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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Elbows on August 18, 2012, 09:43:04 PM

Title: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on August 18, 2012, 09:43:04 PM
Since I keep polluting all of the Robotech threads with my stuff, I figured I'd start a thread of my own.  I'm doing a blog to follow it as well, but I tend to update Lead Adventure much more often.

Goal: 1/200(ish) scale table top wargame.

System:
My own "Fighting Fives" game system, which is tiered dice/action cards driven. Rules set is only 32 pages.  Simple, and hopefully fun.

Game size:
Undetermined.  Probably 15 units (unit = one mecha, or a infantry unit, group of vehicles etc.) per side maximum.  Can be adjusted with action decks if needed.

Models Source: This is the tough part.  As many people have seen from several other projects, models must be acquired through a variety of expensive/hard to find discontinued models, and gashapon (vending machine toys).  It's expensive, but with enough searching a decent complement can be assembled.

This will be a predominantly picture heavy thread, with small bits of info - results from playtesting etc.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/002.jpg)

Tiered dice are colour coded.  Each unit has two predominant traits, measured between D6 and D12.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/004.jpg)

Action Card decks.  Players take turn drawing and playing action cards (able to hold a small number in their hand).  These have been printed via www.thegamecrafter.com.  I have made some revisions, but the cards are nice and playable.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-06_17-45-12_769.jpg)

The bulk of my enemy kits will be from the Nichimo kits (originally produced in 1982, and re-released 10-12 years ago in a second run).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-06_17-39-31_139.jpg)

Several models used are Gashapon, which vary from cheap bendable rubberized plastic to beautifully painted hard plastics.  The scale shows two 25-28mm figures.  Most of my units will be based on 60mm mdf bases as pictured.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/010.jpg)

Four Gashapon which have been primed, and re-painted.  Please note I am not a good painter.  I paint the models first and foremost to be gaming pieces.  No award-winning paintjobs here unfortunately.  However, my paintjobs are better than the poor auto-spray finishes applied to some of the Gashapon models.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/006.jpg)

A Glaug (Officer's Battle Pod) - a rather poor Gashapon figure, but easier to obtain than the rare model kit.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/009.jpg)

A trio if Queadluun-Rau (female power armour).  The lead model was painted in a differing paint scheme for use as an ace or officer.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/003.jpg)

Some UN Spacy models (Armoured VF-1J Veritech, VF-1S Veritech, and Tomahawk Destroid) from Kaiyodo.  These are nicely painted hard plastic Gashapon, and significantly nicer than the poorly built Bandai/Chinese copies.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/004-1.jpg)

An assembled lot of mecha from each side.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/016.jpg)

Two Kaiyodo Gashapon Veritechs which can be built in any mode - but are best suited to Guardian (Gerwalk) mode.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/002-2.jpg)

The Kaiyodo models are fantastic, very pose-able, and have opening missile pods etc.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/006-1.jpg)

I swapped some heads, and some Gashapon gun-pods onto one of these models.  Note that the models actually have about six other missile pods which open!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/019.jpg)

Current collection of models.

More coming.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 19, 2012, 02:44:43 AM
Cell phone pic of my Spartans I just finished up.  Not stoked on the paint scheme, but it'll do.  One has been outfitted with a Gu-11 gunpod (optional for Spartan destroids).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-18_22-36-44_934.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: TerryC on August 19, 2012, 02:57:23 AM
These look fantastic. Have you thought of doing one or two actually firing the missiles? Would look great with some of those armorcast missile trails or something similar.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 19, 2012, 05:13:28 AM
I don't normally do that kind of stuff for gaming models, because then it bugs me the whole time that they're not actually fighting  lol  I agree though, if you were doing some for simple models, it'd look good.  They even sell some like that.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Macross-Imagination-Gashapon-Soul-Hyper-Solid-Archiv-/320440812934

Enough missiles for ya?  :o
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: TerryC on August 19, 2012, 10:05:29 AM
 :-* Oh great, now I have to buy some. Lucky I start a new job tomorrow.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: James Holloway on August 19, 2012, 01:26:43 PM
Nice looking stuff! Don't run down your paintjobs -- they look crisp and eye-catching.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 19, 2012, 05:41:06 PM
Only some of the Gashapon have been painted, the Kaiyodo ones come with a beautiful paintjob from the factory.  I have two Battle Pods sprayed which I'll try to get to later this week. 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: kalamadea on August 19, 2012, 08:48:24 PM
I think your own paintjobs look better, especially on the female power armor. The Tomohawks are passable, but without any shading or blacklining they just look like toys, especialy the veritechs. As much as you keep knocking your own painted stuff, they look like actual gaming pieces, the newer stuff you added, while it has cleaner paint lines and decals, still just look like toys. A thinned black wash in the recesses would do wonders, and is super easy to tidy up with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol. Just wait a few minutes till the wash is dry to the touch but before it's fully cured (takes a day or so with acrylic washes). You'd have to be careful with the Spartans as the rubbing alcohol can lift off acrylic paint if it isn't sealed, but the gashapon stuff is painted with a type of solvent heavy paint that melts into and becomes part of the plastic.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 19, 2012, 09:08:15 PM
I did some black wash on the Spartans, but it didn't turn out so well.  I only have access to crappy cameras.  All of the gashapon and models are still waiting on the no-shine finish, but I've been lazy.  We'll see how motivated I am to do more work on them.  Right now I'm looking at a stack of battlepod boxes half my height... :D

On the way or sitting in boxes:
15+ Battlepods
4+ VF-1A veritechs (guardians, and battloids)
6+ Monsters (only painting up one, others will be kept and sold off later)
6+ Spartans (will build two, probably sell the rest or keep them)
2+ Defenders (will build)
1 Phalanx old Exo-Squad toy which will be painted up and probably used (it's scale is "okay")
2+ Self-made Phalanxes which are 50% done, may or may not finish them.
1 Quel-Quallie scout pod (will build if scale is suitable)
1 more set of Kaiyodo Gashapon
2 more Gashapon Officers Pods
15+ Gashapon Veritechs which may not be built (used for parts, pretty poor)

The only thing I really need to hammer down on is Super Veritechs, and Fighter mode Veritechs.  I doubt I'd ever run all of these models at once (I'd need a gigantic convention table).

I have terrain, but no buildings, or suitable 1/200-1/220 dedicated terrain, just generic hills/etc.  So, once enough models are assembled for serious play-testing (getting close) I'll start concentrating on building terrain.  I have two primary games I'd like to run as of right now; initial attack on the outskirts of Macross, and a skirmish on the frozen Macross island shortly after it was teleported into space (could be an awesome table!).

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: mpennock on August 20, 2012, 12:33:07 AM
Quote
I doubt I'd ever run all of these models at once (I'd need a gigantic convention table).

This is the same conclusion that I came to with my project. It's tempting to get a lot of models, but you eventually have to sit back and ask yourself how many you can actually use at the same time...
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 20, 2012, 03:47:21 AM
Agreed.  The only thing I have en masse is Battle Pods.  The Gashapon Veritechs are only there because I bought sets to get the Female Power Armour and Officer's Pods.

Beyond battle pods, my goal was always 3-4 of every other mecha (maybe a few more Veritechs, but we'll see).  Some of the mecha I ended up with more because I won a couple of ebay auctions without knowing it etc.  I'm pretty comfortable - the only exception being the male power armour and zentraedi fighters coming from mpennock's Shapeways store.  Once those arrive, I'll be happy and content to just paint and build.

The 6 Monsters I picked up because they were going for $100 on ebay.  I picked up a bunch of spares to shoe-horn away into a closet for future ebay potential.  We shall see. 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 21, 2012, 09:04:36 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/002-3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/005.jpg)

First Battle Pod done...huge pain in the butt.  I hate painting on white primer when the model is predominantly white (any mis-strokes require touch up, etc.).  It took a bit too long, so I've come up with some ways of painting them faster.  Now that I have a scheme I like, I'll be able to do small batches I hope.

