Gave it a chance, didn't like it. And, I'm coming back from the hiatus

I gave 6sided.net a chance. Well, I can't say I liked getting my blog literally slammed by spam. I had to moderate a comment every other day from a spammer. So, we're moving back here. It did look clean and pretty though.

As for other matters, well, 2011 has been a tough year. Personal issues, work issues, money issues, I'm ready for 2012 and the year's barely half over. Missed H-Con but I heard about the rumors of moving to Frederickburg. Good choice IMHO. Honestly, the NE just is getting to expensive for the bigger cons. I know the folks there liked the closer drive PA afforded, but hotel rooms at the Host were starting to nudge up there for several years running.

To all the readers I didn't know I had, thanks for sticking with me. I promise I'll try to post more often. I tend to post as the whim strikes me, or that I actually have something to say.

But here's the status report on what's going on wargaming-wise:

Blood Upon the Risers: On hiatus, I have a paying gig with Ambush Alley Games that I can't get too much into, suffice to say, I think people will like it. So, Blood Upon The Risers will be on hiatus till then.

Unnamed Ambush Alley Project: Handed in the rough draft last month. I am seeking to get some playtests done soon. The early reports are positive, but first reports always are.

Pointman I am an Ambush Alley Pointman, though admittedly, I haven't really run anything, time and chaos being what it has been this year. I intend to change that very soon. Both Labryinth and Eagle and Empire will be seeing me run stuff...soon as I can figure out what...Probably some sci-fi with the Tomorrow's War light edition to drum up buzz for the main release coming out in October.

Fistful of Tows 3 Yet another new passion of mine. I am statting out the T2K vehicles for it. And, found a small rules flaw. As written, it makes M1s impervious to shots from all around, where we know if you get a rear shot on ANY tank, it should kill it. I know, this is a platoon of tanks it's representing, but there should be some benefit to getting into someone's rear. We're trying a house rule where you don't get your h-class protection if the shot is in the flank or rear, but on second thought, that seems a bit draconian? Perhaps you dice off instead? 1-4 you get the protection, 5-6 you don't?

Other than that, I have got a ton of personal stuff going on, not all bad, but it does mean I haven't gotten any painting or model making done.. (bummer).

Heck, perhaps some blogging will re-fire the old creative juices on that vein?

Osprey Force on Force Review

The new Osprey Force on Force can be described in two words “eye candy”. I am very, very happy with the standard of production. In the new book you’ll find a hard cover, sewn bindings, high-grade paper, and just plain easy to read print. I am also happy this was printed at a cost that is cheaper than the old dead-tree FoF book. Not only that? It puts BOTH rules in one easy to read place. Well done AAG and Osprey to this particular development.

I was also happy the programmed instruction ala Squad Leader was adopted. FoF isn’t a tough set of rules to learn, but as somebody who still occasionally flubs the action/reaction rules; it’s nice to see there’s a way to EASE into the rules. This was a very good idea in general and kudos all around. They also cleaned up a lot of older rules, and just put everything under one roof, which I will say, is darn nice to have.

The eye candy I mentioned are wonderfully photographed miniatures, color plates from selected Ospreys and all done well in a nice graphical package that doesn’t detract from the package, but instead, complement it. Again, very well done here I think. There’s also an introductory guide and a guide for tactics rounds out the package nicely, making it more than simply a set of dry recitations of rules.

Some have decried the cards being published in the back of the book, or the death of the asset cards, but AAG IS publishing them as a PDF add-on. So, one can use a computer printer and some cards to rectify this issue, heck I used homemade cards with my older copy of FoF for a long time, and didn’t seem to suffer. There’s also a new QRS coming out for it as well. So, all in all, good show here.

As I mentioned before? Support on the internet is top notch, and you can go to the forums, once they’re up, and watch Piers Brand outpaint just about everybody….;-) There’s also all kinds of support, and the AAG folks, be they Shawn, Peggy or Robby, are more than available to answer questions large and small. And in that vein, with Ambush Valley, Enduring Freedom, Road to Baghdad, Tomorrow’s War and Cold War Hot, the support projected to appear is simply…staggering. People who stand by their product are rare in general, so I appreciate this.

