I have some GBoH games (Hoplite, SPQR (and barbarian module), Alex (lastest version with old version of Tyrant, but Phalanx and Diadochi built in)) -- I've played them off and on for decades but never with an opponent. If you are interested we could set up a Vassal game with any of those -- PBEM style since our time zones differ.
Yeah I'd be up for that. I quite like PBEM anyway as I can fit it around life a little easier.
Still working through the rules so I'll try and get up to speed a little more, but you'd still probably have to answer the odd question and correct me if I make any mistakes but an opponent would be good.
Quote from: weateallthepies on May 05, 2015, 04:14:48 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on May 04, 2015, 01:51:43 PM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 25, 2015, 02:22:25 PM
Quote from: MengJiao on April 25, 2015, 07:12:40 AM
Quote from: weateallthepies on April 24, 2015, 05:56:26 PM
Just set up Tanagra scenario of Hoplite and started pushing counters around whilst learning the rules.
What didn't I get into Great Battles of History sooner? Really enjoying the system.
I never really liked the system until I played Hoplite. Hoplite is the most fun and elegant of the GBoH's incarnations, I think. Chariots of fire is similar, but I didn't really like it as much as Hoplite or even the Tyrant module for Alexander -- which I play with Hoplite-like rules.
Yeah I really like the order chit pull system which I know isn't in most of the rest of the series. Looks like I picked the right jumping in point.
I have got the Simple GBoH book so I'm tempted to try that out with something else in the series. Partly just to get a few more manageable length games on the table.
Say! I have some GBoH games (Hoplite, SPQR (and barbarian module), Alex (lastest version with old version of Tyrant, but Phalanx and Diadochi built in)) -- I've played them off and on for decades but never with an opponent. If you are interested we could set up a Vassal game with any of those -- PBEM style since our time zones differ.
Yeah I'd be up for that. I quite like PBEM anyway as I can fit it around life a little easier.
Still working through the rules so I'll try and get up to speed a little more, but you'd still probably have to answer the odd question and correct me if I make any mistakes but an opponent would be good.
I sent a personal message to you with my email. On to Vassal!!!!!
If one allows for the fact that the players wind up very upset at a successful mastermind -- murderously upset -- Tragedy Looper should count as a war game...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fk0CroJP.jpg&hash=ad6aebc6448550bf6511cff02373b5ff184045bc)
Playing Twilight Struggle.
I'm not generally a fan of card-driven games but I think this one does a great job of giving off a real sense of history.
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Eldritch Horror + Expansions
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Print N Play - (Your Name Here) and the Argonauts
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I've been waffling about getting the Mountains of Madness expansion for Eldritch Horror.
Dig the game but the $40 price tag of the expansion seems a bit high for the amount of goods that come with it. I'll probably pick it up sometime, especially now that the 2nd printing has come.
Quote from: Nefaro on May 12, 2015, 09:15:05 AM
I've been waffling about getting the Mountains of Madness expansion for Eldritch Horror.
Dig the game but the $40 price tag of the expansion seems a bit high for the amount of goods that come with it. I'll probably pick it up sometime, especially now that the 2nd printing has come.
The price tag is a little bit to swallow as I got it on sale.... I would recommend picking it up if that is the case as I feel it should be priced around $29 possibly. There is a good amount of content in the box but not at the price of say a game like Polis.
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on May 14, 2015, 11:35:27 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on May 12, 2015, 09:15:05 AM
I've been waffling about getting the Mountains of Madness expansion for Eldritch Horror.
Dig the game but the $40 price tag of the expansion seems a bit high for the amount of goods that come with it. I'll probably pick it up sometime, especially now that the 2nd printing has come.
The price tag is a little bit to swallow as I got it on sale.... I would recommend picking it up if that is the case as I feel it should be priced around $29 possibly. There is a good amount of content in the box but not at the price of say a game like Polis.
PE
Yeah.. I was thinking that $40 for a damn expansion is about the cost of a whole new game. And it doesn't look to have as much content as the price tag suggests. *shrug*
I picked up the first small Eldritch Horror expansion because I thought the core game definitely needed more cards & such. Which that added at small cost. But this one.. I'm in no hurry. Hell, I still have a dozen other games yet to be punched so I can wait for better pricing.
Guys, seriously...I'm trying to be strong here.
I got Origins in less than three weeks and I have to figure there'll be stuff there to buy.
Lord, I am weak...
Quote from: Cyrano on May 14, 2015, 03:55:08 PM
Guys, seriously...I'm trying to be strong here.
I got Origins in less than three weeks and I have to figure there'll be stuff there to buy.
Lord, I am weak...
You don't have
Eldritch Horror? No worries! Fantasy Flight makes it, so the damn thing won't sell out in the first two months and then never be seen agains at suggested retail price for years. They actually reprint their stuff pretty quickly and without hassle, which they've already done for the core game and this big expansion after they ran out.
It's an enjoyable solitaire game if you enjoy Lovecraft Mythos. It's been very challenging for me, using two or three characters, to win but I hear other people say some of the GOOs are "easy". *shrug*
Finally got notification that
Agents of Smersh is through customs, so I should be getting that in (and it's expansion) by the end of the month anyway. It plays very similarly to the
Arkham Horror/Eldritch Horror games, albeit with more storyline stuff and set in a 70s Cold War spy theme reminiscent of the nuttier James Bond bits. So that will fill my immediate need to pick up the EH expansion.. for a time. :) Been wanting to pick this up for a couple years but the damn thing had been completely sold out and almost nobody was selling their copies. Had to get in on the KS reprint to be sure.
The first set of expansions for Star Wars: Armada came out so we flung too much money at it and gave it a whirl. It seems fun but a bigger table is in order. The 3'x3' standard map size is too cramped once you start adding in the extra capital ships.
We used the "build a fleet" rules option and each player spent 300 points to assemble a fleet and duke it out over 6 turns. The Imperials (me) took 2 Victory-II class star destroyers with a couple of upgrades, a Gladiator class star destroyer, 2 squadrons of TIE fighters and 2 squadrons of TIE interceptors.
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The rebels took an Assault Frigate Mk II with some fancy officers, a Corellian CR90 Corvette with more fancy officers, a Nebulon-B frigate with upgraded guns, 4 squadrons of X-Wings and 2 squadrons of B-Wings.
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We used the cards to determine the scenario objective and ended up with it just being a slug fest with me trying to blow up the Assault Frigate and the scum trying to blow up my Gladiator.
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I took more pics but they mostly turned out blurry.
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At any rate, the map was a bit too small and that really played into the hands of the Imperials as the rebels didn't have enough room to manouvre around the flanks and go for their hit and run attacks. The X-Wings and TIE fighters got into a big furball right in the middle of the map and the corvette tried to use them as a screen and cut across the front of the 3 star destroyers in order to swing around behind them. It got too close and was blown into dust on the 3rd turn.
All the TIE fighters were burning wrecks by turn 4 but they managed to take down one squadron of B-Wings and 1 of the X-Wings before they died. The remaining rebel fighters did a good job of harrying the Star Destroyers and slowing chewed away at their shield but it wasn't enough to seriously damage them. The Nebulon-B frigate took some criticals but was still alive at the end of the fight which ended rather anti-climatically with the remaining capital ships staying at long range and sniping at one another to little effect until the turn length ran out. The Imperials won on points.
Thanks for posting. I'm due to play that tonight.
SDR - looks like you have the basic set and one expansion, right? The fat/bloated ship in the pic with the X-wings...I can't recall what that ship is called. Just curious exactly what you bought.
This game and its expansions are definitely on my list.
I have the base game and the following expansions:
Gladiator class destroyer
Imperial fighter squadrons (adds 2 TIE bomber, 2 interceptor, 2 advanced, and 2 more fighter squadrons and new elite pilot cards)
An additional Victory class destroyer
Rebel Assault frigate Mk II
Rebel fighter squadrons (adds 2 Y-wing, 2 A-wing, 2 B-wing, and two more X-wing squadrons and elite pilots).
Additional dice pack.
2 3'x3' play mats with space backgrounds.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on May 16, 2015, 08:16:57 AM
The fat/bloated ship in the pic with the X-wings...I can't recall what that ship is called.
Pretty sure that's the Assault Frigate. But you can just call it "Fatship" for short. :))
Some stuff from the past week or two..
Painting hasn't progressed much, still some odds & ends left to do on these original three characters but I wanted to check out the solitaire mode. Plus make G go bonkers. >:D
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.tinypic.com%2F2gtuc06.jpg&hash=03b23ec32a8354bafa7d013c5e509679432d0a38)
The gauntlet run is now set up. Realized that my VonDrakk Manor set is missing two of the 'critter' skeleton class (only got 4 of the 6, not shown). Time to send off an email. :-\
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.tinypic.com%2F5oii5i.jpg&hash=6962a8e1bf92380779b1e8b36061a73dcaf32d6b)
After getting my ass handed to me in Xenoshyft..
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi60.tinypic.com%2F6ymzo9.jpg&hash=5f820a6548e56b17e45a1b2c0f10f843b7ff4baa)
DON'T TREAD ON ME!
Fitting for this weekend, however I managed and settled for a Marginal Victory on turn 14 with the Liberty track at 7. I granted Independence from those rebel conlonists and with trouble in India and the Carribeean pulling away resources......
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0049.JPG&hash=4c2db01a63ad2ae2d0bf86b9d3745d293adc0e7e)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0050.JPG&hash=6cc36bbf98e6e131812181b960ceb4d650b2e94f)
Keep hearing good things about that solitaire game. 8)
I want to eventually pick up a Revolutionary War battle game (akin to the Great Battles of History series, for example) but haven't really investigated the available field. The ones I have vaguely eyeballed seemed to only cover one two battle. *shrug* Something to covet in the distant future - I still have plenty GBoH yet to play.
The operational level ACW one somebody mentioned also sounded enticing.
Think I still have some old black powder era battle wargames around somewhere. One featuring a couple battles from the War Of Spanish Succession ( has Marlborough & Allies vs The Sun King's forces at Oudenarde and another) along with the old CoA game Zorndorf. But I never got them to the table over all those years and the rules may be rather creaky these days (notably Zorndorf).
My point is: I don't have much for the era and need to eventually remedy that.
Solitaire play of base game, with a few KS extras, in the middle of the action.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.tinypic.com%2F2qa7eh1.jpg&hash=f5badd936c2094a499be4f000a23e81deadbd3b3)
Battle of Waterloo using the 'Age of Eagles" rules.
(https://1mrqlw-dm2305.files.1drv.com/y2mZPVVeSuMjlFI4wTI8-TGY60gB-8UPvtshpLQ5JCJ24nDU34gn6ITJIbeyLQgc7of4yYl-hNtLSpdcVfoZxwM48cT9gxSmHPLpiDmTT88CxZbS5slgDIBC0FRpp73lnipfBw5qv2P6DTg7QWRMc7TBQiiRRzHMsSEUAqUlSoNCDo/20150529_205347.jpg?psid=1)
Full gallery here:
https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=005f7aa755302998&id=5f7aa755302998!40009&ithint=folder,jpg&authkey=!AHxDk0w4FyoLh5c (https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=005f7aa755302998&id=5f7aa755302998!40009&ithint=folder,jpg&authkey=!AHxDk0w4FyoLh5c)
Col Bill Gray put us on his website and FB page 8)
http://www.ageofeagles.com/Pages/default.aspx (http://www.ageofeagles.com/Pages/default.aspx)
https://www.facebook.com/ageofeagles (https://www.facebook.com/ageofeagles)
That looks very good.
The figs and table belong to some buddies of mine. We did an all day session on Saturday as a birthday bash for one of the guys (the one who hosted the whole thing).
Great fun and the French won this time!
Very impressive Mirth. I played some ACW mini's a couple of weekends ago and had a great time. In fact, it sucked me in to the rabbit hole and I wound up blowing more money than I really should have on mini's that now need to be based and painted. It never ends....
One of the guys I play against regularly wanted to give his copy of Paths of Glory a try. I'd never played it before and he'd only tried twice so it was a bit of a learning experience. (Note to self, when playing as the Central Powers, don't leave the border to Italy guarded by just a few corps of dodgy Austro-Hungarians. Also, drive the war track up as early as possible to get the better cards out.)
It seems decent although I think the cards dictate play too much. I did well in France and was able to take Verdun, Nancy, Sedan, and Liege by the Winter of 1914. That ground down the German army pretty badly though and the dirty French were able to reinforce Paris.
I got slapped silly by the Russians though and they punched through the Austro-Hungarians like they weren't even there. The Middle East was a stalemate as was the Balkans. We weren't able to finish before the gamestore closed up shop for the day and booted us out but it looked like it was going to be a race to see if the Germans could take out France before the Russians threatened Berlin.
It reminds me of Twilight Struggle but with a lot more granularity. I'd like to have another crack at it now that I'm more familiar with the rules.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic281124.jpg)
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(https://keepituryens.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/img_2609.jpg)
I saw someone's video AAR of Paths Of Glory recently. Looked like fun without large stacks of counter doom.
You're limited to a maximum of 3 units per stack. It can still get a little cluttered once you throw in trenches, besieged markers, and captured VP markers though.
The game does a good job of providing a lot of historical flavour but the card system causes issues in that you're prevented from acting how you'd like simply because you don't have a certain card in your hand. I got steam rolled by the Russians simply because I never got a good card that would allow me to replenish Austro-Hungary's depleted units. This is one of the reasons I'm not a fan of card driven systems. Too gamey for my tastes.
Next up.... Jerry :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0130.JPG&hash=ecc272cb89c0f515430a922237cf441332c3af11)
PE - is that the older version of RAF? I have both the old and new one but that looks like the older version - awesome memories of that one!
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on June 09, 2015, 10:05:51 AM
PE - is that the older version of RAF? I have both the old and new one but that looks like the older version - awesome memories of that one!
Yep, it the old one from West End Games. I really dig the board layout. I have not purchased the new version, I went and purchased the older one for a relatively cheap price and the game is in great shape. I sleeved the cards even though they are odd sized, but I used a heavy sleeve.
What General Weygand called the Battle of France is over. I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our own British life, and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire. The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 09, 2015, 10:11:42 AM
Yep, it the old one from West End Games.
I was digging around a few days ago and happened upon my old West End
Soldiers game. And
Bloody 110 (not WE) although that one had seen far better days.
Don't think I'd seen either of those for almost two decades. Probably longer in the case of
Soldiers. Always thought it was a rather weird game back in the day, but I suppose that was due to it's heavy focus on morale & willpower which I had never seen to such an extent in other rules. ???
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 06, 2015, 08:47:37 PM
It seems decent although I think the cards dictate play too much. I did well in France and was able to take Verdun, Nancy, Sedan, and Liege by the Winter of 1914. That ground down the German army pretty badly though and the dirty French were able to reinforce Paris.
I have recently started playing this as well. Overall, great as game, but agree that the cards make it somewhat "gamey." Still, I highly recommend it...I am having a great time playing it.
I really need to get my copy of Soldiers on the table....I've owned it forever and have never played it.
Quote from: GJK on June 09, 2015, 12:49:19 PM
I really need to get my copy of Soldiers on the table....I've owned it forever and have never played it.
I'd probably still think it an odd system, but I recall revisiting it back in the mid 90s and getting some enjoyment out of it in a head-to-head game against a buddy.
PanzerEast's mention of a WEG wargame reminded me of it. I owned very few of those back in the day (the other probably being Panzer Leader) so they were a bit of a rarity for me.
I had a fair number of WEG board games. My problem was convincing anyone from my gaming group to give them a try. I was into Squad Leader. They wanted to play Talisman or Cosmic Encounters or other such games.
I had:
Soldiers
Pax Britannica
Air Cav
Fire Team
Star Wars: Star Warriors
And a U.S. Civil War game but I can't recall the title.
I have Air Cav, too. Found it rooting around in some boxes...almost pulled it out because it was a lot of fun...but there's too much on the table at the moment.
Very cool...and a coincidence for me as I was punching RAF (V2) counters earlier in the day. Still working through the rulebook but have the map under the plexi and a pretty good idea of what's to come after watching StukaJoes excellent tutorial video over on BGG. Going to be my summer vaca game.
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 09, 2015, 09:27:33 AM
Next up.... Jerry :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0130.JPG&hash=ecc272cb89c0f515430a922237cf441332c3af11)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 09, 2015, 04:21:50 PM
I had a fair number of WEG board games. My problem was convincing anyone from my gaming group to give them a try. I was into Squad Leader. They wanted to play Talisman or Cosmic Encounters or other such games.
I had:
Soldiers
Pax Britannica
Air Cav
Fire Team
Star Wars: Star Warriors
And a U.S. Civil War game but I can't recall the title.
I also recall playing WEG's
Air & Armor which was pretty much just another hex & counter game except for the hidden strength step markers, which made for some nice fog of war (in such a lower counter quantity platoon/company scale game). I'm surprised more wargames haven't used something similar.
I suppose there were some rather innovative or unusual mechanics in a few of these West End wargames that left an impression.
Oh hell, I have Star Warriors up there, too. Another game that didn't get to the table much.
Quote from: Rekim on June 09, 2015, 07:53:49 PM
Very cool...and a coincidence for me as I was punching RAF (V2) counters earlier in the day. Still working through the rulebook but have the map under the plexi and a pretty good idea of what's to come after watching StukaJoes excellent tutorial video over on BGG. Going to be my summer vaca game.
Let me know what you think of it..... I would be interested to hear your personal experience from playing.
PE
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:09:28 AM
Let me know what you think of it..... I would be interested to hear your personal experience from playing.
>ahem<
You know we DID do a full review of RAF v2 last year? ;)
http://grogheads.com/?p=3569
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on June 10, 2015, 08:23:25 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:09:28 AM
Let me know what you think of it..... I would be interested to hear your personal experience from playing.
>ahem<
You know we DID do a full review of RAF v2 last year? ;)
http://grogheads.com/?p=3569
Yea, I read it.... but I always like to hear others personal experience of the game. Believe it or not I do read the front page and look for review O0
PE
The RAF re-release's counter punching still frustrates me, just thinking about it.
Still have yet to play from the German side.
The RAF v2 counters are high grade stuff, but not at all suitable for actual punching. Cutting instruments were required. I used box cutters to remove them from the sprues and a hobby knife for cleaning up the edges. Came out so cleanly I'm going to take a pass on clipping the corners.
Quote from: Nefaro on June 10, 2015, 09:38:23 AM
The RAF re-release's counter punching still frustrates me, just thinking about it.
Still have yet to play from the German side.
Am also planning to source some glass mosaic tiles as a cool way of marking squadrons on patrol. Found a good candidate online with 5/8'' tiles...exactly matching the chit size.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1735826.jpg&hash=fb28d299fedba241c7054fb0dbc9a26939c421d0)
I'll spare Cyrano the gory details and accompanying photos, but I've been organizing cards and outlining some ideas for a Commander deck and a Standard deck for MTG. I have a horribly non-competitive collection of cards but fuck it. I'm going in to have some fun and hopefully beat a couple of fellow geeks who have $$$ decks.
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:27:10 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on June 10, 2015, 08:23:25 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:09:28 AM
Let me know what you think of it..... I would be interested to hear your personal experience from playing.
>ahem<
You know we DID do a full review of RAF v2 last year? ;)
http://grogheads.com/?p=3569
Yea, I read it.... but I always like to hear others personal experience of the game. Believe it or not I do read the front page and look for review O0
PE
It is simply superb. Very, very solitaire friendly imo.
I did a short AAR http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=8449.0
Quote from: Bison on June 10, 2015, 02:51:25 PM
I'll spare Cyrano the gory details and accompanying photos, but I've been organizing cards and outlining some ideas for a Commander deck and a Standard deck for MTG. I have a horribly non-competitive collection of cards but fuck it. I'm going in to have some fun and hopefully beat a couple of fellow geeks who have $$$ decks.
We have around 1000 cards ranging from Portal / Starter sets up to some 8th edition stuff. We just say 'sod it' and construct decks that we like, at least for playing at home.
Quote from: bob48 on June 10, 2015, 04:33:50 PM
Quote from: Bison on June 10, 2015, 02:51:25 PM
I'll spare Cyrano the gory details and accompanying photos, but I've been organizing cards and outlining some ideas for a Commander deck and a Standard deck for MTG. I have a horribly non-competitive collection of cards but fuck it. I'm going in to have some fun and hopefully beat a couple of fellow geeks who have $$$ decks.
We have around 1000 cards ranging from Portal / Starter sets up to some 8th edition stuff. We just say 'sod it' and construct decks that we like, at least for playing at home.
Yeah I'm a casual playing noob. I'm just happy when I have the right colored spells to match my lands in my decks. :D I am planning on going to a midnight pre-release for MTG Origins in mid-July. I'm looking forward to it.
Dip your hands into the gory remains of our hobby if you must. Rationalize the grim spectacle however you will. Nefaro and I will be over in a dimly lit corner playing with his micro-Hummels.
Quote from: Cyrano on June 11, 2015, 06:44:39 PM
Dip your hands into the gory remains of our hobby if you must. Rationalize the grim spectacle however you will. Nefaro and I will be over in a dimly lit corner playing with his micro-Hummels.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgrogheads.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D10771.0%3Battach%3D5640%3Bimage&hash=fbf9ea56f55fcf88f3a6baa3713dd3a2e3db1c2a)
I would sooo join in the casual MTG deck-building fest, if I were there. Been a long time. ^-^
Although, when it comes to CCG/LCGs, finding an opponent to ease myself into Mage Wars would be ideal. :smitten: Is that being too "cult of the new"?
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:27:10 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on June 10, 2015, 08:23:25 AM
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 10, 2015, 08:09:28 AM
Let me know what you think of it..... I would be interested to hear your personal experience from playing.
>ahem<
You know we DID do a full review of RAF v2 last year? ;)
http://grogheads.com/?p=3569
Yea, I read it.... but I always like to hear others personal experience of the game. Believe it or not I do read the front page and look for review O0
PE
OK, that makes *two* people...
I read it
And by the way - you guys are using acronyms I've never heard of - so I think I can safely say I'm not a full time member of geekdom >:D
I'm testing the PC conversion. Good fun so far.
Quote from: Rekim on June 09, 2015, 07:53:49 PM
Very cool...and a coincidence for me as I was punching RAF (V2) counters earlier in the day. Still working through the rulebook but have the map under the plexi and a pretty good idea of what's to come after watching StukaJoes excellent tutorial video over on BGG. Going to be my summer vaca game.
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 09, 2015, 09:27:33 AM
Next up.... Jerry :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0130.JPG&hash=ecc272cb89c0f515430a922237cf441332c3af11)
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 12, 2015, 12:28:09 AM
I read it
And by the way - you guys are using acronyms I've never heard of - so I think I can safely say I'm not a full time member of geekdom >:D
http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=1308.0
Quote from: bayonetbrant on June 12, 2015, 06:23:32 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 12, 2015, 12:28:09 AM
I read it
And by the way - you guys are using acronyms I've never heard of - so I think I can safely say I'm not a full time member of geekdom >:D
http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=1308.0
;D
That list doesn't yet have these acronyms used to befuddle JD in this thread.
Tabletop:
LCG="Living" Card Game (as CCG, non-randomized/collectible)
WEG=West End Games
Strange method of alphabetical organization you have, Brant. ???
But it's nerdtastic, so that's good enough! :)
Interesting. Wasn't aware this was in the works. Who will be publishing?
Not sure if I'll feel the need to pick up the PC version of RAF. The bit of exposure I have with e-versions of solitaire wargames (VG Carrier for iOS) I found somewhat underwhelming compared with the boardgame experience. Can't really say why I didn't enjoy it as much. Computer versions of 2-player games are more appealing. Can't wait to get my hands on Twilight Struggle for example. Something like World in Flames would be awesome :2funny:
Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 12, 2015, 12:39:24 AM
I'm testing the PC conversion. Good fun so far.
Quote from: Rekim on June 09, 2015, 07:53:49 PM
Very cool...and a coincidence for me as I was punching RAF (V2) counters earlier in the day. Still working through the rulebook but have the map under the plexi and a pretty good idea of what's to come after watching StukaJoes excellent tutorial video over on BGG. Going to be my summer vaca game.
Quote from: PanzersEast on June 09, 2015, 09:27:33 AM
Next up.... Jerry :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FnnYoo1L.jpg&hash=ae3d43d576121ea32b2dee25635113616f0ece59)
Couple Origins acquisitions played with the family. Can't say why, but I was surprised that TEK is simpler than TED. Good game, though.
I played Betrayal at the House on the Hill at the local game store this afternoon. We'd just set the game up when the owner dragged some dodgy looking guy in dirty, ripped clothes that smelled of stale beer and cigarette smoke over to us and plunked him down at our table. The guy's gaming tastes ran to Risk and Monopoly and he seemed out of his depth because he just couldn't grasp the rules at all and this is a really simple game. As expected, Murphy's Law kicked in and he ended up becoming the betrayer which meant he had to read a few paragraphs that would inform him of his supernatural powers and a few more paragraphs on how combat and movement rules worked for the betrayer and his minions. He didn't understand it at all so I had to read all the secret stuff and help him play his part. Pretty much killed the enthusiasm for any other gaming for the rest of the day.
It's still a pretty fun little game though.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frage.com.my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FBetrayal-at-House-on-the-Hill-Ground-floor-being-explored.jpg&hash=d6eba93e5a033b5661b4a81a9a7baa3bcfec120f)
Quote from: Rekim on June 12, 2015, 09:59:11 AM
The bit of exposure I have with e-versions of solitaire wargames (VG Carrier for iOS) I found somewhat underwhelming compared with the boardgame experience.
Did he release the IOS Carrier game? It's my understanding that WoTC said nix nix poo poo on the idea even though the guy coding it had Jon Southards blessing- so he was going to make it "Carrier like" but uniquely different. He is or was using my modded map for it; not sure if that changed too. Or perhaps there's two people working on the same thing?
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 13, 2015, 11:24:40 PM
I played Betrayal at the House on the Hill at the local game store this afternoon. We'd just set the game up when the owner dragged some dodgy looking guy in dirty, ripped clothes that smelled of stale beer and cigarette smoke over to us and plunked him down at our table. The guy's gaming tastes ran to Risk and Monopoly and he seemed out of his depth because he just couldn't grasp the rules at all and this is a really simple game. As expected, Murphy's Law kicked in and he ended up becoming the betrayer which meant he had to read a few paragraphs that would inform him of his supernatural powers and a few more paragraphs on how combat and movement rules worked for the betrayer and his minions. He didn't understand it at all so I had to read all the secret stuff and help him play his part. Pretty much killed the enthusiasm for any other gaming for the rest of the day.
It's still a pretty fun little game though.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Frage.com.my%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2FBetrayal-at-House-on-the-Hill-Ground-floor-being-explored.jpg&hash=d6eba93e5a033b5661b4a81a9a7baa3bcfec120f)
I think Mr. Plum did it with the kitchen knife in the ballroom. ;)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 13, 2015, 11:24:40 PM
I played Betrayal at the House on the Hill at the local game store this afternoon. We'd just set the game up when the owner dragged some dodgy looking guy in dirty, ripped clothes that smelled of stale beer and cigarette smoke over to us and plunked him down at our table. The guy's gaming tastes ran to Risk and Monopoly and he seemed out of his depth because he just couldn't grasp the rules at all and this is a really simple game. As expected, Murphy's Law kicked in and he ended up becoming the betrayer which meant he had to read a few paragraphs that would inform him of his supernatural powers and a few more paragraphs on how combat and movement rules worked for the betrayer and his minions. He didn't understand it at all so I had to read all the secret stuff and help him play his part. Pretty much killed the enthusiasm for any other gaming for the rest of the day.
It's still a pretty fun little game though.
