Sell me on Force on Force

[Golan2072]

I've heard a lot of good things about a ruleset called "Force on Force" by Ambush Alley Games. As it is a modern-era ruleset, it might fit my Valiesk setting well, as well as more realistic PA settings such as my old Stalingrad 2072 setting.

My main concern is with fun vs. complexity; I will probably be playing a ruleset with my spouse, and she likes relatively light rules. How easy is it to pick up and learn?

Also, as it is a bit pricey, is it well worth the investment?

Input will be welcome.

[NurgleHH]

I think it is brilliant. But for future-stuff they bring "tomorrows war" at the end of the year.

[zizi666]

We've played some games now : WW2 with Force on Force, Vietnam with Ambush Valley and Sci-Fi with Tomorrow's War.
It's actualy the same set of rules, with some differences per period/setting.
they play nice but it is getting used to resolving the actions and reactions.
Each unit status is linked to it's own dice : Elite =D12, Veteran=D10, Regular=D8 and Green/Untrained=D6
Tests require you roll a 4+ with the unit's dice type.
Furthermore there's the fog of war cards which can be fun.
Our group likes 'em and found 'em more fun to play than Disposable Heroes (which we played for some months before Force on Force)

[Hrothgar]

Having played a large number of Force on Force games and a little Tomorrow's War, I can say I have to disagree with most of the comments I see about FoF and the complexity/fun scale. The manual is HUGE, and I got rather tired of searching for the exact wording of certain passages. In some places, the wording of the core rules is very clear and crisp, in others (to my eyes) it seemed muddied and a bit vague.

I'm not saying it isn't a good game-I think it is, but given the learning curve involved and the amount of minute detail covered in manual, I just feel there are other games out there that give you the same quality of game and fun for a lot less work, hair-pulling, and manual-thumbing (and I am someone who loves Stargrunt II!).

Just my own .02.

[Gunbird]

I find it a excellent set of rules, and you can use it as is or wait for the Future War due out later this year. The Ambush Alley forum is very good at supporting gamers that are starting out, responses to problems are quick. Not sure though where you get the idea from that it is pricey? 20 euros and free shipping from the book depository, or get it from Ambush Alley in the USA direct with signature. Pretty standard price to me.

[Wolfslord]

I'm not saying it isn't a good game-I think it is, but given the learning curve involved and the amount of minute detail covered in manual, I just feel there are other games out there that give you the same quality of game and fun for a lot less work, hair-pulling, and manual-thumbing (and I am someone who loves Stargrunt II!).

I tend to disagree. I was also sometimes a bit confused about the wording of some rules, but in our 3 games we learned quite fast how rules are meant and who they work on the field.

It's been a long time, since the rules of a game made me want to play more games and not only models/terrain. Complex gameplay with not-overly complicated rules, that's what I like about FoF.

[SBMiniaturesGuy]

For my tastes I found it too abstract as a "skirmish" level system. It seemed better suited as a Platoon-Company level system.

[steders]

I've just done a review of these for Wargames Recon magazine, you really should buy it!!
http://www.wargamesrecon.co.uk/
Will be in issue 6

[Golan2072]

Thanks for the info!