What I wasn’t nuts about? I missed the flow chart of Action/Reaction as was in the old rules. I know it was a bit flawed, but the concept was a good idea, and for a game like FoF, it was something that the game could use. I also miss WWII, but that’s more a personal pet-peeve. Anyone with half a brain can adapt the rules till the WWII supplements hit the market.

So all in all? I give it 4.5 out of five, with the detractions being the above. I would heartily recommend this rules set. It does its job well, and puts you in the role of a platoon leader. It’s simple, yet gets you down in the weeds effectively. The minor dings here are minor, and are barely worth half a star, but these days, everybody suspects you of something if you give a perfect review.

Buy these rules, you won’t regret it.

New AAG Website

The forums aren’t back up yet (darn!) but the new site is just gorgeous!

http://www.ambushalleygames.com/incoming/news/21-a-new-look-a-new-day

I can only say that the future for AAG looks very bright indeed. I will be doing a review on the new FoF book (got mine last week), and I intend to be hard, but fair. But I will say I like what I see thus far.

Here’s to new and cool things at AAG. With that comment? I can say with confidence that Blood Upon the Risers will be out soon. I am rather invigorated by the new FoF and I am seeking to finish it, along with bringing it inline with the newer version of the rules. I hope you all will like it, and it’ll give all you Cold War nuts something to game before November?

That’s it for now. See you all soon!

Little Christmas gift for everyone in Ambush Alley Land.

I made some changes to my Terminator and Kafer rules to bring them into line for TW. Please feel free to either download them at the AA Yahoo Group, or HERE and HERE. Feel free to download...and Merry Christmas all!

It's almost here: TW PDF release version to be released very soon

When it is, I cannot say, but it will be very soon. It will be a somewhat stripped down version, but the "full featured" version will be out next year (September 2011) to be exact, but you can at least get your sci-fi on in the mean time!

The latest

Well,
Things on the SF 15 front have been quiet, we just haven't gotten any article other than the one submission. If you're willing, please submit what you're writing to jason.weiser@gmail.com.

In other news, I had some health trouble recently, another seizure. I am alright, though it's more my back being hurt than anything else, as I wrenched the hell out of it. I'm on Dilantin for now and I *should* be alright as I have a neuro appointment next month.

In related news, I am looking to get rid of my copy of Left For Dead. I was playing it when I had aforementioned seizure. I just think, considering the circumstances, it's probably a good idea to get rid of it.

The ad on TMP for it is here:

I've gotten some more 20mm almost done, Soviet WWII Sailors this time, I'll have pictures up on the blog as soon as I can, they really were rather easy to paint, but I do confess that I think I finally have enough of the lads.

Finally, it looks as if Tomorrow's War is edging ever close to being released for sale. Even as a "pre-release" PDF version, I am enthusiastic about it to no end.

My Battletech strategic PBEM continues apace, me being promoted from Lyran player to co-Gm as the ref sure needed the help. It's more fun than I thought it would be.

That's it for now.

The latest from the painting front, and the family-gaming intersect!

Ok,
The third squad of Slammers is done. Gotta get the platoon HQ done, but that's a small thing, along with the dismounted vehicle crew and the recon section in skimmers. Then it's onward and upward, I'm either tempted to do the Terminator humans and/or the USCMC for my Aliens stuff. It's a conundrum..not to mention my 20mm really does deserve some attention.

Also, wanted to mention our 5th meeting of DC Gamers is June 12th at Victory Comics. I hope by now interested parties know where this is. If not, I'll simply direct you to read the appropriate blog entry here.

In other news, DC Gamers has a potential new member. My stepfather. He's retiring from the Army and as newly retired folks are wont to do...he's driving mom a bit nuts (Mom, I know you and Lou are reading this...I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it's true). So, I figured, get him gaming and around people. Mom, I'm going to say this now, he gets back into the hobby? I am not responsible for the following:

Packages from England or elsewhere being more secret than what he used to work on, the garage being turned into a workspace and enough lead and resin to be investigated by the EPA, not to mention the ever present "Hey, I can make terrain/scratchbuild/something clever out of this!"

