Rules

This is a collection of information and short reviews of the rule sets I like and play. I reference these in various parts of the site and so this is where you can learn about a rule set that you might not have heard of.

Battletech

One of the first table top wargames that I bought. While I did play it some, it served more as a great inspiration and introduction to wargaming than anything else. I loved the universe and the general feel of the game (even with the introduction of the clans), but I also wanted to be able to have more miniatures on the table and be able to play out battles that were larger in scope than just 2 - 4 mechs per side. Once I realized that there were other SciFi rule sets better suited to that, I moved on to Dirtside II.

Crossfire

An innovative set of WW2 rules that is unique for not using rulers or fixed game turns. It is set at the company level and works for a range of figure scales. The basic rules use 3 figures mounted on a 1.25 inch square base to represent a squad, but there are 1:1 variants as well. The official page has reviews, a FAQ, and a list of companies who still sell copies of the out-of-print rules.

The rules are still actively discussed by email through Crossfire WWII list on Groups.io.

Dirtside II

The second set of rules I bought and well worth the money I spent on it. I began researching alternate rules for my Battletech minis and eventually stumbled on Dirtside, published by Ground Zero Games. These are nearly-generic rules for 6mm that can be used for any universe (including the "Tuffleyverse" described in GZG's space game, Full Thrust). It is now out of print but can be downloaded in PDF form at the GZG store.

Dungeonation

I was looking for some simple fantasy combat rules and came across these free rules. It's A dungeon-crawl in the spirit of HeroQuest and Descent. The dungeon is represented by a set of 9 6x6 rooms randomly placed in a grid. The rules are quick to play (1 or 2 hours to finish a dungeon) and based on opposed die rolls with a few modifiers. Monsters are generated from a pool of points (like Descent), and cards can be collected by the players to upgrade their heros as in HeroQuest.

FMAS

Also known as FMA Skirmish, or FMASk, this is actually a yet-to-be-released set of rules for 25mm skirmishing that was released as a play-test draft by GZG back in 1999. Despite being just a draft, the game is very playable and will probably be the third set of rules I buy once it is released (actually fourth since I bought Crossfire after writing this).

Also experimenting with a cross between Crossfire and FMAS, using ideas from a 1:1 mod for crossfire.

Generic Legions (Big Battle Version)

This is actually just an honorary mention for a simple game for 6mm figures that is set in one of the strangest universes I have ever come across. Formerly "published" by ArmourSoft you might still be able to download it from the author's home page at irvania.com. While I never have played with these rules, I enjoyed reading the crazy fluff text.

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