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Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
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Author:  Gandalf the Grey [ Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
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Author:  wargame_insomniac [ Tue Oct 25, 2005 8:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Hi

Like yourself I enjoy playing Mechwarrior/Heroclix/Star Wars minis for a quick "pick up and play" game with pre-painted minis.

Not yet played Void or Warlord. Got sucked into buying Confrontation & Warmachine as they both produced some lovely figures. I also have Yokoshan & Sigurd fleets for Silent Death.

You're right that Space Fleet sucked as a game- bear in mind that some of the figures were nice though andf can be used for variant ships/fleets in BFG. Add'd more variety to the number of merchant ships you can use etc.

Good to see someone else with an eclectic taste in games, both GW & non-GW. I enjoyed the read!
:D
Cheers

James
Author:  CyberShadow [ Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
I have been progressing along the same lines (an I do feel that it is progress), beginning with Epic and Gothic and broadening my outlook. That is not to say that I am tired of Epic or getting out of it, the reverse in fact - I am more into the game now than I think I ever have been - but I am actually looking at other companies. I am not getting into games like Necromunda or Mordheim because they are Games Workshop, and I am putting them up against other games to decide how they fare.

I am different in that I do like to plan and work towards a huge army. I never actually get there... but the planning is there!

I looked at Confrontation and Warmachine. Confrontation has beutiful minis, that cant be denied, but I found the game itself to be very typical and nothing new or different. Warmachine just doesnt appeal to me. I dont know exactly why, but the steampunk setting doesnt do it, nor the idea of having controllers and jacks. I also have a natural aversion to Hero-Clix... but maybe that is just me.

I also love OOP games. You dont get the constant updates or changes to the rules or confusion. I have seen the light of OOP games!

Warlord and Vor are games that I have just got into too, but I really like them both a lot - and prefer them to 40K and WHFB. I will save that for another thread, but there are some great wargames out there.
Author:  primarch [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 12:45 am ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Hi!

Its been the other way around for me. In the beginning of my stint as a wargamer, I played everything and anything. I played Kyromek (which has resurfaced), Leviathan (from the defunct Grendel company), Warzone 1st edition, second and the latest (proably the ONLY skirmish game I have ever cared for), Battletech, Silent Death, Heroquest, Space Hulk and Blood bowl.

As time went by I have narrowed my focus to one dimension 6mm, mainly epic with only 6mm WWII gaming squeezing itself in. I have virtually lost interest in skirmish 28mm games. They bore me to tears. I like feeling like a general when I game, skirmish games dont do it for me.

It is also a question of time. I have little of it. I no longer have the drive of attention span to get into a multitude of games and remain with just one.

Of course, outside wargaming I play D&D and DM a game for my old gaming group. So with these two things I pretty much satisfy my gaming needs.

Primarch
Author:  Legion 4 [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:42 am ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
EPIC (with modified rules!) ... 'nuff said ! :;):
Author:  Tas [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
I really don't have a lot of time, like most of you


Thats is one hell of a BIG assumption GTG!

My biggest hobby though is actually my car

Mine is my family! :D
I like to try and combine the 2 of them and find it much more rewarding that any other gaming I have done for years!

Glad to hear what you've been up to and remember all those games from antiquity!



Author:  Justiniel [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:16 am ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
So now we know who GTG is :D
Thanks, an informative post and one that I whole-heartedly agree with, though most of the games I have yet to play (or own :laugh: ) There's hardly anyone round here that plays any game :( so my priorities tend to lie in the model sculpt and/or background that give lots of scope for more solitary activities.... conversion, painting, back stories etc.
Author:  vanvlak [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:41 am ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Quote (Justiniel @ 26 Oct. 2005 (10:16))
So now we know who GTG is :D
Thanks, an informative post and one that I whole-heartedly agree with, though most of the games I have yet to play (or own :laugh: ) There's hardly anyone round here that plays any game :( so my priorities tend to lie in the model sculpt and/or background that give lots of scope for more solitary activities.... conversion, painting, back stories etc.

Same here in many cases - except that anyone playing usually goes for WH40k or fantasy.. and that's where epic and Vctorian stuff really make an appearance - I love the scale of the former and the feel of the latter. Interesting, GTG. ANd now I'm reconsidering Void.....  :oops:  :D  :alien:
Author:  Tas [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Its the old time to game vs money for gaming argument:  
A sadly inverse relationship! :p
Author:  Dwarf Supreme [ Wed Oct 26, 2005 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Quote (Tas @ 26 Oct. 2005 (14:28))
Its the old time to game vs money for gaming argument: ?
A sadly inverse relationship! :p

Ain't that the truth, Tas.  :D
Author:  MaksimSmelchak [ Thu Oct 27, 2005 3:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Hi Gandalf,

I'm glad to hear that you are still around!

I'm busing working up a new sci-fi game tentatively called: "Planetfall - The Generic Universal Science Fiction Miniatures Wargame Engine"

And I'd love to have you become a playtester for it and help out.

