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"Empire 4th Edition- How does it compare to other editions" Topic


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3,067 hits since 25 Aug 2014
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adaptoid25 Aug 2014 7:21 p.m. PST

Found a complete set of these rules. Wondering what the positives/negatives are versus the other editions. Thanks….

Sysiphus25 Aug 2014 7:58 p.m. PST

You still need a bottle of aspirin at the end of play!

Personal logo Saber6 Supporting Member of TMP Fezian25 Aug 2014 8:02 p.m. PST

Does it weigh more than Empire III?

RavenscraftCybernetics26 Aug 2014 6:56 a.m. PST

Still no DeathStar rules.

marshalGreg26 Aug 2014 9:08 a.m. PST

adaptoid,
Hopefully some of the regular players will chime in instead of the typical rabble, and give more specifics.
I unfortunately been away from it for some time so can only give a very general overview.
I do remember IV being shot lived because of those additions as it attempted to add to what III started. It required V to fix those issues. Since you are new to these- I would:
A) find some one who knows the two and can highlight the change from III to IV for you so you can make a decision whether to use those additions or attempt them after much play at III or just ignore…
or
B) seek a copy of III and only play that.
III is the easiest and thus maybe most enjoyable, especially to start with.

I am currently trying to digest LOG II and R&E. A learning curve is an unfortunate reality with these types of rules so be warned.
I am really seriously looking to go back to III. I did have the most enjoyable games…

Good Luck!
MG

wyeayeman26 Aug 2014 10:14 a.m. PST

Having cut my teeth on 3 I would suggest putting 4 back in its box and burying it like Jumanji, so future generations can be tortured by its complete crapness. I don't know how they took a product that worked and was a lot of fun and managed to create a monster that didn't work I don't know.
In 4 most of the words belonged to Bowden and Getz but somehow the dick who had taken it over managed to screw everything around.
Of the three versions 3 is by far away my favourite because just reading it changed my wargaming life completely.
5 added some useful stuff which but not significantly so to really improve things by the extra cost of a new set of rules.
Use 3 add a few refinements of your own as you see fit and have fun.
4 is the work of the Devil.

heavyhorse26 Aug 2014 2:39 p.m. PST

loved three…put a stake in 4 and buried it at a crossroads..lost my copy of three in a house fire and cant get one now..

21eRegt26 Aug 2014 8:46 p.m. PST

I'm a huge Empire fan and still play it today. But, IV was a rushed attempt (pressured by the publishers) to plug some holes in III that rules rapists were exploiting. So I can't really endorse it.

III was quite enjoyable though you needed either gentlemen or a series of understandings to prevent the "it doesn't *say* I can't do xyz". My current group prefers V, which is really just called Empire. YMMV.

adaptoid27 Aug 2014 2:02 a.m. PST

Thanks to all for the info.I will let this edition collect dust.

Personal logo Saber6 Supporting Member of TMP Fezian27 Aug 2014 12:45 p.m. PST

FWIW when I played III we could get through a turn "real time" with a Corps per player. That and the aspirin

John Miller29 Aug 2014 5:14 p.m. PST

Having played Empire III frequently and Empire IV only a few times before V came out, I find Empire V,(as 21eRegt above rightly points out, "Empire"), fits the bill for me and the guys that game with me. Although we may frequently be found with a beer or a shot of Bushmills in our hands, none of us as ever expressed the need for any other form of medication. Thanks, JOhn Miller

heavyhorse02 Sep 2014 11:42 a.m. PST

anyone who wants to get rid of a copy of empire three PM me

Richard Alley12 May 2021 1:18 a.m. PST

Hi

IV was well…………. didn't see much point to it.

Play III if you can get a copy of it or V again if you can find a copy.

There are rumours that an Empire 7 may appear in 2022/3. Its said to allow for multi Corps, Corps/Divisional, and even smaller battles/skirmishes. So………………

14Bore12 May 2021 12:13 p.m. PST

I have only ever played III, no idea of anything after, looking forward to VII, mostly for smaller battles.

Richard Alley15 May 2021 1:27 a.m. PST

Same here 14Bore. If I could find a copy of III I would go back to it and forget V.

Richard Alley15 May 2021 1:27 a.m. PST

Surely there is someone out there that could re-publish it.

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