Torpedoes & Tides - Designing a Coastal Forces game for Ganesha Games

[shandy]

Something exciting has happened: I've been tinkering with modifications to Ganesha Games' splendid naval rules Galleys & Gallons for coastal forces actions during WW2. Sounds crazy, but works quite well.

When I asked Andrea from Ganesha Games about sharing my mods, he suggested that I work on it a bit more so they can be published as a standalone ruleset. Naturally, I'm very excited about this, as many of my favourite rules have been published by GG and Andrea is one of my favourite game designers.

So, I'm now working on Torpedoes & Tides, a fast-paced game of coastal forces combat that. If you want to know more about my approach, I've posted something on my blog: https://wargamingraft.wordpress.com/2025/08/06/designing-torpedoes-tides/

And here are some images from playtesting:





My models are in 1/1250, but using the trademark GG measuring sticks, the game will work in any scale.

[shandy]

Some more playtesting for Torpedoes & Tides, this time the Search & Rescue scenario.

In the first picture, the question marks represent potential locations of the Carley raft. The cotton wool is a fog patch. Blinds indicate vessels that haven't been spotted yet. In the second image, the British have located the aircrew and work on getting them on board the MGB. Unfortunately, they are under heavy fire from the Germans. On the far left, a British MTB is on fire and has broken off the engagement, getting the fog bank between themselves and the enemy. (All models are 1/1250)





I've play the scenario a couple of times now, it's always a different challenge for both players.

[Rick]

I like this quite a lot, definite potential there. But do remember - carley floats are big flotation devices that are carried on ships whilst aircraft carry inflatable dinghy's; carley floats never go in aircraft, they're far too bulky and heavy.
Liking the setup and the way you've got everything sorted out - are you going to abstract all gunnery fire together or have weapon mounts fire individually?

[shandy]

Hi, thanks for the kind words and the clarification regarding the floats/lifeboats!

Gunnery is abstracted, as is damage. It's intended to play fast and concentrates on manoeuvring and tactics, not damage resolution.

[shandy]

Two fantastic AARs of Torpedoes & Tides by Alan Saunders, who is kindly playtesting the rules:

https://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/torpedoes-tides.html

https://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/rescue.html

He scratch-built vessels himself to try out the game. I really like those simple but very effective models:



Coastal forces gaming can sometimes look daunting, as there is such a variety of ship types and some models can be quite expensive. This is a cost-effective way of getting gaming.

[Battle Brush Sigur]

Excellent; looking forward to that release!

[shandy]

Torpedoes & Tides will also include campaign rules. They are about improving your crew experience and, most importantly, increase your reputation as a flotilla commander. They also include narrative campaign events to enrich the story.

The indefatigable Alan Saunders has now begun to playtest the campaign rules and already published a report of his first game. Visit his blog to see Lt. Cdr. Harvey Knight take on the dastardly Germans: https://hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-adventures-of-harvey-knight-1.html

[shandy]

Hi!

If you are interested in the campaign system, I've published a mock-up of the campaign sheet (not the final version) and a short explanation on my blog: https://wargamingraft.wordpress.com/2025/08/30/torpedoes-tides-the-campaign-system/

I've also started my own campaign based on the exploits of the Free French 23rd MTB flotilla. Three games in finally achieved some success!