The support site for the game is here:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Pla ... -TGUSFMWE/

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.
Author:  primarch [ Thu Oct 27, 2005 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Quote (Tas @ 26 Oct. 2005 (03:44))
I really don't have a lot of time, like most of you


Thats is one hell of a BIG assumption GTG!

My biggest hobby though is actually my car


Mine is my family! :D
I like to try and combine the 2 of them and find it much more rewarding that any other gaming I have done for years!

Glad to hear what you've been up to and remember all those games from antiquity!
Hi!

That's what brought me back to D&D, its something my son likes so we enjoy that together.

He also likes online video games, but we can't agree on which we like. I like doom, he likes soldier of fortune or star wars.

Primarch
Author:  primarch [ Thu Oct 27, 2005 4:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Quote (Dwarf Supreme @ 26 Oct. 2005 (11:09))
Quote (Tas @ 26 Oct. 2005 (14:28))
Its the old time to game vs money for gaming argument: ?
A sadly inverse relationship! :p

Ain't that the truth, Tas. ?:D

Hi!

Indeed. It is a near universal truth.

Primarch
Author:  Heresiarch [ Thu Oct 27, 2005 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
Quote (Gandalf the Grey @ 26 Oct. 2005 (21:35))
Just found a steller site giving a great overview of Hybrid for anyone that is interested. I highly recommend this game. The setting is as creepy as the pics show. . .

HYBRID the Board game

The premise is that a faction called the Akkylannian Griffins have discovered an old labratory that used to be run by the Alchemists of Dirz. Lots of creepy creatures were left behind and start attacking the Griffins as they enter the lab. Very character rich and well thought out.

The artwork and fluff is great.

The Expansion Nemesis includes some new rules, errata, and new characters. One of my favorites is Ysis, and I try to use her whenever I play the Dirz.

Hybrid is a heck of a lot of fun. once you get use to the rules it's as... or more... fun as Space Hulk IMO.

And the figs are utterly naf. :D
Author:  MaksimSmelchak [ Thu Oct 27, 2005 6:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
WARGAMING: Our Gaming Histories!

Hi Guys,

I'll join in! It's always interesting to hear about the gaming histories of others and to share your own.

Primarch: It's been the other way around for me. In the beginning of my stint as a wargamer, I played everything and anything. I played Kyromek (...which has resurfaced), Leviathan (...from the defunct Grendel company), Warzone 1st edition, second and the latest (...probably the ONLY skirmish game I have ever cared for), Battletech, Silent Death, Heroquest, Space Hulk and Blood Bowl.

As time went by I have narrowed my focus to one dimension 6mm, mainly Epic with only 6mm WWII gaming squeezing itself in. I have virtually lost interest in skirmish 28mm games. They bore me to tears. I like feeling like a general when I game, skirmish games dont do it for me.

It is also a question of time. I have little of it. I no longer have the drive of attention span to get into a multitude of games and remain with just one.

Of course, outside wargaming I play D&D and DM a game for my old gaming group. So with these two things I pretty much satisfy my gaming needs.


This thread can be found here:
EpiComms ? Extra Boards ? General Discussion ? Gandalf the Grey's Gaming blog
http://www.epic40k.co.uk/epicomm....90;st=0

My History:

The 1970s - My Beginning in Gaming:
- I started out wide-eyed and ready to play anything. I didn't have much money at that time so any miniatures I could get my hands on were cool by me. I mostly took hand-outs or bargain bin specials in the 1970s.
- I really got into fantasy when Chainmail came out and wanted to play all the great battles of Tolkien's hobbit. The Ralph Bakshi movie really inspired me and is still a favorite despite its shortcomings.
- Starfleet Battles was another big interest and I was determined to build a viable Hydran fleet (Never happened...).
- I was also lucky enough to discover OGRE around the time it came out and still think it's an amazing game!
- I also got in at ground floor with Traveller and acquired a number of the famous LBBs!

The 1980s - A Time of Microarmor:
- I went wild in the 1980s and built up a sizeable 25mm fantasy collection, started a microarmor collection and started building up a sci-fi collection as well. I probably painted well over 300 25mm fantasy figures during this decade... mostly Grenadiers.
- Around the mid 1980's, I realized that I probably had at least four or five different scales of miniatures in my collections and came to a decsion that making five different sets of terrain was not a good idea so... I wrote some pros and cons and I decided to settle on one MAIN scale and minimize all other scales in my collection. I ended up deciding on 6mm AKA 5mm AKA 1/300 AKA 1/285. My favorite pieces were in this scale and it made the most sense. In retrospect, I'm glad I did this.
- I played a lot of microarmor games in the 1980s and probably tried almost every rule set that came out at the time.
- I concentrated my modern collections around the arab-Israeli Conflict and built up some WWII collections as well... mostly for the early Blitzkrieg scenarios and Eastern Front.
- I also wrote a modern microarmor ruleset that became quite popular. I still see gamers playing it at cons and have even seen it sold at flea markets despite it not being much more than a set of fancy Xerox photocopies.
- Car Wars was one of the big games of the 1980s and I practically played it to death along with all of the later expansions for it. It is still one of my favorite games. I started building a x1 or 6mm car collection during this time. ?
- Some of the big sci-fi games came out too and I loved them all. I remember Battledroids, Battletech, Silent Death, Renegade Legion, Centurion and so many others. I'm not sure which of those games came out in the 1990s, but I liked them all. My 6mm sci-fi collection began to grow and quickly became my largest and most favorite collection. The early Martian Metals OGRE minis were amazing! ? ?