Yeah, it's a nice light game that isn't very difficult and has relatively few "fiddly bits". I had to stuff some folder paper bits under those little plastic attribute pointers that attach to the character boards in my copy, however. They didn't grip them at all. :knuppel2:
I think the Betrayer mechanic is generally Popularity Gold when you've played some games with a capable player receiving the role. Sorry to hear that wasn't the case this time.
If you like
Betrayal at the House on the Hill, then you should also enjoy
Dead Of Winter. It's similar, with some added group resource hunting/management albeit in a wintry zombiepocalypse survival situation. Everyone has their own secret objective, which usually consists of achieving the main group objective along with hoarding a few specific items for themselves. The betrayer is the one who gets the objective of foiling the group objective, and stays hidden until the rest of the players think they figure it out there's a betrayer & who it is. Then they can take an exile vote. Sometimes there isn't even a betrayer in any one game, so too much paranoia could cause you to exile innocent survivors and hurt your resource gathering potential before achieving the co-op group objective most require to win at the end. It's a great game, better mechanically than HotH but remains relatively easy to learn, pick up, and play. Also some beautiful artwork & layouts on the components. IIRC there are a couple modules for Dead Of Winter in Tabletop Simulator.
Quote from: GJK on June 14, 2015, 12:05:03 AM
Did he release the IOS Carrier game? It's my understanding that WoTC said nix nix poo poo on the idea even though the guy coding it had Jon Southards blessing- so he was going to make it "Carrier like" but uniquely different. He is or was using my modded map for it; not sure if that changed too. Or perhaps there's two people working on the same thing?
Don't know Gary. Don't think anything has been released. The most up to date info on the matter I've seen was your recent chat with Cyril on BGG.
We've seen the reprinting of Upfront come to pass....anything is possible :))
I figured I'd share one of the great joys of CCGs...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi830.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz227%2FBison36%2FMTG%25201_zpsopljucnn.jpg&hash=057baa747cfffbc273fa2555146fdb57133d7ada)
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Sorting cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's right up there with punching and organizing counters in providing hours of entertainment.
Quote from: Bison on June 14, 2015, 09:56:51 PM
I figured I'd share one of the great joys of CCGs...
Man, and I thought my kids had way too many Pokemon cards. :o
Quote from: Double Deuce on June 14, 2015, 10:59:24 PM
Quote from: Bison on June 14, 2015, 09:56:51 PM
I figured I'd share one of the great joys of CCGs...
Man, and I thought my kids had way too many Pokemon cards. :o
I don't even rate on the scale for having a lot of cards. My daughter and my Pokémon card collection is much more modest.
I'll +1 to Bison's comment that that isn't a lot of cards.
I've never seen anyone with a huge collection but it's my understanding that if you're really into the game you'll buy at least a case of cards upon each release. I don't think Bison has even one case of cards on that table (nice table btw).
I'd much rather sort cards than punch counters. Neither is a blast but at least there is some variety in the impromptu inventorying of CCG/LCG cards.
Counter punching = :buck2:
The fun part of sorting cards is reading the card texts and thinking about how or if you can use them in a deck build.
Oops - double posted.
Silly old sod.
^Agreed. I actually find sorting cards to be quite relaxing.
This is a useful site as well (you may already be aware of it)
https://deckbox.org/games/mtg/cards
That is a good site Bob. I also really like this site http://www.mtgvault.com/. I really enjoy looking at other peoples deck brews, drooling over cards I do not and never will own, and thinking about how can I make a similar deck.
^ O0
I'm quite excited about this one. I like the sound of the mechanics. How it will be liked during actual gameplay will become apparent.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FIMAG0122_zpsu6qmtsur.jpg&hash=d00fe3868b294ab4c54f09dc1f21d398a3c7eda7)
^Check it out!
JD's playing a wargame!
A good one too!
I knew we'd find our way back out of the woods sooner or later.
Cards, skipper! Off the starboard bow!
Those are good and virtuous cards.
I was dragged into a game of Castles of Mad King Ludwig at the gaming cafe over the weekend. It's generally not my kind of game but it ended up being pretty fun.
(https://thewholenicole.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/wpid-20140419_133122.jpg)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 15, 2015, 04:09:28 PM
I was dragged into a game of Castles of Mad King Ludwig at the gaming cafe over the weekend. It's generally not my kind of game but it ended up being pretty fun.
I won't judge you for it SDR. Unlike some others *ahem*
;D
I just unboxed my entire ASL collection that had been in storage for two months while moving in to our new home and I feel like a MAN!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150615_222728_zpszbhg6ma2.jpg&hash=8f814ed89e99faf1e9fd19e1d8988755b481ba10)
Quote from: LongBlade on June 15, 2015, 10:29:21 PM
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Nice
I keep meaning to look at making a model ship of some sort. So far I've been mostly stuck on WWII planes.
Quote from: Nefaro on June 15, 2015, 05:44:04 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on June 15, 2015, 04:09:28 PM
I was dragged into a game of Castles of Mad King Ludwig at the gaming cafe over the weekend. It's generally not my kind of game but it ended up being pretty fun.
I won't judge you for it SDR. Unlike some others *ahem*
;D
Did someone call?
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 16, 2015, 12:23:03 AM
Nice
I keep meaning to look at making a model ship of some sort. So far I've been mostly stuck on WWII planes.
Thanks. This is a waterline model. After I bought it and had it home I thought about creating a diorama for it showing it angling down with fire billowing out in bubbles. Unfortunately I'd need a full hull ship to show that properly...unless I angle the sail toward the front...hmmm. Hmmm.
Heh. This might just work....
I've got my meager collection of blue/white cards out and stacked on my table right now. I have my blue/white deck sorted by cost and should have sorted it by type of spell, as I'm brewing up a hot mess for this evening. Nerds beware I'm coming in with a deck meant to lose with glory and honor!
I did dust off my game shelves today. So I did touch my ASL and Combat Commander collection, if only too briefly.
I've been fiddling about with my cards and trying to construct a predominantly white recruitment deck. A buddy of my against whom I used to play used one and frequently took me to the cleaners with it. >:(
Very late to party, I am finally playing Paths of Glory. Here, the Central Powers, start turn 4, already facing solid trenches from Switzerland to the sea. Turn 3 saw massive battles in Sedan...but no movement.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2Fpaths%2520of%2520glory_zpsitsqcsuj.jpg&hash=9ae090384be783eebccbfe50fe149c071cc38515) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/paths%20of%20glory_zpsitsqcsuj.jpg.html)
^ Is that South America? :P
Quote from: ArizonaTank on June 19, 2015, 05:19:50 PM
Very late to party, I am finally playing Paths of Glory. Here, the Central Powers, start turn 4, already facing solid trenches from Switzerland to the sea. Turn 3 saw massive battles in Sedan...but no movement.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2Fpaths%2520of%2520glory_zpsitsqcsuj.jpg&hash=9ae090384be783eebccbfe50fe149c071cc38515) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/paths%20of%20glory_zpsitsqcsuj.jpg.html)
Start pulling some Austrian corps out of reserve and get them on the map or you could get steamrolled by the Russians. That's what happened to me.
Quote from: bob48 on June 19, 2015, 03:56:23 PM
I've been fiddling about with my cards and trying to construct a predominantly white recruitment deck. A buddy of my against whom I used to play used one and frequently took me to the cleaners with it. >:(
I thought tonight was some standard play, but it was a draft night. I went all in on black/red (and a couple of nice rare/uncommon I needed :) ) Unfortunately there were at least 2 other people drafting red, which really spread out that color too thin. I should have just gone mono black, but live and learn. Ended up 1-2 and some tough, close games in my loss and a couple of blow losses. My win was not close. My opponent had drafted a rainbow deck and was hurting for mana both games. Next week they will get the wraith of my white/blue deck, plus I picked up a new dragon for it tonight in the draft. So all in all a good night of gaming.
A rainbow deck in a draft match? Sounds insane to me. :idiot2:
The draft rules are quite likely different from the days when I played regularly, long ago in the far away. Even going dual-color in a draft was risky back then.
There is a small store nearby that hosts some small MTG nights. I thought about joining in sometime, and even picked up some new cards about three years ago, but I really don't want to get into collecting them again. Got enough game collecting as it is. Sold off my collection of 90s MTG cards long ago, which would just make me second guess that too, if I dived back in. Think I'll just stick with the PC game for an occasional taste and leave it at that.
Yeah rainbow is bad. Drafting dual-color isn't too much of a risk and in fact it's how the majority of people draft. There are so many dual color tap lands and spells that cost multi-color mana that it's not too bad. Some color mixes go together much better than others in standard, but in draft it's a level playing field. I didn't play when if first came out, so I don't have the 90's cards to regret not having anymore. However, I will say it's a fun and inexpensive way to spend an evening especially since I accept the fact I will never really be hyper competitive in standard and will never be so in modern or the legacy/vintage formats. Mostly I'm a kitchen table player and anything goes on that battlefield. No blocks/bans/restrictions lists. I did pick up a few of the intro and duals decks and kept them intact to use as decks to help the wife and kids learn the game. They are pretty balanced if from the same set and are fun to play too.
Quote from: Bison on June 20, 2015, 10:27:21 AM
Yeah rainbow is bad. Drafting dual-color isn't too much of a risk and in fact it's how the majority of people draft. There are so many dual color tap lands and spells that cost multi-color mana that it's not too bad. Some color mixes go together much better than others in standard, but in draft it's a level playing field. I didn't play when if first came out, so I don't have the 90's cards to regret not having anymore. However, I will say it's a fun and inexpensive way to spend an evening especially since I accept the fact I will never really be hyper competitive in standard and will never be so in modern or the legacy/vintage formats. Mostly I'm a kitchen table player and anything goes on that battlefield. No blocks/bans/restrictions lists. I did pick up a few of the intro and duals decks and kept them intact to use as decks to help the wife and kids learn the game. They are pretty balanced if from the same set and are fun to play too.
Yeah, casual playing is the way to go. Used to have an occasional Beer & MtG night with a few old buddies years ago, which was some nice enjoyable trash-talking fun. I moved and hadn't played since around 2001.
Tiger leader is waiting for me to sit down and learn it.
I've got 'Bitter Woods' sitting here looking at me. Must get to grips with it soon.
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Specter Ops -- Remarkably simple rules in this one. The complexity comes from the interplay between the Agent (good guy) and the Hunters. The pad is used by the Agent to track his secret movement over the board as he tries to accomplish missions. He's only placed on the board if he enters the LoS of the Hunters...at which point his lifespan can safely be measured in seconds if he doesn't get hid...
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Cornered by my wife...didn't make it to 20 of the allotted 40 turns.
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Certainly not the groggiest thing I've ever played, but folks have raved to me about "Love Letter" and I figured this would be a more manly way to try the system. A classic, "hey, it is what it is game", I like it. Contract Bridge it ain't, but there's a fair bit of strategy tucked in with all the luck of the draw and, with a deck of only 16 cards, it plays quickly. Plus, they updated the bits to be more Batman.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbIy3rew.jpg&hash=98c1472437063d4e10b7a1b3a05a9f742823f63c)
I realize they were aiming for brand recognition, but I still think they should've renamed the Love Letter series when they started making hordes of them with other themes than the original. Wouldn't be surprised to see something like Love Letter: Conan or Love Letter: Judge Dredd next. :P
I've read good things about Spectre Ops. Not sure it's something I'd play a lot (partly due to all the hidden movement?) but I've watched some vids and it looks fun. I've actually been waiting to see how the upcoming Rise Of The Kage (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/162480/rise-kage) game turns out, despite it's price, as that's rather similar in intent but it's look & theme are more appealing to me for some reason.
The Dice Tower (and others) went after the folks at Cryptozoic re: "Love Letter" this and that and my understanding is that future brandings will lower the prominence of the name.
And since we're on the branding topic, I find it curious that they went with Specter rather than Spectre. I would have thought the latter cooler...
That said, it's a good game, but I think it really wants the full five players it envisions in which one player is an agent, three players are hunters, and one player is a hunter-traitor who is trying to assist the agent. If (when) the traitor is caught not reporting the agent while in LoS, the traitor is handed a secret movement sheet, is given a free movement, and is thereafter counted as another agent. The two-player version is a reasonable intro, but limited as the hunter player plays both hunters eliminating the problems of coordination that I think are supposed to be baked into this particular cake.
Specter Ops is a terrific game. It avoids the 'masses of minutiae' problem that often afflicts hidden movement games, keeps things very component light, and avoids clutter. And it's still fantastic.
My copy of Fading Glory arrived today. Already punched and on the table. Really looking forward to giving this a try.
Quote from: panzerde on June 29, 2015, 07:39:47 PM
My copy of Fading Glory arrived today. Already punched and on the table. Really looking forward to giving this a try.
You won't be disappointed. I think the maps could have been slightly larger for more maneuvering room, but this is just my own niggle. Otherwise, it is one of my favorite Napoleonic wargames in my collection--right up there with C&C: Napoleonics and Field Commander: Napoleon.
Groggy
Does CC:N give a good period feel? It just seems like the battles are very generic to me.
JD how do you think CC will play solo? I like the look of the upcoming Greta War game but unsure about it's solo playability.
I'm still finishing off the tutorial. The tutorial only takes you so far and then lets you continue to the end - so my knowledge of it's solitaire playability is limited.
I basically look at the cards I'm about to play and select one. I then look at the other hand and select the card to play. Essentially - if I was going to play a card (like MOVE) when the "enemy" has a good action card (Op Fire) then I just think "Would I still have played that card if I didn't know the other player had their "counter" card.
It kind of keeps me out of taking sides and all I'm focused on is getting each of the units to their objectives.
As for any special rules for single player (having the hidden objective for each player)...I don't know yet. Someone over at BGG has a "solution".
I'm really enjoying it though. The cards determine your actions available and you can use as many as you want. Not having any die to roll is weird - but the system in place seems to cope fairly well.
"Fading Glory" -- and, really, Napoleonic 20 in general -- is a fun operational system that gives you a lot of the same choices confronted by commanders in the era. Not all of the games are created equal, but the four in FG are well-chosen. The component upgrade courtesy of GMT is a nice touch and it's a pity that "Rising Glory" never made the P500 cut. Brant, any chance VPG wants to hang with us at Origins? ;)
I really like CC:N for what it is. Richard Borg will tell you it's the game he wanted to make when he invented the C&C system and I'm very surprised it's taken this long for both the commanders' expansion and the epic version to come out. The real limitation is the board. Mr. Borg has tried everything to fit a much deeper board into the box because he knows that's where the Napoleonic system really starts to differentiate itself from its ancient and other cousins. The problem is that the logistics prevent it; the stories he tells about trying to fold a mounted board different ways and have it fit into a GMT box would be funny if they weren't a bit sad. Heck, even the mighty Memoir wound up having to do the biggest boards (D-Day Landings) in paper. The system modifications -- notably that losing blocks costs you firepower and the forming square mechanic -- are simple and elegant. It is assuredly not La Bataille, but it feels quite different from "Battle Cry", Memoir, and Ancients.
Best,
Jim
"Cyrano"
:/7)
Thanks! Sounds great. Great War Commander goes on my to buy list.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 30, 2015, 07:04:38 AM
I'm still finishing off the tutorial. The tutorial only takes you so far and then lets you continue to the end - so my knowledge of it's solitaire playability is limited.
I basically look at the cards I'm about to play and select one. I then look at the other hand and select the card to play. Essentially - if I was going to play a card (like MOVE) when the "enemy" has a good action card (Op Fire) then I just think "Would I still have played that card if I didn't know the other player had their "counter" card.
It kind of keeps me out of taking sides and all I'm focused on is getting each of the units to their objectives.
As for any special rules for single player (having the hidden objective for each player)...I don't know yet. Someone over at BGG has a "solution".
I'm really enjoying it though. The cards determine your actions available and you can use as many as you want. Not having any die to roll is weird - but the system in place seems to cope fairly well.
Quote from: Cyrano on June 30, 2015, 08:47:13 AM
"Fading Glory" -- and, really, Napoleonic 20 in general -- is a fun operational system that gives you a lot of the same choices confronted by commanders in the era. Not all of the games are created equal, but the four in FG are well-chosen. The component upgrade courtesy of GMT is a nice touch and it's a pity that "Rising Glory" never made the P500 cut. Brant, any chance VPG wants to hang with us at Origins? ;)
Now that I've actually played some of the Napoleonic 20 system, I'm even more convinced that this would be a great system for introducing the basics of wargaming to people. It's fast to set up and play, the rules are easy to understand, but most importantly it's really fun while being true to what it's trying to depict. It's pretty impressive that the systems gets the "rock, paper, scissors" aspect of Napoleonic warfare while only having around 20 counters on the map, total. The morale system is pure genius.
Victory Point has also upped the production values on their latest offerings in the series, too. The newer stuff is close to Fading Glory it looks like.
I can only hope we can entice them into Origins next year!
Quote from: TacticalWargames on June 30, 2015, 06:14:33 AM
JD how do you think CC will play solo? I like the look of the upcoming Greta War game but unsure about it's solo playability.
I've read numerous people say they play the CC series solo by just drawing two (or three?) cards each turn for the opposing player and plays the most ideal one given the situation. Discards every turn. So the player doesn't know what card orders the other side has when he's choosing his own order.
The player still uses a hand as in the regular rules. A side effect of this is that the non-player side will also tend to cycle more cards through it's hand over the course of the game, so can also provide more of a challenge since it has a better chance of getting the good orders more often.
Working through some Hoplite scenarios with MengJiao on VASSAL. He's been patient with my learning the rules on the fly and they are starting to stick now so that I can get the turns done more easily. Hopefully it'lll help speed it up a little.
Really, really like the GBoH system now though I'm now learning how not to use my units. It really is as the intro says, all about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your units. Making some bad choices but it's a good learning experience.
Quote from: weateallthepies on July 05, 2015, 01:47:41 PM
Working through some Hoplite scenarios with MengJiao on VASSAL. He's been patient with my learning the rules on the fly and they are starting to stick now so that I can get the turns done more easily. Hopefully it'lll help speed it up a little.
Really, really like the GBoH system now though I'm now learning how not to use my units. It really is as the intro says, all about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your units. Making some bad choices but it's a good learning experience.
I
really need to get this on the table soon. Every time one of you posts about this I resolve to do it...but I always have something else going on. I need a bigger table!
Quote from: panzerde on July 05, 2015, 02:12:18 PM
Quote from: weateallthepies on July 05, 2015, 01:47:41 PM
Working through some Hoplite scenarios with MengJiao on VASSAL. He's been patient with my learning the rules on the fly and they are starting to stick now so that I can get the turns done more easily. Hopefully it'lll help speed it up a little.
Really, really like the GBoH system now though I'm now learning how not to use my units. It really is as the intro says, all about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your units. Making some bad choices but it's a good learning experience.
I really need to get this on the table soon. Every time one of you posts about this I resolve to do it...but I always have something else going on. I need a bigger table!
Same.
I actually have four games from the GBoH series that I've yet to play.
A couple have been punched and clipped, and one which I had played in it's original version ages ago but am waiting on the reprinted counters (Alexander).
Gotta be in the right mood I suppose.
Quote from: Nefaro on July 05, 2015, 06:31:42 PM
Same.
I actually have four games from the GBoH series that I've yet to play.
A couple have been punched and clipped, and one which I had played in it's original version ages ago but am waiting on the reprinted counters (Alexander).
Gotta be in the right mood I suppose.
That's the long and short of it. I have all, or at least most of
Hoplite punched but I've yet to be in exactly the right mood.
The good news is I was able to get some of my office/gaming room cleaned out this weekend, giving me shelf space for my quickly growing collection and more table space to play on. Getting things (mostly) organized has put me more in the mood for board games. I played the first day of Waterloo 20 tonight, even documenting it for an AAR.
We had a really good session of Paths of Glory at the LFGS this weekend. It left me feeling like a bit of a curmudgeonly old grog as my opponent started complaining of inability to focus after about 5 hours of play. As I've been out of board gaming for about 20 years, I'm still coming at it from the old days of weekend sessions of Squad Leader, Rise and Fall of the 3rd Reich, Siege of Jerusalem and the occasional SPI monster game. An 8 hour session seems normal to me but seems an insurmountable obstacle to most modern day gamers.
At any rate, it was a really fun session. We got to the Spring, 1916 turn before calling it a day and taking some photos on our phones so we could carry on next week.
I am playing as the central powers and things are going fairly well. I have managed to knock out the Italians entirely. Turkey is stalemated. I am in a good position to push into France as I've knocked out Sedan and Verdun is reduced. The problem is the damned Russians. Every time I think I've got things queued up to push into France, the damned Russians cause problems for the pathetic Strauss-Hungarians in the east and I've got to waste all my ops points to forestall and Russian breakthrough so I never seem to be able to manage to realize the Schlieffen plan. I think I've finally got him though as Italy's completely out of the picture and I can push into southern France with two German and one Austrian army.
SDR -- Awesome! Five hours, though, kids these days.
Doug and I are somewhere in the vicinity of 1/3 the way through a Commander: The Great War campaign game and we're measuring progress in inches...except in Palestine where it feels like four guys hitting each other with sticks...and throwing the occasional stone...
Played some ASL last Saturday with a local friend. He's a self proclaimed ASL exclusivist, has been a great mentor to me, and has a knack for building some of the sweetest ASL dice towers you could ever imagine. I took ownership of my own set last weekend. They are designed specifically with ASL players in mind.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qeSS_JuwJr0/VacYOAwAhPI/AAAAAAAABaE/74dYloKh7Yc/s800-Ic42/IMG_1043.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d3O4Il93tmc/VacYPOG1qAI/AAAAAAAABaQ/oBxk6DL7w90/s800-Ic42/IMG_1045.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f425Zit1JvU/VacYOoQtyaI/AAAAAAAABaI/KTvSZiyMw4M/s800-Ic42/IMG_1044.JPG)
look nice O0
Wow, those are awesome!
Cool towers.
Awesome towers and paint job.
By the way Rek, is that the map for VotG? I have *got* to get in to a RB and/or VotG campaign one of these days. All of my wargaming will of been for not if I fail to do that in this lifetime!
Quote from: GJK on July 16, 2015, 05:22:45 AM
By the way Rek, is that the map for VotG?
You are correct Garry. We played VotG scenario #21 Defending The Voentorg, which was unusual for using a diamond shaped area of the map (can barely make out the red diamond on the scenario sheet in the photos). It's one of the scenario's that was published in ASL Journals 8 and 9. I guess some of the scenarios weren't quite ready at the time the HASL was published.
Let me know you'd you'd like to VASL some VotG's
Quote from: Rekim on July 16, 2015, 11:37:13 AM
Quote from: GJK on July 16, 2015, 05:22:45 AM
By the way Rek, is that the map for VotG?
You are correct Garry. We played VotG scenario #21 Defending The Voentorg, which was unusual for using a diamond shaped area of the map (can barely make out the red diamond on the scenario sheet in the photos). It's one of the scenario's that was published in ASL Journals 8 and 9. I guess some of the scenarios weren't quite ready at the time the HASL was published.
Let me know you'd you'd like to VASL some VotG's
Thanks, I might just take you up on that here some time soon.
Just purchased The Great War...never played a C&C game before as I always felt they where the Bear and Pretzel boardgame version. However my obsession with Ww1 took hold. Really I'm waiting on red Poppies Campaign game.
The kids and I finished up the first game of Carcassonne this evening. I hate to admit it, but the game was fun and is the perfect level of difficulty for them. They understood the rules, tile placement, and scoring within 10 minutes of starting the game. The younger one doesn't necessarily get the strategy of tile placement, but she loved putting the tiles on the board and moving the meeple on the scoring tracker. The oldest is a cutthroat when it comes to tile and meeple placement. Good times.
I enjoy Carcassonne as well but have had a terrible luck finding people willing to play it. Seems to have a bit of a reputation.
Sounds like I've been working the wrong crowd/age group.
Carc can also be easily played online, too. There's a variety of servers, and there's also a pretty good official Android app for it.
Finished up a game of Small World and the 6 year old won the game. She is a brilliant Small World strategist.
Kingdom Builder at lunch this past week
I'd actually looked at Kingdom Builder the other day and put it on the pile of possible purchases I was building at the FLGS. Yes they all were staring at me. Yes they might have considered kicking me out of the store as I pulled more games off the shelf to add to the pile of possibility. Yes they were all too happy to ring me out with three games. And yes I put the unselected games back in their correct spots on the shelves.
Just wrapped up an afternoon session of Ticket to Ride, which is basically the ultimate wargame that shares a lot in common with ASL.
I'm now going to work on spreading GMTs Panzer across my gaming table.
I've spent the afternoon with my buddy learning how to play Combat Commander. Its not bad at all.
Quote from: bob48 on July 25, 2015, 02:46:38 PM
I've spent the afternoon with my buddy learning how to play Combat Commander. Its not bad at all.
Nope. It's a great game.
MInd you, I really don't want to invest in yet another gaming system - and there are a lot of expansion out for CC.
Mrs.B would NOT be amused!
Yes there are 3 major expansions and 6 mini-expansions. However, the base game is a lot of content and would take a long time to play through the scenarios not to mention the replayability of them.
Quote from: Bison on July 25, 2015, 04:49:31 PM
Yes there are 3 major expansions and 6 mini-expansions. However, the base game is a lot of content and would take a long time to play through the scenarios not to mention the replayability of them.
I can feel my resolve slipping...................
I'm just here to push people to spend their $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I might be a mole. ;)
Quote from: Bison on July 25, 2015, 04:53:31 PM
I'm just here to push people to spend their $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I might be a mole. ;)
Its not the $$$$$$ I'm worried about - its the ££££££ followed by the :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2:
I'm so sad now that I don't have one of you're fancy English keyboards with the £ sign. You just need to get a bail of twine and a few pillows to create a head cushion to soften the blow of the frying pan.
LMAO
UNO is an underappreciated game of cut throats and villainy! Or it could be that the gaming flavor of the week at the Bison Ranch is gang up on dad. ;D
Ticket to Ride X 3 today. The oldest loves this game. I think she asked me to played it 10 times today before noon. I gave in and played 2 games and 1 more time before dinner with 4 players.
I have my 'big' package of Xwing Minis stuff coming today. Wish I hadn't bought some of it, though some of it is an early b-day present that I didn't purchase myself. Still, looking forward to it once it finally gets here...a minor bright spot in an otherwise crappy week and a half.
OK, back in the middle of June i picked up a simple waterline model of the Kursk. Finally got around to priming and painting it over the last week. Then I had to decide what to do with it. It's rather simple so I figured it needed a kind of simple diorama to display it. Clearly, being a sub shown at the waterline, it needs to be in the water. It measures about eight inches long, so I figured a display piece about 12" x 4" would be about perfect.
Ideally I wanted to have a mirror to give the water some depth. But after querying online for a bit I didn't find any low hanging fruit with those dimensions. Last night i went to Michael's and looked around. They did have a framed mirror about that size, but it had a kind of bottle shape that didn't really do what I wanted.
So I poked around a bit more there and found they had some wood pieces sold through Revell which are exactly what I need for this little project.
Now, it's press board, not solid wood. So I was faced with some design decisions for the quarter inch high sides. Should I make them water, too? Should I paint them? Should I stain them? I decided to go with a stain. It may not be great, but worst case I can sand it off and do something else.
The next decision point was a chicken-or-egg type of one. I want the top to be highly reflective. A while back I stumbled across some chrome spray paint. You don't see that often, so I bought it. But should I paint the top (chrome) first or stain the sides? Ultimately I decided to prime and paint the top. If any paint bleeds over, I can sand it and then stain.
So first I taped the sides and then laid some primer down.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150802_130043_zpsamlwibps.jpg&hash=15a964bc11f14731ca753707102adff9d5506f98)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150802_130819_zpsrgugm0ns.jpg&hash=0def2c3fdbf2292d40a4ce831e6bdb3f507563ac)
More images to follow after the paint dries.
