| hunterpest | 04 Jul 2014 3:28 p.m. PST |
Hi guys, I'm interested in playing a small scale mech game. My criteria are: 1) I like customisation options
2) I don't want to spend a lot of money on the system or models and ideally I'd like to be able to use models from different suppliers
3) I don't want to have to build/buy lots of terrain (a few card buildings are fine)
4) Solo play option would be ideal Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. |
| Tgunner | 04 Jul 2014 3:46 p.m. PST |
MechaForce. It's cheap, has the BT vibe without the record sheets, and has rules for building your own.mechs. It also has some rules for conventional units. You'll find it at drivethru rpg or the wargame vault. |
| hunterpest | 04 Jul 2014 3:55 p.m. PST |
That sounds really good and I really like the presentation of the book (the printable mini version is inspired). |
| sillypoint | 04 Jul 2014 4:32 p.m. PST |
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| hunterpest | 04 Jul 2014 5:01 p.m. PST |
Thanks, sillypoint. Same to you (although I doubt it means as much coming from a Brit, LOL). They have an XCOM game!!! I'm in! |
| Lion in the Stars | 04 Jul 2014 5:59 p.m. PST |
Check out Heavy Gear v1, 2 or 3. (I'm partial to HG1, as it includes both tactical and roleplaying rules). Design-your-own system is a bit complex (write a spreadsheet to do it), but during gameplay it's very fast. No sandblasting armor like in Battletech, your armor degrades slightly with each hit you take, but if you get hit hard enough, it can result in an immediate, 'brewed-up' burning wreck. You can get a pdf copy from DrivethruRPG: link (scroll down a bit to get to HG1) |
| sharkbait | 04 Jul 2014 7:43 p.m. PST |
Giant Stompy Robots as sillypoint suggested. I also like Mech Attack: link Mech Attack has paper minis, but you certainly don't need to use them. I use Battleforce scale BT minis and others have used the Mechwarrior Clix minis. |
| ordinarybass | 04 Jul 2014 10:35 p.m. PST |
I'm a big fan of Mech Attack and have played it quite a bit over the years. It comes with printable mechs and terrain, but we've always used rebased Mechwarrior clix (10mm) or convention games with 28mm scale mechs.
It definitely ticks the boxes for small (works best 5-10 units per side) customization (build your own profiles), and affordability (6 bucks), but while it could be played solo, it doesn't have any particular solo mechanics. Though you didn't ask, as far as complexity, it's more complex than MechaForce, but much, much more streamlined than BTech or HGear. |
| Mad Mecha Guy | 04 Jul 2014 10:51 p.m. PST |
How about Mekton Zeta, allows customisation, easy to play and design mecha.
Isn't free but available in PDF form. |
| Nightmare | 05 Jul 2014 3:20 a.m. PST |
I opt for Battletech
> small scale You play BT with usually with around 2-8 Models per side. Each unit however can be quite complex to micro manage. > 1) I like customisation options Battletech brings a full set of construction rules (Tech Manual) where you can create almost everything. There are also alot of free awesome construction programs on the internet (Solaris Skunk Works).
It is that flexible that I even played WW2 games using BT rules. > 2) I don't want to spend a lot of money on the system or models and ideally I'd like to be able to use models from different suppliers Buy the starter box. Enough Models and stuff in there that keeps you going for a long while. Around 1000 additional models are available through Ral Partha or Iron Wind Metals.
If you get models from other systems, simple use the construction rules to create a unit that represents your model.
If you really like to delve into the BT Universe there are around 60+ novels, 100+ scenario/fluff/housebooks and lots of computer games (Mechwarrior) available. > 3) I don't want to have to build/buy lots of terrain (a few card buildings are fine) By default, BT is played on hex maps provided with the game. There are alot of additional hex maps available too (around 50-60 I believe). Miniature rules for tabletop terrain are also available. > 4) Solo play option would be ideal BT cannot offer that, however you may look to Megamek. Thats an computer version of Battletech which brings the boardgame to the computer. It has an AI which is fairly stupid but better than nothing. But you may have to know some basic Battletech rules before you go into Megamek, simply because some things might be strange or get you confused otherwise. |
| Sundance | 05 Jul 2014 6:05 a.m. PST |
Agree with Nightmare – why not play BT or BT Light (can't remember the name of it, but it is BT without rolling buckets'o'dice). |
| GiantMonster | 05 Jul 2014 6:45 a.m. PST |
If you are into toy gaming, our game Giant Monster Rampage can be used for mech battles. I have used the system several times during demos to have Gundam, Transformer, and even Megazord battles. link -Ken
Radioactive Press |
| Angel Barracks | 05 Jul 2014 7:23 a.m. PST |
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| blacksmith | 05 Jul 2014 10:06 a.m. PST |
Meka Tac with MWDA mechs. See two BATREPS here: link |
| PapaSync | 05 Jul 2014 10:40 a.m. PST |
Try SAMURAI ROBOTS BATTLE ROYALE PDF by Ganesha Games. Not bad for $8.00 USD bucks. link |
| hunterpest | 07 Jul 2014 5:33 p.m. PST |
Wow, these are some great suggestions. It appears Battletech is winning out so I'll definitely be giving that a go. If I may ask another question, are there any systems, previously mentioned or not, that allow for mec vs monster combat? (guess what I've been watching) |
| GiantMonster | 08 Jul 2014 7:08 a.m. PST |
Giant Monster Rampage is perfect for mech vs monster combat. If you add in the game Atomic Super Humans (fully compatible) you can add super heroes, squads, and vehicles to the mix. I've done a demo using the NECA Jaegers vs Kaiju figures. -Ken
Radioactive Press |
| hunterpest | 08 Jul 2014 11:37 a.m. PST |
Thank you, GiantMonster. It's now on the wishlist. |
adds a new vehicle to his Army racing team.