It'll be good for him, honest. I think...All else fails, you and my wife can commiserate. If she doesn't get you reading TMP first...and really being horrified. Just kidding.

But really, it'll be good all around, I think. And look at it this way..if he's out late...you'll know without a doubt where he is! Which considering I am not as young as I used to be...and that whole real life thing, is NOWHERE near as often as it used to be. And to be honest Battletech is probably the only game I play where things go on for that long. And how often, dear reader, do I write about that anymore?

Not too much to report, but progress is being made.

Started the third squad of Slammers. I'm about halfway through on basecoats, so I should be done tonight. I figure with some effort, I may FINALLY get the Slammers done next weekend. Hey, I did have things to do this Memorial Day! ;-)

In other news, I got a bunch of vehicles put together, including all my Caffertas and another of my PP Pickup Trucks. I made this one with some Plasticard armor over the windows and an an armored "box" for the truck bed. I think it's going to look great when I paint it! So. I guess I did get some work done.

I took a bunch of stuff down off of the Spring Cleaning thread, and traded them off to Noble Knight, along with a bunch of old XTR ziplock games I am never going to play again. In any event, I am rather happy with the store credit offer I am getting and I do plan to put it to the best use I can, including getting the D8s I really do need. I might finally have enough of them, dagnabit!

I am rather happy with the pace of my 15mm Sci-fi, sure it's slow, but when your eyesight is like mine, I'd rather take my time and save my sight then either rush it or push too hard. I am sure many gamers are in the same boat, and yes, I use A TON of light. I just got a foldup workspace light I really do enjoy. Gets the job done, and it's small and powerful..very recommended and got it for a good price at Utrecht.

I am glad to see AAG's making a lot of progress with Osprey. I am rather ecstatic to see this happen for the crew, good people are hard to find and Shawn and company qualify. Their progress puts many larger companies to shame. And they really do subscribe to the "no game before it's time". Quality shows.

I procured some Rebel Minis Riot Police and the Post-Apoc Survivalists. Both were the usual high quality one can expect from Rebel. The Post Apoc guys were an answer to my prayers especially, as one of them looks a lot like a certain female cyborg for my terminator army....And there's another figure that will do well for John. Yep, the more I can procure, the better. And the Scene's new cyborg line will do well for the older model cyborgs one sees in Terminator Salvation (The rest of the movie, ehh. But, I liked the Machines, with the singular exception of the Mototerminators).

That's it for now, patience all, the rest of the Slammers are coming!

AAR from 4th Meeting of DC Gamers.

Well,
It went off pretty much without a hitch. We ran two playtests of Tomorrow's War. The first playtest was over before it began, as I tried to move my way mounted into town. Even with the limited militia AT weapons, they still had enough, and the artillery to turn it into something of a fiasco.

The second game was a LOT more dynamic. Blackstone managed to make it to the game and I stepped back as the ref. Jage moved his troops down Blackstone's left and had his dismounted troops gain fire superiority over the militia in town. Things went semi well for him, till had a special event (Don't want to give away the surprise), and the arrival of reinforcements for Blackstone trip him up.

Some may argue that Jage could have been more aggressive. I think his basic tactics were sound. Any lack of aggressiveness is also the nature of the playtest, as we're still feeling the game out. But from what I've seen, again folks, this is a good system that you're gonna like.

As for a future date, we're talking June 12th, as well as making gaming arrangements for non-playtesters. I think we can make this happen folks, but we're still figuring it out. So, stay tuned.

That's all for now folks, here's some pictures:

And the news just keeps coming from AAG!

More from Shawn and Osprey..all I can say is this is REALLY good news.

