"Does any one play RANGER! rules?" Topic

Has anyone played under the old Ranger! rules written by Peter Berry?
The rules were first published by Partizan Press in 1991 and I have had them since then. I even started painting a few figures but lost interest due to – among other things – a divorce.

In theory the rules seem to contain some good ideas, one being that a ranged combat hit (or hits) can be exchanged for backwards distance in inches. Basically units can be driven backwards instead of taking figure casualties. I am considering setting an upper limit for this of say two or three hits taken as backwards distance.
After that limit is reached all hits would then be compulsory.

I recently dug the Ranger! rules out of store and I am still quite taken with them. I am also looking at the Blue Moon 15mm figures FIW figures.
Barry

I have these but have never played them. I usually play solo so I tend to use Long Rifle by THW. Maybe I will pull them out and take another look at them.

@Paul Collins:
Thank you.
My interest is that – apart from the period – this is a small armies war and I would not need to do endless amount of heavy and tedious painting.
Please let me know how you get on.

Barry

There are some interesting mechanics in Peter Berry's rules. On the other hand, there are some clunky ones. Trying to use them is a bit like buying a classic 1967 Triumph motorcyle, v. one made in the last couple of years [a completely modern bike].

How much time do you want to spend tuning and fixing these rules?

What is your "reality quotient" in the sense of how much "real feel" are you looking for? Some people like to emphasize clever game mechanics that make for a great game. I think the SAGA system is a great example of this. It is a fun and engaging GAME, but it is also, well, a bit "gamey".

so despite having a few of PB's rules, every time I've intently read them in preparation to give them a go, I find myself tuning and fixing them up, and then I give up.

The retreat v. hits mechanic is pretty interesting. One can certainly argue that falling back is a way to reduce stress, or "hits" and it can make sense. On the other hand, it can be abused so that someone who gives a lot of ground take few casualties.

I do like the game's level of play, one that is rarely seen in gaming, whereby a unit is a company. It makes for a good level of fighting in North America.

I hope that is helpful – I could have easily posted the same question!