Scales nicely, though in reality it should be about 20-30% taller than an average veritech, but right now they work perfectly for gaming purposes.  The Heavy Artillery Pod is deadly in the game, and when used in conjunction with the scout pod, will be a serious threat to airborne Veritechs.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 22, 2012, 07:44:13 AM
Will do.  If I remember tomorrow I'll take a number of scale pictures, with some of the Yamato stuff etc.  I'll also measure them out.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 22, 2012, 08:00:58 PM
Yeah, I think that's pretty darn small for 1/100.  The problem with Robotech is that no one (even the original animators) really scaled much.  The general consensus is that destroids should be 35-40' tall, where Veritechs would be perhaps 42-48' foot tall, and Zentraedi Pods would be closer to 60' tall (since they're piloted by 35-45' tall Zentraedi soldiers.

I'll go snag some measurements and pictures now, and be back in a bit.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 22, 2012, 11:01:53 PM
Well...if you wanted to do Battletech in a slightly smaller scale, it seems the majority of 1/200 kits and models scale well, and you could use any variety of 15-20mm infantry/vehicles...would be very easy to whip up a bunch.

I agree though, once you hit that 1/72-1/60 spot for Macross you enter the beautiful new, but expensive kits...Some of them are simply mouth-watering, and many can actually be purchased as action figures, but for quite hefty sums.

http://www.figures.com/forums/news/10713-yamato-japans-1-60-macross-destroid-tomahawk.html

These 1/60 figures are about $65...but damn they look sweet... :D
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 22, 2012, 11:54:13 PM
The Tomahawks I have measure in around 4" or just a tad over, and they're the biggest models of the bunch.  So 5" would be out of scale with the rest of the stuff.  I got word my Shapeways models are coming in! Woohoo!

Today and yesterday's bounty:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-22_18-46-52_628.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 25, 2012, 09:00:11 AM
Update...well I received my Shapeways order from Mpennock's store.  My first time dealing with 3D-printed stuff.  I've been pleasantly surprised.  I noticed a couple of things.

1) The texture is rough, much rougher on some than others...and I'm too lazy to go through and super-file everything.  However, the models turned out well, without much prep-work.

2) Sometimes the material soaks up primer/glue, so I'm happy I had some gel-super glue on hand.

3) Because of the finish and slight reduction in small details, they make excellent game pieces.

Please forgive the photos (I need to get a better damn camera and light source...)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-25_04-46-19_568.jpg)

Three of the four Zentraedi Pods I ordered.  Keeping one spare.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-25_04-47-09_188.jpg)

The Male Power Armour, previously un-tried by Mpennock per his PM.  I gave it a shot, and other than the leg joints being a little flimsy, it all went together nicely.  I simply glued the waist-plate armour slabs to the legs and pelvis to help hold it all together.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-08-25_04-47-33_328.jpg)

Scales perfectly alongside the other stuff.  I was iffy about the Male Power Armour when I got it, mainly because I wasn't sure how well it would turn out painted, and to be fair the pictures I took look far worse than looking at it on the table top.  Once I finished it I fell in love with it, and will order 2-4 more when money allows.  Great piece.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: mpennock on August 25, 2012, 01:09:20 PM
Those look great! The best solution I've found for the rough finish on the models is to give them an extra layer or two of primer. The material loves to absorb paint, so a little extra certainly doesn't hurt. As you noted, the material is lightweight and tough and makes for excellent gaming models. I like the look of the Male Powered Armor, you did a nice job on them.

Are we going to see a Monster on the table soon?
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 25, 2012, 06:06:00 PM
I don't know about soon...that's a big ole model and will require a lot of work.  I've been putting off doing my bread and butter units (Veritechs and Battle Pods) so I think I need to roll up my sleeves and pump those out before I even think about tackling the Monster.  I did get my Quel-Quallie scout pod today, and it's reasonable enough scale to use I think.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Michka on August 26, 2012, 04:45:25 AM
Oh my. I love that Male Power Armor. Need to get some of those. You did a great job painting those as well as the fighter pods.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: kalamadea on August 26, 2012, 03:14:01 PM
Those 3d printed models look way better than the pre-painted gashapon stuff, that's some fine work. If you want to get rid of the rough texture I'd second the suggestion of another coat or 2 of primer, maybe also a quick scrub with some fine grain sandpaper.

slightly OT, but does anyone have the 1/144 Queadluun Rau model? I'm thinking of using one for a Warmachine colossal if it's big enough. The colossals are about 5.5" tall, and the female power armor is way better than the actual Retribution Hyperion model and won't cost me over a hundred bucks.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: mpennock on August 26, 2012, 06:50:35 PM
Quote
does anyone have the 1/144 Queadluun Rau model?

I've got one that I built a couple of years ago. It stands 5-3/4" tall to the top of the antenna, slightly less than that to the top of the shoulder missile pods.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on August 26, 2012, 10:19:46 PM
Yep, there is definitely a 1/144 Queadluun-Rau model out there...Bandai or Imai if memory serves (I think Imai).  They make the Male Power Armour too.

First Playtest a Success!

So (excuse the lack of pictures!) I managed to convince my brother to swing by and help me playtest my first game...and it went shockingly well.  We picked up a handful of situations I hadn't made rules for, and generally had a great time.  The game paced perfectly, rules became second nature in about 3-4 turns, and we both had a good time.  Game was between two forces:

1x Veteran Armored Veritech
1x Spartan w/ Gu-11
1x Veteran VF-1S Veritech
2x Tomahawk destroids
1x VF-1J Veritech

vs.

2x Heavy Missile Battle Pods
1x Veteran Female Power Armour
1x Veteran Glaug Officer
1x Male Power Armour
1x Fighter Pod

It was purposely small scale, and played out to about 2 hours, which included a lot of discussion about rules, and clarifications, etc...so figure perhaps a nie 1-1:30 skirmish.  Convention games will feature perhaps 15-20 models per side, with 3-4 players a side if it scales up well enough.

Highlights:
- Glaug slugged it out with a Veritech and Tomahawk before finally succumbing.
- Armored Veritech stomped up the middle of the field, engaging almost every enemy until they turned all fire on him to bring him down.
- Veritech made the mistake of taking off in Guardian mode, but lost 50% of his speed due to the change...and was immediately wiped out by heavy missiles from the pods.
- Female Power Armour flew down the center, took tons of fire, eventually took a critical hit causing her to shutdown...fell and crashed through a building, and was put out of her misery by the Spartan with his Gu-11.
- Zentraedi Fighter Pod kept speed above 20" most of the game, making him incredibly hard to hit.  16 missiles from the Armored Veritech could not bring him down when he was already critically damaged.
- Despite rolling full dice on all my Gu-11 attacks, none of them ever ran out of ammunition, which was a treat.
- Monster artillery barrage (off board action card) turned the tide of the game, inflicting severe damage on most of the remaining Zentraedi
- Game finished with no Zentraedi models remaining, and two damaged destroids and a damaged Veritech on the UN Spacy side.

