Black Ops news?

[gorillacrab]

I'm wondering if anyone has heard anything about Osprey's forthcoming Black Ops tactical game by WSS editor Guy Bowers? The game is due out in the early Fall but I have not seen a hint of a preview discussing the game and how it will play. Just curious.

[GuyB]

I might know a thing or two... what do you want to know? ;-)

Guy

[julesav]

I think anything info-wise in addition to Osprey's marketing blurb would help?

[julesav]

Obviously you'd have to kill us after giving us the info!

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

I would like to know how this is different to Force on Force or to the new Spectre rules?

I have ready the Osprey text and do not know where it fits in.

[GuyB]

Ok... Here's a basic rundown.

Black Ops is a skirmish game for about 4 to 20 figures a side (although I've played it with bigger forces). It's aimed at two players but there are rules for 3 and 4 player games (co-op or versus). The better quality the troops, the fewer you will have. There are several factions (I think they all made it into the book) so you can choose militia, fanatics, mafia, law enforcement, professional, ninja (just for fun) and elites. Players can also hire specialists and there's a few basic rules for different methods of insertion (Helio, HALO, Scuba).

Basic play involves D6's and a single pack of playing cards. There are two 'modes' of play, the standard wargame and the stealth mission. In the stealth mission, one side has an objective to complete - that determines success or failure. It may be take a hostage (rescue a prisoner) or sabotage a key point. The defender places guards which move according to a table, modified by the noise the attackers make. If the attackers are spotted, the alarm may be raised and the game reverts to a standard wargame. There are 36 possible stealth missions.

Combat is two step - hit and save. A game will take typically an hour or two, depending on how daring the players are.

There are rules for suppression and vehicles. There are also a few suggestions for 'five minutes from now', if people want to run 'advanced warfare'. The only thing I couldn't fit in was 'Metal Gear'. Ah well!

Hope that gives a taster.

Guy

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

Ok - Thanks

I will buy it and try it.

[dijit]

Ok... Here's a basic rundown.

Black Ops is a skirmish game for about 4 to 20 figures a side (although I've played it with bigger forces). It's aimed at two players but there are rules for 3 and 4 player games (co-op or versus). The better quality the troops, the fewer you will have. There are several factions (I think they all made it into the book) so you can choose militia, fanatics, mafia, law enforcement, professional, ninja (just for fun) and elites. Players can also hire specialists and there's a few basic rules for different methods of insertion (Helio, HALO, Scuba).

Basic play involves D6's and a single pack of playing cards. There are two 'modes' of play, the standard wargame and the stealth mission. In the stealth mission, one side has an objective to complete - that determines success or failure. It may be take a hostage (rescue a prisoner) or sabotage a key point. The defender places guards which move according to a table, modified by the noise the attackers make. If the attackers are spotted, the alarm may be raised and the game reverts to a standard wargame. There are 36 possible stealth missions.

Combat is two step - hit and save. A game will take typically an hour or two, depending on how daring the players are.

There are rules for suppression and vehicles. There are also a few suggestions for 'five minutes from now', if people want to run 'advanced warfare'. The only thing I couldn't fit in was 'Metal Gear'. Ah well!

Hope that gives a taster.

Guy

That's certainly more than I've seen anywhere else - thanks! Are there different armour classes? As the combat system works with a save or is it more skill level? Also how does team building work?

[GuyB]

I'm familiar with Force on Force and Spectre, plus Skirmish Sangin. It would really be unfair of me to comment on which is better but I can make some comparisons.

Black Ops' stealth rules makes it different from the rest, although you can use it as a standard wargame. There are rules for reaction fire (like FoF) but its something you have to plan, not something you do automatically. Weapon ranges are important in Blk Ops - while most weapons can hit everything on the board, doing so accurately is another matter. A well placed sniper can pick off militia at long range with pretty much impunity.

The card activation system is essential to build uncertainty into the game. You don't know which group will be activated until the card is turned over, which means you have to plan your moves accordingly and take risks.

There are three unique mechanisms you won't have seen anywhere else (Stealth, CQC and Suppression). Card activation's been done before (and I acknowledge my debt to the Lardies and Studio Tomahawk) - using the picture cards for a standard deck of playing cards means there's no expensive card deck to buy. Rules wise its probably closest to Muskets and Tomahawks, but this is only the loosest of comparisons.

Use military tactics and you should be rewarded.

Guy

[GuyB]

Are there different armour classes?

You can equip your team with body armour, yes. Heavy body armour will slow you down, so not recommended for stealth missions (but its an option for some units). Some units are 'tough' which makes them harder to take down.

As the combat system works with a save or is it more skill level?

Hit (modified by skill) and Save (modified by cover). Charge your elites in the open and they'll get cut up like anyone else. Lay down suppressing fire, then cross makes for good tactics (or pop smoke).

Also how does team building work?

You have templates based loosely on historical TOE's. The basic 'unit' is the cell or section. You choose what support and specialists you wish to take.

Guy

[Dentatus]

Preordered and am looking forward to it even more now.
Thank you.

[Gunbird]

Interesting. Right up my 20mm alley 

[Elk101]

This certainly sounds interesting. Will there be any figures related to the release as there have been with previous Osprey Games' releases?

[GuyB]

Not from North Star sadly but I am letting manufacturers know what to expect.

[gorillacrab]

I might know a thing or two... what do you want to know? ;-)

Guy

Thanks for the new info, Guy. I'm guessing you'll have a solid article in WSS soon giving similar information but I - and it looks like several other posters - were wondering about the mechanics and gameplay. So thanks for the intriguing peek which should get more of us pre-ordering. And any game that you can play with 20-30 figures has to be appealing these days.

One more question, do you have any provision for stats for a not-resembling-any-copywritten "super agent" - picture Sean Connery knocking out guards and blowing up a heroin operation or Pierce Brosnan sneaking around a Russian dam project? Could be fun.