Next I painted some ripples to add dimension under the water effects I'm about to paint over it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150802_170336_zpsanok8bee.jpg&hash=4fac19cc80869b7309496152a82c70aa9083abc5)
By the collective silence on my sub project I fear the worst - no one is following my mad genius' vision. (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FSmilies%2Femporerslightning.gif&hash=069b8617f375825ebb643ec176bf18797fb4e3aa)
Ah, well. It's not the first time.
OK, so last night I applied some water effects. And yet another challenge arose - it looks like my jar of water effects may be old. It was a consistency closer to jello than...ummm...peanut butter? It's normally not terribly viscous, but this stuff is worse than normal.
I apply it anyway to see if I can get away with it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150802_183747_zpsggfmdsqz.jpg&hash=c36b92e957d02e5b259c748fa98d676ac0a029bb)
Normally water effects dry overnight but I'm thinking this will take longer.
Sure enough, checking it about twelve hours later and it's only begun to partially dry. However, you can see in places where the transparency is starting to come through. Hopefully my base of reflective chrome followed by some water striations was the right move. We'll see.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150803_124219_zpslcwqtem2.jpg&hash=7049594b190cab0cebe0fd4f320b6c54b81c1a3d)
I'm interested to see how this turns out. The water effects stuff is starting to look interesting!
^ Same here.
Thanks. It *should* turn completely transparent. It also shrinks a good deal, so when you apply it, you can apply it liberally. I normally wouldn't have put quite as much on, but due to its lack of viscosity I didn't have too much choice. Either it was the paint that it couldn't adhere to and/or the age kept it from glopping on. And it would only go on in great big chunks. Kinda tough to deal with.
Hopefully it's not too old. In any case this is probably the last project I'll do with that jar. Definitely time to buy another.
In order to expedite the drying process I took it outside and put it on the lid of my grill. We've got temps in the mid-80's and reasonably low humidity so I figured it would dry a bit quicker than inside.
Here it is after I put it on the grill.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150803_153450_zpsgz79xocy.jpg&hash=026edfb0686e25d7ad1e6fe7cb81dd99a3c775c2)
And here it is after I rotated it and it had a few hours to soak up some sun.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150803_173157_zpsm7f9d2bz.jpg&hash=95ed3bc07cb0327b34cf533e50aa145efd69f2a7)
As noted above the water effects tend to shrink a bit. Some has started to pull up from the edge of the wood block and there is a little bit of exposed chrome where some spots have pulled away from the sub. That can be touched up.
One of the things I've noted is that where it is shallow enough to see the block you can make out the wood grain. Fortunately it's not too bad. Also, I'm thinking that the paint I laid down to mimic how the sun breaks up in the water wasn't nearly fine enough. Not sure I really did any favors. It should probably be much finer lines and far, far more of them.
All-in-all it looks more like a learning experience than brilliant piece of design, though I suppose to lay folk it will pass muster. I think to finalize it I'll have to get some foam water effects to get a white cap effect on the tips of many of those waves. And I can always fill in some of the shallow gaps.
So I guess I'm not completely done, but I'm not *really* satisfied with it though there is room to salvage.
If you guys want to see the full sized image it can be found at the following link. Just download the 4.9 MB file and zoom to your heart's content: http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j349/longblade/GrogHeads/20150803_173157_zpsm7f9d2bz.jpg
Is that the full sized replica that you're building underneath? :)
Looking good LB, I wish that I could do that stuff with models- I'd build my own terrain for my miniatures.
Sharing mine if that's ok. I just got back from the printer today my version of the map for John Prados' Third Reich. I drew this in 2008 and AP used it over their own map that came with the game, for the VASSAL module. I saw on facebook someone had printed this map out. I asked him about it and he printed it from the VASSAL module. Since I have the original photoshop file, I thought that I'd print out a high quality version of the map and give the game a run this weekend. I've never even punched out the counters for this game but am excitedly reading the rules now. My map:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FJP3R_MyMap2.jpg&hash=5ae0e3dba264cf416f4524aec2c98747bcec1c08)
Nice, GJK.
I tried out Eclipse at the nerd store. Very fun game with some of the ugliest colour schemes I've ever seen. Felt like I was trapped in a kitchen showroom in 1974.
Well hopefully mine looks like it was from the 80's at the least. :coolsmiley:
It'd be interesting to sit in a room as the designers develop the color schemes used in some games. There are just some really odd choices out there.
Quote from: GJK on August 03, 2015, 08:54:23 PM
Well hopefully mine looks like it was from the 80's at the least. :coolsmiley:
Well, to truly be from the 80s, it could use a few more white-faced-chick-with-black-spiky-hair art from Nagel around the edges. (Seriously though, it looks very good.)
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/c0/7a/7c/c07a7c89e4760808261d20d3e123d99e.jpg)
Eclipse has dice that are the colour of bits of candy corn. (They look far worse in real life than they do here.)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1100124_md.jpg&hash=223f9eaf62c79bc0d5d29bc3a542778ed660f43f)
And the status tracks are a horrid combo of pink, brown, and orange.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pevans.co.uk%2FReviews%2FEclipse-1-GoF-12.jpg&hash=a990fa2685caca2c0ab75d8aff8e1c995ea9e47e)
The dice well ok weird, but man is that tracker horrible looking.
Yup. Fugly! But the game itself is really good.
Ah yes, Nagel's. A girl just had to know what was up when she went back to the apartment of a guy that she just met at the bar who had a bunch of Nagel's hanging on the wall!
Quote from: GJK on August 03, 2015, 10:44:14 PM
Ah yes, Nagel's. A girl just had to know what was up when she went back to the apartment of a guy that she just met at the bar who had a bunch of Nagel's hanging on the wall!
Truth in advertising. Those were the days!
By the way LB, what are you using for the water effects? Is this some commercial off the shelf stuff or something that you mixed together? I'd like to find something that could be used for adobe walls on miniature buildings and that looks like it could certainly be used for it.
Quote from: GJK on August 04, 2015, 05:09:55 AM
By the way LB, what are you using for the water effects? Is this some commercial off the shelf stuff or something that you mixed together? I'd like to find something that could be used for adobe walls on miniature buildings and that looks like it could certainly be used for it.
The stuff I'm using is from Vallejo. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PHBH1O
They do make a "still water" http://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-VJ26230-Still-Water-200ml/dp/B000PHBH14/ but honestly I don't know if it will meet your need. Yes, you can mix colors into the blue (so presumably clear, too) but the problem is the blue stuff really does shrink as it dries. So the still water might too. If you fill a mold with with the blue, it will lose about half of its volume after it dries.
There is another brand I see on Amazon but I've never used it and do not know if it works the same way or not. http://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-VJ26230-Still-Water-200ml/dp/B000PHBH14/
I have gone to hobby stores and found some stuff for making molds but haven't used them. (Like games, I tend to buy stuff for projects that never get done)
I'm sure there's something out there for you, and while I'd be happy to dig around for it unfortunately I can't give you a first hand report on how it works.
OK, I revisited this and added some more water effects. After letting it dry I added a few layers of dry brush to build up some of the white caps on the waves. Today is cloudy and I don't think the subtlety of the layers is showing through, but I think y'all will get the point. Sometimes with "art" you need to know when to stop adding paint, and I think I'm calling this one done.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FGrogHeads%2F20150809_105231_zpscxohbcaj.jpg&hash=daf57e83e3a29c8ed7aed90f046eb9fe508ff32d)
That turned out really well. I'd never heard of the water effect material you used.
O0
Came out looking really nice! Even a simple model can make a nice little diorama. Makes me long for my model building days, but I need another hobby like I need a colostomy.
Quote from: panzerde on August 09, 2015, 11:17:40 AMbut I need another hobby like I need a colostomy.
You need a colostomy?!?!
Quote from: Barthheart on August 09, 2015, 11:04:47 AM
That turned out really well. I'd never heard of the water effect material you used.
O0
Thanks, guys.
I found it a few years ago at the Heat of Battle convention at the WWII Museum in New Orleans. One of those random finds that turns out to be a great idea.
2 1/2 hours playing King of Tokyo this afternoon. The oldest loves it, the second kid doesn't like to attack unless it's me, and the wife was confused the entire time. I found it to be a lot of simple and easy to understand fun.
Just picked up Poor Bloody Infantry by Minden Games. A very simple "experience" game that tries to capture "going over the top" and the devastation of No Man's Land in WWI.
My son and I have been playing the dots off this one since I got it home from the battlefield:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fto7syW4.jpg%3F1&hash=c9ab19a188af57fb7fec9afb04ff2d3becb18ca0)
O0
An encouraging sign of things to come perhaps...?
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic2474501_md.jpg)
also a block game
Just got my e-mail from the nice folks at THAT company that my Waterloo 200 with mounted board is on its way to me :).
No such thing as too much Plancenoit!!
I finally, several months after buying it, opened up GMT's Hoplite and started trying a few scenarios. I am hooked/. This is a great game and a great system. I think I'll be ordering some more GBOH titles very soon.
Delium - start of the battle
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FuTqRUGzl.jpg&hash=7b4097c2675a2dc1d745c835271e7da8cfcddc66)
Athenian Hoplites and their general, Hippocrates
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F8KL8Ngql.jpg&hash=4edea44cc4547e6b28dcbce846dacb37f1b03889)
Boetian skirmishers and light cavalry
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FXnD4Tnyl.jpg&hash=f94b9602b38c5892e19557e888bf52a104d4d007)
Athenian cavalry crashing into the line of Boetian skirmishers at the start of the battle
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FGlUtVCUl.jpg&hash=5a7f62bc393045f10713ab79eb72342541ef4dd4)
Those are some nicely clipped counters Panzer!~
Starting to get in a lot more gaming lately and really enjoying it.
Saturday - ASL (J103 "Lenin's Sons"). Played against a veteran ASL player but it was a see-saw match. I had an early edge, and then his hidden commissar with HMG and squad popped up and did some heavy damage. It looked totally lost by mid game but then I picked up a bit of momentum, but not enough to satisfy the victory conditions. We have a rematch scheduled for Sunday:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FASL_Gameday_Al.jpg&hash=cd6b9588d0e914b2410237473220b529da7ff5b9)
On the table (new table :) ) at home I've had the Cornfield scenario for "None But Heroes" set up for 2 weeks now and finally sat down last night and started it solitaire. So far I'm losing again to myself but maybe I'll pull out a win as the Confederates, unlike the historical outcome. :P
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FNbH1.jpg&hash=1b25f558062719970537022875140b022f324948)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FNbH2.jpg&hash=0be22e91a39532ddb20ccdf41d0138b55247555e)
Nice looking dice tower Gary, did you make that too?
Yer table looks like it works really well. O0
Thanks BH. No, I picked up that tower at an ASL tournament several years ago. My attempts at making one produced mediocre results.
One that I've been keeping an eye on is from "Kevin's Cabins". He makes dice towers at very reasonable prices but he's on break right now catching up on past orders. This one is kind of cool:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/69149605/small-wooden-dice-tower
Nice!
I built my own as well. For a first try it's functional. I have plans to make a nicer one though... just need to invent 36 hours days first.....
Gary that table seems to really be working out well! It certainly looks good.
Quote from: panzerde on August 21, 2015, 08:00:50 AM
Gary that table seems to really be working out well! It certainly looks good.
Thanks! I really love it. There's no other way that I could of had a game set up completely undisturbed for over 2 weeks otherwise. I do wish that it were 4" wider to accommodate the standard 34" wide mapsheet. That's a future table project though (bigger house too probably). I also wish that my POS camera phone took better pics like your camera/phone! What did you use there?
Yes, looks like a nice setup O0
Quote from: GJK on August 21, 2015, 09:54:26 AM
I also wish that my POS camera phone took better pics like your camera/phone! What did you use there?
Amazingly, that's my HTC M8, which has a reputation as having a crappy camera. I've found it takes surprisingly decent board gaming photos.
Quote from: Bison on August 20, 2015, 10:10:10 PM
Those are some nicely clipped counters Panzer!~
Thanks! I have to admit that I'm usually more in Vance's camp of not clipping, but I saw some pictures and video of someone else playing this game with nicely clipped counters and liked the look. The Napoleonic 20 stuff I've been playing also has laser cut counters with rounded corners and I think I'm getting used to that as a standard.
Quote from: panzerde on August 19, 2015, 10:24:18 PM
I finally, several months after buying it, opened up GMT's Hoplite and started trying a few scenarios. I am hooked/. This is a great game and a great system. I think I'll be ordering some more GBOH titles very soon.
There are only a few retail titles available at any one time. Picked up half of my current GBoH games via resale and most of the others were snatched during the period shortly after printing.
I didn't plan on playing Alexander Deluxe, Ran, or Chariots of Fire for awhile but I grabbed them while the grabbing was relatively inexpensive. Also planning to get the P500 reprint of Cataphract whenever it eventually hits the goal. Hoplite is all punched and ready to go IIRC, although I've not set it up yet.
Which reminds me .. still waiting on the reprinted Alexander counters. :-\ That's the one with the widest range of troop types, and a strong representation of the quantity vs quality dichotomy, so it's a bit more appealing to me than two sides with similar ones. I hadn't played it since the original ugly orange box from the early 90s - it's so much larger now. ^-^
Quote from: panzerde on August 21, 2015, 11:38:16 AM
Quote from: Bison on August 20, 2015, 10:10:10 PM
Those are some nicely clipped counters Panzer!~
Thanks! I have to admit that I'm usually more in Vance's camp of not clipping, but I saw some pictures and video of someone else playing this game with nicely clipped counters and liked the look. The Napoleonic 20 stuff I've been playing also has laser cut counters with rounded corners and I think I'm getting used to that as a standard.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo..... :tickedoff:
Have no fear, my other stuff remains unclipped!
Quote from: Nefaro on August 21, 2015, 12:01:10 PM
There are only a few retail titles available at any one time. Picked up half of my current GBoH games via resale and most of the others were snatched during the period shortly after printing.
I didn't plan on playing Alexander Deluxe, Ran, or Chariots of Fire for awhile but I grabbed them while the grabbing was relatively inexpensive. Also planning to get the P500 reprint of Cataphract whenever it eventually hits the goal. Hoplite is all punched and ready to go IIRC, although I've not set it up yet.
Yeah, I noticed that. I'd love to get my hands on SPQR Deluxe. Turns out the Enterprise Games, who I bought from at Origins is located in a nearby town and had an unpunched copy at a fairly reasonable price, so I grabbed that. I want Alexander, which appears to still be in stock at GMT. I wonder if their copies have the new counters?
Quote from: panzerde on August 21, 2015, 12:24:24 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on August 21, 2015, 12:01:10 PM
There are only a few retail titles available at any one time. Picked up half of my current GBoH games via resale and most of the others were snatched during the period shortly after printing.
I didn't plan on playing Alexander Deluxe, Ran, or Chariots of Fire for awhile but I grabbed them while the grabbing was relatively inexpensive. Also planning to get the P500 reprint of Cataphract whenever it eventually hits the goal. Hoplite is all punched and ready to go IIRC, although I've not set it up yet.
Yeah, I noticed that. I'd love to get my hands on SPQR Deluxe. Turns out the Enterprise Games, who I bought from at Origins is located in a nearby town and had an unpunched copy at a fairly reasonable price, so I grabbed that. I want Alexander, which appears to still be in stock at GMT. I wonder if their copies have the new counters?
They just got all the new counter reprints for Alexander Deluxe in a couple weeks ago, or more. Since they planned to replace those in every game that needed it, which was likely most or all of them, I'm sure they're either adding it to their current stock or shipping it with the box.
I'll probably send an email next week to make sure mine are on the way. From what I read in the GMT newsletter, they were supposed to be done shipping them a week ago.
GBoH Alexander doesn't have chit draw activations, but one alternating between commanders based on skill. But it's still the same system (maybe a bit more complicated due to higher variety of troop types) and the Deluxe edition has a LOT of stuff. Like seven counter sheets IIRC.
Well, I've ended up picking up SPQR Deluxe, Alexander Deluxe (GMT via Amazon for $20 less than on the GMT web site), and Ran this weekend. That ought to keep me busy for awhile.
See if I can get my camera phone to take a decent picture like panzer's....
Hoods division accepts its orders to reinforce the attack at the cornfield:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FNBH_3.png&hash=a6ba1ed9b78d8dc4b2425a029599e6ae2589839b)
Quote from: panzerde on August 22, 2015, 03:39:28 PM
Well, I've ended up picking up SPQR Deluxe, Alexander Deluxe (GMT via Amazon for $20 less than on the GMT web site), and Ran this weekend. That ought to keep me busy for awhile.
SPQR Deluxe reprint would be my final entice. I don't expect that to happen anytime soon since they've had multiple reprint P500s for it. What was the last... fifth edition or something? Seems like the last sweep of the interested. :( We could be screwed. In limbo as far as I can tell.
This has been one of the longest, most popular, wargame series. But the reprint pre-orders shrink by nature, over time. The few lament.
Quote from: GJK on August 22, 2015, 10:28:16 PM
See if I can get my camera phone to take a decent picture like panzer's....
Hoods division accepts its orders to reinforce the attack at the cornfield:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FNBH_3.png&hash=a6ba1ed9b78d8dc4b2425a029599e6ae2589839b)
Great pic! Is that the Civil War Brigade Series game for Antietam? I have the first edition of that when it was published by The Gamers.
Oh, Sons of Anarchy, you do entertain. Fighting over turf while gathering little plastic guns and bags of contraband and competing to be the biggest badass biker gang around doesn't cease to entertain. >:D Promised deals that you back out on, multi-gang pileups for lucrative pieces of turf, event cards that can potentially obliterate someone on a whim to the amusement of everyone else... it all earns a loud Gus Teehee.
(https://boardgamegeek.com/camo/31529ee0864343d110df6ea8d23882d706ddc260/687474703a2f2f6937372e70686f746f6275636b65742e636f6d2f616c62756d732f6a34322f4a6f726d695f426f6365642f736f6e732e6a7067)
Not my picture. Not pictured : every player stabbing one another in the back and trash talking to excess while swilling beer. If you're going to play, grab the Grim Bastards and Calaveras expansions and toss 6 gangs out there.
Spartacus was an otherwise enjoyable game which was let down by a fairly weak gladiatorial fight stage. Firefly had nice ideas, but man could that game drag...and woe to any table that wasn't enormous! This, though. THIS is Gale Force 9's crowning achievement.
Quote from: panzerde on August 22, 2015, 11:34:21 PM
Great pic! Is that the Civil War Brigade Series game for Antietam? I have the first edition of that when it was published by The Gamers.
Nope, it's their "Line of Battle" series which is the update for the Regimental Sub-Series so it's Antietam but at the regimental level. They streamlined a bunch of stuff and it plays really smoothly. I've enjoyed the CWBS stuff for years but never got in to the RSS stuff because a) the large footprint and b) I heard that the rules were buried with minutiae that was tacked on to the CWBS stuff. They seem to have it working quite nicely in the LoB series (of which they only have Antietam and Gettysburg covered at this point).
Quote from: Arctic Blast on August 22, 2015, 11:57:57 PM
Oh, Sons of Anarchy, you do entertain. Fighting over turf while gathering little plastic guns and bags of contraband and competing to be the biggest badass biker gang around doesn't cease to entertain. >:D Promised deals that you back out on, multi-gang pileups for lucrative pieces of turf, event cards that can potentially obliterate someone on a whim to the amusement of everyone else... it all earns a loud Gus Teehee.
(https://boardgamegeek.com/camo/31529ee0864343d110df6ea8d23882d706ddc260/687474703a2f2f6937372e70686f746f6275636b65742e636f6d2f616c62756d732f6a34322f4a6f726d695f426f6365642f736f6e732e6a7067)
Not my picture. Not pictured : every player stabbing one another in the back and trash talking to excess while swilling beer. If you're going to play, grab the Grim Bastards and Calaveras expansions and toss 6 gangs out there.
Spartacus was an otherwise enjoyable game which was let down by a fairly weak gladiatorial fight stage. Firefly had nice ideas, but man could that game drag...and woe to any table that wasn't enormous! This, though. THIS is Gale Force 9's crowning achievement.
I see the Mayans and the one-niners and have to I assume that SoA is one of the factions not in view. What's the fourth gang in the base set? The Byz-Lats? Lin Triad? Nordics? True IRA?
^^The Sons are the black figures, Mayans are green, One Niners are purple and Lin are orange. The dudes on bikes are full members, and the standing figures are prospects.
Every gang has different starting levels of various commodities and differing gang sizes. Every gang has a different base number of order tokens (those are the round discs on that tile with a few Mayans on it), with each full member adding another. On your turn, you spend those tokens to use a location you solely control (only your guys are on it), recruit a prospect (max. 5), patch in a prospect (max. 5 full members - also costs one money and one gun), 'Ride Out' (move any number of members and prospects from one location or your base to another location), Pass (maybe you want to see what other players are planning) or Throw Down (you need at least one full member there). Each gang in a throw down can use order tokens to call reinforcements from other locations. Then, each player decides secretly how many guns to send to the fight, with all revealed simultaneously. Everyone sending at least one gun sees their Heat level rise by one. Each gun counts for 3 points, member for 2 and prospect for 1, and each person rolls a D6 and adds that number to their total. Highest wins, everyone else retreats. In a tie, everyone retreats...except the holder of the first player patch, who wins ties (if you beat him, you take the patch). Each gun sends someone's gang member to the ER where they have a 50-50 chance to die or return.
Once that's done, players can sell contraband on the black market (with a maximum determined by their heat level. Someone going beyond their Max Heat also has to have a gang member take the fall). Each player again decides secretly how much to sell, then everyone's total is revealed simultaneously. The more total contraband sold, the less each bag is worth. So anyone with a ton of schwag to unload can purposely flood the market.
The locations provide cash, contraband, guns, free promotions, and other special abilities for whoever controls them. Each gang has unique abilities and opportunities that nobody else can use. And there are Anarchy cards which are drawn at the start of each of the 6 rounds that can offer one round opportunities to send gang members to, drop the hammer on someone, or drop the hammer on EVERYONE.
It's a really simple game with a lot of opportunities for screwage, direct attacks and passive 'behind the scenes' dealmaking (you can make deals at any time with anyone, but they're never binding). Takes maybe 90 minutes to play with a full complement of 6.
Three of us played f SoA a few months back. While the two of them chased each other (and me) out of various hideouts and whatnot I was quietly amassing a fortune behind the scenes. They were totally blown away when they realized the game wasn't only about fighting over locations but that you could make a profit for a round or two, retreat, go somewhere else, sell your goods and then gain cash.
The whole time I looked like a chicken backing out of all their fights, abandoning locations when it became clear someone else wanted them. And I still won. It was pretty awesome!
Quote from: LongBlade on August 23, 2015, 05:04:22 PM
Three of us played f SoA a few months back. While the two of them chased each other (and me) out of various hideouts and whatnot I was quietly amassing a fortune behind the scenes. They were totally blown away when they realized the game wasn't only about fighting over locations but that you could make a profit for a round or two, retreat, go somewhere else, sell your goods and then gain cash.
The whole time I looked like a chicken backing out of all their fights, abandoning locations when it became clear someone else wanted them. And I still won. It was pretty awesome!
Exactly! There are times when you need to fight if it's a Location that's vitally important to what you're trying to do at that time. But sometimes it's best to just Ride Out and away from where something is about to go down and go on a different path. But maybe you leave one or two guys behind because you're sitting on A LOT of guns and you can afford to spend some blasting away and weakening a rival...
I may have gone a bit crazy this weekend...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FL47tJtel.jpg&hash=6c8b9f4d161a4ce441b3293eacc90dd1e04f0c80) (http://imgur.com/L47tJte)
I am so freaking jealous of your copy of SPQR.
It wasn't exactly cheap, but I still count myself fortunate to have found it for a not unreasonable price. Unpunched, too.
Looking all of this over, along with Hoplite I'm guessing I have several years of gaming here.
Well I'm in for the P500 on GMT, so it should reach the 500 goal in the next year or so. :)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FE2ypotg.jpg&hash=496c372073b691db30653a77fb23848ccc0276df)
Found this at Goodwill's on-line store courtesy of a tip from Brant.
Cover's a bit scuffed, but everything else is pretty well mint. My son and I had at one another and, after a pair of Immelman maneuvers left us facing away from each other, he powered around and blasted me from the sky. I missed this one...
Nice! O0
I'm pretty sure I played that once when I was eight or ten.
Excellent find!
We still play it. I have that version and a friend has the Power House version. Great fun to have four books flying at once.
We used to play standing in the backyard. Each player would walk out his maneuver and it really helped with visualization of where you were in relation to each other.
Fantastic game.
I remember playing that when I was a snotty little pre-teen as one of my first entries into wargaming. I recall just flipping through the book and choosing my next move based solely on how cool the drawing in the flip book looked.
There were some guys that I used to play Dawn Patrol with who had big plans to combine the two but I don't think that idea ever met with any success.
I still have my copy of the Ace of Aces Wingleader game (WWII era instead of WWI). My buddy had the above WWI version. Great times with both of them.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on August 28, 2015, 05:36:41 AM
I still have my copy of the Ace of Aces Wingleader game (WWII era instead of WWI). My buddy had the above WWI version. Great times with both of them.
I picked up an old copy of the cold war Jet Age version a few years ago out of curiosity. :) The books were in mint condition, but they were rather old (and thick) that I was a bit worried about breaking the spines with use.
Quote from: Nefaro on August 28, 2015, 11:05:40 AM
I picked up an old copy of the cold war Jet Age version a few years ago out of curiosity. :) The books were in mint condition, but they were rather old (and thick) that I was a bit worried about breaking the spines with use.
It's a game and meant to be played! Play it! :knuppel2:
Our copy of the WWI Powerhouse series has pages loose but we still play it.
You can play the game without opening the books enough to crack the spine.
1: IMA play "Ace of Aces" at the park tomorrow as part of a memorial walk for one of my aldermen who passed suddenly a few weeks ago. He liked wargames -- we played our share of Battle Academy and a few others -- and his older brother was a tester for SPI back in the day. He showed me all kinds of wild, "first generation" kit.
2: Doug tells Jim about on-line store. Jim finds store. Jim browses store's holdings. Jim finds the following and the rest is part of the story of the weekend (honestly can't believe this one evaded me all these years):
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FNXwlFjO.jpg&hash=9a145c498ad14c7254722411d4b2a5e661d9a500)
Wow, Cyrano. That looks awesome. Makes me drool just thinking about it.
And so it begins...
Battle of Brienne scenario from OSG's La Patrie en Danger.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FHxxIInhl.jpg&hash=5f0edc11b1ec957f13d74f0c23add7a1c41ecbfe) (http://imgur.com/HxxIInh)
Very nice looking game. What would you say the complexity level is of this series?
Quote from: GJK on August 30, 2015, 09:13:20 PM
Very nice looking game. What would you say the complexity level is of this series?
I'm only a couple of turns into it, but I'd say it's a medium complexity game. It seems more complex on the surface than it actually is, once you get playing.
It is very much an Operational scale game, but right down at the point where it could be seen as Grand Tactical. I think that can be confusing for players because the combat results are not tactical in outcome at all - lots of DR results unless you bring overwhelming force or maneuver to cut retreat paths, for example. The CRT is pretty bloodless.
But man, the maps are great and the OOBs and scenarios are about as accurate as they come.
It's very nice looking. Looks to be about brigade level it appears. I'll have to look in to this- I've heard a lot of good things about this series so it may be my entry level in to Napoleonics some day.
Correct, most units are brigades. I've noticed a couple of division-sized units, but those tend to be light cavalry or other more specialist type units.
I think it's probably a good introduction to Napoleonic warfare for someone like you that has a lot of experience with similar games. You won't find it terribly different from the Civil War Brigade Series, I suspect. For someone completely new to it, I'd probably steer them toward the Napoleonic 20 series from Victory Point.