After about 4-5 weeks of rules creation, and playtesting in my head, I was stoked to see how well it played out.  I'll be doing another playtest in a few weeks, and then take it on the road to my buddy's place, and see if it holds up - then I'll start prepping for a convention slot.  I've made a lot of amateur rules sets in my day, and this was by far the most fun, successful first game I've ever played.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on September 02, 2012, 11:17:57 PM
Update as the Zentraedi Forces continue to grow.  Finished some more specialty pods before starting on the large batch of normal Tactical Pods.  Also did up another Gashapon Officer's Pod which I like much better than the first.  Have a couple of Defender destroids being assembled right now...need to pump out the VF-1A's, and Tactical Pods shortly.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-02_19-10-13_882.jpg)

The Pods...my least favorite kits to build unfortunately - very time consuming and annoying, and often mis-aligned.  I also suck at painting them, which is pissing me off.  The recon pods look awful, but I have a spare box of them and may give them another go.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-02_19-08-53_521.jpg)

The new officer's pod which I really like.  The Gashapon figure is still a big pain to deal with (poor sculpt, flexy material) but it paints up nice enough!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-02_19-09-47_311.jpg)

The bulk of "special" Zentraedi mecha.  I'll be adding about a dozen battle pods, one or two more male power armour, and my Quel-Quallie scout vessel and the Zentraedi will be done.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on September 09, 2012, 10:00:55 PM
I did a play-test game to show off what the game system plays out like.  I took notes, and snapped some photos using one of my HD video-cameras because it happened to be bolted to the tripod.  Sadly the images came out pretty poor, but good enough for government work.

Disclaimer 1: I am using my "first run" action card decks.  I have since significantly changed them to even out the game, and add a bit more variety/spice.

Disclaimer 2: I am using some 1/72 scale model rail-road terrain...simply because I have zero N-scale terrain done up.

Disclaimer 3: I somehow managed to have possibly the worst rolling in the history of gaming throughout this play-test (yes I'm playing both sides!).  Many turns passed with tons of dice rolled, with little result.  While this was mostly luck (it conflicted with the previous playtest) I am also looking at some minor rules modifications.

The Forces:

ZENTRAEDI:  The Z in this scenario have a Officer's Battle Pod (Hardened Veteran), three fighter pods (confident soldier), and six battle pods consisting of two recon pods, two light artillery pods, and two heavy artillery pods (all confident soldier).  In the even that they draw their reinforcement card, another Officer's Pod (confident soldier) is available.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1526.jpg)

UN SPACY: UN Spacy start a bit on the backfoot in this game (intentionally).  They have two spartans, two defenders, one tomahawk and two VF-1A Veritechs (all confident soldier).  If they draw their reinforcement card, they received a VF-1S, and VF-1J which enter the board in guardian mode (both hardened veterans).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1527.jpg)

The Table:
This is interesting to me.  I originally thought the game would simply need a 6x10' or larger board.  Most of the mecha can shoot over 36-48" and units can fly 24" in a turn (some even faster in space).  I've been playing on this simple oval dining room table, and thus far it's been more suitable than I'd imagined.  This is encouraging because it means the 4'x8' normal gaming table will be perfect - whereas larger tables can be used for serious scenarios.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1530.jpg)

The Game Mechanics:
The game mechanics consist of a very simple base set of rules, with numerous specialties added, depending on mecha/scenarios/conditions.  For the purposes of this review, here are the simplest terms:  Each side has an action deck.  This action deck consists of 55 cards, 40 activation cards, and 15 specialty cards (this has been changed to 40/20 for the new decks).  Activation cards let you move/attack with units, where specialty cards represent unique circumstances/tactics/bombardments.  Each side draws an initial three cards.  Initiative is rolled, and players take turns drawing a single action card from their deck and then playing or discarding an action card.  Each unit in the game is assigned a morale/skill level based on four tiers, ranging from D6-D12.  The "fighting fives" system is called that because when taking any test, or doing any weapon damage etc., the goal result is always a 5+.  Each unit has X-number of hit points, and a full detail sheet covering weapons, movement, special rules, etc.

(The rest of the battle report is done in a quasi-narrative to skip over most of the gaming details, and show the flow of the game)

The UN Spacy started the engagement by bringing in an AWACs unit to attempt to highlight enemy Zentraedi on radar.  This managed to only lock onto one fighter pod. (Radar locks allow missiles to ignore all negative modifiers).  The Zentraedi were already on the move though, fighter pods rocketing forward, missiles streaking in on one of the Defender destroids.  Battle Pods moved forward behind them.  The Fighter Pods knew they needed to eliminate the Defenders which were purpose built anti-aircraft units.  The Fighter Pods also pushed maximum throttle, hoping their speed would protect them from enemy fire.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1531.jpg)

While one of the Defenders suffered damage, it managed to inflict an equal amount of damage on one of the fighter pods.  It's heavy autocannons easily able to track the Fighter Pods due to the Defender's advanced anti-aircraft radar.  The Zentraedi continued to swarm forward, one of the scout pods highlighting two more destroids with its radar.  All the way across town a single heavy artillery pod launched one of its deadly missiles at an unaware Veritech.  The Veritech pilot attempted to dodge, but failed and suffered severe damage (Skill level dropped due to damage suffered).

The Tomahawk destroid moved forward, firing its lethal particle beam cannons at one of the Fighter Pods, but its speed was too much for the pilot to counter.  The beams speared off into the sky without effect.  (At full speed, a fighter pod causes its attacker to lose -2 skill levels when trying to strike it)  The Fighter pods fiercely attack the damaged Defender destroid, inflicting damage, even setting off one of its ammo drums.  The Defender is a flaming, smoking wreck, but still able to avoid the last few missiles, and remains in action.  It stumbles forward on smoking servos and fires into the sky, hitting one of the fighter pods.  The fighter pod is immobilized and crashes into the ground, exploding.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1532.jpg)

Next to the Defender, one of the Spartans hoses the sky with its Gu-11 gun pod and mini-missiles...inflicting minimal damage on one of the fighter pods screaming past.

Above the UN Spacy forces, the clouds disappear as an orbital bombardment of heavy lasers erupt from the sky.  Massive explosions damage one of the Veritechs, both Spartans, and both Defenders, finally destroying the damaged, crippled Defender.  Moments later, two Veritechs bearing the familiar Skull Squadron livery scream onto the field, and transform immediately into battloid mode, taking a position near the advancing battle pods. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1535.jpg)

Immediately after arriving, the pilot of the VF-1J hears the tell-tale warning of a missile lock.  He turns his head just in time to see a heavy missile bearing down on him.  He takes the blast, and shakes it off, suffering on minimal damage.  Behind the Veritech, the remaining Defender churns into life, auto-cannons raking the sky, inflicting seemingly insignificant damage on one of the fighter pods.  Across the town, the lead Spartan again unleashes a flurry of Gu-11, missiles, and defensive lasers at the other fighter pod, dealing it serious damage.

The VF-1J barely has time to check himself before a swarm of missiles engulf him.  His Veritech is rocked by explosions, armor and materials ripping off.  His missiles ignite under the explosion, tearing off his wings and doing severe damage.  His cockpit lights up with warning lights as he struggles to keep his Veritech upright.   Nearby, his Skull Squadron wingman is firing his Gu-11 into the midst of the enemy battle pods, scoring little damage.

Nearby, one of the remaining fighter pods pulls hard into the sky, trying to avoid enemy fire.  A Veritech on the ground is gunning for him.  Moments later two bright beams pierce the fighter pod, incinerating it instantly.  The Tomahawk pilot has found his mark.  The remaining Zentraedi fighter pod aims skyward and punches his thrusters - blasting into the sky, beyond sight.  (this fighter pod is using the "Fly High" card, allowing a flying unit to leave the table until the player activates it to return in a future turn)

Watching the action from a distance, the Officer's Pod sees a number of small missiles fly past his cockpit.  Pesky humans.  (This was a failed attempt to use the "UEDF Commandos" card, which represents commando teams firing rockets from any location you choose).  Next to him, more missiles go skyward, aimed at a distant enemy mecha.  They miss.  Nearby, one of the scout pods falters under a barrage of Gu-11 gunfire, smoke pouring out of its cockpit.  The Officer gives the command to advance, and charges ahead.  He sees a nearby Veritech, smoking, yet still firing.  He calmly fires his particle beam, incinerating it.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1537.jpg)

Immediately the Officer's battle pod is rocked by enemy fire, as he sees a Tomahawk and Spartan moving toward him, unloading their weapons.

