"Available Now: Hammer's Slammers - The Crucible" Topic

I ordered mine as soon as I found out it was coming. And with Old Crow working on the 6mm stuff, I'm looking forward to some mass battles.

Interesting, it is cheaper in the US to order it from the UK, even with shipping than to order it from On Military Matters.

UK = 33 GBP = 47.5 USD

On Military Matters has it for 48 before shipping…

I've just added new material to the Slammer's website:

link

There's shots from the launch game at Birmingham's Games Expo which is new up on the site today, plus there's the material I put up to support the book last week: all the game cards and play sheets in ALL three 'scales': 28mm, 15mm and 6mm.

With the bespoke Old Crow vehicles in these scales (28mm and 15mm are all in production: the 6mm stuff is at the casters for master moulds this week, so Jez at Old Crow tells me) this makes The Crucible a very flexible rules system. I can't think of many others that have rules and miniatures for three scales!

John T

I was hot to buy it until I saw the price ($48 US).

Dan

same here, not even a hardback.

It is a hardback

At Birmingham Games Expo I interviewed John Treadaway about the book for 'Miniature Wargames'. Expect in the mag fairly soon – it explains a lot about the new upgrades.

And its a hardback on A4 paper which is in between the US 8.5x11 and 11x17 – it is a big book with just tons of art and pics all of which is in color.

Based on the last 2…the price is a steal.

Trying to see if I can do a US launch game at Historicon.

I'll pass that on to Andrew, Blackhawk1. I think he might be going!

All

As Blackhawk says, it is certainly a hard back. It's the same format, size (in all three dimensions) and binding wise, as (for example) a GW product but, in the UK at least, rather cheaper.*

I'd like to think that it's of a similar quality (at least) in terms of layout and print and the rules are either you cup of tea or they ain't. But then I'm obviously biased so I'll leave that to others.

Blackhawk – Wish I could be there but yep: I reckon you should do one at Historicon.

John T

PS – here's a spread of the index pages and some other sample pages to give you an idea of what you're getting for your twenty five quid: PDF link

* Or, say WAB2 – same size exactly as The Crucible but it's £32.00 GBP not £25.00 GBP

$48 USD is $48. USD I know you put a lot into the rules, but even the first two (2) books (which I bought) were more than half full of pictures and such, with the actual rules making up maybe 1/3 of the actual page count. Each had a complete set of rules and frankly, the 2nd book did not add that much to the 1st book (the two together cost less than this version also).

Pictures and short stories are OK for some as part of what they're willing to pay for, but I personally don't want to pay for such when all I want are the rules (smile).

It is already very difficult to find anyone playing the rules in the states and this expensive version is not going to help.

Frankly, and I know you're not alone, but the growing 'need' by gamers and rule writers to have expensive rule books crammed full of color pictures and such, seems a waste for a product that is going to be used for a year or two at the most until the next rule set 'fad' comes along.

Hope it is a big success as I enjoy the rules and the Old Crow vehicles (highly recommended), GZG figures and the many other manufacturers in 15 mm Sci-Fi.

Dan

Dan

I respect your position, but the concept that illustration is not a fundamental part of any product involving a visual hobby like wargaming seems absurd to me. If I wasn't interested in the visual aspect I'd just use paper counters and not models (paper cut outs are very cheap but I like toys – as do most gamers, it seems!)

In a world of heavily illustrated products in every niche and with a requirement with this product, I believe, to illustrate things like vehicle colour schemes and insignia and so forth, I feel that those items – along side what I hope is some inspirational painting by the likes of Kevin Dallimore – justifies the design style which – in turn – dictates the price. I also think that – with a word count well in excess of 65,000* words for the Crucible, there's more here than just pretty pictures.

Dan you've said that there seems to be a "growing 'need' by gamers and rule writers to have expensive rule books crammed full of color pictures and such". I happen to think that the boot's on the other foot, so to speak.

I think that in a wargaming world dominated more and more by well produced, well illustrated products, that's what the gaming public comes to expect. I also think that when people like Old Crow and GZG who are supporting this venture (and are trying to earn a living at it) come on board as they have, they want something that will 'sell' their product. And I don't blame them. I think that means well illustated material, sprinkled with 'eye candy'. I honestly think that the majority of gamers agree with this approach – if it's the right product.

Seriously, though, thanks for buying the first two Dan. All I will say is this one's better, or I wouldn't be doing it.

I also hope it will sell well but only time will tell.

John T

* more than twice the previous volume

Well, I ordered my copy and look forward to admiring the pictures.

Since I come from a D&D background, book art has always been a huge part of the appeal of gaming books for me. This book will be like an illustrated guide to the Slammer's universe like you can find for Star Wars or Star Trek. Those coffee table sized books are near $50, so the prettiness plus extensive background, plus rules makes it a good buy.

John T: "here's a spread of the index pages and some other sample pages to give you an idea of what you're getting for your twenty five quid: PDF link"

Well that sold it for me – if only the PayPal option would work the order would be in by now… :-)

Well … it's all about what your willing to pay for what you want … I ordered mine and had no problem with the price or "PayPaling" it … Based on the first 2 books, the pics and intel is well worth the price IMO …

I put in my order on Monday, and i dont have any quibble with the price in terms of comparison with other products. However, i ndidnt buy the earlier products. I thought they were a little pricey for the contents. I'm happier with this publication though, obviously. I understand why people who bought the original products might be reluctant, but i think as an introductory product it could be a good thing for sci-fi gaming, almost a sci-fi "FoW"

All

Bear in mind that this new release is going to be heavily supported with additional material/scenarios etc in Mini Wargs magazine.

I know that 'coz i've already written two and Blackhawk's in the process of writing another two (when he's not planning a Crucible launch game at Historicon) plus I have another one in the planning stage.

Most – but not all – are scenario driven pieces. One I've written so far is for solo play.

John T

PS – here's the link to the launch gallery: these are game shots (some photoshopped a bit) from Birmingham Expo link

Got my Book today !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! link