Hi!
This is a general overview, I need to find a more specific post.
Net epic These rules are based on the second edition rules known as Space Marine and its add on Titan Legions. While there are many simularities between the two, there are also many difference. I will concentrate on net epic alone, but keep in mind it shares the same basic mechanics with SM/TL, most of the changes are in the details.
Overview At its core, the basic mechanics are quite simple. You place one of three orders: first fire, advance and charge. These limit the actions of your forces so some forethought is needed when placing them. First fire orders permits you to fire first in the firing phase, but at the expense of movement, advance permits some movement but you fire LAST. Charge permits double movement, the ability to engage in close combat, but no firing.
Combat is done by rolling the attack dice according to how many each unit has, rolling a to hit number and determining hits. Weapons have a save modifer that will affect the target units saving throw.
Close combat is very simple each combatant rolls 2d6 and adds its close assault factor (CAF for short), the loser dies and is removed, no save, its very deadly and direct. Extra combatants against the same stand give the player who outnumbers an extra D6, therefore you can gang up on stronger opponents with weaker ones and have a chance to defeat it (albeit with heavy casualties).
Simply put that is the core system, so where do the comments regarding the systems complexity come from?
Simple, the detail.
Net epic/SM/TL has loads of special rules and chrome for individual units.Mastering the core rules is simple, the interaction of all the detail with the core rules takes longer to master if ever.
Example: Titans use a different hit/location resolution, they use templates where you see the hit scatter and affect SPECIFIC parts of the titan, alll with different results when damaged (will the titans head get blown off and it will fall on the nearby building or will the reactor meltdown and kill everyone in sight?). You also arm titans, selecting and perchasing weapons for your titan, basically you arm them according to the necessity of the game and the costs for more effective weapons is greater than less effective ones.
Titans also interact differently with infantry since their mighty defenses make it impossible for them to gain close combat bonuses by ganging up.
Army construction In net epic you use army cards which give you a "preset" battlegroup (or detachment which is the term used in net epic). The formations come in company size, support and special cards. The algorithm for construction is simple. For every one company card you can add 5 support cards and one special card.
THose are the basics, keep in mind there is a LOT more o go into, but since I want to make a simple comparison between the three, lets keep it simple. Feel free to ask more in depth questions.
Primarch
|