Yeah, that's what I was thinking- it seems very reminiscent of the CWBS games which I very much enjoy so this one would probably be right up my alley. Cool!
One of my gaming buddies just took delivery of Halo Fleet Battles: The Fall of Reach
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2Fimage001_zpsgil8qxcp.jpg&hash=d5bfe11e7ab45f5ee2de9f9fb7affb3c7dca9e3a)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2Fimage003_zpsyhjmwjkn.jpg&hash=8df10a200c1a849e9805bb105b7ca7431d00698a)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2Fimage002_zpsfz0rccdm.jpg&hash=309df4e7d0a20f952f040d2e7c20f193671083a2)
Looks pretty frakkin cool! :D
Wow. That is impressive!
Quote from: panzerde on August 31, 2015, 01:45:28 PM
Wow. That is impressive!
So's the price... $120 USD plus shipping.... glad he paid fer this one... O0
Hope you guys have plenty space for mini battles. Judging by the size of those ship minis and cardboard planets, you'll need it. :o
Quote from: Nefaro on August 31, 2015, 02:09:30 PM
Hope you guys have plenty space for mini battles. Judging by the size of those ship minis and cardboard planets, you'll need it. :o
I don't know about this game, but most of Spartan's games are designed for "standard" minis tables: 4' x 8'.
Let us know how it plays!
Quote from: LongBlade on August 31, 2015, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on August 31, 2015, 02:09:30 PM
Hope you guys have plenty space for mini battles. Judging by the size of those ship minis and cardboard planets, you'll need it. :o
I don't know about this game, but most of Spartan's games are designed for "standard" minis tables: 4' x 8'.
Let us know how it plays!
With pics even! O0
Quote from: LongBlade on August 31, 2015, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on August 31, 2015, 02:09:30 PM
Hope you guys have plenty space for mini battles. Judging by the size of those ship minis and cardboard planets, you'll need it. :o
I don't know about this game, but most of Spartan's games are designed for "standard" minis tables: 4' x 8'.
Let us know how it plays!
Doesn't sound too bad, then.
The components look pretty big in the shots above, but it all depends on the rules doesn't it? Speaking of... the "Core Rulebook" looks pretty hefty. I'm intrigued as to how much depth this has.
Quote from: Nefaro on August 31, 2015, 08:51:36 PM
The components look pretty big in the shots above, but it all depends on the rules doesn't it? Speaking of... the "Core Rulebook" looks pretty hefty. I'm intrigued as to how much depth this has.
I don't have any info on Halo, but if history is any guide, Spartan uses similar rule sets between its games. If you've played Dystopian Wars, Firestorm Armada, or Uncharted Seas I suspect you'll find a family resemblance.
These are all solid games. Weapons sometimes have arcs but at other times act like beams which only have the width of the side being shot from. So you may get a quarter of an inch going forward or a couple of inches from the port or starboard sides.
There's also a cool mechanic of "exploding dice." Not unique, but it does add some excitement to the game. Attack rolls use a d6. If you roll a six you score a hit (or do damage, there are two rolls) and then you get to roll again. I cannot tell you how much fun it is to toss a bunch of dice, see sixes turn up, and then start rolling again to produce more sixes. That may be half the fun, actually. Makes the game very social and conducive to trash talk.
I've read that the rule book is 128pages, but the first 60 or so are background story, history and pieces description. The actual rules are also full of pictures so it's not as heavy as it seems.
I'm trying to arrange our first session soon. :D
Quote from: Barthheart on September 01, 2015, 05:31:34 AM
I've read that the rule book is 128pages, but the first 60 or so are background story, history and pieces description. The actual rules are also full of pictures so it's not as heavy as it seems.
Sounds familiar.
Keep us posted after you get a game in.
Preparing for a game of Churchill at the local gaming group on Saturday... Too bad it only supports three players. Quite a bit of interest.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on September 03, 2015, 09:51:18 AM
Preparing for a game of Churchill at the local gaming group on Saturday... Too bad it only supports three players. Quite a bit of interest.
Take pics! If there's enough people you could form "governments" and play that way for each power.
Finished pasting-up the board and counters from Minden's Poor Bloody Infantry and started my first game last night. PBI is really an "experience" game about crossing no-man's land in WWI in the same way the B-17 Queen of the Skies is an experience game about bomber flying.
Of note: also last night I was playing a game of ARMA 3 King of the Hill on the 'puter. It was interesting to note that after I finished playing ARMA 3, I was mostly kind of anxious. I attribute this to the frustrations inherent in multi-player on-line game play (griefers and trolls, poor teamwork, sniper camping, etc). After playing 1/2 an hour of BPI, however, I was quite calm and relaxed. It has been a while since I played a solo board wargame, and I realize now how much that experience has been missed.
Yours in gaming,
Jack Nastyface
Quote from: Jack Nastyface on September 03, 2015, 12:43:31 PM
Of note: also last night I was playing a game of ARMA 3 King of the Hill on the 'puter. It was interesting to note that after I finished playing ARMA 3, I was mostly kind of anxious. I attribute this to the frustrations inherent in multi-player on-line game play (griefers and trolls, poor teamwork, sniper camping, etc). After playing 1/2 an hour of BPI, however, I was quite calm and relaxed. It has been a while since I played a solo board wargame, and I realize now how much that experience has been missed.
Solo tabletop games are like calm meditation to me also. O0
There are observed and statistically significant interactions around frustration in video gamers and the states of mind that they can inculcate. In this case, "frustration" is defined as a "prevention of goal attainment."
That frustration need not come from the difficulty of the game itself, but can also come from the multiplayer context when the other players are preventing you from attaining your goal, either in game or around the enjoyment of the game.
Quote from: Jack Nastyface on September 03, 2015, 12:43:31 PM
Finished pasting-up the board and counters from Minden's Poor Bloody Infantry and started my first game last night. PBI is really an "experience" game about crossing no-man's land in WWI in the same way the B-17 Queen of the Skies is an experience game about bomber flying.
Of note: also last night I was playing a game of ARMA 3 King of the Hill on the 'puter. It was interesting to note that after I finished playing ARMA 3, I was mostly kind of anxious. I attribute this to the frustrations inherent in multi-player on-line game play (griefers and trolls, poor teamwork, sniper camping, etc). After playing 1/2 an hour of BPI, however, I was quite calm and relaxed. It has been a while since I played a solo board wargame, and I realize now how much that experience has been missed.
Yours in gaming,
Jack Nastyface
Sorry to hear about your troubles.
A few years back we hosted our own game server for exactly that reason - the ability to control the environment and boot griefers was enormously helpful in creating a fun environment. When the Call of Duty franchise ceased supporting that model, I pretty much gave up on the game.
It's one thing if Jarhead is constantly smacking you around because he's really good. We can come back to the boards and laugh about it. It's quite different when someone (or several someones) show up and start deliberately causing problems and aggravation. The ability to curtail their antics is healthy. The inability to do so can often ruin the experience.
Hey LB,
I'm doing great, really..."mostly kind of anxious" was perhaps too clinically severe. Perhaps what I should have said was: "I was really pissed about the fact that there are many players on both friendly and opposing sides that either refuse to work as team, learn from mistakes, play well with others, are humble in victory and generous in defeat, or resort to ban-able behaviour. That, and the fact that I can't hit sh*t with whatever weapon I choose while other guys can rack-up 50+ kills in one game, left me with negative feelings".
In any case...I think I was reflecting on the fact that FPS gameplay leaves my brain very active ("should have this, shouldn't have done that, that guy was a idiot, etc") while the process of placing counters, rolling dice, pulling cards, consulting tables and checking results was almost zen-like.
Ah. Understood.
There is a certain zen which can be achieved by playing those games, but it isn't nearly as easy as boardgaming :)
Quote from: Jack Nastyface on September 03, 2015, 05:18:57 PM
Hey LB,
I'm doing great, really..."mostly kind of anxious" was perhaps too clinically severe. Perhaps what I should have said was: "I was really pissed about the fact that there are many players on both friendly and opposing sides that either refuse to work as team, learn from mistakes, play well with others, are humble in victory and generous in defeat, or resort to ban-able behaviour. That, and the fact that I can't hit sh*t with whatever weapon I choose while other guys can rack-up 50+ kills in one game, left me with negative feelings".
In any case...I think I was reflecting on the fact that FPS gameplay leaves my brain very active ("should have this, shouldn't have done that, that guy was a idiot, etc") while the process of placing counters, rolling dice, pulling cards, consulting tables and checking results was almost zen-like.
Cracked had a rant about this very topic today.
http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-people-who-are-ruining-online-gaming/ (http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-people-who-are-ruining-online-gaming/)
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on September 03, 2015, 05:51:58 PM
Cracked had a rant about this very topic today.
http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-people-who-are-ruining-online-gaming/ (http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-people-who-are-ruining-online-gaming/)
;D
Gotta love the 35-year-old-born-before-Jesus-raw-dinosaur-spike-eating-MILFer.
Damn he's old.
And cool.
8)
I created and printed out a set of cards for my variant version of "None but Heroes". I think that they came out pretty well (even rounded the corners you #$%*ers):
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FGG_cards5.jpg&hash=789f4d86152fefc36138bbe3ee734a10522150be)
Also got in my copy of Flat Top that I won in the "Wargamer Pay It Forward" group. New and unpunched. I haven't had a copy of this game for 34 years.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FFlat_Top1.jpg&hash=9ed10689966643240ea966829f7e1e356ed15a9c)
Quote from: ArizonaTank on September 03, 2015, 09:51:18 AM
Preparing for a game of Churchill at the local gaming group on Saturday... Too bad it only supports three players. Quite a bit of interest.
Any impressions on this one? I'm interested in it but I doubt there'd be too many others who frequent the shop would would be. The poor buggers tried out Roll for the Galaxy today and complained that it was too complex.
I just played two games of Marvel Dice Masters with my daughter. The game is loads of fun just with the base set but it can be addicting to buy more dice and expand your choices.
The front page has an impressions piece I wrote on the game...check it out if you're interested. Will play some more tomorrow and some D&D Dice Masters too if there's time.
My Frenchies have a lot of Germans coming towards them! They still have to get over the bridge though. ASL game at a friends house:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FASL_2015-09-06.png&hash=f6f77ccc6a5eb229f566122d2418b5c0bf0f7f11)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1076.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw447%2FRobert_Ellis48%2F20150907_102138_zpsxizdautv.jpg&hash=efd46cdb7178d1c6188a321cc800d277f2840cf3)
OK - Here it is; the patent Bob48 Home-Made Camo Dice Boot with internal baffles and noise-dampers.
Nice.
Cardboard?
Yep.
Very spiffy! I used an old wire mesh office supply tray I had laying around yesterday to make a dice tray. Lined it with felt and it works a treat.
Very nice Bob! My only suggestion would be a model that has lower side walls on the tray itself. I made a couple of towers and found that I'm having to lean over to peek down inside the tray and if I'm using it at a F-t-F game, then it becomes bothersome for my opponent to have to do the same.
I found this one on that Etsy site that people were talking about in another thread. It's certainly cheap enough so I may just pick up one of these. The tray walls certainly are low. Only disadvantage with this one though is obviously you could only roll a standard d6 it looks like.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg0.etsystatic.com%2F003%2F0%2F6085403%2Fil_570xN.358396874_eakq.jpg&hash=79497c8489ac464dec30f66571ebc8928033c6d3)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/104908452/mini-wooden-dice-tower
It also looks like smaller dice can get stuck on the pegs.
...and mine, made in the old traditional way, with the aid of lots of PVA glue, handles dice of all sorts of shapes and sizes!
get 'em while they're 'ot.
ps. Gary - you're right - the sides are a bit too high.
Quote from: bob48 on September 07, 2015, 12:19:50 PM
...and mine, made in the old traditional way, with the aid of lots of PVA glue, handles dice of all sorts of shapes and sizes!
get 'em while they're 'ot.
ps. Gary - you're right - the sides are a bit too high.
Yeah, but how are you going to find it again when you put it away. I mean, it's
camouflaged for cryin' out loud!
Aspern Essling scenario from Danube 20. Played last night. I really like this system for a quick game.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFG61vN4l.jpg&hash=b667f0dbccc67640f86c7585cdc1e1a9379ba3c6) (http://imgur.com/FG61vN4)
Quote from: panzerde on September 07, 2015, 12:27:53 PM
Quote from: bob48 on September 07, 2015, 12:19:50 PM
...and mine, made in the old traditional way, with the aid of lots of PVA glue, handles dice of all sorts of shapes and sizes!
get 'em while they're 'ot.
ps. Gary - you're right - the sides are a bit too high.
Yeah, but how are you going to find it again when you put it away. I mean, it's camouflaged for cryin' out loud!
D'oh!
I'll have to wait until it snows - should stand out OK then.
Quote from: bob48 on September 07, 2015, 12:19:50 PM
...and mine, made in the old traditional way, with the aid of lots of PVA glue, handles dice of all sorts of shapes and sizes!
get 'em while they're 'ot.
ps. Gary - you're right - the sides are a bit too high.
They're not as bad as some of my early dice tower designs :-[ . How quickly do the dice shoot out in to the tray? If you have enough going on inside the tower to slow the dice down, then you could probably trim down the sides if it's really that much of an issue (if at all). One of my early designs had the dice shooting out at rocket speed despite all the back and forth shelves and other gimmicks that I was putting in there. It got so gunked up that half the time the dice would get stuck in there or if not, they'd come shooting out of the tower and out of the tray and often go rolling across the game board which defeated the entire purpose of the thing. ^-^
I put 2 angled and padded 'baffles' inside which slow down the dice quite a bit. The main problem with it is when you have a lot of dice in games such as NaW. Unless I use quite small dice they tend to jam up a bit. Other than that, it works quite well and its much quieter than some I've seen. Its the first one I've done, so (if I ever get around to it) V2.0 will have a few modifications.
Quote from: Barthheart on September 03, 2015, 10:18:45 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on September 03, 2015, 09:51:18 AM
Preparing for a game of Churchill at the local gaming group on Saturday... Too bad it only supports three players. Quite a bit of interest.
Take pics! If there's enough people you could form "governments" and play that way for each power.
Forgot to take the camera. But managed to get two good rounds of Churchill in. We all had a pretty good time with it. The game is fairly easy to learn...but definitely difficult to master. Will definitely play again.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbxgQcS7.jpg&hash=a50369dee04bfb222489e8655933b54038da3260)
Hello. I'm new.
I've been playing the stockings off SPQR over the last couple of weeks. Currently in the middle of Telemon from the Barbarian module and it's a goodie.
What's the feeling about posting links on this forum? I'm keeping track of my exploration of the game over here ---> l'amour (http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=3139.0)
Please come and visit.
Quote from: l'amour on September 09, 2015, 06:40:28 PMWhat's the feeling about posting links on this forum? I'm keeping track of my exploration of the game over here ---> l'amour (http://thegamebox.gamesontables.com/index.php?topic=3139.0)
Generally not a problem
Bonus points if they include boobs, beer, or good puns O0
Sorting the 700+ cards in Legendary Encounters: Predator into their sub-decks.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi61.tinypic.com%2Fv6t9ad.jpg&hash=db3562dcefdb597bace8c42306fef6f32ed65aa5)
Took me almost two hours to sort (two layers worth), count mini-deck numbers for completion, and stick them in the box w/ dividers. Still more enjoyable than punching & clipping counters. :P
Still has co-op/solo play, as in the Aliens version, but I'm curious about how the new competitive rules turned out (competing predator players).
Welcome l'amour! I started really getting into GBOH games a few weeks ago myself. Very interested to read about your games.
Quote from: Nefaro on September 09, 2015, 07:24:46 PM
Still has co-op/solo play, as in the Aliens version, but I'm curious about how the new competitive rules turned out (competing predator players).
The Aliens version is a lot of fun. Even though I got chestbursted and everyone else died one step from victory when the ship blew up around their ears.
Quote from: panzerde on September 09, 2015, 07:52:15 PM
Welcome l'amour! I started really getting into GBOH games a few weeks ago myself. Very interested to read about your games.
Thanks! I've really been enjoying SPQR. Which titles have you been playing? I was thinking about picking up Ran next but I love the Romans so maybe Caesar in Gaul..
Quote from: l'amour on September 09, 2015, 08:28:55 PM
Thanks! I've really been enjoying SPQR. Which titles have you been playing? I was thinking about picking up Ran next but I love the Romans so maybe Caesar in Gaul..
I've mostly been playing
Hoplite. I also have
SPQR,
Alexander and
Ran. I have to admit that
Ran looks really interesting, though I have yet to get it on the table.
I finally got Darkest Night to the table tonight. The rules were really simple to get into but it took me several referrals to it before I got the hang of it.
It was a close-run game. I was getting my butt kicked early on - couldn't complete a Search worth a damn so I couldn't get any Keys, which meant no Artifact to fight the Necromancer with. I chose the Rogue, Knight, Priest, and Druid during this play through and though everyone kind of sucked, the Rogue was an exception and kept finding Treasure Chests to up his Power. He got really lucky and found a lot of Keys, unlocking an Artifact, and he managed to attract the attention of the Necromancer too. With all the Power cards I had I got to roll several dice and got lucky with one '6' which killed the bad guy and won the game. The Darkness track was only about halfway done. Funny how the Rogue managed to pull off some excellent rolls but everyone else kept having a hard time (the Knight finally started clearing out some Blights, thanks to one of her Oaths, but that made her very visible to the Necromancer; I was fortunate he ignored her for the Rogue near the end of the game).
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1175.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr624%2FMichaelE6%2F107991C0-BC07-420E-9F7A-28E1E97C5F0F.jpg&hash=45517c64b9eeb507e9a3496f34c3464d05766ff9)
Are you using just the base set B_C?
Quote from: Nefaro on September 12, 2015, 05:30:28 AM
Are you using just the base set B_C?
Yup, that's all I have is the base set. What are there, three expansions now? Do you have them all, Nef?
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on September 12, 2015, 09:04:30 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on September 12, 2015, 05:30:28 AM
Are you using just the base set B_C?
Yup, that's all I have is the base set. What are there, three expansions now? Do you have them all, Nef?
Four expansions. And... yes.
I picked up the Necromancer bundle when I got the core set. So it came with the first two. I think the first two expansions raise the difficulty with the added Quests (new deck) and the Blights with the global effects (red framed ones) to a good solitaire level. The core game, by itself, may be a bit too easy (dunno - started playing with first two exps.)
The third expansion randomizes the bad darkness track effects with a new deck of cards, haven't tried that yet. I got this one more for the extra characters but I'll give the new darkness deck a shot soon.
The fourth, which just came out, features a new deck which provides random requirements for finding keys. Kinda like quests, but you have to do varied things to unlock keys, so the key search is more interesting. This was much needed IMO, because you could get some easier wins by luck of the dice & card draws for them which would spread the difficulty out a bit too much from game to game.
The latest two extra decks (Darkness and Key Search thing) have extra suggestions in their rules for adjusting difficulty. So they can also help ramp up the challenge, as needed.
If I were to skip one of the expansions, it would've been the third one that has the extra Darkness deck. I think most people recommend the first one which has the Quest deck, but the second one has the Red Blights which can really make you rethink your plans when they come out. The latest Key Finding one I couldn't turn down; the key searching was one of the core game's weaknesses IMO and that's what it's supposed to address, although I've not played the default levels with it enough yet.
They all come with new character classes, and each one having their own custom deck & abilities is what makes this game so enjoyable solitaire. The unique player powers, and figuring out how to use them all in concert to achieve your goals, is much fun. Same reason I enjoy
Sentinels of the Multiverse.
Today's arrival:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAPUdMsNl.jpg&hash=039453827416288c9f021ccb909e1ab4481b6691) (http://imgur.com/APUdMsN)
Gary if you want to play something Napoleonic with a familiar system, try this. NBS is derived from the CWBS rules. Even though I bought this from MMP, this has to be old remaining inventory from when they bought The Gamers. It says so all over the box, map, manual and charts.
Quote from: panzerde on September 12, 2015, 03:52:45 PM
Today's arrival:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAPUdMsNl.jpg&hash=039453827416288c9f021ccb909e1ab4481b6691) (http://imgur.com/APUdMsN)
Gary if you want to play something Napoleonic with a familiar system, try this. NBS is derived from the CWBS rules. Even though I bought this from MMP, this has to be old remaining inventory from when they bought The Gamers. It says so all over the box, map, manual and charts.
Ah yes, I'm familiar with the NBS series of games and yes, that would definitely fit the bill. I'll have to start shopping around for some of those. I'm currently still getting through my ACW fix but did find that I had a copy of "The Seven Days of 1809" laying around. Never played it and have barely looked at it but it looks to be a good one (I see Simonitch's name on it so that is a big plus in my book). Knowing me, what I'll do is start to read up on Napoleon's campaigns (as I know next to nothing about it, shamefully) and then that bug will bite and I'll start out with 1809 while shopping for some NBS stuff. Thanks for reminding me of that series!
Quote from: GJK on September 12, 2015, 07:02:31 PM
Ah yes, I'm familiar with the NBS series of games and yes, that would definitely fit the bill. I'll have to start shopping around for some of those. I'm currently still getting through my ACW fix but did find that I had a copy of "The Seven Days of 1809" laying around. Never played it and have barely looked at it but it looks to be a good one (I see Simonitch's name on it so that is a big plus in my book). Knowing me, what I'll do is start to read up on Napoleon's campaigns (as I know next to nothing about it, shamefully) and then that bug will bite and I'll start out with 1809 while shopping for some NBS stuff. Thanks for reminding me of that series!
If you are thinking of starting out with Seven Days of 1809, then let me recommend John Gill's books on the campaign as a great read along. I'm reading through the "Thunder on the Danube" trilogy of his right now, the first two of which cover what that game covers. Hands down, one of the best campaign histories I've read, with good maps.
I just pulled out my 20+ year old copy of In Their Quiet Fields. Might have to give that a go after I play Marengo.
Thanks, I'll look for Gill's book on my next trip to Half Price Books.
ITQFII is great fun. I really enjoy gaming the Antietam campaign. As you likely know, it's really 3 large battles within the whole; the cornfield, the sunken road and Burnside's bridge. Should of would of been an easy Union crush but for McClellan's indecisiveness. That's modeled quite well in the game with the "McClellan Points" system. Poor guy can only do so much at a time.
If you don't have the table space, you can play it via VASSAL. I did the VASSAL module for it some years ago. I completely redrew the map ("fixing" those GOD awful colors in the original) and also redrew all the pieces for clarity. It's a nice, clean module that I've pbem'd a number of times.
Screenshot of the VASSAL module:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vassalengine.org%2Fmediawiki%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fdc%2FITQF2-Screen1.gif&hash=adf74f1e5d09d7d9458e41ba1d80ed2e2eec5bb9)
MUCH nicer. I'll have to grab the VASSAL module. I looked at that original map and about ran shrieking from the room, particularly compared to the Marengo map.
I have the table space for it, I just don't have the space for it, Marengo, and whatever OSG title I'm going to play next all at the same time!
Battle of Montebello, prelude to Marengo. 11:00 AM turn. Trying to learn the NBS rules.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fyrlsu9Kl.png&hash=299803714e4096ed199ff40f9655b24bc00458f9) (http://imgur.com/yrlsu9K)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQ2qzcD4.jpg%3F1&hash=8c7ec6854a58b179dd6fa00f8dcbf2a74a19dbea)
w1815.
Seriously in love with this game at the moment.
In its small size, extremely short playtime (<15 minutes per game), and simplicity of components, it's rather like a Napoleonic "Love Letter".
Hoping it holds up because I'm already 1/2 dozen plays in and have no immediate intention of letting the boy off the hook from playing anytime soon...
Nice looking, isn't it?
I sort of screwed up the photo, but that's because I was so excited. Today is my birthday and my loving wife indulged me and my hobby:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FF20OZcfl.jpg&hash=796a3c3b629b7f3f71514548e4f885e120dfc6f7) (http://imgur.com/F20OZcf)
I suspect she knows this will keep me out of her hair for months.
Happy Birthday :-))
Quote from: bob48 on September 20, 2015, 12:12:53 PM
Happy Birthday :-))
Thanks Bob! I would say "now I'll never leave the man cave" but I already never leave the man cave.
...except to visit Newcastle.....:-))
The UK Annex to the man cave! Plus, you have fish and chips.
Is your wife single? I'd like to meet her!! >:D
No, seriously, happy birthday - what a wonderful set of birthday presents!
Quote from: GJK on September 20, 2015, 01:59:31 PM
Is your wife single? I'd like to meet her!! >:D
No, seriously, happy birthday - what a wonderful set of birthday presents!
Thanks Gary! She also bought me the book
Persian Fire about the wars between Greece and Persia. After 26 years of marriage, it looks like she knows me pretty well at this point. I think when I made her visit the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox when we were first married and asked her to stand next to the XM-1 for a picture, she figured out what she was in for.
Quote from: panzerde on September 20, 2015, 12:17:55 PM
Quote from: bob48 on September 20, 2015, 12:12:53 PM
Happy Birthday :-))
Thanks Bob! I would say "now I'll never leave the man cave" but I already never leave the man cave.
Excellent!
Happy Birthday!
Thank you! O0
Quote from: Cyrano on September 19, 2015, 09:55:26 PM
w1815.
Seriously in love with this game at the moment.
In its small size, extremely short playtime (<15 minutes per game), and simplicity of components, it's rather like a Napoleonic "Love Letter".
Hoping it holds up because I'm already 1/2 dozen plays in and have no immediate intention of letting the boy off the hook from playing anytime soon...
After waiting for the scheduled reprint, I Just got my copy in the mail last week. It's really a brilliant wargame on several levels.
Groggy
Happy birthday Doug! Don't ever let go of yer wife!! O0
A whole lotta Steak
And Galax
:)
Quote from: Barthheart on September 21, 2015, 09:10:18 AM
Happy birthday Doug! Don't ever let go of yer wife!! O0
Thanks Vance! That's why I picked out a tiny one. Much easier to carry around.
Quote from: Staggerwing on July 29, 2014, 05:25:58 AM
Quote from: MengJiao on July 28, 2014, 10:43:53 PM
Hoplites on the floor, but on the table above them, maybe some SBDs intercepting Mavises or something. (Bomb vs Bomber should make the Fighting Wings rules simpler, maybe).
For a bomber the SBD Dauntless had some serious take-down power with 2x50-cal over the engine and twin 30's on a flex mount in the back. It was probably the most maneuverable and heavily armed single engine purpose-built bomber of WW2. IIRC, the Dauntless shot down more enemy planes that it itself suffered in combat losses. One SBD pilot shot down two Zeros and rammed a third, destroying it, all during the same dogfight. Still, the Mavis was festooned with defensive armament of its own, including a 20mm cannon, so it could be an interesting fight.
Plus quite a unique Air Brake system.
Just received in a trade..... most of the counters are unpunched and the contents are in excellent condition! The cover is artistically one of my favorite designs.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0091-300x225.jpg&hash=afdbebb3a8f74126d605f565e890a00f4cee550d) (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0090-300x225.jpg&hash=1127b1b6865ef1ea72a8b740d72fa7ccd7ad00bf)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0089-300x225.jpg&hash=ed64410387c038999b19fe88083d42748741d813) (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0087-300x225.jpg&hash=dcce56b0d2da751fda2dec12cd8abe83820e1c2e)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0088-300x225.jpg&hash=c2ee95e6eeb389ef157e5081d7dc0fecf8b34153) (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesolovariant.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2FIMG_0086-300x225.jpg&hash=cdbcedcd3893bbb82a37409559e8f280a78229b8)
http://www.thesolovariant.com/2015/09/21/panzer-leader-a-new-old-edition/
@Doug: OK, now it's a race...
@PE: My goodness, how that still stirs my heart. I've got four copies so's I can play the meta game...for all its imperfections, one of the great designs in the history of games.
