Fistful of Lead..... convince me

[Bravo Six]

I'm curious what those of you out there who play Fistful of Lead, like most about the rules? I notice that they seem to have most periods covered with either an additional rulebook or small modifications for the period being played, which for me is huge. I would like a core set that I can use with modifications for all the periods I'm interested in.

Annnnd...... GO!

[Harry Faversham]

Here's a couple of rather silly examples where you may end up venturing into the wacky world of FFofL...

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=112391.msg1406879;topicseen#msg1406879

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=114603.msg1434125#msg1434125

 

[Elk101]

I have to declare a bias as the creator of the FfoL rules is a friend of mine, but I played his rules long before I ever met him, starting with the original Old West set.

The original rules are over 20 years old and were revamped into Fistful of Lead Reloaded for the Old West before the current series was started. You'll still struggle to find a set of Old West rules that you can throw 5 or 6 players into with a gang or posse of only 5 or 6 figures each and have a fun, easy to run evening. The relative simplicity of FfoL shouldn't be mistaken as a lack of game depth, as the card play system creates a lot of tactical choice. This is developing as Wiley Games releases different rules variations too. Rather the simplicity is in understanding how the game plays and that there are core principles that players can recognise and pick up quickly. I've introduced it to a group who had never played a tabletop game before and they got it very quickly, played it to conclusion within 2 hours and were pushing for another game immediately.

Here's an excerpt from a Wargames Illustrated review from July 2019 which will give you an idea of what people like about the rules:

"Quite frankly, we wish we’d known about this set of rules long ago. Fast, easy to use, but with a low figure count and depth of gameplay, Fistful of Lead and its supplements have a great deal to offer those gamers looking for a tabletop adventuring system. It is adaptable, covers a variety of genres and could be used again and again for not only skirmish gaming but the type of ‘games within games’ where small groups of warriors undertake the type of missions legends are made of. Equally, the presentation of the books evokes the comics, movies and pulp literature that is so popular with those gamers who enjoy narrative adventures and campaigning."

[OSHIROmodels]

They’re fun. We’ve never had a dull game with them.

Just buy them mate, you won’t be disappointed 

[fred]

We’ve only found FFoL recently, and have had great fun with Cowboy games - the rules just work - simple to understand, but plenty of depth and tactics to use. Lots of cinematic moments.

They also work great for remote gaming - which is a big plus at the minute.

Dead cheap if you get the PDF versions. Which is all you really need, as you won’t need to be thumbing through the rule book all the time.

We’ve not really tried them for other periods yet - but do intend to.

[has.been]

I have used them for a variety of periods/genres & always had FUN.
The low figure count, quick pick up on the rules & possibility of playing
just about anything = MUST TRY.
As recommended, order a PDF, take a few figures off the shelf & play!

My days of:-
2 years research into a period,
checking out all the manufacturers/ basing options/ rules,
A year painting (For just one side!) then
a handful of games (& most of that time trying to look up some complex rule)
are thankfully OVER.
Now, if I see some nice figures for a war I have never done before, all I have
to do is buy (a few figures), paint them & quickly play. This also means lots of
games, I might even win one, you never know.

[Derek H]

I like the gang design system.  I really enjoy trying to find ways of putting gangs that can fight the way I want. 

I really don't think the system would stand up well in the hands of Minimaxers or competition gamers, but it's a great tool for creating scenarios.   . 

[Elk101]

Jaye will be the first to tell you it's not intended for 'power gaming'. It's more about using the figures you have (or an excuse to buy the ones you want) and having fun with friends.

[BaronVonJ]

As Steve mentioned, I've never mad any secret that FfoL is Hollywood and not History. If you are a power gamer or Rules Lawyer, stay away. That's not how I game. (although Rules Lawyers and Power Gamers rarely know they are what they are).
If you want to play with whatever you have lying around, it's perfect.
We recently played remotely for Wiley Wargame Weekend. Three linked Victorian SciFi games: Airship battle, small scale skirmish, large battle with big clanky contraptions. All the same core mechanics.

[Bravo Six]

Thanks for weighing in guys. Cinematic skirmish is exactly what I play anyway J. 

Just buy them mate, you won’t be disappointed

Thanks James. Already done. Went for the hardcopy rulebook.

[OSHIROmodels]

Good man 

You didn’t want to spring for postage from the U.K. then?

 

[Bravo Six]

Nah. Figured ordering on my continent was cheaper. 

[OSHIROmodels]

Much 

[Bravo Six]

Are there vehicle rules in the Core Book? I saw a Vehicle Instruction Manual, but that looked to be for the Galactic Heroes supplement.

[BaronVonJ]

Vehicle manual works with Core.
Recommend you watch this: