A bit random!

Looking briefly at the difference between luck and skill games and hybrids.

Games like the ancient favourite - Chess evolve no luck whatsoever and a set "army" so no player has an unfair advantage over the other. On the other hand you might have a game like snakes & ladders, being a simpler game but based entirely on luck.

Some selections will be better than others.

Games involving only skill and judgement are very common and very old, chess is a prime example of this type of game. In each game of chess no player has an advantage (as long as their opponent knows the rules) and only decisions made by a player can effect the game. There are no random elements like die rolling that can augment or indeed scupper an action. Each player begins with the same "list" and knows exactly what they are going to face. In short the game is won or lost entirely dependent upon your decisions and actions, a killing move will not be foiled by an unlucky roll, only by a more tactically minded opponent.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have games based completely on luck. The traditional game of snakes and ladders is a good example of this. Again no player has any advantage (if they roll dice to see who goes first) and unlike chess, none of the players can influence their random chances of winning the game.

Then we have the bit in the middle . . .

Although this isn't a "bit" it's a vast collection of games, untold thousands of games with a vast array of options from "list building" where you normally select the forces or equipment that you are going to use and then how and where (or when) you plan to deploy your chosen list, deck or army. Then there is more often than not, a random element to the game too, a soldier might need to roll 4 or more to hit their target, an Eldrazi monster will need to be selected at random from a deck of cards.

In order to be successful at many modern games, you will have to select your forces carefully, choosing units or characters that may augment or compliment each other. Many abilities that particular units have will bolster other units or have detrimental effects on opposing forces.

Then after selecting your choice of forces, you will need to deploy them and maneuver them in an effective manor. A powerful and heavily armed spaceship will not prevail if piloted badly and it may soon be outmaneuvered and destroyed by a lesser ship flown by the better pilot.

Then there is the random bit. A great many games feature a random element, it might be quite insignificant or it might be a major part of the game. Often this will evolve regular dice, sometimes custom or specialist dice. Another popular mechanic is cards, these will invariably be shuffled to introduce randomness. Normally this is introduced to represent strengths and weaknesses amongst your troops. Your soldier has been expertly moved forward to take that headshot, aims, pulls the trigger - then you roll a 1 - what can you do?

So all you have to do is select the best ship for the job, fly it proficiently and be lucky with the dice rolls.

Or at least - better than the other guy!

Casual or competetitive?

For all my years playing games it's become apparent to me that there are two broad categories of gamer.

1. Casual players are kind of in it for the explosions, the cinematic experience or maybe just want to get out of the house for a few hours.
2. Competitive players want to win, burn and/or crush all opposition and hear the lamentations of their women significant other halves.

I should point out that these two categories are very broad with a lot of crossover and hybrids of the two.

I don't care, I was enjoying it!

Over the years I've seen many heated discussions about the two incarnations and their awkward match-up in game, I've been involved in a couple myself. I believe one of the problems is (for example) that casual players prefer thematic lists or builds, which can often be suboptimal and although whilst they definitely follow the 'rule of cool' will sometimes find themselves to be less equal than others.

On the other side of the coin are the competitive players, these are the ones who'll not necessarily follow a theme or historical formation, but they'll investigate the meta of the game in question and learn to (was going to say "exploit") maximise the use of effective options or units within the available parameters.

So, who's right and who's wrong?

I don't believe either side (or any hybrid) is wrong, both are very valid approaches to the vast majority of games and both can be very rewarding to those who seek the experience they offer. They can however quite often be wrong for each other!


When competitive meets casual it can often end in tears/rage but why?

This is generally because in most game systems a competitive and well structured force will beat a poorly structured force 9 times out of 10, regardless of the skill of the commanders involved. For example (in Bolt action) a force of inexperienced partisans whilst they may be very thematic and poorly equipped with pistols, shotguns and a handful of rifles are going to find it very difficult to fight off a force of well trained and equipped German FallschirmJager veterans with their wide array of weapons including the devastating assault rifle. The partisans might be a more realistic representation of some hapless chaps during WW2 and the FallschirmJager would represent a less realistic force, but optimised within the rules. So even though both sides are supposedly equal - one is more equal than the other and quite likely to win (barring atrocious luck.)