Quote from: Cyrano on September 22, 2015, 08:26:07 PM
@Doug: OK, now it's a race...
Napoleon's Last Gamble shows up for both of us toward the end of the month. I'm trying to figure a means to justify dropping the cash for
The Coming Storm after dishing out this car payment equivalent...
I have Teugen-Hausen from
The Last Success set up right now, playing with hidden movement and cards.
I finally got 'Bitter Woods - Designer Edition' out on the table and managed a few moves to learn the rules.
Units are mainly brigades / regiments with a few battalions; scale is 2 miles to the hex and each turn is approx. 12 hours.
Nice map and components, and so far, it seems like a pretty good game for solo play. There is nothing ground-breaking here, but its a easy to learn and has plenty of optional rules and scenarios, so lots of re-playability I would say.
I'll report further as I get into it.
I'm also reading the new Beevor book on the Ardennes offensive.
Quote from: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 12:48:37 PM
I finally got 'Bitter Woods - Designer Edition' out on the table and managed a few moves to learn the rules.
Units are mainly brigades / regiments with a few battalions; scale is 2 miles to the hex and each turn is approx. 12 hours.
Nice map and components, and so far, it seems like a pretty good game for solo play. There is nothing ground-breaking here, but its a easy to learn and has plenty of optional rules and scenarios, so lots of re-playability I would say.
I'll report further as I get into it.
I'm also reading the new Beevor book on the Ardennes offensive.
Pics! :D
I'll try, but you know what a Luddite I am.
Yes, pics!!
Quote from: bob48 on September 23, 2015, 01:25:05 PM
I'll try, but you know what a Luddite I am.
We demand full frontal Luddity!
eeeww
OK already - I'm workin' on it.
I have this coming Friday. I might be able to give it a spin this weekend, but I'm going to at least do an unboxing article on it.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51Yy1p%252BXzGL.jpg&hash=b83b0059ab0756c2dcbe472e23fbed1f5dcc1672)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FyOwhLpbgUgQ%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&hash=23cef6175fac267d0f29ff6c56f5bdd4953aac0d)
http://www.flyingfrog.net/fortuneandglory/fang_about.html
At heart, it's an Indiana Jones simulator. Players can either play cooperatively or competitively, and it's built so that it can be played solo (sort of like Shadows of Brimstone, which is done by the same peeps that did Fortune and Glory). The bad guys are, I think in the base set, represented by either the Mob or the Nazis. Expansions add other evil organizations and extra stuff, but I'm sticking with the base set until I give it a few tries at the table.
Fortune and Glory looks like a lot of fun.
Here's what's on my table this weekend:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1711240_lg.jpg&hash=92e20f87f1e759dd3f348dec363382e6e471ce58)
.....
Wait... wait a minute... oh yeah.... I haven't got this game yet... I wonder if it ever made it into the mail.... :buck2:
QuoteI wonder if it ever made it into the mail...
have you seen the postage rates to Canada?!?!?
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 24, 2015, 10:05:07 AM
QuoteI wonder if it ever made it into the mail...
have you seen the postage rates to Canada?!?!?
I'm paying the postage!
I picked up Fortune & Glory over a year ago. That's one big damn box. Even gave some of the hero minis quick paint jobs. But still haven't played yet. :)) Judging by the vids, it plays a bit like Eldritch Horror albeit with the Relic-hunting Indie Jones cliffhanger theme.
There is a user-created set of Encounter cards (or equivalently named) that received a lot of praise for adding more variability to the base game. I think that was the main complaint about it. The files are on BGG, IIRC, and there are probably links to card printing sites which offer them for purchase.
There are a few expansions out that also add more cards. The one with the added Crimson Hand cultist faction looks most appealing to me, but I wasn't going to spring for a $40 expansion without playing the core game some. Fortunately it has the co-op option so perfectly suitable for solitaire play whenever the urge strikes.
I will warn you, Banzai : That game will take over every inch of table space that you have. So...many...decks...of...cards... :o
@ Nef - thanks for the heads-up on the cards at BGG. Holy crap there's a lot of user-made expansions for it. I think I'll start with the base game though and go from there. If you guys think it's lacking though I'm certain I'll think the same thing.
What's sad is I still haven't gotten Shadows of Brimstone to the table. I've had it for a year and it hasn't been out to see the light of day since I finished gluing all those buggers together.
Also, Nef, that Crimson Hand expansion doesn't really appeal to me. Dudes with dick masks on their faces don't seem nearly as threatening as Nazis or even mobsters...they're more like a depraved orgy sect seeking ancient sex toys that nobody else cares about, so they got pissy and started stealing real treasures to get recognition. (I watched a playthrough on YouTube and the guy was using the Crimson Hand expansion and several others.) I might end up adding the Treasure Hunters expansion at some point (I really like the look of that), but before I try to save any money for future purchases (and this won't happen until next Spring when I get my next acting gig check), I need to play this a few times and love it to death. I love the Indy movies, so I'm really hoping that translates well here.
@ AB - I figured it might. I think one of the reasons I haven't gotten SoB to the table is, it takes up a ton of room too. Although you can technically remove cave pieces as your characters move along, that doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather see the mine in all its glory. Looks like this will be the same, but bigger.
I know that a lot of people use a game's initials to refer to it, instead of typing out the entire game name.
I just realized THIS game's initials are FaG.
I'm such a juvenile for laughing at that. :2funny: :2funny:
(Yes, yes, I know, the kids say "FANG"...exactly for that reason. Still, lulz are had.)
^ I'm surprised someone hasn't created a 20-hour-long version of that.
My KS "Tiny Epic Galaxies" showed up in the mail yesterday. In between trying out the new CS game (awesome!!) and quick bites of "Heroes of Normandie" (more awesome), I got in a game with beloved and child.
It's very much in the TE mold, vis.: small footprint, nice bits, stripped-down rules, and light, but fun, theme.
At the moment, all of us agreed that it falls above the original TEK, but below TED, largely because the latter is cooperative, but, at least in my case, I like the whole game a bit better.
mine is waiting at a friend's house for me to pick up this weekend
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on September 25, 2015, 07:14:09 AM
I think one of the reasons I haven't gotten SoB to the table is, it takes up a ton of room too. Although you can technically remove cave pieces as your characters move along, that doesn't appeal to me. I'd rather see the mine in all its glory. Looks like this will be the same, but bigger.
SoBS takes up ridiculous amounts of space. Not just the tile pieces and vast array of card decks, but having to keep all the extra map tiles & pieces handy for sorting through when exploring.
I bought one of those Hold-It card organizers (http://www.amazon.com/Innovatium-Hold-it-Game-Card-Organizer/dp/B001LFA4IQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443217134&sr=8-1&keywords=hold+it+card+organizer) primarily for SoBS, although it will help with others with many decks (other Fantasy Flight and Flying Frog stuff for example). It's rather pricey IMO but the biggest business card holders probably aren't wide enough to fit some of the decks. :-\ Saves some table space by holding the decks vertically.
Wow, that's cool, Nef, thanks for sharing. I might have to get one if either of these games are going to see the light before I die.
I'm soloing the "Back to Russia" scenario from "Fighting Formations" in VASSAL right now and trying to decide what to play next.
Quote from: nht on September 25, 2015, 08:56:46 PM
I'm soloing the "Back to Russia" scenario from "Fighting Formations" in VASSAL right now and trying to decide what to play next.
That sounds interesting. Can you post a couple of screenshots?
Here's one. Nothing too exciting. Very start of the second turn. Three grenadier platoons, an MG-34 platoon, and the StuG have advanced towards the village. Most of the Soviet units have stayed hidden, but the M37 and the DShK opted to reveal themselves and fire at the advancing troops. The Soviet squads on the objective hexes and the platoon at L5 were visible from the start, but the platoon at J6 (which is sitting in some entrenchments, which aren't visible in this screenshot) was revealed when the one of the grenadier squads moved into I7.
It op-fired at each of the grenadiers when they moved into I7, but caused them no damage. The grenadiers were moving using an "assault" order, which lets them move and fire (albeit with a penalty). Unfortunately for the Soviets, both grenadiers got good die rolls, and a squad got eliminated.
Also not visible here is the MG-34 unit, which lost a squad to the DShK, and the third grenadier, which got pinned by the DShK. The M37 was op-firing the whole time, but doing absolutely nothing useful. In retrospect, I placed the Soviet command marker poorly. The DShK was doing a lot more damage, but was giving up 2 initiative every time it op-fired, whereas the M37, since it was under mission command, was op-firing for free but not doing any damage (again, this is turn 2, which is why the command marker has been flipped to tactical command). K5 might've been a better place for the command marker, since it would've given the MG free reign to fire and would've still allowed the rifle platoon to react. C'est la vie. I could also have placed the second Soviet command marker, but I wanted to conserve it for a later turn.
The ZIS-3 at the edge of the field is there as a result of a special rule that lets you place it at will at any time that a German unit uses a "move" or "assault" order. It then gets 3 free shots. I played it after the StuG performed an assault order and moved from G7 to H6. As you can see, though, it didn't really do much damage. Only one of the 3 shots had any effect, and the StuG wasn't disabled.
Now, in the second turn, a couple of halftracks, along with grenadier squads, have entered at the south edge of the map.
Oh, and in case you're wondering what the Soviet counters down at the bottom right are -- they're the hidden units. I just add a label to them indicating which hex they're supposed to be in, so that when they get revealed, I know which "hidden unit" counter to remove. It's the best way I've figured out so far for dealing with the problem of knowing where I've set up the hidden units in a solo game. Basically, after awhile I mostly forget which "hidden unit" counters are actual units and which ones are "false sighting" counters :)
Oh, and I haven't re-seeded the order matrix yet, so it's empty at this point.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthegamebox.gamesontables.com%2Fgallery%2F740_25_09_15_9_02_59.png&hash=ce93e482e112618e1ea3ff7bf538d688e0076394)
That's pretty cool looking. I've not played that. Of course, I need another WW2 tactical system like I need another hole in my head... ;) So many games, so little time.
I find the same thing with hidden units when playing solo. It doesn't take too long before I forget what they are!
Fighting Formations is a pretty elegant tactical system (though a bit heavy on the dice tossing -- every exchange of fire has one attack roll, plus one defense roll for each defending unit, plus possible return fire, which has its own attack and defense rolls). But it's pretty fun. I'm not sure if I'm any good at it... but that's another question...
I think one of my biggest complaints about the game is that there aren't too many scenarios, and about half of them are very large, and so don't get played much. This is the first time I've played through this particular one, which is one of the larger of the "small" scenarios.
Quote from: panzerde on September 25, 2015, 10:29:09 PMSo many games, so little time.
The kids are out the house - you've got time! :)
Quote from: bayonetbrant on September 26, 2015, 05:30:31 AM
The kids are out the house - you've got time! :)
I replaced the kids with employees. Kids may have been easier.
I had to abandon my Fighting Formations game from last night, because VASSAL started acting weird and auto-rotating pieces whenever I moved them... which was really frustrating. So I started up a game of Panzergruppe Guderian instead.
This is a game that I think really holds up gameplay-wise and, despite its era, has relatively clear rules.
Quote from: nht on September 26, 2015, 05:25:31 PM
I had to abandon my Fighting Formations game from last night, because VASSAL started acting weird and auto-rotating pieces whenever I moved them... which was really frustrating. So I started up a game of Panzergruppe Guderian instead.
This is a game that I think really holds up gameplay-wise and, despite its era, has relatively clear rules.
Vassal? Odd if it's acting weird. :o
Quote from: bbmike on September 26, 2015, 05:35:48 PM
Quote from: nht on September 26, 2015, 05:25:31 PM
I had to abandon my Fighting Formations game from last night, because VASSAL started acting weird and auto-rotating pieces whenever I moved them... which was really frustrating. So I started up a game of Panzergruppe Guderian instead.
This is a game that I think really holds up gameplay-wise and, despite its era, has relatively clear rules.
Vassal? Odd if it's acting weird. :o
Yeah, I've never seen anything like that happen before. I tried saving/reloading, re-starting the whole program, and even rebooting the computer, but nothing worked -- but ONLY for that particular save. If I started up another instance of the same scenario, it worked fine.
Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe...
Solitaire Vassal game, getting ready for a tournament.
It's turn 2, start of German 1st impulse. Some brutal fighting around Rennes.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FPKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg&hash=e34366b005b3f90fef4d7d1fd84206b056b8f4c3) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/PKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg.html)
A pair of my nephews are looking for a game lasting around a couple hours tomorrow.
Had originally thought it could be a good time to finally break out Shogun, but that would probably take longer since it'd be the first time I've played.
So Kemet is looking very ideal for a fairly quick game of mythical conflict. Unpacking that on the table and studying the rules again tonight.
Was tempted to try something a bit unusual this time around with Tales of the Arabian Nights. I'm sure they'd enjoy it, but the youngest one is usually more of a war & direct conflict type who wants to crush everyone before him, hear the lamentation, etc. We did some Conquest Of The Empire and Age Of Imperialism last year, and he couldn't get enough of it. I may have to break down and introduce them to one of my favorite childhood wargames with cool pieces, Ikusa (previously MB's Shogun/Samurai Swords) for the holidays when we'll have longer stretches for the big games. >:D
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 04, 2015, 10:07:07 PM
Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe...
Solitaire Vassal game, getting ready for a tournament.
It's turn 2, start of German 1st impulse. Some brutal fighting around Rennes.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FPKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg&hash=e34366b005b3f90fef4d7d1fd84206b056b8f4c3) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/PKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg.html)
I've been meaning to give this one a try.
Quote from: GJK on October 05, 2015, 05:25:20 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 04, 2015, 10:07:07 PM
Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe...
Solitaire Vassal game, getting ready for a tournament.
It's turn 2, start of German 1st impulse. Some brutal fighting around Rennes.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FPKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg&hash=e34366b005b3f90fef4d7d1fd84206b056b8f4c3) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/PKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg.html)
I've been meaning to give this one a try.
There may still be room in the tournament. If you are interested, I can ask.
Someone has been bad.... which one to start with first. Should have had Raid on St. Nazaire as well, but some bum out bid me.
And I have Firefly with all the trimmings should be here Wed.... Got these on purchase, sale, and trade. Doing some shuffling of my inventory.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2Fimg09.jpg&hash=6e4bf578c1bf066742ab0ccbb6d2214b67b31718)
PE
Nice haul! O0
When are you gonna play it all?!? :o
Very nice!
I currently have Mistfall on the table, with the short beginner scenario.
My opinion hasn't quite formed on it yet. I'm sure it will take one or two full-size scenarios to get the full effect, so I'm undecided right now.
I do know one thing.. I had hoped for a bit more variety in each custom character deck. While there is a lot of interplay between the cards in hand & play every turn, each character still plays a very singular way with so many duplicated cards. The strategy is focused on stacking your draw deck, when resting between fights, as much as the abilities on the cards themselves. So it's a bit different than I originally expected. I was probably hoping for card play a bit closer to Sentinels of the Multiverse, but this is something different.
The tile exploration and theme'd encounters was a big draw for me, though, and it's recommended you play a full-size scenario to get the full effect. The small starter scenario only uses 1/3rd of the monster encounters, and very little exploration tiles.
Resting, and knowing how long you can rest before moving onward, is the main way you manipulate your used cards back into your draw deck for future use. Extremely important part of the game.
I'd almost recommend just jumping straight into the full-sized scenarios, but there is a lot of card interpretation needed when learning the game. Mixed with getting the order of all the turn sub-phases down, learning how to estimate the time track, dealing with enemy reinforcements, effective resting, etc, it's difficult to recommend skipping the chopped down beginner scenario, too. There are some facets that require learning strategies regarding timing. All probably picked up on faster with the little one.
I do highly recommend that you d/l and print off (or keep on a tablet nearby) the 1-page Gameplay/Turn order summary/Errata doc a user put up on BGG:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/121430/mistfall-round-summary-tips-1-page
It saved a lot of page flipping and manual digging for me. The turn summary in the rulebook was pretty satisfactory & detailed IMO, but rather unwieldy. I prefer it in a 2-sided page cardstock form.
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 05, 2015, 05:01:29 PM
Quote from: GJK on October 05, 2015, 05:25:20 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 04, 2015, 10:07:07 PM
Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe...
Solitaire Vassal game, getting ready for a tournament.
It's turn 2, start of German 1st impulse. Some brutal fighting around Rennes.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FPKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg&hash=e34366b005b3f90fef4d7d1fd84206b056b8f4c3) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/larizona55/media/PKGFortressEuropeStartGEturn2_zpsjhgqpsfr.jpg.html)
I've been meaning to give this one a try.
There may still be room in the tournament. If you are interested, I can ask.
No, no, that's ok. I typed up that rulebook for print for him but I haven't actually even read it yet. :) I do have a copy of it that Paul sent me, I just need to set it up solitaire some time and become acquainted with it.
^Looks like an interesting game, Gary.
Quote from: GJK on October 06, 2015, 05:27:08 AM
Paul Koenig's Fortress Europe
No, no, that's ok. I typed up that rulebook for print for him but I haven't actually even read it yet. :) I do have a copy of it that Paul sent me, I just need to set it up solitaire some time and become acquainted with it.
I was a little intimidated by the 40 pages of rules at first, but then I found that most of the rules have that good old Avalon Hill feel to them. Reading them was warm cozy and familiar. Like a nice pair of fur lined slippers in winter.
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
Well...there might be a...famine or something. Yeah, a famine. Of games. Need to stock up.
I make note of this after remembering at the beginning of the year a lot of folks said that they were going to cut back on buying until they got more on the table...I was just wondering if this was some sort of withdrawal thing or just lots of great new games and good deals on older games becoming available.
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 10:04:49 PM
I make note of this after remembering at the beginning of the year a lot of folks said that they were going to cut back on buying until they got more on the table...I was just wondering if this was some sort of withdrawal thing or just lots of great new games and good deals on older games becoming available.
Willpower. Lack thereof, specifically.
>:D
Nah.... Grogheads is just a cover for Gamers Anonymous.... we are all SICK!
Oh, I just ordered another game :D
PE
One? Wuss! :)
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
GMT's P500 has been the main culprit for me.... I like pretty much everything on the list, so the games just keep showing up on my doorstep.... I am not complaining...but my wife is...:)
My current passion is minis.
It almost doesn't matter which kind. (Almost)
Quote from: LongBlade on October 07, 2015, 08:53:46 AM
My current passion is minis.
It almost doesn't matter which kind. (Almost)
I'd have more if the ones I wanted didn't cost so much en masse. :buck2:
After figuring out the cost of a batch I go into the, "I could buy a whole new game, maybe with it's own minis, for this price!" line of thinking.
Minis are expensive. I would love to drop some cash for Armada.
Quote from: LongBlade on October 07, 2015, 08:53:46 AM
My current passion is minis.
It almost doesn't matter which kind. (Almost)
it's not too late to jump on this one
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1513061270/reaper-miniatures-bones-3-the-search-for-mr-bones/description
$100 gets you
(https://ksr-ugc.imgix.net/assets/004/209/195/db802f4951f5daa6153cae2927a49f2e_original.jpg?v=1437859220&w=680&fit=max&auto=format&q=92&s=22cbe29ef5d99afd23bd9edc01d9cda8)
I bought the first set of those for my daughter. They were nice minis and she got a TON of them for the money.
I remember (badly) painting many of those.
yep - if you can get in early on a Reaper Kickstarter, and have $100 to drop, you soooooooooo get your money's worth.
That one up there is over 140 figures, plus assorted weapons, bases, etc.
Thanks, Brant.
I'm not terribly fond of the Bones series. It's a weird plastic that is difficult to work with. I like to file down all the casting lines I can in order to have none visible when I paint. The bones series is rubbery and doesn't take to filing well. It's also a little too flexible and if a piece is bent I find it difficult to reshape.
However, for the money they are an incredible deal, I agree. I'll look this over again and see if there's enough to fill in the holes I have in my D&D minis collection.
Damn, that's quite a lot.
Unfortunately, I've not been gawking high fantasy stuff. Mostly Cyberpunk, Post-Apoc, or Weird West for Deadlands. Pretty scattered offerings.
OK, that Ma'aldrakar five headed dragon would be an excellent ersatz Tiamat. Too bad it'll arrive next year. I need it around November.
Anyway...just for giggles I started playing around with the pledge calculator and I'm totally confused.
The base set is advertised as being $100, but when I hit the pledge calculator it costs $150. Also, the Ma'aldrakar model is supposed to be $60 as an add-on, but after I select the core set and Ma'al the cost is $90 for the dragon. Total cost $240 when it should be $160.
What am I missing?
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
I'm actually about the list some games for sale locally on BGG.
Of course, I'll probably spend most of what I get on more games. 8)
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 07, 2015, 02:07:37 PM
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
I'm actually about the list some games for sale locally on BGG.
Of course, I'll probably spend most of what I get on more games. 8)
Whatcha sellin? Any wargames?
Quote from: LongBlade on October 07, 2015, 11:49:18 AM
OK, that Ma'aldrakar five headed dragon would be an excellent ersatz Tiamat. Too bad it'll arrive next year. I need it around November.
Anyway...just for giggles I started playing around with the pledge calculator and I'm totally confused.
The base set is advertised as being $100, but when I hit the pledge calculator it costs $150. Also, the Ma'aldrakar model is supposed to be $60 as an add-on, but after I select the core set and Ma'al the cost is $90 for the dragon. Total cost $240 when it should be $160.
What am I missing?
Ah, found the answer. I think I need to make the pledge for the amount on KS and then order and pay through the Pledge Calculator. That's not complicated or anything. ::)
Quote from: LongBlade on October 07, 2015, 11:49:18 AM
OK, that Ma'aldrakar five headed dragon would be an excellent ersatz Tiamat. Too bad it'll arrive next year. I need it around November.
Anyway...just for giggles I started playing around with the pledge calculator and I'm totally confused.
The base set is advertised as being $100, but when I hit the pledge calculator it costs $150. Also, the Ma'aldrakar model is supposed to be $60 as an add-on, but after I select the core set and Ma'al the cost is $90 for the dragon. Total cost $240 when it should be $160.
What am I missing?
Is there a different price now that the campaign is closed, and they are just doing pre orders?
Quote from: bayonetbrant on October 07, 2015, 05:24:45 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on October 07, 2015, 11:49:18 AM
OK, that Ma'aldrakar five headed dragon would be an excellent ersatz Tiamat. Too bad it'll arrive next year. I need it around November.
Anyway...just for giggles I started playing around with the pledge calculator and I'm totally confused.
The base set is advertised as being $100, but when I hit the pledge calculator it costs $150. Also, the Ma'aldrakar model is supposed to be $60 as an add-on, but after I select the core set and Ma'al the cost is $90 for the dragon. Total cost $240 when it should be $160.
What am I missing?
Is there a different price now that the campaign is closed, and they are just doing pre orders?
After poking around a bunch more I think the price went up after it closed.
I'm not desperate for any of that and am not fond of the material they use. A 50% price hike isn't exactly attractive to me at this point. Maybe later I'll bite on that five headed dragon but for now I'll pass. I have a D&D Tiamat. She's not nearly so large and impressive, but it's already bought and paid for. And painted.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 07, 2015, 02:07:37 PM
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
I'm actually about the list some games for sale locally on BGG.
Of course, I'll probably spend most of what I get on more games. 8)
I have a stack to go too...and for the same reason...wanna pay down the CC after the last 3 orders...so I can start again.
Quote from: Barthheart on October 07, 2015, 02:32:52 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 07, 2015, 02:07:37 PM
Quote from: Wes on October 06, 2015, 08:02:42 PM
Is everyone kinda buying more games than usual lately? Like we are stocking up for winter?
I normally buy a couple times a year and I have done three fairly large orders in the past two weeks (latest coming in Thursday).
Just seems everyone is being 'bad'...including me (I claimed these as my B-Day present to myself :) )
I'm actually about the list some games for sale locally on BGG.
Of course, I'll probably spend most of what I get on more games. 8)
Whatcha sellin? Any wargames?
Not totally sure yet. I won't list until next week to avoid Thanksgiving weekend. I do have a file box full of Axis & Allies Minis stuff that I traded for a year ago...and that has simply sat on the floor in the box since then. That can probably go. I might move my copy of Labyrinth and/or FAB : Sicily, since those are equally aged (and equally untouched). Non wargame wise, probably my Wiz War set, Heroes Wanted set, and a few other things that didn't go over well at recent gaming days.
Played some Memoir 44, Commands & Colors: The Great War, and Napoleon at Eylau. O0
Just came in today - holy snockers this thing is a beauty! Some of the best quality print for a wargame that I've ever seen....it's more Eurogame quality stuff without it being an actual <stupid*> Eurogame!
(* Oh hush, they're all stupid and you know it!)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FHotP.jpg&hash=af0a8e1a932f0038ed3f2bb71b4c1e659ec79d03)
It's time for Panzers East..... :P
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flinesofcommand.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0017.jpg&hash=bbe2dcc0fffe27e6bd833e49bd423f69bf204bb9)
Hey looky that; an early map of mine.
I heard a rumour that this was a game being considered for the DE-DUX treatment from VPG.
I never paid much attention to that game because for some reason I had it in my mind that it was the precursor to of GMT's "No Retreat" (don't ask my why, I have no idea other than the scale is similar). I was just reading the reviews and some forums on this one and it has me very interested. Tim, I really like the graphics that you've done and have a couple of titles laying around here that have your name on it- good work! Would you be doing the "de-dux" version of this game as well? Is that something confirmed or just a rumor at this point (about the reprint/update)? PE, let us know what you think of this one. We seem to have similar tastes in our games so if this one passes the smell test with you then I'll be very inclined to pick up a copy for myself.
Broke out my recently received copy of "Triumph and Tragedy". This game has been getting some good comments, and after playing a bit solitaire, I can see why. The game plays pretty quickly, but gives the players a wide variety of decisions. Basically, balancing between diplomacy, war, building units and technology research. It is listed as "low solitaire", but I think it plays OK that way. But I can see that it will really shine multi-player. Can't wait to get it front of the gaming group next weekend.
It's 1939. The Western Powers have managed to convince Franco to join them, while Hungary has joined the Axis. Turkey is leaning Soviet. The Germans have heavy tanks, the Soviets have Motorized Infantry and the Western Powers have Naval Radar.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FDSCN0222_zpsocjhebut.jpg&hash=197b2d1931d27271f50432e05831161adb546398)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FawUbqOnl.jpg&hash=621eaed401a6e237e0c408b599e169d9c21e6e8b) (http://imgur.com/awUbqOn)
Heroes of the Pacific
I really need to up my gaming corner.
Quote from: Bison on October 12, 2015, 05:07:54 PM
I really need to up my gaming corner.
I just located mine in the room over the garage, and accessorized with 3 other corners ;)
Quote from: panzerde on October 12, 2015, 05:04:45 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FawUbqOnl.jpg&hash=621eaed401a6e237e0c408b599e169d9c21e6e8b) (http://imgur.com/awUbqOn)
Heroes of the Pacific
I like the new avatar, mate.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on October 12, 2015, 05:11:46 PM
Quote from: Bison on October 12, 2015, 05:07:54 PM
I really need to up my gaming corner.
I just located mine in the room over the garage, and accessorized with 3 other corners ;)
/le sigh/ I'm just happy I have a table at this point.
Do like I did and sell the kids for medical experiments.
Quote from: panzerde on October 12, 2015, 06:34:57 PM
Do like I did and sell the kids for medical experiments.
Did you sell each one complete or parted out for maximum revenue realization?
I was going for parted out, but the wife was having none of it, as usual.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on October 12, 2015, 05:11:46 PM
Quote from: Bison on October 12, 2015, 05:07:54 PM
I really need to up my gaming corner.
I just located mine in the room over the garage, and accessorized with 3 other corners ;)
Pics or it didn't happen.
