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"Song of Blades and Heroes vs Ares" Topic


Song of Blades and Heroes

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16 Jan 2017 6:12 p.m. PST
by Editor in Chief Bill

  • Crossposted to Song of Blades and Heroes board

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Comments or corrections?

kragon12 Oct 2008 6:03 p.m. PST

Which is of these is the preferred rule set?

I'm looking for a system that I can use a mix of Rackham Confrontation figs that my friends and I have. These two seem to be the most popular that are independent of any miniature manufacture. Any thoughts on either one would be appreciated.

Personal logo Inari7 Supporting Member of TMP12 Oct 2008 7:26 p.m. PST

Both are great systems, I own both.

For a cheaper, more supported system, I would choose Song.

More a slightly more detailed system, with a great points system, I would choose Ares.

Ares is a longer playing system, as your creatures more Hit Points, Song has a more abstract system, your figure is alive or dead.

It all depends your the type of system you want. Ares uses lots of different dice, and Song uses only six sided.

Ares has a more customizable system, and Song has fewer options.

Ares can handle more figures without bogging down as much as song.

I would recommend Song as its a very easy system useable for small war bands 1-15 figures per side. It's easier to teach then Ares, and it's very well supported and active on their yahoo group.

If you can I would suggest to buy both, you will not be disappointed. They are the very best generic systems you can get.

I would suggest reading reviews of both games if you have to choose.

Link to MJ XII group

link

Song yahoo group

link


Good luck! …………………Doug

John Leahy Sponsoring Member of TMP12 Oct 2008 9:29 p.m. PST

Tough question. I REALLY have enjoyed AREs and agree with Doug that the design system is well done in ARES. Also the number of different things rated up in ARES is incredible. Kevin did a great job on that. I also really like the activation sequence in ARES. I prefer it.

Song does lead in group activity and support by a mile, though. Both are very good sets. My choice would boil down to whether I was running an ongoing campaign/adventure. If so, Song would be my choice.

Thanks,

John

hurcheon12 Oct 2008 11:53 p.m. PST

John has been a long term support of ARES so that is praise indeed.

I love Song for a game with a simple system where the numbers can be tweaked in just little ways to give a different feel.

I junked Warlord in favour of Song.

blacksmith13 Oct 2008 8:05 a.m. PST

Popular and independent of any miniature producer is also Warrior Heroes Armies and Adventurers from THW and the best thing I ever play in my 25 years in the hobby.

PapaSync13 Oct 2008 12:27 p.m. PST

For the price you can't can't beat Song at 8$ for the pdf and it has two suppliments that you can purchase separatly.

8)

Ganesha Games Sponsoring Member of TMP13 Oct 2008 1:05 p.m. PST

PapaSync
actually the basic pdf for Song is $4, the two supplements are $8 USD each. Thank you for the kind words, I love when players do the PR work for me :-)

An additional "selling point" of Song is that it is simple enough to be played with children. I also own Ares though :-)

ganeshagames.blogspot.com

PapaSync13 Oct 2008 5:27 p.m. PST

Thanks for the correction. .. Great game. Great Price.

WKeyser14 Oct 2008 2:11 a.m. PST

If I recall you can down load the basic Ares for free from MJ12 website, and give it a go.
William

Andy Skinner Supporting Member of TMP16 Oct 2008 5:23 a.m. PST

John, I remember you liking Ares with fast play variant. Did you use rules like borrowing or holding actions for rank and file? If not, did it affect balance?

William, have you used the Warmaster figures? Got any pictures? I miss them. :)

andy

underling16 Oct 2008 7:59 a.m. PST

I've run a lot of ARES games, some of which I've used held and borrowed actions for all models, some of which I've used held and borrowed actions for "characters" only, and some of which I haven't used either at all. I've never found any of the above to affect balance one way or the other. If you really want a streamlined ARES game, try running all rank and file troop types with one wound, allow only "Independent" models to hold actions, and don't use borrowed actions at all. The result will be a fast moving, relatively marker free, game.
Don't get me wrong though. Held and borrowed actions are good mechanics, and work well in smaller games, or if you don't mind having to deal with more markers. And I've even borrowed from GWs LotR rules and used Might and Fate rules. It all just depends on how many markers you're willing to put up with on the table.

Kevin

Andy Skinner Supporting Member of TMP16 Oct 2008 8:06 a.m. PST

Thanks, Kevin. I was planning on using the "quick play" and your LotR stuff.

andy

WKeyser16 Oct 2008 11:22 p.m. PST

Hi Andy
No pictures but they are being used alot, the group here in copenhagen has a couple of gamers buying and painting figures.

William

Andy Skinner Supporting Member of TMP17 Oct 2008 5:43 a.m. PST

Thanks, William. Have the Chaos chariot drivers on squiggoths been used? I was going to use the dragon ogre rules for them.

andy

underlingtwo17 Oct 2008 9:19 a.m. PST

If you wnat any help or suggestions on statting up any stuff that I haven't already done, just let me know. Or if you stat up anything that isn't on the list let *me* know, and I'll add it to the LotR "master list." :D

Kevin

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