"Looking for a good set of WW2 Naval rules" Topic

Well, the title says it all. Specific requirements are as follows: Small to moderate in scope (say around 6-20 ships per side), easy to use and learn rules (as I will be teaching the gaming group how to play). Reasonable space constraints (our game table is around 8X16 or so feet). Any Constructive input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Oops, I forgot, the scale I will probably be using is GHQ's 1/2400 WW2 ship and plane models. Unless someone can talk me into a better scale/cheaper model line to use. Thanks!

The new GQ3 release should fit the bill.

If you are in the USA you can order them from ODGW at a pre-publication discount or 20%, up until the end of the month, if I recall correctly. That also includes free shipping.

GQ1 and 2 were the old standard for fast, playable rules, that gave a reasonable result, so I imagine the new release may be even better. None of us have seen it yet, but I imagine it may become the new standard.

If not, GQ1 and 2 may possibly be found still, hopefully at discounted prices, since most people will want the latest variant.

General Quarters 3 is probably the bestplace to start if you want to couple simplicity with a good feel for the topic.

1/6000th is becoming popular, since there is lots of room for maneuvering on a small to medium-sized table, but I must admit I really like the 1/2400th scale ships too.

Task Force by Ben King. I lot quicker and easier to learn than GQ. They are aimed 1/2400 but I use 1/3000. Only downside is that there are no sub rules included.

Mongoose will be releasing Victory at Sea in 2007.

Sea Wars Fleet Actions by A & A Game Engineering. 1/6000 or 1/2400.

Here's a good set.

link

Seekrieg 5 with 1/6000 miniatures works very well. We typically play on two 6' banquet tables pushed together. I've taught about 8 people at my gaming club to play at this point, and I'm never worried about having a new player show up looking to learn. I just take 15 minutes to explain the ship log and bridge orders, and then someone assigns him a ship.

The Hallmark Figurehead 1/6000 ships cannot be beat for price or coverage for the period. Yes, you won't have the detail of GHQ 1/2400, but there's enough detail there, and they paint up really nice.

What about Battle Stations, Battle Stations? I've seen talk of it in a few other threads. How does it compare?

Can Anyone give me a run down on the rules (i.e. what scale ships, 1"="x" yards, does it come with scenarios, ect…)?

Battle Stations is a fairly abstract rules system designed to play quickly and can simulate relatively large engagements. There is a tradeoff in detail. So ships have four levels of damage, but there is no way to simulate damage to specific systems. On the other hand, it would be possible to play a battle between a dozen ships on a side in under two hours.

11th December 2006 is the release date for Victory at sea from mongoose.
Rules preview
PDF link

I'd definitely recommend Victory at Sea! But the release date has been pushed back to 1/3/2007. :(

Oh, and Panzerschiffe's model line is great if you're just looking for basic miniatures to play with, instead of highly detailed models.

You'll find that you are much less concerned about people picking up and handling your models! Plus they are about 1/3 the price of GHQ.

panzerschiffe.com

Soulmage, you only have a week to wait then for VaS, right? Hey, that's not so bad. The entire combat life of the battleship Bismarck was only around eight days, heh.