Near him, the VF-1S is having a bad day so far - enemy radar lock and missiles are taking their toll, slowly whittling away at his armor.  He hears a frantic cry from one of the other Veritech pilots that he's run out of ammunition (the Gu-11 is prone to running out of ammunition if you use it unwisely).  The veteran pilot turns and engages the Officer's Pod nearby, riddling his machine with gunfire.  Inside, the Officer howls in pain, as a Gu-11 round strikes him in the arm.  Just as the VF-1S grins, a fighter pod roars into view, missiles streaking from its launchers.  The pilot holds his arms and Gu-11 up to protect himself from the blast, and his gun pod is blown to pieces.  He watches his cockpit light up with warning lights.  He is on borrowed time.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1540.jpg)

There is a rushing sound, like that of a heavy locomotive, as heavy artillery rounds scream in from over the horizon.  In an instant the Officer's Pod and Scout Pod near him are turned to ash and debris.  UN Spacy artillery spotters shout "good hit on target, good hit!" to the Monster destroid who is 10 miles away.

Missile fire in the middle of town is frantic.  One of the Spartan pilots reports he has been immobilized, and that he's been radar locked.  He's having a bad day.

With his Gu-11 destroyed, and his veritech on the verge of collapse, the Skull Squadron pilot charges at the nearby Scout Pod.  He enters a frantic melee with the mecha.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1541.jpg)

A distant fighter pod roars above the battlefield, and engages the last remaining Defender destroid.  The Defender takes the brunt of missile strikes, and explodes, debris and wreckage scattering around it. (This was a Zentraedi special card, allowing an off-board fighter pod attack - NOT the actual on-board unit).  Around the exploding Defender, destroids hammer the sky with weapons, trying to strike the remaining Fighter Pod who is artfully speeding through the buildings.  All around, missiles and cannons are scoring damage on destroids, and Veritechs alike.

One of the Tomahawks responds by blasting a heavy battle pod to oblivion with its particle cannons.

In the melee, the VF-1S pilot handily destroys the damaged Scout Pod.  The nearby artillery pod is kicking at his Veritech, inflicting minor damage.  One of the Veritechs behind him pops into Guardian mode to attempt to get more speed to engage the remaining fighter pod.  The fighter pod hops on his tail immediately, trying to shoot him down.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1548.jpg)

The Veritech pilot punches his thrusters and spins his Veritech in mid-air, grabbing onto the Fighter Pod, punching as best he can, inflicting damage.  (The veritech in this case used the "Push the Limits" card which allows you to activate a unit two turns in a row - something that is normally not allowed.  Because the Fighter pod has zero hand to hand capability, the Veritech is able to score free hits on it).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1549.jpg)

The Fighter Pod goes full throttle and tries to flee the Guardian mode Veritech.  Below them, the remaining battle pod in hand to hand with the Veritech attemps to flee, but is caught as he tries - and the Veritech rips out his pivot-joint, destroying him.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1550.jpg)

As the remaining two battle pods were now out of missiles, they closed in together, hoping to use their remaining guns to whittle down the UN Spacy forces.  Above them, the Guardian mode Veritech chased after the fighter pod, shooting it down.  The Battle Pods immediately opened fire, crippling the Veritech who crashed into the building, and exploded.  Immediately following this, the battle pods retreated, unable to face the 6-2 odds facing them.  (this was a conscious choice to end the game, since there was zero chance of the battle pods being able to counter the remaining UN Spacy forces).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/IMG_1551.jpg)

END OF GAME

So, that's a sample game of Battle Cry.  It took about 2.5 hours (mainly because I was taking pictures, and copious notes).  Playing both sides is tough, and removes a lot of the tactical/strategic enjoyment of the game.  (ie. setting up cards and tactics several turns in advance, etc.).  Overall though, the game play becomes incredibly smooth, and simple once you get into the swing of things.  Each "turn" can take only a minute or two.  The game I just detailed played out over 49 turns.  That may seem like a lot, but you are playing very rapidly.  All in all, still very happy though I may upgrade the Zentraedi battle pod cannons, as they are pretty weak by comparison to many other weapon systems.

Sorry for the crap photos.  Cheers.
















Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Modhail on September 10, 2012, 05:53:12 AM
That table looks brilliant!!
Nice battle report, the game seems to flow nicely.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: kalamadea on September 13, 2012, 03:18:54 AM
Yeah, it's nice to see thiese things in action on a fully done up table. the thing as a whole looks absolutely great! Any plans to make the rules available once you get everything fine tuned?
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on September 13, 2012, 03:42:46 AM
Yep, once I get more playtesting in, finalize the mecha and action card decks etc. I'll gladly be giving it away (since it's Robotech I can't even think about making profit off of it!)

Like my other small rules sets, it's always aggravating, because I know precisely what I want Rule X to be...but putting it in writing so that anyone can read it, and understand is shockingly difficult.

So far it's coming along nicely.  It's currently a 32 page word document (will turn it pdf when finished).  This however includes 12 pages of mecha stat cards, so the rules themselves are 10-15 pages.  Now that I have models and the rules pretty squared away I'm going to add more examples of gameplay into the rules, to help people understand them.

More mecha to do this weekend...still sitting behind a 3' stack of battle pod boxes...then perhaps some big boys will get painted up!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on September 21, 2012, 04:02:29 AM
Just a quick update...I apologize for the continually bad photos...been using my phone, since my camera kicked the bucket. :(

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-20_23-51-01_120_zpsed9d26b4.jpg)

UN Spacy gets a bolster with a pair of Defenders, and a pair of Veritech VF-1A's (each mode)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-20_23-52-10_142_zps766ed23d.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-20_23-52-29_282_zps30b88cbd.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-20_23-53-04_188_zps4c05a54d.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-09-20_23-51-40_297_zpsc312a9de.jpg)

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on September 22, 2012, 09:19:18 AM
The Veritech models are very bland, poor sculpts --- the arms have been replaced by Gashapon arms from my giant pile of unused gashapon models etc.  They're tough to paint.  I'm trying to run some playtesting games at an upcoming convention - we'll see if I can get it together in time.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 09, 2012, 10:09:51 PM
Well, I'm heading off to the Triangle Simulation Society's bi-annual convention in a few days.  I've got the models, dice, and other gear down...sadly I had to chop up a bunch of foam-board to make some super expedient buildings for terrain.  I've listed my game as a playtest for 4-6 players, so we'll see if anyone signs up.  If not, I have a handful of buddies attending who will probably give it a game or two.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/008-1.jpg)

The first three of nine normal Regult pods are done.  Why three you may ask?  (You'll notice I have a lot of sets of three).  Easy: that's how many mecha cards fit on a single sheet of paper.  It's also an easy number of units to control.  It's easy enough for a single player to control 9-12 units without worry, but at the convention it'll be easier to simple hand each player a sheet (maybe two).  This will eventually bring my battle pod count up to 15 (+2 if you count the officers), which is more than enough for the scale of the game.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/006-2.jpg)

The full group (actually I've finished up two more Veritechs in Fighter mode since taking this picture).

Replacing the Gashapon veritechs with Nichimo kits - which are not as snazzy looking, but scale much better.  I received my last two normal Veritechs in battloid mode today (have all the models needed to finish up two units of three Veritechs --- in all configurations, so 18 models for 6 units!).  I also received the start of my two Super Veritechs (I have the guardian mode, battloid on the way, and I'm custom building fighter mode models from Gashapon).

Will hopefully have some shots of the game in progress by the end of next weekend.

