New sci-fi skirmish games - GenCon Report

[Andy]

For those looking for good sci-fi skirmish rules and not quite satisfied with the present offerings, relief is on the way.  I just got back from GenCon, and had the privilege to demo two excellent games

First, the upcoming AE Bounty from Darkson. It is a solid game, with many rules for shipboard combat, such as depressurization, high or low gravity, etc. It has many of the same core dynamics as their AE-WWII tabletop system, but seems geared for a smaller model count and really shines in close quarters action. It is designed for forces ranging from as few as two high hit-point bounty hunters to tas many as twenty low-skill grunts.  Lots of high-tech weapon options, and special abilities for the 14 alien races, including psyker abilities.  There will also be a campaign  system and (if I recall correctly) a character advancement system.  A very cinematic game, it should satisfy those leaning towards Star Wars or Savage Worlds genres.  It should be out in October, and I’m going to snap it up.

I also got to play a game of the hard sci-fi beta rules for Merc Minis, which should debut at GenCon next year. It is a more fine-grained game designed for fights between two squads of five. Troop options include mini-gunners, flamers, assault specialists, snipers, medics, etc. Each faction will have specific strengths. One of the two we tested had cloaking devices which made ranged attacks against them more difficult, and the other had reliable armor, which enabled troopers a good chance to recover from suit damage which otherwise would leave them immobilized. There will also be special abilities for each character. This game is simply incredible, with many innovative rules. The designers are ex-military, and they wanted a fun sci-fi game where real-world tactics still applied, hence an emphasis on timely use of group activation, overwatch fire and suppression. The core dynamics were quick and clean, but on the other hand, each model is quite unique, and will take awhile to learn to use most effectively. This game will scratch the itch of those leaning towards Infinity or Space Hulk.  Again, I’ll snap this up in a heartbeat upon release.

Both seem very good, but different, games.  I'd probably play one intense game of Merc Minis in an evening, followed by one or two lighter games of AE Bounty. I'll answer questions to the best of my recollection, and both game companies have active forums as well.

Andy

[Bako]

...the 14 alien races

 

Sounds like some interesting stuff there. Will have to look into them in the future. I really like what I've heard of this second skirmish game.

Thanks for posting.

[Andy]

Glad to be of service.  I've found some good games on these forums because others took the time to post about something they were enthusiastic about, and its nice to be able to return the favor.

Here's a link to some pictures:

http://www.mercsminis.com/Forums/index.php?topic=59.0

and here's my nephew's comments about the MERCS posted on their forums:

 
I expected a good game to begin with, but what I saw blew my expectations right out of the water.  Gameplay was smooth and had several very elegant and unique game mechanics (Like using the stat cards to measure movement) which made for a really fun game while still retaining virtually limitless tactical depth.  It was very refreshing to see a game which treated the units as intelligent, trained soldiers and not idiots. (including an ability of models to "snap to cover")  Each unit had a few special rules which made the game fun, but not unbalanced.  What impressed me most, however, was the fact that real-life squad based tactics not only worked, but it seemed that the game was built around them.  The game had the feel of an accurate military simulation, while still being fast and fun to play.  I cannot wait until the official release!