"Two Hour Wargames - Old vs New School" Topic

I tried older version of 2HW Swordplay from 2009 and i just realized that I have much more fun playing that then the current version.

link

Anyone else with the similar experience?

Yes. I still play Warrior Heroes Armies and Adventures…but they I would, wouldn't I? :)

The impulse to simplify things to reach a wider player base always leaves some curmudgeons like myself by the wayside.

EDIT: Mind you with so many versions its easy for those who have access to them to find one that suits.

"I added PEFs mechanics from the other editions, since i like this kind of uncertainty, but I kept everything else as per 2009 book"

As it happened I had been working on the PEF idea while writing 6GS but it wasn't ready in time. In fact there were other things for 6GS that got left behind due to page count or "not ready in time" syndrome like some historical gun fights, an AI for the NPC's, and such.

All came out later in Warrior Heroes: Armies and Adventures. While the format of that book had considerable problems, it was a massive step forward for THW AI.

Bob

I have multiple iterations of the main THW games that I play, and I also shake-and-bake the different rules into a version I like the most!

-Will

That's what's it all about. Play it as written or pull rules from other versions, even other THW games. It's your game. When you play head to head just let them know any rule changes you want to use.

I remember seeing games where someone didn't like a rule or mechanic and stopped playing it because there wasn't an option. That's sad.

THW is like a toolbox; you may not need all the tools all the time, but when you do they're there. Just play the game!

That's what's it all about. Play it as written r pull rules from other versions, even other THW games. It's your game. When you play head to head just let them know any rule changes you want to use.

I remember seeing games where someone didn't like a rule or mechanic and stopped playing it becasue there wasn't an option. That's silly, but sad.

Like I've said before, THW is like a toolbox, you may not need all the tools all the time, but when you do they're there. Just play the game!

I prefer the original Swordplay over the two later incarnations. I also prefer Chain Reaction/Guns & Girls best. But play a lot of CR 2.0 for my bigger battles.

That's another good point. The different mechanics over the years lent themselves to different play experiences.

It would be too confusing to new customers but it would be nice if older editions were still available for the curious and the completist.

Bob

I second what Bob said. It would be really good to see old editions available somewhere, for us old boys :)
Alex

What's the difference between the versions, and why do you prefer one over the other?

I'll second Mako's request. It would be very interesting to hear what makes one version better than another in your opinion.

For Swordplay, I liked the first version best because it seemed to be written with the focus on close combat. It was still based on Chain Reaction 3.0, but was very much it's own game. The second version of Swordplay seemed to me to be the same exact game as normal Chain Reaction 3.0 but just with a melee theme glossed on, but mechanically still the same firefight based game.
Not saying that the rewrite was bad, just not what I wanted in a game. I liked how the original played better. More like Mayhem: Warrior Heroes.

For Chain Reaction/G&G I like that one best because of how simple the game is compared to later incarnations. I mean the rules are explained pretty darn well in like three pages with only one or two "grey" areas. But even those you can rule yourself or find answers for pretty easy on the Yahoo group.
Chain Reaction 2.0 handles squad based actions a little better then CR1, because you don't have to track Scratches and Bad Wounds on each model. So it is easier to play larger battles.
So if I am playing like a single squad vs a single squad I will play CR1. But If I am going to run a platoon action I will use CR2.

Informative. Thank you!

Interesting topic. I find the Swordplay/CR 3.1 rules just the right amount of detail for my solo games.