Putting the novels aside, what am I missing from a gaming point of view in Hammers Slammers: The Crucible? I know, lot's of eye candy, but from a putting models on a table point of view is it something I'm missing out on, and if so what? Universe, background, rules, units?
I mean does it give me something that I can hang my hat on and create distinct, concise, personalised units with character (read fun),within a coherent game setting?
Cheers
Mark
I agree. I don't know why, but Pournelles work not only captured my imagination as a reader more, but I could see how I translate that work to the table. Great question, I don't know the answer but feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteI don't really get it either, but it's the hover tanks that really get me. I mean, they won't work as described -- they took a real world tech and made it do something it won't. If you have to assume that all kind of tech advances have occurred to stabilize and protect the hover drives, then why not just give them anti-grav? It's like saying "oh, anti-grav is so silly, I'm going to have the troops ride into battle on segues instead."
ReplyDeleteRBS
Well going from your two examples of what you get, both infantry sorts of books, and Hammers is Armor. So I can see not getting it. It may be just that simple.
ReplyDeleteThe question I always ask my self when it come to gaming Hammer's Slammers is who came up with the bright idea of trying to game armor battle in 25mm on a table top? That is what I have never gotten.
I have the old version of the rules and found them to be nothing special. Pretty simple system. It's a very armour oriented game as well, while I much prefer infantry based games.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do enjoy the Hammers stories by Drake. Sure, they're not brilliant piece of writing, but they are a fun read and give lots of scenario ideas.
Been loving the reissued collected Slammers books, but also can't see a game, especially in 28mm.
ReplyDeleteWell do it in 15mm (or 6mm if Jez gets them in production soon:-)) the reason it was done in 25mm was mainly for demonstration games by the Warlords.
ReplyDeleteYes the game is mainly tanks but infantry system works well. If you are sensible about things you can make up your own forces as you see fit and ok if you use the point system it can get a bit more difficult. But using the standard detachments sizes you can't go to wrong.
Hover tanks well that's what is used in Drakes books... But if you say why not use anti grav well that is another tech leap some which some very rich powers have it, like the terrans but hover or blower technology is feasible but needs bucket loads of power hence fusion bottles in the main slammer vehicles.
But it's all down to personal choice and yes I do game it but in 15mm and have put on a games at Bovington Tank Museum since the original rules came out in 2004.
Cheers Matt
Glad to find I'm not alone. Phew! Interesting too to hear other 15mm gamers viewpoints.
ReplyDeleteThanks for providing a perspective informed via using the Slammers rules Matt.
I just want to make sure we (eg Maff and myself) are not missing out on a great game.
Cheers
Mark
I don't think you are missing out. Great system or not, it just doesn't seem to be designed for the types of games that you talk about on here. Crucible is designed for huge forces, and to be played on big tables with loads of top-notch terrain. Really, it's the kind of thing that is designed for larger clubs or gaming shops, or to be run at shows or conventions.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I do like the stories (and Old Crow's models). But I'm more likely to create a FUBAR or USE ME force with a handful of them in my own universe... Crucible is fantastic eye candy but is simply not the kind of game I enjoy playing.
Chris
Chris my man, you appear to have hit the nail on the head.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Mark
I bought the boxed set with the mini and some tanks. The hover tanks just dont do it for me in terms of look and feel, i guess they dont have a "hard" enough feel. The other vehicles look great its just Hammers tanks and combat cars dont work for me. Is there also a Spock/Kirk kind of tension between Hammer and his 2IC?
ReplyDeleteHi All...first time post on this excellent Blog.....and I'm going to have to defend Hammer's Slammers! I really love this game...it's quick and easy to play and has a 'hard core' feel about it. I think it's a case of 'different strokes for different folks' here. I've been painting and collecting 15mm Sci-fi for years now, and this is the first game system I've ever really thought works well. OK...you have to be insane to play it 25mm,( I know people that do!), but in 15mm it's a great game. OK..it's not prefect, but we get a really interesting large games during a rather short club night. The rules are really easy to pick up, and they reflect well the Drake books. I really like the 'lo-tech/Hi-tech contrast...and the whole background, in terms of Tech level really hits the mark for me.
ReplyDeleteIn 15mm scale you get a god size 'encounter' which can be played out in a evenings gaming. The system is 'stream-line' rather than simple. Very adaptable if you want to go that way, but for me I'm more than happy playing and painting with the excellent Old Crow models for this game.
I can see why it not everyones cup of tea,( back the the different strokes bit again), but things like 40K leave me cold as does the Critical Mass stuff.....great miniatures..but the rules and races just don't do it for me.
Read the books...and give it a try.
Excellent blog........it's a regular 'first read' of the day for me........just had to put my two penny worths in about Hammer's Slammers.
Hi! Flattery will get you everywhere. Thanks for the positive feedback about the blog.
ReplyDeleteAgain, good to hear positives from someone who plays it. Agree entirely about different strokes - one of the great things about Sci Fi gaming. Its a broad church and we must never lose sight of that. Otherwise it's GravPanzerBlitz!
If I get a chance to play at a convention or local club - I'll definitely give it a go.
Cheers
Mark
Mark
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely not for everyone. As a game, you've probably got to love the books enough to want to recreate them in table top form and I can quite easily see that this doesn't have a universal appeal. All I can suggest is give it a try. We'll be at Sheffield Tripples with (for a change) a 15mm game.
John Treadaway