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Post by Dave on Jan 16, 2011 20:42:46 GMT -9
Now I'm working on the next vehicle pack -- the Tubrego SB3 Archer precision bomber.
I'm experimenting with linked bomb bays -- letting me drop two bombs on a target simultaneously. I might add Missile Control on top of that -- potentially letting me roll 3 Circle dice for a single attack.
I also want to see what happens if I use the Circle die when turning with this jet. The distribution on that die is 2,2,3,4,5,5 -- which means it's totally unpredictable. (There's a good reason for this -- the Archer is built using engines ripped from Tigresses, and they never quite got the flight characteristics smoothed out.)
In addition to bombs, the Archer may only be outfitted with one aimed weapon. This can be fixed to point forward or back. I'm interested to see how a rear-facing gun affects play.
There will be two variants of the Archer. The first variant will concentrate on speed and fancy maneuvers to put its bombs on target. The Archer II will employ heavier armor and special devices such as a smoke emitter for greater defense.
I'm going to try out heavier armor (4 boxes) and a new Damage Control device to give the Archer greater endurance. These all come with a pretty hefty price tag, though. Compared to other jets, the Tigress is a real bargain at 1000 army points. And even though they're not going to be as fast as the Interceptor, nor as good at bombing as the Archer, you'll usually be able to by 3 Tigresses for the price of any 2 other types. That's the plan, anyway.
I'm also working on some solo missions to go with this vehicle pack, and I'll be sure to include some solo scenarios that you can run with any jet. I'd also like to include a solo campaign, so I'll be throwing some ideas around and see what sticks.
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Post by Dave on Jan 17, 2011 12:32:46 GMT -9
I've just added some new Movement Keys to the Air War Starter Pack. It's a free add-on that gives you shortened Movement Keys for Low Throttle or Cruising Throttle, so they'll be easier to place in close quarters. I've also added a thin outline to the yellow Cruising travel lines so they stand out a little more.
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Post by Dave on Jan 18, 2011 11:01:08 GMT -9
Right now I'm writing up a solo mission called Supply Drop using the new Archer precision bomber. I'm also starting to sketch out ideas for a solo campaign.
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Post by Dave on Jan 19, 2011 10:47:38 GMT -9
Looks like there will be at least four scenarios in the SB3 Archer Vehicle Pack.
“The Crucible” is a capture-the-flag style mission in which both teams have the same objective of destroying the other’s encampment. Offense and defense are equally important, so a mixed force of bombers and fighters may be needed.
In the solo mission “Fire Valley,” you’ll need to maneuver through tight confines to destroy several enemy gun emplacements.
In the solo mission “Observe This!” you’ll face the double challenge of ground based anti-aircraft guns and an observation balloon.
In the solo mission “Supply Drop,” you’ll deliver precious ammo and medicines to friendly forces so they can carry on fighting in spite of heavy enemy shelling.
I should finish writing these today and do some more playtesting. I'm totally open to suggestions for more scenario types, so give me your ideas!
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Post by ciabs on Jan 22, 2011 12:33:56 GMT -9
can't wait for the new plane; I'm also hoping for some juggernaut of the skies for the time being, I'd love to field something BIG, a blimp, a huge bomber or something like that ;D oh, and flight stands as well; I reckon doing something that's usually supposed to be transparent out of paper ain't gonna be easy, but I'd love them nonetheless...  anyway, I've not been around a lot lately due to a nasty flu that kept me stranded the whole week; I've managed to get some work done on my planes tonight, pic incoming...  I'm missing turning keys, a second set of dice, the campaign map, the planes' reference sheets and of course some other planes  I'm planning on getting the second tigress done for each team, then I'll build an interceptor each and then I'll move on as I feel like... I'll keep you guys posted as soon as I manage to get a game under way...  |
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Post by Dave on Jan 22, 2011 16:15:11 GMT -9
Looks good!
I'm testing out some ideas with dirigibles/blimps. I'm sure I can come up with rules and neat stuff to do with them. I've only done one model test for a blimp, and while it wasn't perfect I think it was a good start. But I probably won't release any airships until after the new bomber and the next jet (which is a scout).
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Post by nikloveland on Feb 17, 2011 18:36:17 GMT -9
I'm getting ready to go to SaltCON but I thought it would be better to post these pics here rather than in that thread. I didn't have enough time to cut and assemble more planes. Actually I have to say it was mildly frustrating because they have such small tabs and other pieces. Maybe it's because I'm a perfectionist and I couldn't get them looking exactly the way I wanted (and maybe the deadline of SaltCON looming over me). I couldn't even imagine trying to build the smaller ones. I think I'll stick to the top-down views if I want to play a smaller game (which are greatly appreciated). I still do want to build more of the plane models but I think I will limit myself to only one per sitting.   |
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Post by Dave on Mar 18, 2011 13:55:19 GMT -9
I'm working on the playtest version of the new Archer bomber. I have a few volunteers lined up so I'm hoping to get the playtest pack finished today. This should give you some time to play it over the weekend.
I've been working on Hired Swords for so long that I'm struggling to find where I've saved all my files for this project! But it's coming back to me.
