"Peter Pig updating the 1993 sci fi rules." Topic

In 1993 PP published a set of 15mm sci fi rules.
They were called "The Company Rules" (TCR).
Now we are updating them; 30 years on.

The new rules have the following "features".

1. 15mm (although it can easily be used for any scale).
2. Square gridded table. 5x3 feet. No measuring.
3. No vehicles, swords, magic. 3 soldier types.
4. 7 different forces. Any(well not "any" but most) figures can be used, as the nature of categorisation is quite broad.
5. Using Heinlein as inspiration.
6. Game lasts about 2 hours.
7. D6.
8. Figures on bases of either 1 (best quality) ,2,3(worst quality)

The rules should be out in April??

martin

Nice! I do love a gridded table, even though I have a large selection of rulers. Hopefully vehicles rules can be added later. I don't care of about magic or swords. Though it seems like I read books long ago where the swords/hammers could cut right through personal force fields.

And what's not to love about powered suited soldiers lobbing tactical nukes while on the bounce.

In any case, I am sure I will buy it.

If you e mail me at peterpig at btinternet.com
I can send you a playrest version for you to see how it is coming along Bobby

martin

Will these rules have an accompanying range of figures?

Looks worth a try, however lack of vehicles puts me off. Must be better than 40K though,

Tally Ho!

There will be figures. Just a small range.
e mail me if you would like a "look see".

martin

Puzzled by the 'no vehicles' aspect, there are so many classic SF vehicles out there that I think it would be an opportunity missed. But intrigued to see how it works

Martin,
I'm always on the lookout for a good set of figure agnostic Sci_Fi rules; unfortunately your's does not seem to be "it."

-Square gridded table does not bother me all that much but can be restrictive on movement and different forces moving at different speeds and ability..
-No vehicles: you've already lost me-I can't use those Star Wars Legion and 40K vehicles I painted up? Sci-Fi and vehicles, robots, walkers…kinda the norm for sci-fi.
-No swords/magic (or if not magic, superhuman/genetically enhanced/post-human powers): again, you've wiped out a good portion of the sci-fi universe many gamers want to re-create with rules better than what those figure ranges are built around.
-Different forces: again, instead of a tool kit you've forced players into categories with little room for expansion.
-Heinlein inspiration: okay, more "hard" sci-fi, but with constant equilibrium and each combatant adjusting to the other, what really changes that is represented on the battlefield that's different than say, a WW1 game without the more "fantastic" sci-fi elements?
-Some figures single, others multi-based? I assume not a skirmish game? Company level?

I think for a good "agnostic" sci-fi game you have to hit a few points:
-the tool kit has to allow the player to port in their favorite plot…can I do Star Wars, 40K, the Expanse, Star Trek or 100 years in the future?
-Troop types have to act/"feel" different (you've three types?).
-Can I portray heroes and grunts? Or is this grand tactical? Most Sci-fi genres tend to the skirmish level…
-Weapon types need to be varied and actually be different from one another, and can I choose them to match my collection.

While I'm sure it will be "better" than the big box store SF games on the market, you seem to be missing most of (IMO) needs of a good SF game tool kit.

This does not sound like my cup o' tea, but good luck to your endeavors…my search for "the" sci-fi game continues….

Sci fi is indeed a wide arc of gaming.
There are lots of rule sets out there.
Many/most of them include tanks, Hollywood, swords and magic. TCR does not.

TCR will only suit some players.
Not a problem for anyone.

martin

Martin, this does look interesting. Any particular features in the rules that you could highlight that give it a sci fi vibe distinguishing it from any other period?
Thanks
Steve

Thank you for the question Steve.

The best quality troops fly around the table and have a lot of shielding. They are very very good. These better troops can also launch mines. The mines move on their own accord and detonate when the owner wants.
Damaged troops can be forced to take more damage as if their systems are degenerating. There is some recovery too.
Blocker panels can also be deployed on squares edges.
There are some pieces of scenery that can damage troops too.

The biggest note is that the troops have all the armament that is needed. they do not need tank or HMG support.

TCR is a simple game that attempts to make pace a prime facet.

We are creating a set of rules that we want to play, rather than one that ticks all the commercial boxes.

Thanks.

martin

We are creating a set of rules that we want to play, rather than one that ticks all the commercial boxes.

I applaud your clarity. It's how I run my games.

Quentin Tarantino once noted that he made the movies he wanted to watch. That's worked out pretty well for him. I think it will for you, too.