Here is a picture of one of the mecha cards - unfortunately I mussed up, as Office Max who was doing the printing and laminating obviously didn't have all of the cool Robotech fonts I was using, so...you can see some weird discrepancies on the sheets...well it's a playtest so they'll work.  Eventually I'll hammer it all out, print the stuff myself and have it laminated.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/002-4.jpg)

Crappy picture of the new VF-1A's from Skull Squadron

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/004-2.jpg)

Two pictures showing the two different squadrons.  The Skull squadron will be finished by a VF-1S in the same livery, while the beige squadron will receive a notRick Hunter VF-1J.  I will be providing special rules for the main characters from the cartoon, if people want to re-enact moments from the show.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/005-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/007-1.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: dijit on October 10, 2012, 04:49:04 PM
Looks good.
Is it me or do those VF-1S (I think it's them at least) look scarily like the classic Jetfire of my childhood:
(http://luccabound.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/jetfire-toy3.jpg?w=640)
Was on or the other based on the other?
Duncan
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 10, 2012, 07:45:22 PM
Yep, while the cartoon versions of the transformers were not really based on Veritechs/Valkyries --- when toys came out, almost all of the Transformer jet models were simply repackaged Valkyrie/Veritech toys.

It of course helps that Veritechs transform just like transformers. 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: dijit on October 10, 2012, 08:10:10 PM
Now I'm in the know.
I really love these slightly unusual projects, and yours in a prime example. Thanks for sharing.
Duncan
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 14, 2012, 06:43:24 AM
Weak update (because I'm...an idiot and didn't take pictures)

Ran two games at the convention yesterday and today.  Overall results were outstanding.  Lots of interest, and the players loved it....so much so that a couple played in both games.  Picked up a bunch of things I need to address (luckily no game-breaking stuff, just details).  Will adjust some of the mecha to better work within the game (saw a general issue with most mecha having a bit too many hitpoints, etc.).

Overall, extremely pleased, surprised almost.  Looking forward to actually hosting a legitimate game in January or April-ish (or both). 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: necrocannibal on October 14, 2012, 08:22:24 AM
Great job...I love Macross!

Looks good.
Is it me or do those VF-1S (I think it's them at least) look scarily like the classic Jetfire of my childhood:
Was on or the other based on the other?
Duncan

Actually, Jetfire was made from Macross molds.

Wiki
Quote
Jetfire is created from the same mold as the VF-1S Super Valkyrie from the Macross series (see Toys), including the VF-1S's gunpod, which is described as a laser on Jetfire's technical specifications.
The instruction manual for the toy even included the Gerwalk mode designed for the Macross version of the toy.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Chuckaroobob on October 16, 2012, 03:39:26 PM
Hi, I didn't play in your games but watched with interest. It looked like everyone had fun and the games ran smoothly.  Good job!  And yes, I've started searching ebay for 1/200 Robotech stuff.  Oh dear, another project.....
 I took a few pictures and posted them on the blogspot "My Little World of Dementia" if anyone would like to see them.  Look in the Southern Front After Action Report.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 16, 2012, 07:00:43 PM
Ahhh, you were the guy on the phone with Scott then?  Small world!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: sundayhero on October 16, 2012, 09:04:57 PM
REALLY interesting !

If I understand correctly, you're using 1/250 gashapon models ?

Your repaints are really cool. You painting technic fits well both scale and miniature type. Well done. You just reminded me good old days Robotech. I want them now.  :-* ;D
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 16, 2012, 11:36:52 PM
Well, yes and no...of all the completed figures they consist of:

1/200 Nichimo Kits
1/200-ish Gashapon kits from Bandia, and Kaiyoto
3D Printed models
1/200 Nichimo Kits kitbashed with Gashapon pieces
1/200 Bandai model kit
1/720 Imai kit (which is actually closer to 1/350-ish and will be suitable)

So...a lot of ebay-ing, a lot of kitbashing, etc.  I'm actually kitbashing some Super Veritechs in fighter modes etc.

As you can see, no single answer.  lol
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 20, 2012, 04:42:12 AM
Okay...need some help...anyone have any ideas on a model I could kitbash to make this kind of booster pod?

(http://www.mahq.net/mecha/macross/sdfmacross/glaug-booster.jpg)

I'm wanting to build one of my remaining officer's pods with this booster...I could possibly try to make a custom one, but if anyone has any idea of a kit that may help me?
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Kamandi on October 27, 2012, 07:25:41 PM
You sir have realized an ambition of my going back over 20 years! Good for you.

I have never been able to source more than a few of the Regults and what is a Macross game without a horde of Regult pods? It's a shame the first gashapon regult (bandai?) was not available in bulk - it was a really nice articulated model. 

Thanks for the lead on the models at Shapeways. The Gnerl and Nos-Jaedul Ger are the only 2 models not otherwise available in the 1/200. The only thing left I might want is 1/200 Zentraedi infantry soldier.

(http://cdn0.infrno.net/system/badges/105/large/49304076unspacy-jpg.jpg?1336459719)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 27, 2012, 11:44:56 PM
^This is definitely the last thing I really need - the Phalanx is also not available, but not really a huge priority...and 1/144 models exist to cover that gap (while not perfect, useful).

I've contacted a guy I know who sculpts to see if he'd be interested in making a single sculpt for me (which I'd buy 5-10 of).  We'll see.  I'm revamping my blog which I'll link to here shortly.  Going to retake photos and such. I've added a bunch of elements to my rules set.

Optional rules now include:

1) Characters from the animated series (stats and special rules)
2) Random pilot tables for each mecha
3) Survival rolls for each mecha
4) Very simple advancement tables for pilots (if people wish to do some mini-campaigns etc.)

Revamped all of the mecha cards (adjust stuff up and down according to last playtests).  The rules PDF is now about 38 pages (15 of which are mecha cards).  Pretty happy with the current version. 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Tomsche on October 28, 2012, 09:58:55 AM
What a great thread this is as a mecha head myself  :-*

Gashapon's are a belssing for the budding anime gamer, I enter some repainted Gundams (or past edition, Valkyries) in the Lead Painter's League every year, just because I love repainting them and well, mechas are bloody damn cool
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on October 28, 2012, 08:46:14 PM
Yep, Gashapon are great, but again, unfortunately Regult pods are almost impossible to find!  It's nice to know if I needed to game without Nichimo models, I could get a good majority of the Veritechs I needed without model kits.

I'm going to go put some work into my blog and post it here.  Been revamping it!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 02, 2012, 07:06:38 AM
http://battlecryrobotech.blogspot.com/

^Here is my blog currently.  I just relaunched it, with some "slightly" better photos of the units I have in play thus far.  Will be updating it slowly as I progress toward another convention in January!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 02, 2012, 09:02:09 AM
I have a couple of spare armoured Valkyrie kits if anyone is interested.

They are the 1/200 scale Nichimo kits. one model is assembled and the other is on its sprue. Both are unpainted.

PM me if you are interested (otherwise they will just remain in the cupboard).

£10-00 plus postage for the two of them.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 02, 2012, 08:11:59 PM
Shame you just mentioned that now, as I just bought some a couple weeks back.  I have a bunch of spare kits right now, but I'm trying to decide on how many to keep as back-ups (I will be doing conventions...models will be broken I'm sure).

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 02, 2012, 09:55:55 PM
I'll have to find out about that - where does he post, or should I just email him at Eureka or something? Link?

PS: I may take you up on that armoured veritech set...
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 03, 2012, 09:22:34 AM
You have done a great job with all of your mechs :) They certainly look the part.

I have a bunch of the Regults and have converted them to fit in with my Grymn:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/Grymn/Grymn%20Pod%20Squad/GrymnPod6.jpg)

I have six Soldiers and two Scouts and they should work perfectly as a jungle patrol.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 04, 2012, 12:17:52 AM
Ahhhh, you're the guy from TMP who mercilessly slaughtered all of those hard to find kits!?  A POX ON YOU GOOD SIR! A POX! (makes meaningless hand gestures to curse you)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 04, 2012, 12:55:50 PM
You say 'mercilessly slaughtered' I say 're-purposed'  :D.

Mind you, there are times I question whether I should have shoved them on E-bay instead of altering them...

... I still have all the bits I chopped off so a little gluing and filling could return the legs to their old form... but the chin-guns are long gone...