We’re excited to announce that the partnership between Osprey Publishing and Ambush Alley Games continues to grow! Our partnership has expanded to include the publication of an Osprey version of Tomorrow’s War, our highly anticipated science fiction title, in 2011. This print version will be illustrated with specially commissioned artwork from some very talented science fiction artists.

In the meanwhile, we still intend to release a PDF version of the rules in 2010. We promised our customers that they’d be playing Tomorrow’s War this year and we’re going to keep that promise. Our Tomorrow’s War in PDF will contain all the rules and scenarios that will be featured in the print version, but the format will be printer friendly with far fewer illustrations and photos. Think of the PDF version as a full pre-release that allows players to dive into Tomorrow’s War sooner than later.
To keep up with all the breaking news (there's more to come - this is a very exciting year for us), please friend us on Facebook, join our forum
(www.ambushalleygames.com/forum), or our Yahoo Group (http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmbushAlley).

This is really exciting, being a playtester, and knowing how much work this game has had put into it. It's exciting folks. I can't say more than that, but if you can think of it with regards to SF gaming, you can do it with these rules. They are that flexible. The AA engine works VERY well for sci-fi and the friction and chaos of your favorite movie or book comes through extremely well. With Osprey's lush visual standards? You can't lose here IMO.

New doings at Ambush Alley Games

Well folks, this is very good news all around.

The Osprey deal is already bearing fruit..and it's a darn good time to join the SOG...I have.

To quoth Shawn:
As part of our ongoing partnership, Osprey Publishing is offering SOG members a special discount on Osprey products. Simply enter the Osprey discount code when submitting your order to receive a 15% discount on your purchase. Note that this 15% discount is in ADDITION to any other discount or sale that Osprey may have in place for that product! That can add up to some big savings!

SOG members will, of course, continue to enjoy their 15% discount on all AAG published materials as well as the many discounts offered by supporting vendors such as QRF, Rebel Minis, S&S, etc.

If you've been thinking about joining SOG, now is a good time!

Wow, the behind the scenes stuff must be going well if it's moving this fast already.

For more information about SOG, and how to join:

Click Here

AAR 4/24/10 Meeting of DC Gamers

Well. We came, we saw, we gamed. We playtested the AAG Game "Tomorrow's War" that's currently under development. I can't get into too many details, but suffice to say, it's going to be a good game. I am very confident in it's quality. We identified some tweaks that might be needed, but nothing too glaring that we saw.

All in all, Sci-fi gamers are in for a treat. I have some pics of the game as well as some scratchbuilds from one of our members, Jage, who well, beats me all hallow.

Here's some pics from the game. Happy Gaming all.

The Cover for Blood Upon the Risers!

Well, I promised I'd have something soon, I just didn't think this soon! Amazing what a little motivation and depravity can accomplish! Comments?

I guess this is impressive enough for Post #100

It's big news, really big and to be honest, it couldn't happen to better people:

Dear AAG Customers,

I am pleased to announce that Ambush Alley Games has entered into a publishing agreement with Osprey Publishing to release an updated, omnibus edition of our core modern rule books in 2011. The combined edition will be entitled Ambush Alley: Force on Force and will contain all the rules necessary to play Ambush Alley and Force on Force style games!

In addition to the Ambush Alley: Force on Force core rule-book, Ambush Alley Games and Osprey will be releasing new companion books containing scenarios, special rules, and organizations for several specific modern military operations.

I’m very excited about this collaboration, because I believe it will bring you the best that both companies have to offer. You’ll be receiving the same exciting content that we’ve been providing since 2007 and, thanks to Osprey, it will be presented in an even higher quality and more affordable format!

SOG members should be excited to hear that Osprey will continue to honor their 15% discount on all AAG rule-books and companion books they publish. It gets better, though! Osprey will extend that same 15% discount to all their publications and the discount will be applied in addition to any sales or discounts offered by Osprey!

This is a big step in our development as a company and we hope you’re all as excited about it as we are. Rest assured that you’ll continue to see the same level of customer service and responsiveness you’ve received from us in the past – in fact, we’re working on some projects that will actually make us even more accessible and allow us to provide more effective customer support, including enhanced convention and SOG support.