Finally getting around to assembling new teams for Blood Bowl. I really enjoy this silly little game...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FBB_Teams2.jpg&hash=f41b84bd8450b4385abd79d0bd326d53fe68b803)
Quote from: ArizonaTank on October 12, 2015, 10:33:43 AM
Broke out my recently received copy of "Triumph and Tragedy". This game has been getting some good comments, and after playing a bit solitaire, I can see why. The game plays pretty quickly, but gives the players a wide variety of decisions. Basically, balancing between diplomacy, war, building units and technology research. It is listed as "low solitaire", but I think it plays OK that way. But I can see that it will really shine multi-player. Can't wait to get it front of the gaming group next weekend.
I've been reading nothing but positive feedback over at consimworld also.
Great pic!
Groggy
Quote from: GJK on October 12, 2015, 10:21:43 PM
Finally getting around to assembling new teams for Blood Bowl. I really enjoy this silly little game...
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FBB_Teams2.jpg&hash=f41b84bd8450b4385abd79d0bd326d53fe68b803)
Kudos for having the patience and eyesight to paint the minis!
Due to arrive at the end of the week - 'La Bataille de France, 1940' by Compass Games.
I'm running a D&D 5.0 game tonight.
Quote from: LongBlade on October 13, 2015, 10:05:26 AM
I'm running a D&D 5.0 game tonight.
Is this when we start the not a wargame discussion? 😇
Quote from: panzerde on October 12, 2015, 06:34:57 PM
Do like I did and sell the kids for medical experiments.
Damn. Why didn't I think of that before I smothered mine with a pillow?
Quote from: Bison on October 13, 2015, 12:51:45 PM
Quote from: LongBlade on October 13, 2015, 10:05:26 AM
I'm running a D&D 5.0 game tonight.
Is this when we start the not a wargame discussion? 😇
Yes, but the thread is about what's on my table.
In my case it's a d20.
Only three turns into a solitaire game of Eldritch Horror and my three investigators are already riddled with Madnesses & Injuries. :knuppel2:
Shub-Niggurath will be having it's way with me if I don't turn this around soon. The Black Goat Of The Woods doesn't give reach-arounds AFAIK, either. And with the murphy'd dice rolls I've been having, who needs Curses?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi62.tinypic.com%2Fmm0w5.jpg&hash=e770c12ca25d5705812d4ee1d5eac028ea5e8f32)
Quote from: GJK on October 10, 2015, 11:50:44 PM
I never paid much attention to that game because for some reason I had it in my mind that it was the precursor to of GMT's "No Retreat" (don't ask my why, I have no idea other than the scale is similar). I was just reading the reviews and some forums on this one and it has me very interested. Tim, I really like the graphics that you've done and have a couple of titles laying around here that have your name on it- good work! Would you be doing the "de-dux" version of this game as well? Is that something confirmed or just a rumor at this point (about the reprint/update)? PE, let us know what you think of this one. We seem to have similar tastes in our games so if this one passes the smell test with you then I'll be very inclined to pick up a copy for myself.
I setup the Barbarossa full campaign and did a couple of turns to get the rules down, and there are quit a few things that happen as you go through the steps.
Some brief observations:
1. Chit pull combat: At first I was unsure if I would like this as normally combat resolution is done by calculations or chucking dice.... but it works and is very good system. There are a number of different type of results you can draw and what goes back into the cup and what does not usually does the do not benefit you but you can add them back later but you have to pay. (mainly those things that help you do not)
2. Production: Again, was not sure how this is going to work but there is a neatly production mechanisms woven into the game that I find works very well.
3. The Line: Normally in games you have breaches in lines or spaces between hexes but TBC has a fluid line that once you advance closes rank with a Line unit so you are always facing opposition. Pretty cool to see the line snake around as you try and pincer and encircle units and drive deep into Mother Russia.
There is a real sense of urgency as the German player to reach your objectives by not wasting movement and attacks.... plus taking advantage of what is presented. You can feel and see as the turn track progresses that you are a move of the turn track away from losing the initiative and it not coming back.... so far, the system is pretty genius and there is a lot of depth and meaningful decisions to be made.
PE
Last month I commented on some astronomical shipping charges I received for a pre-order game from mulitiman publishing. I was just looking over my last CC statement and noticed a $32 refund from mulitiman. I haven't received any explanation, so am assuming it is related. This bit of good news puts that transaction on par with what I would expect. Good on them O0
I've just pre-ordered LnL's Heroes of the 'Nam to replace my first edition Forgotten Heroes/Anzac Attack, and the the two shipping options to NZ were Priority Mail International for $49.00 (which is only $10 less than the actual game) or First-Class Package International Service for $11.10. I obviously chose the First-class mail option. :) I gather that's surface mail?
I'm really beginning to think I've been even more cursed than usual.
Can't roll to save my life on yet another day. Plus.. even my good card draws are being nullified by bad shit. I better wait until the bad juju passes to pick something up again.
Good thing I'm not a gambler.
CUUU-UUURSE!!!!
I've just realized that many of my daily interactions with people need to be responded to with "shut up and eat your cheese sandwich!"
Bad day?
My deputy has been binge-watching "The Sopranos" of late and has been given to telling people, in the appropriate accent, "ehhh, go sh*t in your hat".
Unnerving how frequently this is the appropriate button at the end of a conversation.
Ooh, I may have to alternate between those two then...
Guess what I've been playing today?
Hey, is this Cheddar or what?
Quote from: bob48 on October 15, 2015, 03:53:59 PM
Guess what I've been playing today?
Hey, is this Cheddar or what?
So, when you play that new game you've been on about, do you play the French and your 'stache plays the Germans?
Decided to hang on to Labyrinth : War on Terror after all while selling a pile of other stuff (to the tune of $800 over the next 2 weekends). So I'm going to try to get that on the table this weekend. Plus, I still haven't busted Legendary : Predator out of shrink, and my Kickstarter copy of Between Two Cities also arrived this week.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 16, 2015, 09:10:48 PMmy Kickstarter copy of Between Two Cities also arrived this week.
I'm curious about this one. The same guys did Euphoria, which some people I know really like, and Scythe, currently on KS, which looks fabulous, but the rules seem trés fiddly.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on October 16, 2015, 09:44:44 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 16, 2015, 09:10:48 PMmy Kickstarter copy of Between Two Cities also arrived this week.
I'm curious about this one. The same guys did Euphoria, which some people I know really like, and Scythe, currently on KS, which looks fabulous, but the rules seem trés fiddly.
Also did Viticulture and Tuscany, which makes for a great worker placement-economic game when you've got both.
And I've already backed Scythe. ;D
Quote from: panzerde on October 16, 2015, 05:40:29 PM
Quote from: bob48 on October 15, 2015, 03:53:59 PM
Guess what I've been playing today?
Hey, is this Cheddar or what?
So, when you play that new game you've been on about, do you play the French and your 'stache plays the Germans?
Its not really a Teutonic 'stache, but it will do for the Brits, the (yuk) French and even Belgians. Definitely not Italian though.
Hey Doug, this is a nice game - has your copy arrived yet?
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 16, 2015, 09:10:48 PM
Decided to hang on to Labyrinth : War on Terror after all while selling a pile of other stuff (to the tune of $800 over the next 2 weekends). So I'm going to try to get that on the table this weekend. Plus, I still haven't busted Legendary : Predator out of shrink, and my Kickstarter copy of Between Two Cities also arrived this week.
Been debating selling a couple of mine, too. Storage space has become an issue so I'll have to ease myself into the idea cashiering some of them.
I already went through the headache of sorting Legendary Predator, but haven't played yet. Numerous new games in the To Do stack now. :-\
Quote from: bob48 on October 17, 2015, 04:38:14 AM
Hey Doug, this is a nice game - has your copy arrived yet?
Not arrived yet, but it has shipped. Still in Orlando. Arriving here 10/21.
I'm busy painting up some more fighter squadron minis for Star Wars: Armada. I've decided to be the annoying guy who slows down the game by throwing as many fighters at you as I can so I ended up buying 2 extra packs of Rebel and Imperial fighters.
There have been a lot of Sullust tournaments around here over the last few weeks and quite a few guys have won Wave II miniatures. The smug bastards have been dragging them down to the FLGS and using them in games. One guy has won two copies of the Imperial Star Destroyer and has been insufferably smug about it.
I played against him in a 400 pt battle but as I have only Wave I stuff right now, I struggled to come up with an effective fleet that could counter the insane foreward firepower of his two heavy hitters. You're allowed to spend a maximum of 1/3 of your points on fighters and the balance has to be spent on capital ships and upgrades.
TIE bombers are capable of dishing out critial hits against capital ships and only cost 9 points each so I decided to make a huge ball of those. There's an elite TIE bomber pilot called Major Rhymer who costs 16 points and his special ability is that he can fire up to medium range (3 times the distance of other bombers) and he confers that ability to any other squadrons he's next to (range 1). The core set only comes with 2 TIE bombers and if you buy the Imp fighter set, you get 2 more. I borrowed a bunch of bombers from everyone and was able to field 8 bomber squads plus Major Rhymer for 88 points. I used the balance to buy a TIE advanced to fly as escort (enemy fighters must engage and destroy it first before they're allowed to attack bombers.) I also bought a gaggle of 4 TIE fighter squadrons to take down any fighters that got to close to the bombers.
9 bombers gave me a potential of firing 9 black dice (those have a 75% change of hitting) at medium range. Capital ships with black dice can only fire at close range. As the Star destroyers are such big lumbering things, it was simply a matter of parking my Rhymer ball where it'd be in range of the ISDs when they moved and then unleashing a massive volley into their faces. The best thing about the bombers is that each shot counts as a separate attack. After each attack, the defender has to decide if he wants to use one of his defence tokens to mitigate incoming damage by redirecting to other shields, bracing for impact, or evading. Each ship gets 3 defence tokens (the ISDs get 4) but they can only be used once per turn before they're exhausted. Exhausted tokens refresh at the end of each turn. You can use an exhausted token but if you do so, it's gone for the rest of the game. With 9 separate attacks, it's easy to exhaust the defence tokens and start doing some serious damage. Granted the ISD does have some of the best anti-fighter guns in the game but it'll still take one 3 turns of perfect gunnery to knock out a TIE bomber.
I was able to kill one ISD with bombers alone and generally stay out of the deadly front arc of the other one and win on points. I think bombers are the way to go if you're playing as the Imperials.
Awesome read, SDR.
Quote from: Nefaro on October 17, 2015, 01:06:40 PM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on October 16, 2015, 09:10:48 PM
Decided to hang on to Labyrinth : War on Terror after all while selling a pile of other stuff (to the tune of $800 over the next 2 weekends). So I'm going to try to get that on the table this weekend. Plus, I still haven't busted Legendary : Predator out of shrink, and my Kickstarter copy of Between Two Cities also arrived this week.
Been debating selling a couple of mine, too. Storage space has become an issue so I'll have to ease myself into the idea cashiering some of them.
I already went through the headache of sorting Legendary Predator, but haven't played yet. Numerous new games in the To Do stack now. :-\
I held off unloading stuff for a long time with "Oh, but I might want that..." and all the usual nonsense. The thing is, if I DO want it again down the line, 95% of it is really easy to get. Besides, most of the "I might want that..." stuff hadn't come off the shelf for literally years. So every now and again I go through my collection, see what has barely been touched, figure out what actually WILL get played again, price the rest of it to move on BGG and move on. The only part of it is arranging meetups with buyers. Not a huge problem, but it will eat up a weekend.
Finally found a deal at Goodwill...a pretty much mint copy of Axis & Allies 1942 for $1.99. All the pieces look to be there and the game looks like it's hardly been touched, though it's been punched and even organized mostly into baggies. They had sealed the box with a couple of strips of packing tape, which kind of sucks, but I can't complain much considering the price. I had to add a few more baggies to corral the chips, ICs, and AA guns, but that's a damn good deal for two bucks. Especially considering it goes for $45-55 or so retail.
Also found a copy of a '98 version of Battleship for $1.99. Looks like it has all the pieces but it's missing one of the two-hole ships (huhuhuhuhh...'two holes' (https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg2.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20111215111513%2Fbeavisandbutthead%2Fimages%2F3%2F34%2FButthead_pick.gif&hash=50e90fb4ff5fe35ff30134b7937eb56069d2d38c) ). Never owned a copy of Battleship so this will be fun to play once in a while.
Nice score! Anything A&A is worth getting if you can get it cheap even it's just for the mini's alone.
Soloing through the Barbarossa scenario of The Dark Valley.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FSRjsVyo.jpg&hash=29caf1beee516fb285c7e3cf25cfc0fa98d6a3ef)
Small card game translated from the French. The artist, Tignous, was one of the victims of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Not an "up" game by any stretch; cooperative, you "win" by surviving the war and "lose" by succumbing to either mental or physical perils. I like it a lot.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F8l7Iobu.jpg&hash=eb1b807e0aec95aedec8823c553ffe35b1295ab7)
^ That looks pretty cool, Cyrano.
As for me, it's going to be a busy week:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1175.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr624%2FMichaelE6%2FIMG_1640.jpg&hash=278df7e5dcf2c7aeae0bf96bf6538b941831f4c5)
Must be cool to get games in the mail.... ;)
Quote from: Barthheart on November 04, 2015, 09:17:50 AM
Must be cool to get games in the mail.... ;)
Well if it's any consolation, I didn't pay a penny for any of these, nor for shipping.
We'll never get caught up. I even have to stop with the $2 purchases on GOG and Steam, at least until we can pay off the kids' Christmas gift. Believe me I'd send it to you if I could.
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 04, 2015, 09:30:24 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on November 04, 2015, 09:17:50 AM
Must be cool to get games in the mail.... ;)
Well if it's any consolation, I didn't pay a penny for any of these, nor for shipping.
We'll never get caught up. I even have to stop with the $2 purchases on GOG and Steam, at least until we can pay off the kids' Christmas gift. Believe me I'd send it to you if I could.
No worries... just poking the bear.... >:D
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FJgAeAIk.jpg&hash=0825a28f09d1a7fcc4f7c08518e0069e61a2dac2)
Now THIS was a nice surprise. KS'd this a while ago and it showed up on my doorstep this afternoon. Looking much as promised, but the box is a good 2-3 inches deeper than it needs to be...odd...looking forward to diving in.
Better to have plenty extra space for multiple counter trays, if needed.
What really annoys me is having boxes that aren't flush after I add counter trays or bead boxes, as applies. GMT, I'm looking at you.
Quote from: Nefaro on November 04, 2015, 10:05:04 PM
Better to have plenty extra space for multiple counter trays, if needed.
What really annoys me is having boxes that aren't flush after I add counter trays or bead boxes, as applies. GMT, I'm looking at you.
Preach it! I finally game up and just started putting them all in small zip locks. Not as convenient, but at least I can close the boxes.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1175.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr624%2FMichaelE6%2F001_3.jpg&hash=9919e0c5221c1f4caeac622382116d8b2dab2561)
^ :o :o
MOAR PIX!!!
Solitaire rules... ? (he asked hopefully)
I did an unboxing article for the site. More pix will be forthcoming.
It's for 3-5 players, but it does have a solitaire variant.
When does the article go up? (Assuming it's not up already and I'm just too dense to find it on the MFP...)
Dunno. I submitted it to Brant without asking if he wanted it, though whenever I *do* ask if he wants an unboxing article, his reply is always the same - "sure, send it, never know when we might need it."
I distinctly remember having a conversation that you were a part of bc in which we decided no one plays axis and allies anymore. I think the retro gaming from gog has gone to your baordgaming head.
I haven't played A&A in many years...probably around 5 years or so. And that was A&A D-Day.
Digging around in the attic today, look what I found:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FciWp0ODl.jpg&hash=f23f9c5973f1852f955a88335c33b7e66c3268dd) (http://imgur.com/ciWp0OD)
I knew I had another box of games somewhere. Besides this I found my 2nd Edition Battletech, AH's Gettysburg, And original GURPS set, and quite a bit else, including gaming magazines and GDW's Desert Shield Operations Map, which I had marked up with the positions of known Iraqi units...
It's like Christmas as a little kid when you find a game and go "OH SHIT I FORGOT I HAD THIS!" :D
Quote from: panzerde on November 14, 2015, 05:41:56 PM
Digging around in the attic today, look what I found:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FciWp0ODl.jpg&hash=f23f9c5973f1852f955a88335c33b7e66c3268dd) (http://imgur.com/ciWp0OD)
I knew I had another box of games somewhere. Besides this I found my 2nd Edition Battletech, AH's Gettysburg, And original GURPS set, and quite a bit else, including gaming magazines and GDW's Desert Shield Operations Map, which I had marked up with the positions of known Iraqi units...
Oh boy :-)
Re: WV: Get the revised skirmisher rules!! Otherwise a grand, if certainly ugly, game...
Quote from: Cyrano on November 16, 2015, 10:53:23 AM
Re: WV: Get the revised skirmisher rules!! Otherwise a grand, if certainly ugly, game...
I need a much bigger table, first.
That you have not one is a grave sign of weakness, my friend...
Then again, I was a minis gamer first so something like this is hardly daunting.
Oh, and GURPS hardback or soft cover?
I am, of course, assuming 1 ed.?
Quote from: Cyrano on November 16, 2015, 11:10:12 PM
Oh, and GURPS hardback or soft cover?
I am, of course, assuming 1 ed.?
Softcover, but 1st edition.
Game of GMT's Fire in the Lake, this past weekend at the Kingstowne Gaming Brigade (KGB), Kingstowne, Virginia.
This pic is mid-game. The NVA ended up winning easily after the VC and ARVN got into a vicious knife fight.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FDSCN02241_zpsgla5zyhq.jpg&hash=dc4edfcd976b3f229e67e77386dabd60f377408b)
Freaking awesome game, Fire in the Lake. O0
Just finished a vassal game of Ukraine 43. Played with my local game group buddy, but did it over vassal just for convenience.
This is about turn 5 of the first scenario. Zhukov has just managed to punch through the German line to threaten Kharkov. But the Gross Deutschland Division has just come in by rail, and will manage to stop the Red Tide in its tracks.
The Germans eventually win the scenario
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi29.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc255%2Flarizona55%2FUkraine43SovietBreakthrough_zpsgfzyok0q.jpg&hash=cbaa71fd3bf9f42624d5aaaf17af93f4fc0b0b4d)
O0
This thread really could use a like button.
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The boy and I finally got around to setting this up. Three hours of fiddle...and this is half of it.
American beaches. I've clearly got enough stuff to do a three-boarder...not particularly close to Neptune. That's OK, I've only got so much house...
Nice! I tried to pickup a base copy of Memoir a couple of months back at a LGS, but they told me that the game was on back order from Days.
Memoir'44 is great! I have the original and some of the expansions, but need to get more.
My first post here, hi all!
I've got Fire in the Lake on my table right now as well. I bought the game on release and couldn't quite wrap my head around it so it went on the shelf for awhile in favor of lighter fare. Now I'm giving it another spin and having a blast playing as the US vs bots. Pretty slow pace at the moment as I'm learning the game as I go, especially the bot charts, but it's incredibly engaging. I could spend all day looking at the map and considering the possible moves. Not that I really know what the best moves would be just yet. I'm about a third of the way through a full campaign, by the end I think I will have a solid grasp, maybe!
Looking forward to Liberty or Death and Falling Skies. I have a feeling I will want all the COIN games before I'm done.
Welcome Ranger33!
Quote from: Ranger33 on December 18, 2015, 01:35:12 AMI have a feeling I will want all the COIN games before I'm done.
Welcome!
Did you catch us talking about the COIN series on the GrogCast this past Tuesday?
Quote from: bayonetbrant on December 18, 2015, 06:28:24 AM
Quote from: Ranger33 on December 18, 2015, 01:35:12 AMI have a feeling I will want all the COIN games before I'm done.
Welcome!
Did you catch us talking about the COIN series on the GrogCast this past Tuesday?
I did! That was probably one of my favorite episodes so far, been listening for a couple months now. You guys actually managed to stay on topic for a quite a long stretch. ;D
Quote from: Ranger33 on December 20, 2015, 12:56:13 AMYou guys actually managed to stay on topic for a quite a long stretch. ;D
LOL!
Quote from: Pinetree on December 20, 2015, 03:35:19 AM
Quote from: Ranger33 on December 20, 2015, 12:56:13 AMYou guys actually managed to stay on topic for a quite a long stretch. ;D
LOL!
we thought we'd try something new for a bit :)
I'm getting the hang of ATS now, so that's on my table. To be honest, its not my favourite squad level game, but it has some interesting aspects.
Picked up Thunderbolt/Apache Leader in a math trade. I owned it previously, got offered a great trade and shipped it off, and now it's back. Hopefully I'll get it played this week.
Heading over to a buddy's place for some gaming tonight. Bringing Voyages of Marco Polo and Revolution with me.
Space was at a premium in our car on the drive here to Arizona, but I managed to bring Last Night on Earth, Betrayal at House on the Hill, and Heroes of Normandy.
I fought the urge to bring more solitaire games...on my list was RAF and a few others, so I tried to stick with the more social multiplayer games.
Next step, try to get people to actually play these friggin' things, otherwise I'm going to be breaking out Heroes of Normandy and playing it solitaire (which the box says, it can do rather strongly).
What? No X-Wing?
I thought about it, but I didn't want to take the chance of my wife or kids accidentally dropping a fifty pound bag on top of my preciouses. The Feldherr case is pretty nice, but it's not a hard case.
Space will be at even more of a premium going home with all the stuff to take back, so I just didn't want to risk it.
@B_C: Get HoN on Steam...I'll shoot at you...
Barth will try to shoot at you too, if you like, but he can't hit a bull in the butt with a bass fiddle...
;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on December 21, 2015, 02:21:27 PM
I thought about it, but I didn't want to take the chance of my wife or kids accidentally dropping a fifty pound bag on top of my preciouses. The Feldherr case is pretty nice, but it's not a hard case.
Space will be at even more of a premium going home with all the stuff to take back, so I just didn't want to risk it.
Just throwing this out there.....
Have you ever thought of just leaving one of the kids at home and taking X-Wing? You get to enjoy X-Wing and the kid gets to have a wacky MacCaulay Culkinesque adventure!
Quote from: Cyrano on December 21, 2015, 03:43:33 PM@B_C: Get HoN on Steam...I'll shoot at you...
Are you talking "HoN...ie" or "HoN...y"
The former from Iello, the latter from LNLP
b/c the LNLP one isn't on Steam
Ahhhh, so!!!!
Indeed, I was talking the Iello game...
Next thing you know somebody will be trying to cal some OTHER game "Warfighter".
Some people's kids...
O:-)
@Cyrano: no Heroes of Normandie for me, at least not for now. I know precious little about HoNie anyway.
@SDR: Leaving a kid or both kids behind means leaving them with my mother-in-law for Christmas (as my MiL lives with us), and that's a fate I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
@BB: yeah, I got that HoNy is not on Steam. Though for a moment I asked myself, 'what the heck is HoN?' Then your 'ie vs y' comment made it all clear. ;D
I almost brought Warfighter (lulz) but the chest was too big.
Quote from: Arctic Blast on December 20, 2015, 06:15:25 PM
Voyages of Marco Polo
How is this one? I've been eyeing it now for a few months.
Quote from: Bison on December 25, 2015, 07:35:06 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on December 20, 2015, 06:15:25 PM
Voyages of Marco Polo
How is this one? I've been eyeing it now for a few months.
It's pretty solid. Similar to something like Kingsburg, where you place dice in order to take actions. It's one of those games where you want everything, but can only do so much. Want to explore around and put trading posts in more cities? You need money and camels, and movement costs 2 dice. Camels cost one. Resources cost from 1-3. As you place trading posts, you unlock more actions you can take with city cards (you get more than 30 in the box and only use 9 per game, so there's a lot of variety). However, those cards can only be used once per round, and anyone with a trade post in that city can take that action. A good chunk of the game boils down to figuring out what other people might try to do, and whether you can wait or need to beat them to the punch now.
^ Cool.
The family gave me Caverna for a Christmas gift, so I need to read the rules and punch out a bunch of tiles. It looks like it could be some good relaxing fun.
Quote from: Bison on December 25, 2015, 04:24:40 PM
^ Cool.
The family gave me Caverna for a Christmas gift, so I need to read the rules and punch out a bunch of tiles. It looks like it could be some good relaxing fun.
I'm curious about that game, but holy crap is there a ton of stuff in that box. :o
The box must weigh a good 6 or 7 lbs. Enough pieces for 7 players.
The wife gifted me with OSG's The Coming Storm, which is out of print and tough to still find, and the children collectively bought me Von Moltke's Triumph: Fall of the Second Empire 1870, the new operational scale Franco-Prussian War game from White Dog Games. No telling when I'll get to the OSG game, given my backlog of their stuff, but I may try the Franco-Prussian War game tomorrow. It looks, like other White Dog Games and games by this particular designer like a quick but interesting play.
This arrived while I was away so hope to give it a crack in the next few weeks.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic2815661_lg.jpg)
Holiday gaming wrap up:
Uno - it's uno. Fun first two or three games and then it goes downhill.
Sequence - fun card game, but only for a game or two
Apples to apples - kids enjoy the game I'm not a big fan of party games but it's ok
Qwirkle - I thought it was decent but kids didn't like it
Star Wars lcg - I really like it but my opponent doesn't like card games so it wasn't much fun.
On the table right now is New York 1776 by Worthington Games. Looks clean and simple. The rules remind me of early Columbia block games like 1812 and Napoleon. Soon to be on the table is Risk: Legacy, a Christmas gift I hope to play with my 3 kids.
Quote from: Bison on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
Star Wars lcg - I really like it but my opponent doesn't like card games so it wasn't much fun.
I was never really into card games but I won a copy of Star Wars LCG and I think it's fantastic. I ended up buying all the expansions for it. I don't bother building my own decks but prefer to play a "theme" pack. Very challenging game and the various factions offer up a lot of variation in how they play.
Quote from: avrotim on December 27, 2015, 09:31:07 PM
On the table right now is New York 1776 by Worthington Games.
My cousin's husband and I hope to get that on the table this week one day.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 27, 2015, 10:09:33 PM
Quote from: Bison on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
Star Wars lcg - I really like it but my opponent doesn't like card games so it wasn't much fun.
I was never really into card games but I won a copy of Star Wars LCG and I think it's fantastic. I ended up buying all the expansions for it. I don't bother building my own decks but prefer to play a "theme" pack. Very challenging game and the various factions offer up a lot of variation in how they play.
I own the Hoth expansions and Edge of Darkness for sure and 2 core sets. Actually although he won't admit it, my brother enjoyed the game while he thought he was winning. I pulled out a miracle victory the turn before he would have spun the death star to 12. Anyway the basis of his dislike is that card games are just luck. Luck and no strategy. I was like WTF are you talking about and then listed about 10 things that if he had done during the game would have resulted in a victory for him. No matter. Luck. Card games are just luck and you know if you can win because of the cards in your hand. Personally I found his argument lacking merit. Is there luck? Yes. You either draw the cards you need or can help put you in a position to win, but there are a ton of strategy decisions to make in a game that can really turn the tide of the battle. Anyway that's another topic all together. Luck vs. Non-Luck in games.
Yeah, I can't agree with it being down to luck at all. Sure, there is an element of luck involved in your card draws, but the game offers up so much variety of choice that you can nearly always find something to do with your cards and luck plays only a very minor roll in the game. I'd say the key elements are risk management and timing. Do you want to risk pushing all your units forward in an attack, knowing that if you do, you'll have nothing left to defend with should your opponent counter-attack on his turn? Do you risk using up the bulk of your hand trying to win an edge-battle, or do you hold back so you have something in reserve should your opponent pull out a big card on his turn? Commit a unit to the force and risk having them out for two turns or risk losing the balance of the force and watching that dial crank up? So many options. For me, the biggest hurdle was just learning the pacing of the game. I over-committed my units in the first few play-throughs and got spanked hard when I had nobody left to activate on defense. In later games, I suffered from too much caution and kept holding units back and just trying to win the force battles in hopes of launching a huge attack. It actually worked out once and I took down 3 Imperial bases in one turn, but that was the exception to the rule and it usually ended with the Death Star dial hitting 12 before I could pop that 3rd base.