Hmm...
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 04, 2012, 11:25:34 PM
They go for between $17-20 a piece on ebay (about $40 per box) except the Scouts which no one wants, they go for about $10 a pop.

So, depending on what you paid for them - perhaps?

PS: I fully expect within say 2-3 months when I've spent a good $600-800 on this project...some Japanese hobby shop will re-released the entire line for $6 a box or something equally horrible. :)  Oh well, money well spent!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 09, 2012, 08:09:55 AM
Updates...some UN Spacy reinforcements.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/025.jpg)

-VF-1J in Guardian mode (the notRick Hunter)
-2 Tomahawks
-1 VF-1S for Skull squadron

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/024.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/023.jpg)

^This is why I'm replacing the Gashapon.  You can see the huge scale difference.  While not a deal-breaker...for this gaming project which I'm rather passionate about, I want the scales more appropriate.

I also ditched the VF-1As in Skull Squadron...converted one into the VF-1S model.  I realized after watching the show again, there is only one Skull liveried plane, the other Veritechs in Skull Squadron appear to be normal run of the mill brown models.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 09, 2012, 08:15:00 AM
Here is a quick picture of the models I've got finished...with a stack of boxes as tall as I am waiting in the wings!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/022.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 10, 2012, 01:41:00 AM
I love your new mechs... much more appropriate :)

Can you tell what these are?:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/Grymn/Grymn%20Desert%20Troops/GMMix1.jpg)

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d161/Inso/Grymn/Grymn%20Desert%20Troops/Dec2.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 10, 2012, 06:18:39 AM
The top picture is 1/100 versions of the Defender, but obviously the torso was heavily modified...but they kept the legs, arms, and radar.

The bottom one I can't tell the scale, but same thing - they kept the body/chassis and added a weird cockpit piece over the top.  Pretty slick conversions.  Anyone other than a Robotech nut would probably not think twice about it.

Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 10, 2012, 09:16:23 AM
Top one is 1/200 Defender, Bottom is 1/200 Tomahawk. I had to add the cockpits to allow the illusion that a pilot could fit in there :) .
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 10, 2012, 10:22:07 AM
So that's where all the damn Tomahawks went!  (Actually they got scooped up by Battletech nuts!)

The cockpits on your Tomahawks make me think of the Battlemaster from Battletech (which is actually a design based off an old Japanese anime "Dougram" if I recall).

I finished assembling a VF-1A armored veritech for painting, a last Zentraedi Gneral pod (this will be in an ace paint scheme), and finished my notRick Hunter battloid Veritech tonight. I think it's time to take a break and go back to building some of my Regult pods.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Inso on November 10, 2012, 01:58:48 PM
Good idea... more pods is the way forward :)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 10, 2012, 08:21:33 PM
Here is the notRick Hunter trio finished.  Realized my camera had gone to auto-focus instead of macro, making it hard to photograph stuff.  Turned it on and it became much easier!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/003-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/011.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/014.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/013-1.jpg)

The last one is the shot of the VF-1S head I added to one of the VF-1A's to make it a propper Roy Fokker.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 11, 2012, 12:34:03 AM
Thanks Scurv.  Just got a proper table (6'x5') for some playtesting tomorrow with my bro.  Been adapting a lot of small changes.  Also hope to have two more models done by tonight.  I've got a full week off coming soon (working for a college has a few perks).

Will take pictures of the playtest tomorrow if I remember!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 11, 2012, 09:02:43 AM
More stuff!  Yay!  :)

Decided to do up my last Fighter Pod in a fictitious "Ace" or command pattern I made up.  There is no background to this from the cartoon, but it looks the part, and I like having models that can quickly and easily be identified as command or aces etc.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/011-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/010-1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/009-2.jpg)

Also finally did one of my armoured Veritechs.  Guy took a long time...for a smaller model, it has a TON of surface area.  I also didn't have a paint scheme picked out (I hate the generic one which is used by all of the artwork for the kit).  So...slowly but surely something came together in my head, and if I'm honest, I freakin' love the colour scheme.  I chose a VF-1A head from a Gashapon model.  UN Spacy models rarely come with the VF-1A heads (the basic generic soldier ranks) and always come with fancy officer heads etc.  I'm trying to keep a lot of my Veritechs at a normal soldier level.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/004-3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/006-3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/008-2.jpg)

Note the Gashapon it'll be replacing.  The only odd thing about the armored Veritech is that it is somewhat out of scale with the other 1/200 models - a bit on the small side.  It measures the same height/width of a normal Veritech without the BULKY armour and missile pods fitted to it.  However it's still much more reasonable than the Gashapon model.  Also the Gashapon kits are rather dynamic, which is nice occasionally but this suit should be super bulky and slow...

Both of these models "may" see playtesting tomorrow if my bro shows up.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Kamandi on November 12, 2012, 02:07:24 AM
The only 1/200 Phalanx I recall is one in lead done in for the short lived Robotech RPG line from Dark Horse minis. I have one only.

I'm pleased someone has made a 1/200 Gnerl available but it looks too flat to me. Beggars can't be choosers I suppose.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 12, 2012, 02:19:55 AM
Even the Nichimo kits are pretty lacking - all of my Veritechs have gashapon arms, gun pods, and in some instances heads...but like you said, I can't be choosy.  I'm happy that I can find everything I need with two exceptions:

1) the phalanx like you said.
2) Zentraedi infantry

At the end of the day they're just game pieces, so it doesn't bug me too much! 
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: HerbyF on November 13, 2012, 08:03:53 AM
This is a great thread. love all those pictures. It reminds me of the old days when we used to play Battletech with 1/72 scale model on the floor because they wouldn't fit on a table.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 13, 2012, 08:07:36 AM
I won't lie...I've been vaguely thinking about trying to find an old 3025 Technical readout...and paint up a bunch of my spare stuff as Battletech mechs.  I could actually run the exact same rules set, I'd just have to adjust the decks, and obviously the stats...

Tempting...
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives)
Post by: Elbows on November 13, 2012, 11:35:33 PM
Well, a couple of jackpots through ebay this week. The first box showed up.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/008-3.jpg)

A cheap line of Chinese copies, called "Super Space Time Models".  Some of the castings look rather bad, but some are excellent copies of the Nichimo kits.  And cheap...like...$40 for 8-kits cheap.  I also discovered a line of 1/170 ARII models which look to be other copies/editions of the Nichimo kits.  Will see when they arrive.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/001-1.jpg)

Table setup for a game this weekend with my brother.  6x5 table, with all of my temporary terrain (proper terrain is my last goal right now).  The scenario will be simple.  The UN Spacy forces are outnumbered 14 to 9.  The goal of the Zentraedi is to exit 50% or more of their units off the opposing board edge.  This will be a tough task...if they fall beneath 50% they then have to eliminate all of the UN Spacy forces.  Will post pictures/report sometime next week.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on November 23, 2012, 05:01:35 AM
Battle Cry: Battle Report (Example of play)

I'm home, bored, so I decided to play out a very small skirmish, as an example of game mechanics for those wondering.  I have picked a rather small sample of mecha, to keep it very simple.  While Battle Cry is a simple game, when you have ten different mecha on each side of the board, it becomes harder to portray all of the attributes and abilities in writing.

The two forces I chose are as follows:  The UN Spacy force consists of 1x VF-1J Veritech (Hardened Veteran), and 2x VF-1A Veritechs (Confident Soldiers).  The Zentraedi force consists of 1x Glaug (Hardened Veteran), and 6x Regult Pods (Confident Soldiers).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/002-6.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/004-5.jpg)

They have been simply deployed along a small city-scape with a smattering of trees.  I will disregard certain action cards during play - an off-board artillery strike could spoil a game of this size.  This is why players are advised to always review the action card decks to make sure the deck is suitable for their game or scenario.