We’ll keep you updated on new developments. Osprey will be making an official announcement later this week, but we thought you should get the word first!

If you have any questions, please send them to info@ambushalleygames.com.

Thanks again for all your support!

Shawn, Robby & Peggy.


What can I say? I approve this wholeheartedly. Osprey and AAG have had consistently high production values in their products. To me, AAG has really set the bar on a small press game company and what it SHOULD be. It's why I wrote the free rules supplements I did, and it's why I am active on their forums, and just doing all I can to help the game grow (including helping to playtest some upcoming stuff). Shawn's commented on this blog a few times, and he's a class guy, and he's got some great folks working for him like Robby and Peggy. It's a far cry from what you see happening with some larger companies I won't name these days. It's why they get my support, because they listen to the fans. Osprey is a larger company, but somehow, their writers are accessible as well. I occasionally email with Gordon Rottmann and Leigh Neville, (Leigh is very occasional). I just can't see how this is anything but full of win for both parties.

Well done all around!

Now, as you may have noticed, it's post #100 here. I've been a busy blogger these past two years, and as much as I am still feeling like I am finding my niche, it's nice to see I've got fans. I hope you continue to like what I write, and that you continue to read, and hey, send your friends! And if you're interested in something? Lemme know, and I'll see what I can do to write about it. I really do run the table here and I like that. I don't want to be about JUST ONE THING. Gets boring I think.

Also, I wanted to do some quick: "What am I reading" on the wargaming side.

First off, SOTCW 69 arrived last week, and I sat down to read it. I liked much of the content, and I especially enjoyed the article on Soviet Cav in WWII. The choice of scenario was a bit interesting, and one wonders if adapting a certain scenario from Cross of Iron (the SL supplement) might not have worked better? But, it was a solid issue with a lot of neat reviews that had me wondering if plastics really are improving these days.

I also picked up digital versions of Battlegames 1 and 18. I liked them overall, and was impressed by the production values for the money. The articles by the resident wargaming widow are my favorite. Now if I could just get my art major Mrs. to recognize she has talents I can more than USE! I was a bit let down by the seeming focus on the 18th Century. Hey, I know people like it and play it, but I only saw a few issues with something more oriented towards me could use. That said, perhaps it's just a case of getting more submissions? Time to fire up the word processor!

Work continues apace on my new freebie for Force on Force. "Blood Upon the Risers". It's slow going because I am an absolute klutz at map making for scenarios. So, if there's anyone out there who wants to offer tips? I'm all for it. Thank god real places are involved, as it's hard enough making maps from whole cloth!!!

Well, enough for now. And thanks to everyone for reading! Here's to another 100 posts!

Next meeting of the DC Gaming Group and a status report

First off, the third meeting of the DC Gaming Group is in it's new location:

Victory Comics
586 S. Washington Street
Falls Church, VA
(703)241-9393

Drop on by. I am really excited by this and I think this will lead to some nice developments!

As for the painting front, I was slightly delayed in finishing the Hammers Slammers Infantry due to some RL stuff. I'll be done with them in time for the 24th I think, but that might remain to be seen. In any event. We'll see. I also paid a visit to the Hobby Works in Rockville for their annual sale. I managed to get out of there for less than $20 and mostly got some paint, brushes, and a MRC Jagdpanzer IV for $10. Wish they had some of the BTR-80s they make, but c'est la vie.

So come on by. We'd love to meet you, game will be TBA at this point, but I am very sure we'll come up with something, in fact, knowing AA/FoF, we'll probably manage to get two games in!

The KAFERS ARE HERE!

I wrote rules for them for Ambush Alley and Force on Force...and they're free from the Yahoo group...get them while they're hot!

Get them here

A lot's happening these days

Seems the 15mm TFL post had quite the effect of drumming up folks to play with..I guess "if you paint it, they will come" really does work! I am currently working on my USCMC force courtesy of QRF as well as my Hammers Slammers. I have to find suitable vehicles for the Marines. I think these ought to do nicely:



I am also working up what my Zhodani are going to look like, probably going with the New Israelis with the Advanced Gravs for that, and then the Aslan are going to be a mix of the RAFM figures, and the Felids from Khurasan.Probably go the same route with the Vargr.

