Looking for a Sci Fi Skirmish Game

[Hobgoblin]

My beef with Ganesha is that the system breaks down when used to model firefights.  Wait, that might not be right.  The system might be great at modelling firefights, but the game breaks down.  Our Flying Lead games were two turns of maneuver followed by everybody just hunkering down and trading dice rolls until hits were scored.  Which is probably a great model of a firefight, but it doesn't make for the kind of exciting game of fire *and* maneuver that we prefer.

I have Flying Lead, but have never played it. I wonder if there's a clash between its "hard" take on modern warfare and the SoBH engine. In our MRDG games, manoeuvre plays a big part: dashing to objectives, rushing in to take out downed foes and lining up shooters for concentrated fire. The last two are so important in the game, we find, that staying still is rarely an option.

Rogue Stars strikes me as the game for a firefight, though, given the importance of pins, fatigue, etc.

I must say I'm very impressed with Pulp Alley so far. It prompted me to buy a few more D8s, D10s and D12s yesterday, just to be fully stocked!

[DS615]

I am really enjoying Five Parsecs From Home.
http://www.wargamevault.com/product/226810/Five-Parsecs-From-Home

[Warren Abox]

I have Flying Lead, but have never played it. I wonder if there's a clash between its "hard" take on modern warfare and the SoBH engine. In our MRDG games, manoeuvre plays a big part: dashing to objectives, rushing in to take out downed foes and lining up shooters for concentrated fire. The last two are so important in the game, we find, that staying still is rarely an option.

That makes sense.  We used Flying Lead for near future skirmishes, rather than the sort of science-fantasy of MDRG.  That could make a big difference.

[Storm Wolf]

Okay then if action point's are not taboo, then try combat zone by em4 miniatures, its cheap, adaptable and easily available!

Glen

[Papa Spanky]

https://nolimitswargames.wordpress.com/
I don't think this was mentioned yet. It is points based, but you can use as much or as little of the rules as you want, hence the name.
I would also second:
Combat Zone
Pulp Alley
Flying Lead
Two Hour Wargames

Good luck!

[dinohunterpoa]

Okay then if action point's are not taboo, then try combat zone by em4 miniatures, its cheap, adaptable and easily available!

That's another really nice ruleset!

And with lots of free material: http://combatzonechronicles.net/

[Pijlie]

I have tried Rogue Stars and found it to be lacking with the way crews are created.

Having tried Rogue Stars quite extensively by now and just being curious: what do you think lacks in the way crews are created? I found I could create almost anything.

[spect_spidey]

Having tried Rogue Stars quite extensively by now and just being curious: what do you think lacks in the way crews are created? I found I could create almost anything.

Not lacking in options, but lacking in background. They were just a bunch of traits. I need some fluff, background, and stats. I find it hard to play a game in which the miniatures don't have stats. I was super excited for this game when announced and I preordered it right away. When I tried to play it, it just felt off for me. And overly complex. I did like the scenario generation system though.

[dinohunterpoa]

I did like the scenario generation system though.

The only really good thing in the book IMHO!  

But as I see, lots of players like that rules exactly because of the lack of figures stats and the character generation system...

Independently of the rules system, to this time nothings beats a nice character card with stats and a picture matching the miniature, IMHO! 

[hummus]

try grimdark firefight
https://onepagerules.com/
its free and has stats for all the forces you find in 0k

[spect_spidey]

I have been watching some of the Pulp Alley videos and I downloaded the free PDF quick start rules. While Pulp Alley doesn't seem to really be sci fi in its presentation or in its rules, I do find it intriguing. I may have to try and convince someone to give it a shot with me. I am still looking for pretty hard sci fi skirmish game. I mainly have to play in a store so are there any recommendations of games that would be available in a gaming store? My local store tends to frown upon games being played or demoed that he doesn't sell.

[dinohunterpoa]

My local store tends to frown upon games being played or demoed that he doesn't sell.

So it's time to find yourself another store IMHO!  

[Elk101]

Conversely, if a game they didn't sell was played and proved to be popular,  perhaps it's the ideal way to introduce prospective new products?

[spect_spidey]

Conversely, if a game they didn't sell was played and proved to be popular,  perhaps it's the ideal way to introduce prospective new products?

Yes that works except most of the suggestions here have been for games that are not available through retail distributors. I mean I could be wrong, but I don't think I could walk into a store and order say a copy of Pulp Alley or Void Pirates. I am not picking on these games. I am just using them as they were recommended several times and don't seem to have a retail presence.

[spect_spidey]

So it's time to find yourself another store IMHO!  

They are the only store around that sells games and has any real space to play at the store. And personally I can't blame him for not wanting to host people playing items that he doesn't sell. For one, the store loses your sales because you bought it somewhere else. Two, anyone who sees you playing the game and becomes interested in checking it out wouldn't be buying from the store either. It only makes sense to promote what you sell or can order to sell.