5 replies to this topic

[Aaron Loomis]

I just wanted a little help figuring out if this is the miniature game system for me and my group.My best friend and I were big Squad Leader and ASL players back in the '80s. In the past 5 years we got into miniature gaming in a big way and really love it.I am heavily invested in 15mm- both terrain and miniatures for WWII.My questions.We are looking for a 1:1 game that works well in 15mm. Most of our stuff is based by fire team/crew/command/special weapon- so this looks like the right scale for that. How does it play in 15mm from those with experience?Next- I gave another game system that is very popular right now a very serious try- it starts with Flames...Anyway, the combat system seemed terribly lacking, with everything seeming bent toward infantry close combat. Ranges were short for 15mm it seemed..Anyway, that system seems like 40k using 15mm figures that look like WWII (and look great btw...) We want a historical game, not a points driven tourney game..Not to mention after needing about $150 worth of books to cover the war we wanted- they keep getting outdated and I refuse to buy anymore..ok, 'nuff said.How is the combat system in MP, and how does it compare to those familiar with other games systems such as the one I mentioned?Sorry for the long post, I just want to check out some things and opinions before making another investment. I know some of you out there can appreciate that!

[Aaron Loomis]

Also- I was wondering with the release of the new Core Rule set and WWII databook should I wait for the new ones to come out, or if I buy the current set at my LGS, will the upgrades be free for both as in the past?Will Mein Truppen be a drop in upgrade for the new set that is free of charge to current owners, or will it be a stand alone that must be purchased separately?Thanks again!

[Bob Benge]

Hello Assault Section,I am going to attempt to answer your questions regarding Mein Panzer.

We are looking for a 1:1 game that works well in 15mm. Most of our stuff is based by fire team/crew/command/special weapon- so this looks like the right scale for that. How does it play in 15mm from those with experience?

Well, I like to play MP in 15mm scale and I enjoy it. Half of the games I run at the conventions are in 15mm. The only problem is that you can't get a lot of stuff on the table like you can with 6mm (Micro Armor) so you have to scale your game to the playing surface.

Anyway, the combat system seemed terribly lacking, with everything seeming bent toward infantry close combat. Ranges were short for 15mm it seemed..

Well, MP was originally built for tanks and the infantry were added later. If you read the rules you will note that infantry is a Drop-In module not integrated into the system. MP uses a programmable form of rules, like Squad Leader. You get basic tank rules, play them, advanced rules, play them, then read the Drop-In modules then add in what you like to the game. It is your game and you make it what you want. As to infantry ranges, we use a sliding scale for 1" to 24" to get short range weapons a little more range in relation to the vehicles. MP is WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) which is why we went to the sliding scale was instituted to give the player a better feel of the short range weapons in relation to the actual model sizes. If you think that our ranges are short then we actually post 10mm and 15mm alternative reference cards that shift the major game ranges. We have done it. We are very flexible in helping players make the game what you want and are more than willing to help if you need it.

How is the combat system in MP, and how does it compare to those familiar with other games systems such as the one I mentioned?

Here is a synopsis of the combat system as it is on our advanced reference card:1. DETERMINE LINE OF SIGHT – Ensure that the target is within line of sight and within the firing arc of the weapon.2. DETERMINE RANGE – Measure the range to target. Maximum range for all weapons is 72".3. DETERMINE BASE TO-HIT VALUE – The base To-Hit Value is the firing stand’s Troop Quality plus OM123.• OM1 = Fire-Halt – Used if no movement is taken at any point during activation.• OM2 = Fire-Move – Used if the stand uses its Bonus Move at any time during activation, but is stationary during its Standard Action.• OM3 = Fire-on-the-Move – Used if the stand attempts to move AND fire at the same time with its Standard Action. If a stand’s OM3 is “NO”, then it may not use this type of action.4. MODIFY TO-HIT VALUE – Apply the modifiers from the table below to the base To-Hit Value.5. ROLL TO-HIT – Roll 1d20 per Rate of Fire. If the roll is less than or equal to the modified To-Hit Value, the shot hits. A Roll of “1” or “20” may result in a critical hit or a misfire, respectively (see Critical Hits & Misfires).6. WORK OUT DAMAGE – If the shot hits, make a To-Kill roll on the “Kill Table.” MP is based on a d20 system which gives MP more variation to the vehicle/weapons stats. All of the vehicle/weapons systems are based on actual vehicle/weapons statistics. We have endeavored to limit the number of modifiers and simplify the system as much as possible with sacrificing reality. Playability and KISS are our objectives while keeping as much reality as possible. I can not compare to FOW, since I have never played it, though I have heard a lot and have had numerous run downs on how the system works. I know that it is a good basic introductory game for people wanting to get into historical gaming. We are definitely more historically oriented, though. Having played Squad Leader, I think that if you enjoyed the original Squad Leader you will like MP. In our demo games we can usually get 2 players that have never played before into the basic game and running it themselves in about 10 to 15 minutes so it is simple to start. After the basic game it is really up to you on how complicated you want your game experience. We just provide the means.