As for John Connor's resistance army, I am going to get some Toyota pick up trucks from Peter Pig and mock them up with some plasticard armor. Then it's wait for Khurasan to release the Sepulvedan Resistance guys they're promising. I really can't wait for those or when AAG releases Tomorrow's War.

If we thought 2009 rocked for 15mm Sci Fi...Wait till 2010 is through.

Did I have a productive weekend!

I got a lot done on the 15mm front this weekend, the TFL are almost done. I think we will see pics next weekend as all I need to do is flock the figures, decal the vehicles and seal the lot, and then, we have a completed TFL force. I am really enjoying seeing these figures come together. The Wombats from GZG are a simple pleasure to paint and they complement the infantry well.

Right now, the figures are based on pennies and I am doing the wet Liquitex, then sand over the figures. It's not meant to be complicated and since most of Aurore is desert, that base seems to work. I wish someone made blue-green clump foliage. It would complement the sand well, but c'est'la vie.

In any case, stay tuned for a really neat looking army.

Also printed out my copy of Ambush Valley. I'm torn about doing Vietnam...I'd probably do it in 20mm and I gave it a run in HS, but it never seemed to get off the ground. I have the figures for the US troops as I was intending on using them for 2nd line types for Twilight 2000. However, the boat rules are darn useful...and the "improved guerrillas" rules...they're perfect for insurgent armies like the VC who were pretty hardly little fellows. I'm thinking certain sci-fi projects would benefit...like the Sahadeen perhaps?

Here are those long promised photos from HMGS Game Day

Wow, lots to say!

Ok, I attended the Gaming in Education day in Baltimore on Saturday, and I for the most part, liked what I saw. The vendors area was predictably blah, I was hoping Wargamers was going to bring some 20mm, but sadly, only their Essex 15mm made the trip. I did have a good day in the Flea Market, and found some items I could use for 20mm WWII. As for games..the pickings were good, if sparse, and I did three games yesterday. The first was an Ambush Alley game where we insurgents were pretty hapless till our mortar finally found the range. I then played a MTB game hosted by Buck Surdu..it was a bit confusing and the rules were a little too loosy-goosy and card dependent for me. Then, I played in a North Point scenario (there were THREE North Point games that day), it was fun, but the homebrew rules were meant to handle larger units I think and the scenario was a bit more smash mouth-frontal assault than most of the GMs work, but hey, I like buckets of dice games! But, yeah, the casualties were reaching ACW/WWI levels.

What did I think overall?

Pros:
- Easy access to public transportation and food, with good airy venue that was well lit.
- More space= More events
- Security was in evidence.
- Staff was knowledgeable and friendly.

Cons:
- Food at the convention hall wasn't cheap.
- It's a hike to the amenities (Starbucks, ATM, etc).
- Parking might be a challenge, though it is said the Orioles are going to be away this H-Con.

My recommendation? If you're coming in from DC/NOVA, or local..park your car at BWI or a point along the Baltimore Light rail. It's a real easy thing to deal with, passes are $3.50 all day and the stop's across the street. The train runs till 12:35 AM and if you're staying that late, you might wanna reconsider driving. BWI's parking is $8 a day uncovered and $10 a day covered..if you want to go totally public transport...take the B30 express from Greenbelt metro to BWI, and catch the light rail from there..be advised though..the last bus back to Greenbelt is 10:45 PM. But, it got me there and back with very little fuss. Cost one way? $3.50 for the light rail day pass, $3.00 for the express bus one way and $1.85 on the metro...$8.35 is my total 1 way cost for a trip of about an hour and a half, including wait time.

I'll have some pics up soon, but I think all in all, we're looking good for 2010 and 2011. I canceled my hotel room and plan on shuttling back and forth for my con attendance.