I wish Star Wars had a solo play option like Lord of the Rings. I really enjoy the way LotR plays as a solo game. Unfortunately Fantasy Flight hasn't made any of the other LCGs solo play friendly.
I ordered Lord of the Rings LCG on Boxing Day based on my enjoyment of Star Wars.
Do you have Tabletop Simulator? There's a very nicely done version of Star Wars LCG on there. I'm up for a game if you've got it.
I'll get a copy when I get home if it's on sale still in a couple of days.
Have you checked on BGG for a solo variant?
There is a solo variant but it doesn't really work that well. A major component of game play is the edge-battle. It's a bluffing/gambling system and if you know what your opponent has in his/her hand, it removes all element of risk. By removing the secret hands and the gambling aspect, the rest of the game can be broken down into straight math and it becomes to easy to defeat the AI flowchart logic.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 28, 2015, 04:57:33 PMIt's a bluffing/gambling system and if you know what your opponent has in his/her hand, it removes all element of risk.
Can you randomize some w/ card draws or die rolls to replace that 'bluffing'?
I don't know the game, so I'm just spitballing here.
Not really because you have to give up cards from your hand and each card has a "force" point total 1-5 (or so). This means you have to think through the cost benefit of using a card for the edge battles, which are determined by the most force points, or saving them to play during the deployment phase. Also there are certain cards called fate cards that can only be played during the edge battle that have an effect on the current skirmish. So unfortunately there isn't really a way to simulate the edge battle with dice and a random pulling of cards would sort of mess with the planning part of the game.
Lord of the Rings is designed to play solo or co-op. You play against a Mordor deck, which is randomized with some limited placement of cards in the stack. It works really, really well. If someone is a Tolkien fan, the game is outstanding.
I suppose it would be possible reserve vital cards, remove them from the edge battle and then turn the AI player's remaining cards face down, shuffle them, and then roll a die to determine how many he'll be willing to commit to the edge-battle but as the human player, you're still going to have foreknowledge of his card's values and what, if any, edge spoilers he's got in his hand and then adjust your commitments accordingly.
Might work to randomize it a bit.
1: Finally finished the three-map Memoir '44...Germans pushed the Allies back into the sea rather decisively...Utah Beach was particularly grim, but the Panzers also achieved what Rommel did not, viz.: driving a wedge between the airborne divisions at the next of the Cotentin and Utah Beach. A steady run of "Their Finest Hour" cards did not, of course, hurt.
2: Played first couple games of Smash Up...je ne regrette rien, but it's no King of Tokyo so far...
3: Catacombs 3e. This silly, absurdly-drawn, puck-flicking dungeon crawler is what D&D should always have been. My goodness this is a fun game. First game in an age that both my wife and my son wanted to play again immediately after getting pantsed the first time by the easiest of the boss monsters.
Just found out about this little program while looking at a tutorial video for Lord of the Rings LCG. It looks like it might have better functionality that Tabletop Simulator when it comes to card games.
http://octgngames.com/ (http://octgngames.com/)
Yeah I saw that too. There is a Star Wars lcg simulation too. I've never dealt with octgn before so I'll have to look into it as well. Vassal has a net runner module but no Star Wars lcg. Basel does have the. Wing game but you need the physical pilot cards to play the game.
I found Star Wars Risk at GameStop for $24, the cheapest I've seen it anywhere (the friggin' Disney store wants $35 for it), so I grabbed it. I'll post pics of it when I have a chance.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on December 27, 2015, 10:09:33 PM
Quote from: Bison on December 27, 2015, 02:22:29 PM
Star Wars lcg - I really like it but my opponent doesn't like card games so it wasn't much fun.
I was never really into card games but I won a copy of Star Wars LCG and I think it's fantastic. I ended up buying all the expansions for it. I don't bother building my own decks but prefer to play a "theme" pack. Very challenging game and the various factions offer up a lot of variation in how they play.
There are some fun card games out there nowadays.
Before some of these more recent ones, I had only really got into MtG but that was only for a number of years way back in the 90s. Now there are even good co-op ones you can play solitaire & are heavily themed to boot. They're great for quick setup & play. You also don't have to constantly refer to a rulebook or move a horde of small pieces around since most of the special rules are printed on the individual cards themselves.
In the last few years I picked up & played these good card games:
Sentinels Of The Multiverse
Thunderstone
Shadowrun Crossfire
Marvel Legendary / Legendary Encounters, Alien + Predator
Lord Of The Rings LCG
Mistfall
..and those are just the ones with solitaire rules. Also have Doomtown, Yashima, Netrunner, and both versions of Mage Wars for more advanced head-to-head stuff. A smattering of other more casual family friendlier ones like Smash Up, Boss Monster, Epic Spell Wars Of the Battle Wizards, etc. I think there are a couple more, even. :o
Prior to four or five years ago, I'd never have expected to own this many card games. Much less be able to choose from so many to pull out & play on a whim.
Thunderstone and marvel legendary are on my list to purchase.
I downloaded that octngames program. It's a real hassle to set up and get running. It doesn't give you an option for an install directory which is a minus for me as my C drive is a small SSD and I want to keep space on it free as much as possible.
Anyway, you install the program and then have to go through a bunch of submenus to subscribe to the game library. Once that's done you go through a few more menus to select the games you want from their library. Then you have to go to various websites to download the artwork for the cards in the game. It'd be nice if they just downloaded them all but you have to select each DLC expansion individually and then download that art. Once that's done you have to look through the individual cards to find which ones have been censored (their way of avoiding copyright infringement, I guess) and then scan in the art from your own card.
I don't think it's worth it. The interface is nice enough but it's not a huge leap above VASSAL or TTS.
Well that sounds like a pain in the ass.
Quote from: Bison on December 29, 2015, 08:50:39 PM
Well that sounds like a pain in the ass.
That was my impression when I started reading about the setup. Never messed with it.
A couple of games of 7 Wonders Duel last night. Fun game; feels right for a 7 Wonder game. Definitely playing some more this week.
Over the holiday one of my nieces was extolling the virtues of Cards Against Humanity during the big snow storm this week.
Not one to miss an opportunity to get gaming on the family docket I offer to go to Target to get something similarly enjoyable. Daughter #2 tags along.
There are three (what should I call them? "non-conventional games"?): Catan, Ticket to Ride: Europe, and Pandemic. After a brief discussion Daughter #2 picks Pandemic.
I nearly pass out with joy.
We play Pandemic (just the two of us). She likes it. I check my pulse to see if I'm still alive.
She agrees to play it again.
So, gentlemen, I need to know. In this universe in Star Trek TOS, does Spock have a beard most of the time?
I didn't know Spock was gay.
Wrong Star Trek franchise...
Quote from: Bison on December 30, 2015, 03:00:30 PM
I didn't know Spock was gay.
plus, best mashup ever
https://youtu.be/3uxTpyCdriY?list=FLA5Yn4KY58JQkMAHVIGqjTA
Quote from: Rekim on December 31, 2015, 12:32:18 AM
Quote from: Bison on December 30, 2015, 03:00:30 PM
I didn't know Spock was gay.
plus, best mashup ever
https://youtu.be/3uxTpyCdriY?list=FLA5Yn4KY58JQkMAHVIGqjTA
smh
OK, that was totally uncalled for. >:(
And funny.
My daughter and I played Star Wars: Risk no less than four times yesterday. I played the Rebellion three times and won each time, then switched with her for the last game and played the Empire and lost.
The game very much leans towards the Rebellion, though one of my three wins came at the absolute last moment with only two Y-Wings left...one of them got a lucky shot off at the Death Star when my daughter's TIE fighters left a hole in their defenses. Very much a Star Wars-esque win; the other two were more crushing.
http://www.amazon.com/Risk-Star-Wars-Edition-Game/dp/B00SDJG59K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451581938&sr=8-1&keywords=risk+star+wars+game
It's a pretty good, quick game. I found it for $24.95 at a GameStop...the above link sells it for cheaper (sans shipping of course).
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FIMhRCzK.jpg&hash=b8f81975d0c8e50766231f5b652228d516590379)
Black Edition :).
Some of the parts are nicer, but the box is really the best part...extruded foam holding case for the board and bits.
Agree, re: favoring the Rebellion, although the Empire gets a shed load of Ties that it has to use aggressively. Also, if the Empire gets lucky on the convoy freighters with the Death Star early on, the Rebellion will have a bad time of it.
I want more info on Star Wars Rebellion from FFG. Release is supposed to be Februrary iirc but I wanna see some gameplay vids. Looks bitchin. ;)
Yeah Rebellion looks like it'll be awesome.
Nice edition, Cyrano. I'm happy with the bits that came in my more pedestrian version but damn those pieces look nice!
I was actually kind of surprised at the details on the TIE fighters. I thought they'd be featureless but there's lots of detail in them...the cockpit windows, the laser mountings, and the TIE panels even have ridges and texture to them.
My daughter, when playing the Empire, liked to have the Super Star Destroyer shed tons of TIE fighters and move them as a big mass. It was a pretty difficult tactic to deal with, especially when the Death Star destroys all of the Rebel fleet and then can start shooting at Rebel fighter groups on the board, making concentration suicidal.
I am deeply envious. I got the regular version before I even knew about the Black Box edition. I can't afford to buy what is essentially the same game twice.
On the table for me is New York 1776 by Worthington Games. Right now I am just pushing the blocks around solo to get a feel for the game.
Just came in this afternoon...
Time for Stinky Paladin and Sadistic Sorcerer in some solitaire action soon!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2Fal21wj.jpg&hash=3e6f4f38705167b61979029a209700798918f1c8)
Quote from: Nefaro on December 31, 2015, 02:06:23 PM
I want more info on Star Wars Rebellion from FFG. Release is supposed to be Februrary iirc but I wanna see some gameplay vids. Looks bitchin. ;)
If they've somehow figured out a way to make it work as a 2-4 player game, I'm in. If it's a 2 player game playing pretend as more than that, it'll never get played, so I'm out.
Besides, I just scored a trade for Forbidden Stars. :D
Quote from: Arctic Blast on January 04, 2016, 11:49:19 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on December 31, 2015, 02:06:23 PM
I want more info on Star Wars Rebellion from FFG. Release is supposed to be Februrary iirc but I wanna see some gameplay vids. Looks bitchin. ;)
If they've somehow figured out a way to make it work as a 2-4 player game, I'm in. If it's a 2 player game playing pretend as more than that, it'll never get played, so I'm out.
Besides, I just scored a trade for Forbidden Stars. :D
Reviews say that Forbidden Stars is pretty much just a 2-player game due to the lengthy battles forcing any extra players to go take a nap for 10 minutes at a time.
Quote from: Nefaro on January 05, 2016, 07:12:46 AM
Reviews say that Forbidden Stars is pretty much just a 2-player game due to the lengthy battles forcing any extra players to go take a nap for 10 minutes at a time.
I've played it twice and didn't find myself bored. There's a mechanic where you play your intended action on a planet. A player going after you can play his intended action on yours, and another on his. The result is a stack that gets built. If you plan appropriately going last (or near last) can be an advantage - or not if you plan poorly/wrongly.
I think that mechanic keeps you in the game even when you're not doing anything because you're waiting to see what everyone else is doing.
Also, the victory objectives are generally scattered all over the map. In a four player game I've found myself caught in a mix between horror and glee as two opponents locked horns in a sector of the map where I really wanted to go. It was great to see them blasting each other, but less than great seeing them occupy a planet I need to win the game.
Perhaps the greatest thing is the chaos walls which block movement. It's amazing how one turn they can help you complete your objective and the next totally spoil it. It's a great mechanic.
So, yes, there are down times between your turn, but generally I've not felt bored. In any event it's no more boring than waiting for your turn in many other boardgames.
I am in the process of trying to determine what
will be on my table in the near future. Now that the Steam sale is over I still have some extra funds to spend on just one more game. I've decided I want a good old fashioned board wargame. I also want something contemporary in build quality so nothing like a 1970's classic printed on electric orange or tan backgrounds. ;)
After much thought I've narrowed down my choices to the following:
- Wing Leader (side scrolling airplane game)
- RAF: Battle of Britain (Lion/Eagle/2 Player)
- U.S. Civil War by GMT (Mark Simonavitch)
All of these seem great but I can't make up my mind!
Quote from: LongBlade on January 05, 2016, 11:13:12 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 05, 2016, 07:12:46 AM
Reviews say that Forbidden Stars is pretty much just a 2-player game due to the lengthy battles forcing any extra players to go take a nap for 10 minutes at a time.
I've played it twice and didn't find myself bored. There's a mechanic where you play your intended action on a planet. A player going after you can play his intended action on yours, and another on his. The result is a stack that gets built. If you plan appropriately going last (or near last) can be an advantage - or not if you plan poorly/wrongly.
I think that mechanic keeps you in the game even when you're not doing anything because you're waiting to see what everyone else is doing.
Also, the victory objectives are generally scattered all over the map. In a four player game I've found myself caught in a mix between horror and glee as two opponents locked horns in a sector of the map where I really wanted to go. It was great to see them blasting each other, but less than great seeing them occupy a planet I need to win the game.
Perhaps the greatest thing is the chaos walls which block movement. It's amazing how one turn they can help you complete your objective and the next totally spoil it. It's a great mechanic.
So, yes, there are down times between your turn, but generally I've not felt bored. In any event it's no more boring than waiting for your turn in many other boardgames.
If it can be played by 3+ players without much downtime for the third wheels during a battle turn between two other players then it will move back up my wishlist.
I'd just seen it recommended as primarily a 2-player game due to some of the extra downtime for the others during 1v1 dust-ups. The multi-round card & dice battle sequences don't take too long then? I tend to worry about long downtimes when one or more players are hands-off for stretches.
I own Wing Leader. You'll like it.
I am loving Star Wars Armada.
David
Quote from: W8taminute on January 05, 2016, 02:44:27 PM
I am in the process of trying to determine what will be on my table in the near future. Now that the Steam sale is over I still have some extra funds to spend on just one more game. I've decided I want a good old fashioned board wargame. I also want something contemporary in build quality so nothing like a 1970's classic printed on electric orange or tan backgrounds. ;)
After much thought I've narrowed down my choices to the following:
- Wing Leader (side scrolling airplane game)
- RAF: Battle of Britain (Lion/Eagle/2 Player)
- U.S. Civil War by GMT (Mark Simonavitch)
All of these seem great but I can't make up my mind!
I own RAF and Wing Leader and they are both great games.
RAF because it's designed as a solo and plays differently from either side.
Wing Leader because it's a really fresh take on aerial combat and plays as well solo as against a human. The games SDR and I are playing are great fun.
Quote from: LongBlade on January 05, 2016, 08:35:50 PM
I own Wing Leader. You'll like it.
Quote from: Barthheart on January 05, 2016, 09:39:54 PM
I own RAF and Wing Leader and they are both great games.
RAF because it's designed as a solo and plays differently from either side.
Wing Leader because it's a really fresh take on aerial combat and plays as well solo as against a human. The games SDR and I are playing are great fun.
Thanks guys for the feedback. I'm thinking if I can only get one right now that it will be Wing Leader simply because it is unique in its design. But I am really interested in those other two games as well. Maybe I can get those later. For now I'm convinced that Wing Leader needs to be on my table. O0
O0
Quote from: Barthheart on January 05, 2016, 09:39:54 PM
Wing Leader because it's a really fresh take on aerial combat and plays as well solo as against a human. The games SDR and I are playing are great fun.
Fun?! Tell that to my poor, poor Blenhiems.....you monster!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pilotfriend.com%2Fphoto_albums%2Fimages12%2F53.jpg&hash=44d2b4ccb3ca2ef8ea185b7c7e5610458855502c)
It's a fun game and I'm looking forward to the next in the series ('42-'45). It was originally scheduled to be out sometime next summer but the designer had some health issues and he's not sure if it'll be out this year.
Quote from: Nefaro on January 05, 2016, 07:12:46 AM
Quote from: Arctic Blast on January 04, 2016, 11:49:19 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on December 31, 2015, 02:06:23 PM
I want more info on Star Wars Rebellion from FFG. Release is supposed to be Februrary iirc but I wanna see some gameplay vids. Looks bitchin. ;)
If they've somehow figured out a way to make it work as a 2-4 player game, I'm in. If it's a 2 player game playing pretend as more than that, it'll never get played, so I'm out.
Besides, I just scored a trade for Forbidden Stars. :D
Reviews say that Forbidden Stars is pretty much just a 2-player game due to the lengthy battles forcing any extra players to go take a nap for 10 minutes at a time.
Eh, we don't tend to stress too much about downtime.
Seconding RAF. I did a review here on GH a few years back on the game. I was an avid fan and player of the original RAF game, too.
Got my copy of Wind Leader the other day. Have only been reading the rulebook so far but I like what I see a lot. Can't wait to try out the first scenario and comment on actual gameplay.
Quote from: W8taminute on January 13, 2016, 08:50:53 AM
Got my copy of Wind Leader the other day. Have only been reading the rulebook so far but I like what I see a lot. Can't wait to try out the first scenario and comment on actual gameplay.
*kung fu voice*
Flow like the wind through the reeds, Grasshoppa.
Been playing Breaking the Chains: War in the South China Sea with a buddy. We're building toward playing a campaign game next month.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/137498/breaking-chains-war-south-china-sea
your copy or his? and can you steal me an extra?!
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 13, 2016, 12:16:49 PM
your copy or his? and can you steal me an extra?!
His copy. Played two games in the past week. Planning on getting in a couple more plays before the campaign game on 2/20.
Quote from: mirth on January 13, 2016, 10:07:59 AM
Been playing Breaking the Chains: War in the South China Sea with a buddy. We're building toward playing a campaign game next month.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/137498/breaking-chains-war-south-china-sea
And it's got its own theme song!
^Ha! I'm totally going to have that on the next time we play O0
Well that and a red leather pants & vest ensemble, I trust.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 13, 2016, 03:03:20 PM
Well that and a red leather pants & vest ensemble, I trust.
he left that at Star's house
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 13, 2016, 03:03:53 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 13, 2016, 03:03:20 PM
Well that and a red leather pants & vest ensemble, I trust.
he left that at Star's house
don't ask "where at Star's house" either. you want plausible deniability if the judge calls
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 13, 2016, 03:04:21 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 13, 2016, 03:03:53 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 13, 2016, 03:03:20 PM
Well that and a red leather pants & vest ensemble, I trust.
he left that at Star's house
don't ask "where at Star's house" either. you want plausible deniability if the judge calls
That's what my attorney keeps telling me.
Doompocalypse! Solitaire.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi65.tinypic.com%2Fs1q78i.jpg&hash=a4bcc5d0c74f32ffc54ae97a5d610b228ead2b56)
Early in first battle. Ended up skin of my teeth, with my Paranoid Rogue character dead and the Unstable Witch pulling out the win with 2 hp. O0 Fully expect to get murderized in either the 2nd or 3rd battle.
The paper on the cardboard bits kept dropping tiny flakes in this first play. Seeing it on my game mat makes my OCD nuts. :crazy2:
Hopefully it's all shed after my first game.
Quote from: Nefaro on January 14, 2016, 07:18:45 PM
...
The paper on the cardboard bits kept dropping tiny flakes in this first play. Seeing it on my game mat makes my OCD nuts. :crazy2:
Hopefully it's all shed after my first game.
We call those "canhardlys".... "can hardly" see them....
Maybe he should take some nail clippers to his counters, Barth! >:D
:knuppel2:
I want to play some Wings of Glory and The Last Spike this weekend. Among other things. :-\
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 15, 2016, 10:02:16 AM
Maybe he should take some nail clippers to his counters, Barth! >:D
Tiny emery boards to carefully round each corner...
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 15, 2016, 10:15:35 AM
I want to play some Wings of Glory and The Last Spike this weekend. Among other things. :-\
You bought Wings of Glory stuff?
Ah, shite. I meant Wings for the Baron. Y'all have me all mixed up. :-[
Quote from: Barthheart on January 14, 2016, 08:43:39 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 14, 2016, 07:18:45 PM
...
The paper on the cardboard bits kept dropping tiny flakes in this first play. Seeing it on my game mat makes my OCD nuts. :crazy2:
Hopefully it's all shed after my first game.
We call those "canhardlys".... "can hardly" see them....
These were different. They were a bit larger than just the normal die-cut slivers from cardboard counters.
They were brighter white. Shorter & fatter too.
Must be purged!
Quote from: panzerde on January 15, 2016, 10:27:45 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 15, 2016, 10:02:16 AM
Maybe he should take some nail clippers to his counters, Barth! >:D
Tiny emery boards to carefully round each corner...
Doesn't someone even use a hobby knife?
Indiscriminately hacking 'em up like a terrorist on a plane with a box cutter. ::)
At least my toe nail clippers are a bit more measured & consistent counter torture!
Dang right. If they are good enough for my toes, they are good enough for my counters!
On my table right now is this odd duck- Strageto Waterloo. Its a strange hoge-poge of ideas and I'm not at all sure it works as a game. It's most certainly not a simulation, and I wouldnt call it a wargame either. Right now I still sifting through the (horribly written) rules, but hope to give it a shot this weekend.
Quote from: Nefaro on January 15, 2016, 11:51:15 AM
Quote from: panzerde on January 15, 2016, 10:27:45 AM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on January 15, 2016, 10:02:16 AM
Maybe he should take some nail clippers to his counters, Barth! >:D
Tiny emery boards to carefully round each corner...
Doesn't someone even use a hobby knife?
Indiscriminately hacking 'em up like a terrorist on a plane with a box cutter. ::)
At least my toe nail clippers are a bit more measured & consistent counter torture!
Nahh, I use this (http://www.oregonlam.com/C-006-2MM_2mm_Corner_Cutter_Punch_Rounder.html)these days. Works great!
I try and trim counters with an edged weapon that is period appropriate. If it's Ancients, I'll use a falcata. Japanese, one of my katanas. Renaissance gets the longsword, English Civil War the mortuary sword. For WW2 I use a pair of bayonets, either Allied or German...unless it's PTO and then a katana again, of course...
Ah, who am I kidding? I punch 'em out with my thumbs and then gnaw the corners off with my teeth.
...at least you don't use someone else's teeth............
Quote from: bob48 on January 15, 2016, 06:30:22 PM
...at least you don't use someone else's teeth............
Some of us still have our original teeth.
Gonna be a bit more difficult pulling those out than your wooden dentures, Old Timer. :P
I take a lot of pleasure knowing that someday soon this discussion is going to show up in the results of someone's Google search for counter clipping.
Quote from: Nefaro on January 15, 2016, 08:49:09 PM
Quote from: bob48 on January 15, 2016, 06:30:22 PM
...at least you don't use someone else's teeth............
Some of us still have our original teeth.
Gonna be a bit more difficult pulling those out than your wooden dentures, Old Timer. :P
make yourself comfy in this nice chair while I find my trusty pliers....or is that rusty pliers.
I'm alternating between Lord of the Rings Card Game and Conflict of Heroes ATB + Solo Edition. They are both addicting and fantastic solo.
Quote from: panzerde on January 15, 2016, 09:06:17 PM
I take a lot of pleasure knowing that someday soon this discussion is going to show up in the results of someone's Google search for counter clipping.
Probably Bart. We suspect he's a actually a closet counter-clipper.
Quote from: panzerde on January 15, 2016, 06:08:31 PM
Ah, who am I kidding? I punch 'em out with my thumbs and then gnaw the corners off with my teeth.
I tried that once but it didn't go so well. My overactive salivary glands tend to drench the counters to the point of warpage. :(
One of these games is worth $8...the other is worth $150...or more...
I like them both, but would not pay anything close to the latter sum for either. Or both, for that matter.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FR2GfbIG.jpg&hash=1da57e95765bd4643c22d0ba4abbb92f906f5ff8)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FK0xZ0G7.jpg&hash=05b2fc0740ba246543e44d4bd9ecc7084ebaf7f5)
All this SW boardgaming reminds me, though, that the time has come to revisit the Queen's Gambit.
Conversions
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FocKvvJ4h.jpg&hash=77964e2036ccd8571421ef58d2f1aed23da1064c) (http://imgur.com/ocKvvJ4)
^^^^^^
+1
Came home sick at lunch today and found this sitting on my doorstep. :D
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2Fpic01_zpsxa5q1qig.jpg&hash=89f40ca2300757b80bb194ee6db96b2ad9ad816c)
Quote from: Barthheart on January 26, 2016, 01:42:49 PM
Came home sick at lunch today and found this sitting on my doorstep. :D
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2Fpic01_zpsxa5q1qig.jpg&hash=89f40ca2300757b80bb194ee6db96b2ad9ad816c)
Let us know what you think of it.
You may also need a few extra days to recover...
Cough... cough.... I think you maybe be right.... :coolsmiley:
Someone has been a very bad boy....... O0
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthesolovariant.com%2Fimages%2F216&hash=de9fac4add5b1455eb2c4aa6299ce11c1bc60b91)
PE
Nice haul, PE!
That ought to keep you busy for a couple of days!
Dang.
I was charged for Silent Victory 3 weeks ago. Probably won't show up for another 3. Speedy GMT shipping. :crazy2:
I tried out Blood Rage at the FLGS last night. It was fun enough but not really my cup of tea. It reminded me of Cyclades but with a Viking mythos theme instead of a Greek one. It seems to be very popular with the local crowd but it's not something I'd buy.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 29, 2016, 11:35:09 PM
I tried out Blood Rage at the FLGS last night. It was fun enough but not really my cup of tea. It reminded me of Cyclades but with a Viking mythos theme instead of a Greek one. It seems to be very popular with the local crowd but it's not something I'd buy.
I've got some friends who play Blood Rage. I played it a couple of times but grew tired of it.
PE, Posthuman is a hoot. You'll like that. The more the merrier.
Played Champions of Midgard and really liked it. Worker placement + combat + vikings = win
Played Kings of War last night and really enjoyed it.
After selling off a lot of stuff collecting dust on my shelf I have turned by attention to restocking my space :idiot2: I would like to start mixing in more operational Wargames and maybe get a little deeper into that area from where I have been. Here are a couple of things I picked up.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic199210_t.jpg)
LIGHT DIVISION
Light Division published by 3W in 1989. This is an operational game set in the Middle-East Gulf area where the Iranians close the Strait of Hormuz and the US response with a rapid deployment of forces. There are 5 scenarios involving US Incursion, and even Soviet Intervention. I thought with the time period and setting of the scenarios, this looked interesting to me even though it was received with mixed results, however after reading the following AAR, I believe it could be a very good find.
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1476177/scenario-2-us-invades
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic125793_t.jpg)
LONDON'S BUNRING
London's Burning is an Avalon Hill game from 1995. A different take on the BoB with a more direct approach with limited scale to fighting the Hun. Solitaire only and pretty well received.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic80868_t.jpg)
TRAJAN
Not the Trajan your thinking of... this one is from Decision Games and was published in 1991 and was a magazine game. This one deals with the campaigns of Emperor Marcus Trajan from 114 to 117 AD. I know Marco was impressed and so was I after watching the review with the design and it is very solo friendly.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic765321_t.jpg)
TARGET EARTH
Published by Gen-X Games in 2010, it was an unheard of title for me until I ran across a LP. Basically the game is an X-Com style game where an Alien Invasion has taken place and countries are aligned with the Aligns or the Resistance. After seeing it played I was very intrigued by the mechanics, but overall it looked like a fun game.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic547590_t.jpg)
FIELD COMMANDER ALEXANDER
Truth be told I just picked this one up in a simple trade because I own all the other games in the series and wanted to complete the collection. I know Derek thinks highly of it and it has been on my list for a while.