Also- I was wondering with the release of the new Core Rule set and WWII databook should I wait for the new ones to come out, or if I buy the current set at my LGS, will the upgrades be free for both as in the past?

That would depend upon how fast you want to get into the game. We are hoping to have the revisions of the Core Rule book and WW2 Data Book done and ready for the HMGS Fall-In Convention, at the latest, which is November 10th. Our current status on our MP revisions program are:Mein Panzer Core Rules: Final editingWWII Data Book: Ready for print formatting.WWII Secret Weapons Add-On: Ready for print formatting.Spanish Civil War Databook: Ready for print formatting.Korean War Data Book: in Formatting and Data revision.WWII Lite Data Book: Data ready for print formatting, rules are pending Core Rules final editing.Meine Truppen: In work, Rules requires some editing and formatting. Data is ready for print formatting.Having said this, if you want to play now, then you can pick up the rules now and then download the revisions free from the website as soon as they are finished. As you probably know, our rules are a buy once and their your for life, update and upgrade free from purchase time on via the website. We release addenda for red pen changes and once per quarter we will release PDF files of the affected pages that you can print out and replace in you product. We firmly believe in this. Also, for the record, we are not a full time employee company. We are a bunch (5 of us at present) of hobbyists like yourself who work hard and are using their free time to put out and support games that we really like. We do our very best, but life does get in our way on occasion.

Will Mein Truppen be a drop in upgrade for the new set that is free of charge to current owners, or will it be a stand alone that must be purchased separately?

Meine Truppen will be an alternative Infantry Drop-In set for Mein Panzer that will break the infantry out into the Fire Team concept where a basic squad is represented three stands; two half-squad rifle stands and a LMG Stand. It will incorporate a more in-depth infantry system and will have all of the small arms data for WW1, Spanish Civil War, WWII and will have free updates adding data for Korea and future Modern Data Book releases. This set is ideal for using with 15mm infantry too. That is the scale that we playtested with.Hope this hits on what you are looking for. :)

[Aaron Loomis]

Thanks Bbenge!Not sure who else could answer better-so the downloads you mentioned (larger scale) are available on the website once I sign in with my codes, correct?Thank you for taking the time. I appreciate the advice.I also appreciate the fact that it is a hobbyist game- and being a big WWII history fan and hobby researcher, it sounds like a great place for me.thanks again

[CinC]

assault section wrote:

Thanks Bbenge!Not sure who else could answer better-so the downloads you mentioned (larger scale) are available on the website once I sign in with my codes, correct?

The Meine Truppen supplement will not be free, but will not be as expensive as the Core Rules. There will be a fair amount of material included in this supplement that directly affects infantry. The final price and format of the supplement has not yet been finalized, so stay tuned!CinC

[Bob Benge]

... so the downloads you mentioned (larger scale) are available on the website once I sign in with my codes, correct?

Sorry, I was so long-winded I neglected the point. CinC is correct, Meine Truppen will be a purchasable supplement and since we don't have it all together yet (need to know how many pages for printing to determine the cost)so we don't know the cost yet. The File updates are free for download. Basically, once purchased, you will have access to the private library which gives you access to anything we have to include scenarios, TO&E, a few more countries, player uploads and house rules, and anything else we can come up with. We also welcome comments, suggestions and any errata that you find.

Thank you for taking the time. I appreciate the advice.I also appreciate the fact that it is a hobbyist game- and being a big WWII history fan and hobby researcher, it sounds like a great place for me.

You are very welcome! That is what I get paid for. Wait a minute, paid?!? :laugh: