Good rulesset for space games?

[Agis]

For me A call to arms was always one of the best space games.

And it even has a convoy scenario in it as you described!

[The_Beast]

Must be a great game, but never tried ACTA. I suppose I got a bit burnt by B5Wars, so unfairly hesitated, though I've a copy of the Noble Armada version.

By the way, if you've got access to old Harbinger magazines, Gunbird, there's an article called Alone in the Night that's a convoy raid scenario. Or, a web search, as SOMEONE probably typed it out somewhere.

Good luck!

Doug

[Rhelyk]

Add another vote for ACTA. The first time I ever played Babylon 5 I knew I'd never play BFG ever again. Spoiler alert: and I never did, we just converted the BFG ships over to ACTA rules. It's an easy conversion as ACTA is essentially BFG cleaned up, a spiritual successor if you will. If you've played a lot of BFG you'll find yourself right at home with ACTA.

I've only ever played the B5 ACTA, never the starfleet battles or generic version so I'm not sure what (if anything) is different from B5, but it's a very good space combat system that I've had a lot of fun with

[Gunbird]

That would be hexless Doug, I'm more a "whip out your ruler" kind of man....

So, FT it is ey?

[Modhail]

BFG also had (in one of the supplements) rules for replacing small transports with heavy transports which were light cruiser equivalents, you could use those. I have all the supplements, so I could look up the stats for you?
You could also google the "Smotherman Formula" which allows you to reasonably approximate the value of any set of ship stats you'd like. Exact points cost are less critical for transports anyway as they're essentially objective markers.

Whatever rules you end up with, let me know, I'll gladly have a go.
Always enjoyed BFG and I really liked the convoy run scenario (I had collected enough transports to do a fleet sized convoy run, but I've yet to paint them all...)

[Gunbird]

Probs FT Erik, BFG may be fast but just doesn't have enough detail for me. We'll discuss it next hobby evening (20th of 27th?)

[BlackWidowPilot]

And yet, I've always had issues following the damage track, Leland. As I've said before, I'll accept that as a personal thing. Well, and, some of the weapon names... ;->=

'It's a fighter game' is probably what you expect to hear, but I agree you can fly most anything if you imagine hard enough.

Doug,

indeed, SD:TNM is extremely adaptable (and Bladestorm is its precursor believe it or not). I personally have rough drafts of a WW2 tactical skirmish system, a sci-fi skirmish system, a sci-fi brigade-level ground combat system, and a fleet action system all working from the same core mechanics. It really wasn't all that hard to extrapolate with the Metal Express Dice Engine, and among other examples is John Treadaways successful use of SD:TNM mechanics for his Vietnam helicopter gunship combat participation games over in the UK...

[Modhail]

Probs FT Erik, BFG may be fast but just doesn't have enough detail for me. We'll discuss it next hobby evening (20th of 27th?)

I'll try to have a look at them then. 20th is fine by me.

[Commander Roj]

Thx Dough, thats quite extensive.

What I want to do is a copy of my solitaire Atlantic convoy runs. Meaning 10-15 merchants, 3-5 escort vessels and 1 to 5 raiders, both sides may have fighters and/or bombers. Games can run for an evening but not longer, preferably less. I like details in damage reports but not too much. Solitaire is what I'm used to, with raiders attacking on pre set attack patterns determined by a draw of cards or roll of dice. Solitaire cause all of the locals seem to think of running a slow convoy as dull so no one is interested.

As far as I can see FT seems to offer that for the most part?

I believe FT is right for you because the simple ship design rules would allow you to build exactly the merchants you want. I have played Starmada, but I find it a little complex for my taste and the design rules not as straightforward. FT really is very flexible.

[Malebolgia]

I you ever want to play Full Thrust, I'd be mighty interested to join in. I have a painted NSL fleet and I'm always itching to play fleet based space games.

[sean_68333]

All this talk about space ship games makes me want to break out some ships and play a game.  It has been soooooo long since I played with my space ships.

FT is a great system that will serve you well.  I would caution you against letting everyone build their own fleet though.  People can go a little overboard on the many, many options.

I'm sure I'm not the only one that would like to see pictures and/or a battle report of the game.

[The_Beast]

 

Yes, Sean, I do believe I see games in the near future. Spaceships and 'nefs and land ironclads, oh my!

Doug

[Steam Flunky]

Another vote for Full Thrust!
One of my top 3 favourite rule sets for enjoyable wargames in 30 years of gaming.
I have also used it slightly altered for VSF landship combat aswell as aeronef type games. Playing around with it at the moment for WW2 fast play tank combat.