Initial action cards.  As each player draws three cards for their action deck - I drew for both.  I drew two Activate-3 cards for the UN Spacy and one special card, allowing me to activate a unit who should not be allowed to do so (handy when you have so few units).  The Zentraedi drew three activation cards: 3, 4 and 5.

I rolled off for initiative (this is either rolled or decided, no biggie): The Zentraedi won the roll.  I drew a new card (Activate-2) and then played my Activate-5 card.  This allows me to activate five units (the most available to the Zentraedi on a single card).  I had deployed the Veritechs in battloid mode - something which sacrifices speed but allows them to take advantage of cover.  I immediately moved the Glaug and four of the Regult pods - marking them activated, and "moving fast".  Regult Pods and the Glaug are able to run fast enough to make them harder to hit.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/007-3.jpg)

The Glaug was able to line up a distant particle cannon shot on one of the Veritechs, though he was in cover (reducing the Glaug's hit dice).  I decided to dodge with the Veritech...this gives you the chance to counter enemy shooting rolls, but you lose your ability to activate next turn.  Unfortunately the Veritech failed to dodge and took a well placed particle beam shot, dealing three damage (a  Veritech only has 10 hitpoints).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/006-5.jpg)

Luckily for the Veritechs none of the other Regult Pods had a line of sight.

For the UN Spacy, I drew an Activate-2, and played it.  Having three Veritechs...but with one dodging, I only had two Veritechs I could activate, so I played the Activate-2 instead of Activate-3.  You may never activate a unit two turns in a row, unless using a special card, so it's the player's job to think ahead and keep track.

I moved VF-1A number two out into a line of sight of one of the running Regult Pods.  Using the Gu-11 gun pod, I chose to roll six dice.  The Gu-11 stands a chance of running out of ammunition, if you roll three or more 1's when firing.  So, rolling less dice will sometimes save you.  I ignored my better judgment, and rolled all six.  Unfortunately, the Regult pod was in cover, and moving fast - meaning I'd have to roll D6's instead of D8's...and then I'd have to re-roll any successes!

You know those rolls that are so bad that you just laugh?  There's no point in being angry or sad, or upset?  Yep.  First roll of the UN Spacy side.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/008-4.jpg)
Needless to say, the Gu-11 ran out of ammunition immediately (the main weapon of the Veritech).  I did score one hit...re-rolled it, and scored a hit still.  However, the Gu-11 failed to damage the Regult.  This was going to be a short game...

Next I activated the Veteran pilot in his VF-1J.  I moved him up, trying to keep him in cover.  Usually I like to fly my Veritechs, but with so many Regult Pods, I didn't risk it (flying often gives you a huge speed advantage...BUT...you become visible to all models on the table!).  I removed the dodge token from the remaining Veritech and that was it.

The Zentraedi drew an Activate-2 and I played it.  I only had two Regults to activate anyway.  They ran up the center.  I now had all of my units moving forward at speed (a big advantage).  The Veritechs could counter the speed by going to Guardian or Fighter mode, but this would expose them.

The UN Spacy drew an Activate-2 and I played that as well.  I only had one Veritech to activate,  but no point in wasting an Activate-3 if I didn't need to.   I moved the only remaining Veritech into some cover, and waited for the next move.

The Zentraedi drew another Activate-5!  I played it, and moved forward again, firing on one of the Veritechs with two Regults and  Glaug, only scoring minor damage - despite my own refusal to dodge!  On the other side of the board, the other VF-1A did not fare so well, taking two more points of damage.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/012.jpg)

With the Zentraedi closing in so quickly, it became a matter of necessity for the Veritechs to change up the game.  I drew an Activate-2, and played it.  The VF-1J and VF-1A both switched to Fighter mode and accelerated skyward.  Changing modes puts a dent in your movement, but a Veritech can still reach "Fast" in a single turn.  The VF-1A fired missiles and it's head laser at one of the Regults, dealing two points of damage.  The VF-1J did not fare so well against the Glaug, inflicting a disappointing one point of damage.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/013-2.jpg)

I chose this turn because five of the seven Zentraedi mecha had activated and would be unable to shoot next turn.  I only had to worry about two.  The next time my Veritechs would activate they would increase speed to "Very Fast" and become hard to hit, regardless of being visible to all of the Zentraedi units.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/016-1.jpg)

The Zentraedi drew an Activate-2 and played it, moving their last two Regults toward the VF-1J, firing with beam cannons and defensive lasers.  The deluge of laser fire inflicted three points of damage on the Veritech as it flew overhead.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/018-1.jpg)

UN Spacy drew an Activate-2.  Fearing for my VF-1J in the middle of the Zentraedi units, I chose to use my special card, which allowed me to activate a unit otherwise unable to do so.  I punched the throttle on the VF-1J and he moved to "Very Fast" flying behind the enemy units.  He fired his Gu-11 on one of the Regults, damaging it lightly.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/019-1.jpg)

Drawing an Activate-3 for the Zentraedi, I played my Activate-4.  I was getting the distinct impression that this small skirmish would be a rout if I could just get one good turn of shooting on the UN Spacy units...

I was right.

Two Regults closed in on the VF-1J, blasting away at it with all of their weapons, slowly starting to whittle away its armour.  The Glaug pod turned course and followed the Veritech - one particle beam shot on target, punching a hole straight through the Veritech.   It's engines coughed and the entire mecha shut down, plummeting from the sky.  (The Glaug pilot had scored enough damage to cause a "Severe Damage" roll).  Since the Veritech had been in flight, it even suffered damage as it fell from the sky, crashing into the nearby building.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/021.jpg)

The UN Spacy were already desperate when they drew the Activate-2 card and played it.  I was in dire need of some special cards to somehow save the situation.  Both Veritech VF-1As went full speed toward their flight leader, hoping to help save him.  The abysmal dice rolling continued as missile, and Gu-11 fire barely scraped the Glaug as he lumbered toward the stricken VF-1J.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/023-1.jpg)

The Zentraedi drew an Activate-2 and played an Activate-3.  The remaining Regults stomped toward the VF-1J, firing at the supporting Veritechs on their way.  As the VF-1J pilot reached for his mode switch in the cockpit, a Regult pod loomed into view through the collapsed building.  The pilot let out a shriek as laser fire saturated his cockpit.

(It is worth noting at this point, that my dice rolling with the Zentraedi was better...on worse dice...truly a lopsided game thus far with the Jester Gods...)

The UN Spacy drew an Activate-2 card and discarded it.  I had no activate-capable units at this point, and no special cards with which to waste a turn.  It was looking rather grim...7:2 odds...

The Zentraedi drew an Activate-2 card and played an Activate-3.  More shots rang out against the Veritechs, scoring damage on both.  The VF-1A which still had a Gu-11 gunpod lost it to severe damage caused by a Regult.

The UN Spacy drew an Activate-4 card and played it.   The last two Veritechs both went to ground in Guardian mode.  With both no longer able to fire their Gu-11's, and one of them out of missiles, they'd soon be relying on the pulse lasers in the nose of their Veritechs.  Firing wildly they struck a Regult and Glaug for minimal damage.  The dice continued to disappoint.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/027.jpg)

To add insult to injury, the Zentraedi drew a special card allowing to roll damage against one of the Veritechs (a Gnerl strafing run to be precise...).  One of the remaining Veritechs suffered more damage, his fuses burning out, his Veritech no longer able to change modes.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/030.jpg)

The UN Spacy drew an Activate card and discarded it.  The Zentraedi drew a special card, and played an Activate-3, sending the Glaug and two Regults after one of the VF-1A's, hoping to finish it.  They came close, with a few crucial misses.  I refused to dodge with the Veritech because I needed at least a chance of shooting back.

The Veritechs continued to disappoint.

The UN Spacy both activated, moving slowly away in Guardian mode...firing hopelessly at the Zentraedi...rewarded with more misses.  The stricken Veritech stuck in Guardian mode disappeared in a hail of laser fire a moment later (The Zentraedi activated three units...shooting the Veritech to the ground).

Help arrived a moment too late.

The UN Spacy drew a special card, allowing them to draw additional cards, and play two cards that turn...even then my card choices were poor, and I had but one unit left.  I decided to use a special card which allowed my unit to activate anyway.  I flew him off the board.  A horrible defeat for the UN Spacy.

Thoughts...

Well, I lopsided the mecha in this game a little bit to the Zentraedi side...but not by much.  Previous playtests have all resulted in UN Spacy wins, so I was fearing they were overpowered.  Apparently not.  If I've seen such lopsided dice in a single game I can't remember it.

Miserable timing, and obnoxious luck sealed their fate this game.  Of the seven Zentraedi mecha, four even had damage - but not one was destroyed.  The gamble to jump into jet mode and try to outspeed the Zentraedi failed miserably.  The Zentraedi drew their best activation cards (4's and 5's) right off the bat.

I could have diced things up, fudged some rolls, or cheated with card selection to make the report more fair, but...screw that noise.  Sometimes the luck just isn't with you.  To put things in perspective...a Battle Pod has 50% fewer hitpoints than a Veritech, and can even be wiped out by a single burst from a Gu-11.  Needless to say, none of that happened.  A few pods down could have really changed the game!

(or a timely destroid reinforcement...the special card I was hoping for!)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: kalamadea on December 07, 2012, 07:04:49 AM
Anything new with this project? YOU CAN'T LEAVE US HANGIN LIKE THIS, MAN!
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on December 07, 2012, 07:30:19 AM
Hahaha...got a little burned out, been painting some Old West stuff - but yes, there has been progress.  Some more battle pods, a couple new Veritechs, etc.  I'll put together an update within the next week.  I have a Christmas furlough coming up which will see likely the rest of the models assembled/painted.

I always go 150% on my projects...burn out for 3-4 weeks and then get back into it.  I have two guardian mode Veritechs primed and ready to paint, just waiting for the right bit of inspiration.

Teaser:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/2012-11-21_03-29-57_423.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on December 08, 2012, 02:26:28 AM
Hahaha, he's not a gamer.  He just puts up with it occasionally when I need helpin'.

I'll be starting on trees and terrain over the Christmas break as well - have another convention coming up.  BUT...the fly in the ointment is that I'm a hiring process for a new job, so I may be scootin' across the country before the convention arrives.  We'll see.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Inso on December 08, 2012, 11:03:15 PM
Saw this on E-Bay and thought of this thread:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Set-of-6-MACROSS-Robotech-Model-1-200-kits-/170949707209?pt=AU_Toys_Hobbies_Model_Kits&hash=item27cd6585c9
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on December 08, 2012, 11:48:57 PM
Yep, there is a nice eb and flow of kits on Ebay.  That's where I landed all of my kits (a few through other sources).

I even have a surplus of kits I'll offload on ebay eventually - I may post them on LA before then though.  Once I get all the kits I need assembled, I'll keep a few spares and let the rest go.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on January 16, 2013, 12:23:52 AM
Minor update...

I've been busy knocking out my Old West project (needed a break after 50 Macross models, and dozens of hours spent typing up rules etc.).

I've actually benefited heavily from this.  Taking the Fighting Fives system from Battle Cry...translating it into Old West...then in turn, taking stuff I learned via Old West and pumping it back into Battle Cry.

I've been busy learning how to use GIMP (free crappy version of photoshop essentially...).  I'm going to be doing a different card action system, so I've decided to edit images to match my models.  It's a bit time consuming, and I suck at it - but progress is being made!

(Note: Some images are the best ones I could find...)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/RegultPrimary.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/GnerlAce.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/BlueGlaug.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/YellowArmored.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/VFHunter.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/TomahawkBlue.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/SpartanA.png)

These paint schemes on the pictures match my models - which will be used for activation cards, and mecha stat cards.  I'll be changing the rules substantially, but I think the speed and fun factor will go up, without losing any of the flavor.  I still have several models to complete, and have completed a handful lately- I'll post pics when I can!

Sadly I received no buildings as gifts for Christmas, so I still have to build a city scape for the games.  Battle Cry will bow out of the Siege of Augusta event this weekend, replaced by Old West.  Battle Cry will show up at the next convention in Raleigh (April I believe).
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on January 16, 2013, 10:14:38 PM
It's not difficult, just a bit time consuming.  No worries...besides I'm enjoying figuring out some of the stuff on my own.  All I'm doing is editing images with colours...so they match the paint schemes.  Pretty simple.

Update: I received two Japanese shuttle models today, which I will be using to try to create my Glaug w/ booster pod model...yay!  (hoping it works). The second shuttle will be built and painted up as an RDF shuttle of some sort for scenarios perhaps.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on January 16, 2013, 10:56:00 PM
Example...

I'm just turning this:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/queadluun-rau-milia.jpg)

into this...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/FemaleAce.png)

So it matches this...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/ROBOTECH/009.jpg)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on January 17, 2013, 12:24:34 AM
Tried selecting by colour etc., but have gone to simply free selecting (zoomed in about 1500% lol) and then colorizing.  The Queadluun-Rau there took maybe 30 minutes to do.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Ajsalium on January 17, 2013, 10:32:55 AM
I have done a lot of photoshopping myself, and I have always used the free selection tool.

There's a charm about manually selecting areas that I love.

I'm old-school, I know. lol
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on January 17, 2013, 12:33:20 PM
Yeah, I'm just using GIMP as a learning tool...I have done a couple images different ways, but the free selection is working best for me.  It's nice to be able to colour the images to match...now to start designing new cards! (groan...)
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Jaeger on April 28, 2013, 09:14:18 PM
Amazing project.

Amazing paint job and very coordinated and determined handling of it. Models must have cost a fortune?
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on April 28, 2013, 09:33:21 PM
Yep...that's not an exaggeration.  I have way more money invested in the models than I'm comfortable thinking about.  :?

This project is on hold as I'm currently working hard on an Old West project which is going to be available for sale.  My issues right now with my Macross project:

1) I'm re-doing the rules which will be better and more entertaining.
2) Palladium finally got off their ass and are releasing 1/285th stuff, so I'm debating what rules to create...
3) As a Robotech product this is not something I can sell, so anything I create will be used for conventions/personal gaming only.

The good news is that Dropzone Commander (the 10mm game) has brought in a full 1/200 scale (10mm) city out of some nice quality board buildings for only $36.  I think I may end up with two sets of rules, one for 1/200 for conventions, and another for 1/285th.  The project is in an uncomfortable limbo right now.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: kalamadea on April 29, 2013, 04:36:10 AM
Well, hopefully we'll get a real overview of the rules soon and not the convention quick-start version they posted. Either way, whether you go with official rules or make your own you could just increase the ranges by 50% when you use the 1/200 stuff. Squad size might be a bit off if you go official rules, but probably something you can fudge. We'll see in a few weeks, Ninja Division/Soda Pop didn't release full rules overviews until about halfway through the Relic Knights kickstarter either. Hopefully they'll have a good amount of depth to em, but if not then custom rules (especially at conventions) are pretty much a staple of wargaming going as far back as lead figures themselves.

Still, this project has been and continues to be all kinds of awesome and inspiring.
Title: Re: My Robotech/Macross Project : Battle Cry (Fighting Fives) - Battle Report Page 6
Post by: Elbows on April 29, 2013, 05:12:25 AM
I appreciate the positive feedback.  I have been sneaking a little paint time into some models lately - when I need a break from painting cowboys.  I'll try to post up some more sneak-peeks.  My project isn't dying it just needs...a proper direction.  Having a comprehensive knowledge of all the Robotech mecha means I can do a rules set without having the Palladium stuff in hand.

I'm actually sitting here at work with a clipboard filled with Robotech notes on it... lol

This isn't dead!  :D