• This peculiar system of unbalanced fairness is present in a great many game systems, in fact any system where you might be able to choose what your deck or army is going built from.
• For the casual player - they're going to be faced with min/maxing, rules lawyers, cheese mongers who are no fun and only here to "Win At All Costs".
• Whereas the competitive player is facing a historical buff or reckless fool who doesn't seem to know what they're doing (and possibly just wasting your time!)

So both are right AND both are wrong in varying degrees.

I like to think that a good example of an antithesis of these phenomena is the age old game of chess, both players will have exactly the same starting lineup and limited movement options. This will show if one player has a better tactical brain than the other. Also there's no luck via dice or cards in the game so there can be no "rubbish dice rolling."

I should add now that I am a casual player in any and all games I play, I often choose a force or get a "really cool idea" and run with it, regardless of its success or lack thereof. I choose to play things and lists that I like, sometimes this can work out for me, but I must admit - it generally doesn't :)

Have you seen my mojo?

We all do it, lose our will or motivation, lose momentum or simply get distracted by something else.

Aylsham show 2015

So what can you do when you've lost your "mojo" and have that absurd combination of wanting painted models but not having the determination to actually paint them? For some this might be the painting, for others the building or it could be the daunting overwhelming of it all! Here's a few ideas . . .

1. Try something completely different!

• Are you getting fed up of brown World War II infantry? Paint something sci-fi or brightly coloured.
• Sick of all those eyes or similarly difficult piece? Try painting a vehicle or a building.
• Reduced to tears gluing together hundreds of tiny arms, legs and guns? Why not something with a (single piece) fully cast miniature.

2. Google it! (Other search engines are available.)

• As obvious as it sounds, go to whichever browser you like and do a search on the item(s) you want to work on, it just might throw up some inspirational results.

3. Lights, camera, action!

• Go turn on the TV and see if you can find (preferably) a film, documentary or program relating to your subject matter. 

4. Just a little?

• This often works for me, I just decide that I'm going to build/paint one thing or even half of it. Maybe do some basing or repair a broken item. Just go for something that's going to take five or ten minutes, for me this is easy and -often- triggers an enthusiastic surge.

5. Speak to your friends.

• This is another one I find very effective. I can talk to others about their works in progress and see what they are doing (or have done) and often this will spur me into action, particularly with mass infantry.
• Often friends will provide positive motivation if they think/realise you're struggling with getting anything done.

6. Get out!

• This can be easier said than done, but go and visit a place of inspiration.
• Historical gamers can find these in many forms, museums or military collections being prime examples.
• Sci-fi inspiration can be a little trickier to find out in the real world, maybe try locating a technology or eco centre that allows visitors.
• Fantasy players and painters might look to old local architecture for inspiration or s visit into the wild countryside (if you have any nearby.)

My Ultra Pro Gravity Dice

I'm just doing a post to try direct video upload and I'd thought I'd show off my Ultra Pro "Gravity dice" in the process.

I've always had a bit of a thing for dice and I have quite an extensive collection of them in all shapes, sizes and colours. One of my prized sets is a matching collection of Chessex poly dice and D6's (they're very nice.)

But a while back Athena ordered in a couple of sets of some rather special dice, with a rather special price tag of £20 for the pair in a very nice magnetic storage box. These are the most expensive dice I've ever bought, but they are particularly cool!

The two dice in their open storage box (with packaging)

Here's the 'blurb' from the back of the box:
"Gravity Dice are premium precision gaming dice made from high quality, aircraft-grade aluminum. Each die has a perfect center of gravity and chamfered edges for extended rolls. Both dice are hard anodized, laser etched and designed to enhance your gaming experience."

The dice are surprisingly light, being made from aircraft aluminum (whatever that is) and have a nice feel about them, very cold and smooth. Rather peculiarly one has solid dots whilst the other has small circles denoting the "number" rolled. The case is extremely sturdy and has a very strong magnetic clasp which is very satisfying to those that like that sort of thing (me!)

The free Kings

So it's the Athena X-Wing store championship and although I didn't do as well as was expected of me, I found the day very rewarding!

Squadron leader's prepare for battle.

I used my (notorious) three K-Wing list, with a borrowed C-3PO and Tactician.

