"Another Sci-fi Skirmish Rules question." Topic

So I've run down all the previous threads on this topic but still haven't settled on a rule set.

Here's what I'm primarily looking for:

-Easy to learn/ teach to someone else.
-Handles 20-30 miniatures without getting bogged down.
-Quick/ bloody combat results.
-I don't mind an "RPG-lite" game but don't want to be bogged down with record keeping.
-Flexible army lists that let you build your own force.
-Something that still uses slug-thrower technology, not just all lasers and plasma guns.
-Can easily handle Aliens, Bots, Plague Victims as well as human vs human games.

What I've played so far:
-Rogue Trader
-Kill Team
-Space Hulk

What I've read/ purchased but not tried:
-5150
-Star Grunt II
-Tomorrow's War (1st Edition)

I know all those requirements make me a picky SOB but I know that there's lots of different rules out there I've never seen or tried. So I'm open to all/ any recommendations.

Thanks!

You might try Grimdark – I like 'em form many of the reasons you cite

Plus they are free

link

Galactic Heroes… it's usually played with smaller numbers of figures but you could easily scale up a figure to a small squad.

Try 5150 latest version (citizen soldier). It's got everything you asked and more.

One Hour Skirmish may just fit the bill. It is card based and turns in a really neat little game. Like TSATF it is more like a starting point for gaming.

+1 Grimdark.

5150 the older version is very accommodating, Osprey do 2 sci-fi type games one is post apocalyptic. I have not played either however their other sets are easy to pick up and play.

jon

Stargrave and call the weapons whatever you want!

Gruntz is an excellent system.

Thanks for all of the above suggestions. I'll be checking them all out.

One game that has an interesting sounding background is Mantic's "Warpath". It doesnt have a great rating over at BGG but im curious to hear what someone over here thinks of it.

@ciaphas, the only problem I had with picking up the Osprey games is that they suggest 6 minis per side, which is a bit smaller than I'm looking for.

(OOP games)
Nick Lund's Kill Zone
Shock Force

Galactic Heroes is great! Wiley Games also makes Bigger Battles a set that handles large actions.

Thanks

John

Mantic's Warpath Firefight and others in the Mantic sci fi range. All free. Just sub in your own figures. Plus, it's free.

link

I would recommend Galactic Heroes and Bigger Battles. Bothe by Wiley Games.

Shockforce or also called Warengine

link

It's pay what you want.

I have played their Napoleonic skirmish and had made an assumption that it would be based loosely on that. It must therefore be based on the Samurai version.
both play well but very different. Dead mans hand is probably smaller than you are looking but is narrative based and really quite fun if not played to everyone dies.
jon

One Page Rules Grimdark Future. Pay for the lowest level of the Patreon for one month, download the full rules and points calculator. Design your own everything. Assault Rifles are what they call their basic weapon, you can call it what you want. Plenty of special rules to tailor your forces. Lots of add-on rules for increased complexity, but none are required.

Another recommendation of Fistful of Lead: Galactic Heroes by Wiley games. Adding the Bigger Battles rules set from the same author scales the game up to 20-30 figures per side. You can design your own forces or you can use pre-determined forces from the Codex Galactia book and vehicles from the vehicle instruction manual. They are available in downloadable PDF versions or print
link

There are YouTube videos for both FfL Galactic Heroes and Bigger Battles.

If you can wait Osprey have Xenos Rampant coming out "soon". If its like the others in the Rampant family it ticks your boxes but maybe for more models than your 20-30.

GDW's classic Striker or Striker II rules – simple, good for skirmish, include command and control and design anything from the Traveller Universe

while checking out Striker
also check GDW's Snapshot and AHL