Western Games Rules - whats good?

[Will Bailie]

I'm a fan of The Rules with No Name.  Just got my copy of the new book - pricey, but very nice.

You should still be able to get the free download of the Rules with No Name. I think I got my copy from Boardgamegeek.

Thanks, but I've already got my copy from Foundry.  It's clear where the cost came from - you get a hard cover book with glossy colour pages, including not only the basic and optional rules, but also a painting guide and a nice Gary Chalk article on building a western town.  I recommend it!  (but try the free version if you're not sure)

W

[Supercollider]

We use Savage Worlds with Deadlands Reloaded, which allows for the introduction of more fanciful elements (if you fancy it), 'steampunk' type elements, magic, undead, etc, etc.

You could also play it as a straight western if you prefer. 

Plays quickly, and handles quite a few protagonists (up to 30 models is fine - probably the most we have used, so far).

The added bonus is that you can use the same rules set (Savage Worlds) for other genres...

[Ruarigh]

Depending on the style of Western game you want, I like:

Sixgun Sound: Blaze of Glory (Twohourwargames) - small skirmishes and good solo play as well as a campaign system in the rules. Not for the control freaks among you.

Hey You in the Jail (RFCM / Peter Pig) - Small unit actions with mini-campaign set-up. These are fun and quick to play. Geared towards 15mm figures with some individual characters as leaders for groups of 3 figures per 30mm*30mm base.

Once upon a time in the West (Tabletop Games) - Smaller skirmishes. These rules have been around since the eighties at least. They come in four flavours, each of increasing complexity but we used to really enjoy playing them. They include stats for pretty much any gun that was used in out west too.

[Le matou rouge]

Don't forget "Wanted : dead or alive" from Over The Wire

I don't try theses rules myself, but if they are as good as "The Wild Roses of Witchtown"... 

meow,
Matt

[Glitzer]

Thanks, but I've already got my copy from Foundry.  It's clear where the cost came from - you get a hard cover book with glossy colour pages, including not only the basic and optional rules, but also a painting guide and a nice Gary Chalk article on building a western town.  I recommend it!  (but try the free version if you're not sure)

W

OK, maybe I should order one for myself too. Sounds interesting enough.

[Onebigriver]

I'm a fan of The Rules with No Name.  Just got my copy of the new book - pricey, but very nice.

You should still be able to get the free download of the Rules with No Name. I think I got my copy from Boardgamegeek.

Thanks, but I've already got my copy from Foundry.  It's clear where the cost came from - you get a hard cover book with glossy colour pages, including not only the basic and optional rules, but also a painting guide and a nice Gary Chalk article on building a western town.  I recommend it!  (but try the free version if you're not sure)

W

Was thinking more for Ducat, than you Will! If you're happy with the book that's fine, but just seems a bit too pricy for my tastes!

[BigMecha]

There is a game called - Boot Hill (role playing system).

You can use miniatures with the role playing system.  It doesn't say, but
it sure works well!!!!

[warrenpeace]

My all time favorite is the old Avalon Hill boardgame "Gunslinger."  It was originally conceived as a miniatures game.  What's unique about it is the action card deck in which players have to pull and sequence two seconds worth of action cards.  The basic time increment is 0.4 seconds. Actions take anywhere from one to three increments, and can be delayed by the effects of wounds, falls, or blows.  It feels like the slow motion gunfight at the end of the movie "The Long Riders."  There's real tension in the play as players choose between movement, accumulating more aim on a target, or taking the shot.

"Gunslinger" uses a card deck to resolve gunfire based on the range and the amount of aim time accumulated on the target.  There is a chart for damage based on the variety of weapons available.  I particularly like the character sheet that has boxes for left and right hands and a both hands box where weapon counters can be placed.  It uses hex maps, but could be adapted for play without hexes.  I haven't tried the "Gunslinger" campaign system.

Unfortunately I get stuck playing other games because the players around here think AH "Gunslinger" is a little too elaborate for them.

Question:  Is "Wanted Dead or Alive" the game that uses a card deck instead of dice?

[Argonor]

There is a game called - Boot Hill (role playing system).
You can use miniatures with the role playing system.  It doesn't say, but
it sure works well!!!

Second that - I have a couple of rulebooks somewhere (used to have 3, but one mysteriously disappeared....  ).

TSR btw.