Escapee  | 04 Aug 2021 7:07 p.m. PST |
As a solo player, how might I game a carrier battle between the Japanese and the US fleets? I am thinking about searching for an A.I. opposing fleet, being attacked by it. Dice or cards to control these functions perhaps. I am looking more for the drama and uncertainty than using complex formulas. Are their any rules like this? Any ideas? |
| Stryderg | 04 Aug 2021 8:01 p.m. PST |
A few ideas for more of a campaign game: You could setup a map with likely points of interest to investigate. ie. where the enemy fleet might be, land targets that your planes need to attack, etc. Probably use a Risk-like map (sector movement instead of tabletop). As you move, decide how many planes to send on various recon missions, CAP and Search/Rescue. Each mission uses fuel and supplies, as does moving the carrier group. Draw cards to see what each mission finds. Draw cards for random events, which can also use resources (spoiled food, fuel leaks, etc), dictate that you must perform air missions next turn or move to certain destinations. |
| Stryderg | 04 Aug 2021 8:06 p.m. PST |
For more of a Battle of Coral Sea vibe: You know, after typing a few half thought out ideas, I remember that TwoHourWargames had a spaceship game that might actually be on your radar. I don't think they have it available any more, but I found a copy here: link I asked on their forums for you, here: twohourwargames.proboards.com |
| Stryderg | 04 Aug 2021 8:22 p.m. PST |
Barring the above, you might want to look at some of the Battlestar Galactica games or Full Thrust (specifically the fighter rules) for some ideas to create your own game. |
| Norrins | 05 Aug 2021 2:32 a.m. PST |
To echo Stryderg, I think 5150 Star Navy had a very good mechanism for seeking out enemy fleets. You had a 6 x 6 grid and you placed PEFs (Potential Enemy Forces) on the grid. Now a PEF could be a false report or a contact. You then rolled for the composition of the contact.
Once the contact has been determined, you could switch to the tabletop to play out the attack. |
| David Manley | 05 Aug 2021 7:39 a.m. PST |
Here you go, there's been a board game covering just this released in 1990. I think the rules are available in PDF online as well so you could look there for mechanisms if you didn't want to try using the game itself as a scenario generator for miniatures games. Carrier: Victory Games on Boardgamegeek link |
| emckinney | 05 Aug 2021 10:33 a.m. PST |
Play Carrier, don't reinvent the wheel! |
| pzivh43 | 05 Aug 2021 12:36 p.m. PST |
Who did the solo game Tokyo Express---Victory Games? That had a neat mechanism for plotting unknown forces. Could be a lone Jap destroyer or a BB with escorts. |
| Stryderg | 05 Aug 2021 2:30 p.m. PST |
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| blacksmith | 05 Aug 2021 4:45 p.m. PST |
Carrier Command it's a supplement for Fighter Command with specific rules for solo gaming with a carrier…but in space. It's also got a generic campaign and another with designed scenarios. |
| Escapee | 05 Aug 2021 5:21 p.m. PST |
Fantastic! Thanks to all of you guys, this is great stuff. I have some reading to do, and it looks like there are plenty of answers. This is where TMP shines, thanks for this! |
| Escapee | 05 Aug 2021 5:28 p.m. PST |
Tokyo Express sounded familiar, yes Victory games, found it on Noble Knight. Rules on Boardgame Geek. Right up my alley as well. |
shows one way to base 15mm figures on a stand.