PE
Light Division looks like fun. Where did you pick it up from?
Quote from: mirth on February 10, 2016, 01:13:20 PM
Light Division looks like fun. Where did you pick it up from?
Come to Origins; I'll bring my copy :)
Quote from: mirth on February 10, 2016, 01:13:20 PM
Light Division looks like fun. Where did you pick it up from?
I bought it back in the 90s.
Never got it to the table. Seemed a bit... odd... at the time. Maybe it was how the manual was written, or production style? *shrug*
Quote from: mirth on February 10, 2016, 01:13:20 PM
Light Division looks like fun. Where did you pick it up from?
Picked it up on the BGG Market.
PE
I tried out Julius Caesar by Columbia Games at the FLGS's games night last night. It's covers the Roman civil war between Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompey. It's a very light game and can be finished in an hour and a half to two hours. It was quite fun. I played as Pompey and ended up losing by 1 point as I just couldn't finish off Julius Ceasar in the final battle. I had managed to knock of Marcus Antonius but lost Scipio in the process (and all my elephants).
Up Front with the little lady in accompanying pink robe. She asked me if I was up for a game. :idiot2: O0 :smitten:
If you've never played Up Front, but heard about its mystique, its legend, its warmth...do yourself a favor and get the offering by WargameVault.com and then get your loved one(s) to join you for a little game, will ya? ;)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garykrockover.com%2Fuploads%2FUp_Front_2-11-16.jpg&hash=117b224de4428e497c2aefb092927148fd4afa61)
Great stuff GJK. I played some King of Tokyo early this evening. Very similar game...well they both at least use cards.
I really need to get one of those card deck holding dohickeys.
I really need to get a woman who will play Up Front with me.
Quote from: Rekim on February 12, 2016, 10:28:43 PM
I really need to get one of those card deck holding dohickeys.
Quote from: mirth on February 12, 2016, 10:30:56 PM
I really need to get a woman who will play Up Front with me.
Aren't they one and the same? ;D
^^^^
hahahahahahaaha
Quote from: Pinetree on February 13, 2016, 12:42:32 AM
Quote from: Rekim on February 12, 2016, 10:28:43 PM
I really need to get one of those card deck holding dohickeys.
Quote from: mirth on February 12, 2016, 10:30:56 PM
I really need to get a woman who will play Up Front with me.
Aren't they one and the same? ;D
Well played, sir.
Pulled out, punched, and trimmed the hairy bushes (corners) off the Silent Victory counters.
Gonna use some of my new DoubleSix dice to replace the mediocre ones that come with the game. I tossed the ones I owned into a dice tray, including the Triple d4s for completeness.
Will post a pic of the game itself when it's been running a bit. Started skippering USS Tautog. ^-^
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F2uypsf9.jpg&hash=b725565c8c71954af8f34ed5b5b95c1ecf6bbb29)
What's just arrived and on my table right now? ^-^
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2Fct.jpg&hash=5fe3b2c3bfa9cca20f2286aa32e35d923b23659d)
^Angry Gravitational Waves detected somewhere North-ish of the Great Lakes...
Is that Starfire you're cleaning up there?
No, that's a really old Orion cruiser from Star Fleet battles.
That's a sweet corner clipper.
I've played a few games of Warhammer Quest Adventure Card Game this weekend, and have repeatedly gotten my ass handed to me on the first quest. Going to try to play 3 characters next and see if that helps. To make matters worse, I realized I was playing one rule a little wrong, giving myself an advantage. And I thought Space Hulk Death Angel was hard.
Quote from: bbmike on February 13, 2016, 01:10:27 PM
What's just arrived and on my table right now? ^-^
Is that the 2mm or 2.5mm version?
After using toenail clippers once again, today, I've almost convinced myself to finally get one. Not only for the even trim, but to help save my eyes from squinting intently at each corner clip. Too much free-range playing with counter corners will make you go blind. :buck2:
It's the 2.5mm version.
Quote from: bbmike on February 13, 2016, 01:34:02 PM
No, that's a really old Orion cruiser from Star Fleet battles.
It looked old school.
Cool!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FEJHKnEh.jpg&hash=1eeb89836b488311d6307c15fc34d85b6537b8ff)
Just a spectacular game.
Wife, son, and I got greased four times and finally beat the first movie on the very last turn of the very last card of the fifth game. THe three of us are still, a day later, going over the win and looking forward to taking on Aliens.
Top stuff.
Blocks in the East
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-39s1O3tzZ4w/Vr_8UIkzwBI/AAAAAAAABuc/AX-O4KU1vro/s800-Ic42/S5000181.JPG)
I'm starting one last round with the basic rules before digging into the standard then advanced rules. The standard rules introduce headquarters units which activate subordinate units a la East Front, and a beefed up production system. The advanced rules are as extensive as the basic+standard combined...maybe more so. I own the limited edition of BITE, which included a pile of extra gear...plus the chrome upgrade package, Limited editions Blocks in the West, and Blocks in Africa, plus several home made player aides. Everything but the gortex maps and kitchen sink basically. It's going to be a beast when I finally get it all set up, which will require some extensions to my gaming table. Am thinking this will remain a solo only effort as it's just too big and too fiddly with the standard map for play by multiple humans...especially ones not afflicted with OCD. Many will disagree, but I think that block games are well suited for solitaire play. I usually wait a day between playing each side and find that I can't remember the disposition of the opposing side any better than when I've played block games with an opponent. Anyway, I'm all setup for another push on Moscow come Monday when my weekend begins.
Quote from: Cyrano on February 13, 2016, 11:27:23 PM
Just a spectacular game.
Wife, son, and I got greased four times and finally beat the first movie on the very last turn of the very last card of the fifth game. THe three of us are still, a day later, going over the win and looking forward to taking on Aliens.
Top stuff.
Excellent & surprisingly thematic game.
I still haven't played the
Predator one, but it's near the top of the stack.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 14, 2016, 12:57:39 AM
Quote from: Cyrano on February 13, 2016, 11:27:23 PM
Just a spectacular game.
Wife, son, and I got greased four times and finally beat the first movie on the very last turn of the very last card of the fifth game. THe three of us are still, a day later, going over the win and looking forward to taking on Aliens.
Top stuff.
Excellent & surprisingly thematic game.
I still haven't played the Predator one, but it's near the top of the stack.
It is brutally hard, but a good game.
Quote from: Rekim on February 13, 2016, 11:43:08 PM
Blocks in the East
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-39s1O3tzZ4w/Vr_8UIkzwBI/AAAAAAAABuc/AX-O4KU1vro/s800-Ic42/S5000181.JPG)
I'm starting one last round with the basic rules before digging into the standard then advanced rules. The standard rules introduce headquarters units which activate subordinate units a la East Front, and a beefed up production system. The advanced rules are as extensive as the basic+standard combined...maybe more so. I own the limited edition of BITE, which included a pile of extra gear...plus the chrome upgrade package, Limited editions Blocks in the West, and Blocks in Africa, plus several home made player aides. Everything but the gortex maps and kitchen sink basically. It's going to be a beast when I finally get it all set up, which will require some extensions to my gaming table. Am thinking this will remain a solo only effort as it's just too big and too fiddly with the standard map for play by multiple humans...especially ones not afflicted with OCD. Many will disagree, but I think that block games are well suited for solitaire play. I usually wait a day between playing each side and find that I can't remember the disposition of the opposing side any better than when I've played block games with an opponent. Anyway, I'm all setup for another push on Moscow come Monday when my weekend begins.
Love the looks of the game. One of the purrtiest around.
Quote from: LongBlade on February 14, 2016, 12:09:26 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 14, 2016, 12:57:39 AM
Quote from: Cyrano on February 13, 2016, 11:27:23 PM
Just a spectacular game.
Wife, son, and I got greased four times and finally beat the first movie on the very last turn of the very last card of the fifth game. THe three of us are still, a day later, going over the win and looking forward to taking on Aliens.
Top stuff.
Excellent & surprisingly thematic game.
I still haven't played the Predator one, but it's near the top of the stack.
It is brutally hard, but a good game.
I played it once and it will always stick with me because it was an EPIC game. We all lost. My guy was the first to succumb to the facehuggers and I had a xeno bust out of my character's chest. One turn later the ship blew up.
Played my first career as a fleet boat commander in the solitaire game Silent Victory.
First patrol went extremely well, with over 26k tons sunk & a Silver Star, despite all the dud torpedoes. Thanks in part to finding a 16,600 ton troop/passenger ship right before heading home and sending the rest of my torpedoes at her.
Second patrol... hit a mine right when I reached my patrol zone around Japan. Dead. :buck2: I knew it wouldn't last, but damn if Lady Luck isn't a fickle broad.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.tinypic.com%2F8ygcjo.jpg&hash=00cb5ac515572357016876e57dc06db8fb267dea)
Well, this was on my table for almost a complete turn before one of the cats intervened on behalf of the Rebels :(
I was able to get a copy of the Vassal version so I'll start again. I will build/get a gaming table this year.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aarcentral.com%2Fpics%2Fdont.jpg&hash=9a2615bb15992cbee15ac751615ff1a71ddd8254)
What game is that bbmike?
White Dog's Don't Tread on Me. I'm using an alternate map that Chris Dorrell posted at BGG (https://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/114523/dtom-revised-board-4-sections-pdf-chris-dorrell). I printed it on photo paper sheets (4 total) and put it on card stock. I taped it so I could fold it up and place it in the box. It's much more 'atmosphere' than the original map.
Quote from: Nefaro on February 14, 2016, 12:57:39 AM
Quote from: Cyrano on February 13, 2016, 11:27:23 PM
Just a spectacular game.
Wife, son, and I got greased four times and finally beat the first movie on the very last turn of the very last card of the fifth game. THe three of us are still, a day later, going over the win and looking forward to taking on Aliens.
Top stuff.
Excellent & surprisingly thematic game.
I still haven't played the Predator one, but it's near the top of the stack.
It's excellent as well. You can play co-op against the Predators, much like vs. the Aliens in the earlier game. Or, you can play competitive AS Predators against the characters from the movies. Fun either way.
Si vis pacem para bellum
The year is April 114 AD and Trajan looks east to conquer the Parthians. At first glance you see the might of the Roman Military, however looks can be deceiving. In this game attrition is a nightmare and the recruitment and replenishment of troops along with supply is enough to make an Emperor go mad.
Politics play a role on both sides and the Romans have but until the winter months to reach their goal.... strike deep into the Parthian regions and capture key cities, specifically the regional capitals of Ctesiphon, Europas-Rhagae, Hecatompylus, and Ecabatana. A pivotal region is that of the Armenian cities.... both sides want to retain control. Really an exploratory session of the 1st Scenario. Attirtion is a real threat to your military, and it is not easy getting replacements or raising new units.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthesolovariant.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0249&hash=0454aec95cd213f1aef063fec454ed71e276b7a1)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthesolovariant.com%2Fimages%2FIMG_0250&hash=c435d70ddd33443ddd07cdc7c668f5dd99b01ad9)
PE
I like how the map is distorted like it was drawn in the era of the conflict. O0
Quote from: Barthheart on February 14, 2016, 09:53:28 PM
I like how the map is distorted like it was drawn in the era of the conflict. O0
+1
Took me a moment to catch my bearings.
Why is recruitment so difficult? What's the mechanic?
Quote from: LongBlade on February 14, 2016, 09:57:40 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 14, 2016, 09:53:28 PM
I like how the map is distorted like it was drawn in the era of the conflict. O0
+1
Took me a moment to catch my bearings.
Why is recruitment so difficult? What's the mechanic?
To recruit you must have a leader in one of the Roman held cities and their are class restrictions. So a V class (Veteran) may only be recruited in Roman provincial capitals. However, once the unit has been assembled, it must make the trip and suffer normal attrition, thus your unit could be decimated before it reaches your army. The supply aspect of logistics can be very harsh... which I like. You can call in reinforcement units (from the Empire) however there is a mechanism that could result in a revolt back in Rome.
PE
Cool. Thanks.
I see you're playing the 1991 game, not the 2011 game, which appears completely different.
The 2011 Trajan isn't a war game.
Just received my copy of C3i #29... finally available in Canada. :knuppel2:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2FIMG_1292_zpsfdxy5cuj.jpg&hash=b55a631336a0c2781cadb9bd219db298bcdd1a8b)
Mainly bought it for the extra Wing Leader counters and scenarios but it comes with a full game: Plan Orange, based on the rules for Empire of the Sun.
Nice sized map.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2FIMG_1289_zpsjjwuxsr0.jpg&hash=1753ab1fa36aaea0d3e3444bc226a6a72805422d)
Die cut counters... not rounded.... ;)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2FIMG_1290_zpszltvpphe.jpg&hash=cd4e818969566ddb54d70fa1425d153e162b7ecd)
And even cards.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2FIMG_1291_zpskcoajzvw.jpg&hash=322620e1c9b10c919d39082626336eeae8127fea)
Looking forward to learning this as I'm interested in EotS. I hear it has solo or Bot rules. O0
^ I grabbed that to, primarily because I've always been interested in the Plan Orange scenario. I've yet to punch it and get it on the table though. Like you, I'm interested in the EotS system.
Quote from: panzerde on February 24, 2016, 09:51:30 PM
^ I grabbed that to, primarily because I've always been interested in the Plan Orange scenario. I've yet to punch it and get it on the table though. Like you, I'm interested in the EotS system.
One of us
(read:you) needs to buy EotS so we can play it at Origins.... you know... in all our down time....
Quote from: Barthheart on February 24, 2016, 09:53:20 PM
One of us (read:you) needs to buy EotS so we can play it at Origins.... you know... in all our down time....
Right, I'll bring it along with the rest of the stack of games we won't play during the week!
I also had GMT's new Operation Dauntless show up this week, and finally, finally, OSG's Napoleon's Last Gamble, complete with the north and south map extensions to cover the Sambre crossing and the area of Brussels. I have MMPs Reluctant Enemies on the table but am not finding time to play it during the week like I'd hoped.
But I'll get right on ordering EotS. ::)
QuoteI have MMPs Reluctant Enemies on the table but am not finding time to play it during the week like I'd hoped.
Am I keeping you too busy in Normandy? ;D
Quote from: Pinetree on February 24, 2016, 10:36:33 PM
QuoteI have MMPs Reluctant Enemies on the table but am not finding time to play it during the week like I'd hoped.
Am I keeping you too busy in Normandy? ;D
You and Bawb and Cyrano and whoever I'm playing in the PzB tournament! I have to admit it's just too easy to succumb to the pleasure of playing against fellow grogs versus taking the time to learn a new system at the end of the day.
Your turn to pick a scenario, by the way.
I specifically grabbed Operation Dauntless because it was the same scale and covered actions covered by PzB. I'm interested to compare how the two systems play. But I also really want to get my head around OCS...
So many good games!
Quote from: Barthheart on February 24, 2016, 09:53:20 PM
Quote from: panzerde on February 24, 2016, 09:51:30 PM
^ I grabbed that to, primarily because I've always been interested in the Plan Orange scenario. I've yet to punch it and get it on the table though. Like you, I'm interested in the EotS system.
One of us (read:you) needs to buy EotS so we can play it at Origins.... you know... in all our down time....
That can be our next VASSAL game! I've got the bloody thing. A friend and I have tried to set it up and play on a few occasions and we both just end up buried in the rulebooks muttering to ourselves for a few hours before packing it back up and switching over to Twilight Struggle instead.
That Plan Orange looks pretty nice! Can anyone know more about the solo rules before I buy the issue it comes in (anyway)?
Quote from: Staggerwing on February 25, 2016, 06:40:32 AM
That Plan Orange looks pretty nice! Can anyone know more about the solo rules before I buy the issue it comes in (anyway)?
There are no solo rules for Plan Orange.
Empire of the Sun has, I believe , some kind of solo/bot rules, but I don't know what they are.... Maybe try the living rules at GMT... that's what I'm about to do now.
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on February 25, 2016, 01:50:11 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 24, 2016, 09:53:20 PM
Quote from: panzerde on February 24, 2016, 09:51:30 PM
^ I grabbed that to, primarily because I've always been interested in the Plan Orange scenario. I've yet to punch it and get it on the table though. Like you, I'm interested in the EotS system.
One of us (read:you) needs to buy EotS so we can play it at Origins.... you know... in all our down time....
That can be our next VASSAL game! I've got the bloody thing. A friend and I have tried to set it up and play on a few occasions and we both just end up buried in the rulebooks muttering to ourselves for a few hours before packing it back up and switching over to Twilight Struggle instead.
Sure... I just need to scrape up the $1000 CDN it will cost me to get the game and then learn it.
Quote from: Barthheart on February 25, 2016, 07:41:54 AM
Quote from: Staggerwing on February 25, 2016, 06:40:32 AM
That Plan Orange looks pretty nice! Can anyone know more about the solo rules before I buy the issue it comes in (anyway)?
There are no solo rules for Plan Orange.
Empire of the Sun has, I believe , some kind of solo/bot rules, but I don't know what they are.... Maybe try the living rules at GMT... that's what I'm about to do now.
The solo rules for EotS are a pain unless you're really, really into flowcharts written in a quasi-computer code shorthand.
Quote from: panzerde on February 24, 2016, 10:24:14 PM
I have MMPs Reluctant Enemies on the table but am not finding time to play it during the week like I'd hoped.
But I'll get right on ordering EotS. ::)
LOL
I want to prepare my long untouched MMP game
Kingdom Of Heaven. But I'm halfway through punching & clipping EotS.
Torn!
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2016, 12:08:44 PM
Quote from: panzerde on February 24, 2016, 10:24:14 PM
I have MMPs Reluctant Enemies on the table but am not finding time to play it during the week like I'd hoped.
But I'll get right on ordering EotS. ::)
LOL
I want to prepare my long untouched MMP game Kingdom Of Heaven. But I'm halfway through punching & clipping EotS.
Torn!
Stop clipping and play! :tickedoff:
Quote from: Barthheart on February 25, 2016, 12:14:26 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 25, 2016, 12:08:44 PM
LOL
I want to prepare my long untouched MMP game Kingdom Of Heaven. But I'm halfway through punching & clipping EotS.
Torn!
Stop clipping and play! :tickedoff:
But I have SO many games yet to be punched & tidied & learned!
When I look at the seven counter sheets in
Alexander Deluxe, alone, I quiver a bit inside. It's sitting there, mocking me, because I want them ALL punched and clipped and sorted and ready. All the counters!! :crazy2:
Damn you OCD obsessions! :tickedoff:
Barth's commitment to unclean counters really makes me wonder about his personal hygiene practices.
Vance, go to the OSG website. Watch their video of a "Napoleon's Last Gamble" replay.
Wait for the moment when they give you the super close up of the Wellington counter and you realize that not only have they clipped only ONE corner, they've clipped that corner very badly.
My work here is done...
Quote from: Cyrano on February 25, 2016, 04:57:33 PM
Vance, go to the OSG website. Watch their video of a "Napoleon's Last Gamble" replay.
Wait for the moment when they give you the super close up of the Wellington counter and you realize that not only have they clipped only ONE corner, they've clipped that corner very badly.
My work here is done...
You are an evil man. Well done.
Trim that unsightly bush, ladies!
Quote from: Cyrano on February 25, 2016, 04:57:33 PM
Vance, go to the OSG website. Watch their video of a "Napoleon's Last Gamble" replay.
Wait for the moment when they give you the super close up of the Wellington counter and you realize that not only have they clipped only ONE corner, they've clipped that corner very badly.
My work here is done...
The horror! The horror! But at least ever other counter is a proper square, not some prissy rounded unmanly sight.
For the record, it was my wife, watching the video over my shoulder, who shouted, "show it to Vance! Show it to Vance!"
Quote from: Cyrano on February 25, 2016, 05:58:30 PM
For the record, it was my wife, watching the video over my shoulder, who shouted, "show it to Vance! Show it to Vance!"
:2funny:
Tell her thanks. O0
I'm currently having a solo play through of "The Cavalry" scenario from Heroes of the Nam. This is my first proper game of LnL Tactical so I've been making some mistakes and referring to the rule book a lot.
The major turning point has been 2 sections (squads) of NZ infantry with a leader and M60 went into melee against a VC squad with a leader and BAR. At 3:1 odds the Kiwis needed a kill number of 5 or better on 2D6 with the leader adding 1 to the roll. They rolled a 3. The VC needed 11 at 1:3 odds (I didn't realise at the time that you can pick who want to attack in melee, otherwise I would have just attacked one NZ section to get better odds), they rolled 12! 2 sections and a leader killed just like that.
The Kiwis got some back next impulse when, inspired by the previous melee result, 2 VC squads decided to try and ambush a NZ section through heavy jungle from 2 hexes away and got opfired when they were right next to them. One squad was reduced and another was shaken. There was another VC squad in the hex they were passing through, and realising that all units in the hex must roll in fire combat, they were shaken as well.
I thought the game was done after that melee result but with a lot VC squads shaken with no leaders near them, it might tip it back to NZ's favour.
Great fun and it's fairly quick to play as well.
edited to correct the ratios from 4:1 to 3:1
Sounds like yer having fun.
O0
Yep. great system.
Will be even greater when the Vassal module gets done......;)
LOL! I need a good kick in the ass once in a while. I am working on it.... Maybe 2 weeks....
No, worries. :) No rush. I'm like that with the CO2 Situation maps and the Berlin map for FCRS, I'm working on. I've been very slack the last couple of months. (Admittedly, it's been a brilliant summer here so it would've been a shame to waste it)
Got in a face to face game of Heroes of the Falklands yesterday. Great fun to play live. Fantastic new game package there. Great counters, even though they come rounded. X-maps are great to play on. And the manuals and all the new player aids are great too.
Player Up Sabot, I think it's called, where my Argentines were defending a ridge line and the Brits have to kill and eject us form our high positions. It's also a night scenario so the fighting was going to up close and personal.... or so we thought....
Started off well for me as we traded armour and his troops were looking for approaches in the wide open spaces of the map.
Brits get close but not close enough then he remembers that he's got off board arty to call in... and it went to hell from there....
2 well placed and high rolling arty strikes and most of my troops were shaken... to be taken by the Brits running up the hill behind the arty.... :buck2:
Fun scenario that can easily go either way.
Game is a masterpiece of production quality... I may have to pick up my own copy... soon....
Finally finished clipping the counters in my copy of GBo Alexander - Enhanced Deluxe Supertastic Awesomebake Edition.
Was pretty sure it came with about 1,000 of the damn things.
Looked it up. Says 720 counters. I still wonder if they failed to count an included expansion or two in that count. Because it felt like 1k. :))
That may have been the easy part. After seeing the horde of scenarios, it's going to be tough deciding which to set up first. And digging out the specific counters for whichever it ends up being.
Quote from: Nefaro on March 13, 2016, 07:06:05 AM
Finally finished clipping the counters... Says 720 counters.
That's over 2800 corners!!
Degenerate! >:(
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 13, 2016, 07:54:02 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on March 13, 2016, 07:06:05 AM
Finally finished clipping the counters... Says 720 counters.
That's over 2800 corners!!
Oh, yes. It took a number of hours and my carpal tunnel leveled-up at least once. :crazy2:
Had to do it over three sessions though. The corner rounding tool definitely made it more productive once I got a method down.
I've already begun eyeing the next cardboard victims in
Kingdom Of Heaven or
GBoH Ran.
Quote from: Barthheart on March 13, 2016, 08:07:41 AM
Degenerate! >:(
These things look great and their hairy cardboard velcro nips don't catch on each other anymore.
Worth it, brutalizing the dead tree guts! Will continue being a monster. ;)
...was that Vance I could hear screaming?
Silence of the Counters
Quote from: Barthheart on March 13, 2016, 08:07:41 AM
Degenerate! >:(
Stay strong, brother! Do not waver in the face of such counter clipping tyranny!
Never give in! Never surrender! Just look at these beautiful free range counters in all their square glory! :smitten:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1294.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fb613%2Fbarthheart%2FIMG_1296_zpslmivrr2l.jpg&hash=114a0d45052926e026717aeb4463d68fab7cb370)
So which of us gets to control the unclipped airship of doom?
La Bataille de France 1940 from Compass Games:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeGcWD4Cl.jpg&hash=372e2d5aa460f0b45e858aa642c03b8db82e73d4) (http://imgur.com/eGcWD4C)
Really enjoying this system a lot.
Cor, look at all those lovely curves....me loves the roundness..
Quote from: panzerde on March 13, 2016, 10:43:32 PM
La Bataille de France 1940 from Compass Games:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FeGcWD4Cl.jpg&hash=372e2d5aa460f0b45e858aa642c03b8db82e73d4) (http://imgur.com/eGcWD4C)
Really enjoying this system a lot.
:-))
Did some FtF D&D 5e last night at the FLGS. It was a good time, but unfortunately Wednesdays are a bad night for me and I most likely won't be able to continue on with the Curse of Strahd campaign there. :(
Finally here. Tooks its time given it got stuck in our Customs as well, but thur she blows :smitten:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.matrixgames.com%2Fforums%2Fupfiles%2F32195%2F59B65D51ADC5422FBC4B0DB2523DE700.jpg&hash=8d6854752ef78c15a08916510f41fd2e557521cc)
awesome game :)
Quote from: bayonetbrant on March 20, 2016, 11:06:48 AM
awesome game :)
I am really liking what I've seen so far. Beautiful art, rules as simple as possible but not simpler, fast and fun game play :)
the Fuhrer Headquarters, situated in the Wolf's Lair, stares east towards Moscow (blue marker in the distance) as the invasion commences...once again
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8dWp-_7WrD0UtIkQsQq0SUE3v787b7E-ftalazVzwlxreRmY_NgzCRiu-e9PwqNfVgdthK8OW2C8SA7AcDJvdjBdkZKNLyvXKavB42N_p_HKaUZjfnMXpPBD1lfkD_Sj3KTVFfwpxOl1iql0dk-4xMUMYa_3rOs6h2dv4cJalggCX-D0xybk1W76h81hzCv87mGg4gW0Q85as1TYXj1Az4_LXaDov0LfjKbUu-wCkq_QXU8FrjfC5g5Z6LAOG14KYUS9WTGtwa3jzlyE_Rj9djq1HnK8jAK-60UqafdKLlJrv715SbCdTfaiGE7jhenkqz1C0gzN_UmDwxwg4vfFGeKhfEyWHVJ36K6qulfLTYqLj9oAKQwD9RNsjOs-a0YeETQnNwX5KK3oZZz3_rXHLLO6NJj-ih7Kys3Gw3_4xfvhgrFDN_5L98MpjEAImsSJyG-q39xW_2EOUYVx7HuTjGA7R368qaSzxl5JvTF23qUJXldVwWPgftgAjRd_MKmr2lDwOCR4p_-Ex--tEbNY3tUE4U5DsT3v2TDo8GVLnTcl-wUkW7v5rWBhAH2CNvs5Dl92=w1397-h883-no)
Russia sure does get invaded a lot, doesn't it?
Great looking photo!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1175.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr624%2FMichaelE6%2FIMG_1922.jpg&hash=236a285586a7c6463f09138a8b4cab52d47c950e)
Night of Man, and v2 of Empires in America
Oh the Empires in America looks intriguing. I like that era a lot.
I picked up some new D&D 5e. cheese today at the FLGS with a shiny new copy of the Sword Coast Adventures Guide. And I bought the oldest her first set of Chessex gaming dice for her birthday.
Quote from: Bison on March 30, 2016, 11:44:47 PMOh the Empires in America looks intriguing. I like that era a lot.
http://grogheads.com/?p=1455
Hmm...looks like a lot of pieces.
Quote from: Bison on March 31, 2016, 07:48:18 AM
Hmm...looks like a lot of pieces.
I hope you're being facetious. ;D
I'm not sure how many pieces v1 has, but v2 has 52 total, I think. Plus cards.