The 1990s - The Epic Generation:
- The 1990s were a golden time for me. I finally had enough disposable income to buy games & minis and I did!
- Adeptus Mechanicus, Space MArine 1rst edition, and Epic Space Marine 2nd Edition / Titan Legions dominated this time for me. I built up large Epic collections and this is still one of my favorite collections and by far the largest part of my treasured 6mm sci-fi collection.
- Dirtside II also came out at this time and is still a game I love. I bought a lot from GeoHEX and GZG and was sad to later see GeoHEX go out of business.
- FASA also sadly went out of business and Battletech and Centurion went with them.
- I also decided to take some chances and joined the service enlsiting in the USAF.
- Oddly enough, I found a Traveller group while in the USAF and we played a campaign game for a several years.
- I later went overseas and primarily worked in esatern Europe and Russia. I also spent a little time in Israel.
- When I got back to the USA, Epic had been gutted and E-40k had both come and gone leaving E-40k miniatures in the bargain bins of gaming shops everywhere. It was sad to see yet another Epic game get superceded or otherwise poo-poo'ed. I picked up as many E-40k blisters as I could.
- I spent most of the late 1990s working full-time jobs and taking heavy course loads at university eventually ending up with several degrees. This really killed my gaming time in the late 1990s.

The 2000s - Enjoying Gaming Again and Experimenting With Publishing:
- I decided to get a teaching credential and started teaching in the early 2000s. I spent a lot of time either at work (hospital pharmacy) while I was earning my teaching credential or in classes.
- The best thing about the 2000s was that I let myself go and began gaming again.
- I found a local game store called Hobby Workshop and spent a lot of time there. I made a lot of friends and walking into Hobby Workshop felt like going into Cheers... we all knew each other and we all loved playing games... whether miniatures or board games. Sometimes we brought movies and watched them together.
- I played in a BFG campaign during this time.
- I also played a ton of Epic games.
- The owner, Bill, is a great guy and I have very fond memories of his business. Games Workshop later drove him out of business when they decided to form a monopoly on Internet sales, which was most of Bill's business. It was a sad day the day that Hobby Workshop closed its' doors. ?
- I later earned my teaching credential and went on to teach in the classroom, starting with highschool science & mathematics and later moving to general elementary education.
- This was a wonderful time and I dedicated a lot of my time to helping others, but the whole education system frustrated me. It wasn't other teachers, but the infernal school district administration and the terrible CTA, one of the worst, most corrupt unions in existence. I left the teaching career behind in early 2005 and decided to move on. ?
- I moved on to a variety of side jobs in 2005 and decided to pursue a dream of mine... to publish my own game and do a good job of it.
- I had been collecting notes and discussing ideas with small publishers for ages. I had researched small printers and acquired skills with desktop publishing. After speaking with Patrick Sweeney of Firefly Games, I decided to finally do it.
- "Planetfall - The Generic Universal Science Fiction Miniatures Wargame Engine" was born.
- It had started back in the 1980s as a set of house rules and scribbled ideas in a notebook and had evolved over the past two decades or so. It became a microarmor ruleset in the 1980s and a set of house rules for Epic in the 1990s. Now it is ready to become its' own game and I've put it into playtesting and development. I should be able to publish it in early 2006 or maybe even in late 2005.
- I now game at a local shop called Hobby Monkey and play whatever my friends do. ?
- Eric "Chern" Royer is one of my closet friends and we started playing Epic together in the early 2000s at the now defunct Hobby Workshop. He is well-known for his "Epic Army Card" website and we playtested much of the early Epic-Armageddon materils with each other.
- We formed a local Epic gamer's group and I started an e-group called CA-EA-Gamers to support us. The Epic fervor has died down, but the same Epic folks are still around.
- Eric unfortunately has burned out on Epic with all of the damned changes and indecision at Games Workshop and doesn't want to play it again for along time.
- He is a big Babylon-5 fan so we play the B-5 space game pretty often. We're current;y in a campaign. I'm playing the Shadows and Eric is playing Earth Force. There are also Centauri and Drazi players.
- Eric also runs a Warhammer Fntasy cmapign so I'm actually playing RPGs again as well.
- Hobby Monkey also started a Formula De league and I decided to play in that as well.
- One of the highlights of 2005 was that I played a "Star Wars: Battle of Hoth" ?game using my "Planetfall" rules. It was blast and made my feel good because I'd made a New Year's resolution to do it. It always feels good to meet a vow and keep a promise. I spent a good part of Summer 2005 working on the Hoth minis set and am very pleased with it.

Shalom,
Maksim-Smelchak.
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