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Post by Dave on Mar 19, 2011 0:48:45 GMT -9
Chris, EmergencyOverride -- check your PMs.
I've sent you the link to the playtest pack for the new bomber.
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Post by chris on Mar 31, 2011 9:54:49 GMT -9
Playtesting results will be posted soon but I just can't stop building the planes! I've done three tigresses for each team, four different interceptors and four other custom aircraft in various forms. The bombers are good though with the rear facing heavy cannon really packing a punch! Always a shock for an interceptor when it thinks it's getting an easy kill and then BOOM!!! Never gets old |
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Post by futabachan on Apr 12, 2011 5:50:23 GMT -9
Very excited to hear about the Archer. I have a "monster" scenario idea for two tables at a convention -- or on the living room floor when we have the whole gang over, if the cat will cooperate -- that this would be perfect for. I was going to have given the attackers half a dozen Tigress-F's and half a dozen C/D models, but the Archer sounds absolutely perfect for the C/D role.
Built my first 3D model last night. It isn't perfect, but it works. I'll build one more of the large ones in case we ever want to play large scale (we've been exclusively using small scale), then give the small scale models a try. I refuse to attempt to install underwing ordnance on the half-scale models, though -- it was fiddly enough for the full version.
Having essentially every chart right on the dice is brilliant, and makes the game go zippy fast. After one game with unfilled paper dice, I printed out a set of the "revised" dice, cut them apart, and spray mounted the squares onto 5/8" blank dice; the results are much nicer. The game has become our official "filler" game for when we're waiting for others to show up for a longer game, or when we have just a little time for a game, but not enough for a big one.
One minor issue: the aircraft charts don't reproduce well in black and white. Specifically, the dice indicators are in low-saturation colours that come out in patterns of dots that are hard to read. A nice sharp image (solid colours? outlines of the shapes in black?) would be easier to read.
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Post by Dave on Apr 12, 2011 11:38:23 GMT -9
Built my first 3D model last night. It isn't perfect, but it works. I'll build one more of the large ones in case we ever want to play large scale (we've been exclusively using small scale), then give the small scale models a try. I refuse to attempt to install underwing ordnance on the half-scale models, though -- it was fiddly enough for the full version. I definitely prefer the small scale, and around here we use mostly 2D cutouts instead of 3D models. One minor issue: the aircraft charts don't reproduce well in black and white. Specifically, the dice indicators are in low-saturation colours that come out in patterns of dots that are hard to read. A nice sharp image (solid colours? outlines of the shapes in black?) would be easier to read. That's a good idea. |
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Post by futabachan on Apr 13, 2011 9:26:43 GMT -9
A couple of clarifications:
1) Does Hand Radar need an action to be activated each time you take the bonus, or does it just automatically give you the extra die every time?
2) Initiative in multiplayer games: players can sort themselves to the front or back of the turn in order of initiative, yes? So if I've got 4 players, and they roll 9, 7, 6, and 5, I get a pattern like 9765679, where the player rolling the 7 can either go second or second-to-last? Or could the 7 let the 6 go, and then demand to go before the 5, for instance?
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Post by Dave on Apr 13, 2011 10:40:48 GMT -9
1) Does Hand Radar need an action to be activated each time you take the bonus, or does it just automatically give you the extra die every time? As long as the Hand Radar is operational, it always grants its bonus die for initiative. 2) Initiative in multiplayer games: players can sort themselves to the front or back of the turn in order of initiative, yes? No, only the jet that rolls the highest initiative gets the option to act at a later time in the round. But I don't see anything wrong with playing it your way. If I can figure out a way to write the rule simply, I might add it as a variant. |
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Post by ciabs on Apr 21, 2011 22:28:15 GMT -9
aw dave come on, some little love for the archer in midst of all your projects..! I'm awaiting it to begin printing the small scale top-downs and then laminating them; I figured out that with my MD specialization tests coming in June - and with the job afterwards if all goes well - I'll never be able to put together enough 3D planes, so I'm sticking to 2D top-downs for the moment, I'd love to have the bombers in there..! anyway, any news to share on SSW..? |
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Post by futabachan on Apr 22, 2011 5:40:56 GMT -9
Just a gentle reminder that you were going to send me (my forum user name at yahoo) the Archer file so that our group can playtest it. It's not urgent; we're going to be away for the long weekend, and we still need to play a few J-21 scenarios to be able to compare all three planes. I built the first of our small-scale planes last night. It's adorable! It fits right in the palm of my hand, and is a wee little thing. But tricky to build. Scale comparison:   |
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Post by Dave on Apr 23, 2011 10:39:59 GMT -9
I warned you about the small-scale jets!
I'm a little stuck trying to come up with scenarios. I have two solo and one multiplayer, and I'm trying to come up with another multi.
Any ideas?
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Post by Dryw the Harper on Apr 23, 2011 15:18:26 GMT -9
Try setting up a scenario where the bombers can try to hit a moving supply train and the opposition is trying to stop them. Certain conditions must be met before a bomber can drop bombs on the train...
Just an idea.
Dryw the Harper
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