"Getting into LOTOW... and a Miniatures Question" Topic

I've managed to persuade my gaming group to try a few games of LOTOW, and have ordered the rule book and some miniatures from Black Scorpion (I figure that some pretty miniatures might sway things in favour of playing some more).

So, naturally, I have some questions for anyone willing to indulge me.

Is it an easy game to get into and play?

And how well do Scorpion's figures fit in with other ranges? I know they're slightly bigger, but is it really noticeable on the table?

Thanks, Cain.

Really easy to pick up and play – average game takes around 40 minutes to an hour to play, which means you can easily get some campaign games played in an evening.

All the ranges available vary a bit in size. You can just about get away with Black Scorpion alongside 'heroic' 28mm figs (like Artizan), but not with 'true' 28mm or 25mm (Foundry, old and new). Check this link for good pics:

link

Mixing is always a matter of taste. Heck I mix Black Scorpion with Dixon, Foundry, Artizan, Crusader and Blue Moon. They look good to me. Since you aren't in close contact all that often the differences are far less noticable to my eye.

Thanks for the answers guys, especially for that size comparison. My main reason for asking about the sizes was because I plan to buy some Artizan stuff (Pinkertons, especially) to add to the collection.

I've never heard of Blue Moon till now. Guess i'll have to look 'em up. I have a feeling my wallet might be a bit lighter by the end of the week…

We get about 3 hours every week to play, so 40 minutes is an ideal amount of time for a few games…

Take a good look at Gutshot, too:

link

In this game you only need 1 or 2 figures per player. Much more "Roy Rogers" than LoTOW but a hoot to play. If you don't let the scenario get out of control it will easily finish up in your 3 hour time frame…

If you can play 40k, then yea. Its "based" on that system. More similar to LotR game actually, but some don't play that.

Don't fergit to take a look at a fast/fun game called Six Gun Sound by Two Hour Wargame. Faster than LotOW, IMO. But for a more complex, 'Deep' campaign game, check out Gunfight! by Flagship games. Thats good too.

But Gutshot is a good one also. Usually calls for a GM though.

Arm your figures with melee weapons and charge. Works better than shooting with these rules.

Either that, or stand behind a door and force the other player to open it so you can shoot him.

Dan

If you can play 40k, then yea. Its "based" on that system. More similar to LotR game actually, but some don't play that.

Er, it is the Lord of the Rings system, with the Mordheim campaign system. Nothing to do with 40K at all.

Never seen the Black Scorpions, so can't say but
the old Pinnacle Deadlands Rail Wars figs (now available
from Jeff Valent Studios) are larger, so they might work
very well..

I've got the ARTIZAN Pinkertons – nice figures!

BLACK SCORPION are great but look too bif to me for my existing figs…

Black Scorpion and Blue Moon minis are both on the larger side of things.

As for the "throw away the guns and charge!" part about the LotOW rules, there is definitely some truth to that, as with many Games Workshop games. IME, there's a fair bit of "being hit, but not-really" that goes on due to the fact that there's a to-hit and to-wound roll, plus any rolls to shoot around/through cover ( basically a saving throw but made by the attacker rather than the defender).

If you get the supplements, it will allow you to play bigger battles as well with modified rules, or start experimenting with skirmishes in slightly earlier or later periods.