#1Miranda Doni
C-3PO
Twin laser turret

#2Warden squadron pilot
Tactician
Twin laser turret

#3 Warden squadron pilot
Jan Ors
Twin laser turret

I've had mixed results using them in the past but losing isn't a big problem for me and they suit my preferred play style of plodding along shooting!

Game 1
In at the deep end against a well practised player using an Outrider and an intimidating Ghost!
Right from first contact this went badly both ships were well equipped and flown with skill, scattering my formation early on with a turn 3 kill on Miranda. The Warden pilots found themselves separated and easy prey for the monstrous Ghost.

Game 2
I found myself facing another Ghost! This one accompanied by it's attack shuttle and a Z-95.
This went somewhat better for me as the Ghost (with its huge base) bumped into asteroids a couple of times allowing me to pounce upon the Z-95 and fall back slightly to ambush the Ghost. With a combination of luck and TLT perseverance I had managed to  get the Ghost reduced to a single hull point before the attack shuttle launched. Once the Ghost was engulfed in a fireball, the lone shuttle couldn't survive for long.
Also this game was featured on the Athena game's stream table.

Game 3
Here I met another wave 8 ship - The Inquisitors Tie, he was accompanied by a Tie advanced and a Tie interceptor, all well outfitted.
I've got to admit I 'thought' this one was going to be a win for me! However as the Tie's hurtled towards my lumbering K-Wings, the lead Tie fired it's Proton rockets with +3 for 5 dice which combined with a couple of buffs resulted in a devastating pass on the Rebels! The Tie fighters seemed to run circles round me (ironic?) and I found them impossible to hit with their wide array of skills and abilities, "Juke" being a new and unpleasant experience for me!

Game 4
Here I met one of the Athena regulars whom I haven't had a chance to play against yet.
I made an error early in the game here, Miranda lagged behind the formation and Chris' X-Wing and Z-95's descended upon her with an unrivaled fury! Chris utilised "Tracer threads" to great effect, their hit endowing target locks upon the attackers allies. The formation made one pass (that's all they needed) and reduced my squadron leader to a flaming wreck with ease. My two surviving ships then pulled themselves together and led the enemy formation on a trail of destruction through and around the obstacles. But right from the moment where they struck down Miranda, I was on the defensive and I did all I could just to destroy his X-Wing before being defeated.

Game 5
Looking across at SEVEN Tie fighters was rather unsettling, with more than twice my numbers I reckoned I  was going to be in trouble here.
My K's move along my right flank and the Tie swarm swung around and homed in on the rear ship (Miranda) - this is where the dice gods smiled upon me! I lost count of how many attack die came up blank, it seemed as though the Imperial pilots had been out on the beer the previous night. Although they were being flown well and in tight formation, they just kept on missing. Turn after turn this continued, with my K's managing to destroy an enemy fighter each turn until it became apparent that the I was winning this war of attrition.

Game 6
Here I met more wave 8 goodness in the form a Misthunter with the intriguing "tractor beam" (which I now want.)
Our squadrons both charged straight at each other and a pair of Kihraxz fighter's unleashed cluster missiles (I need to try these out too) to great effect bringing down a Warded pilot and causing a lot of damage to Miranda. Luckily I managed to Zapp a Z-95 in this pass and get into position on a couple of the other scum ships and thinned out his numbers somewhat.
We ended up with a single K-Wing and a single Kihraxz fighter on the table, both desperately trying to outmaneuver the other. Then I had a "use the the force, Luke" moment, but in this reality it was Dave saying "Slam, Shaun - SLAM!" (for the hundredth time.) I've always been very reluctant to "not shoot" but in this situation it enabled my lumbering K to outflank a more agile fighter and win the day.

So I ended up mid table with 3 wins and 2 loses, but more importantly a received my very own C-3PO crew card (top 32 prize) that I really need for my squadron and had some great games with some great players. I experienced a few new things to, notably SLAMming and being on the receiving end of the new tractor beam upgrade. This allows the attacker (with a successful hit) to move an enemy ship 1 forward or 1 barrel roll, which I thought was great (as I was bounced onto nearby asteroids) and is certainly something I'm going to invest in.

Thoughts for the day . . .

1. Cluster missiles are savage.
2. Use tractor beams, hilarity will ensue.
3. I learned that sometimes (just sometimes) it pays to maneuver.

Miranda Doni get's attacked by a solar farm!?

Lights, camera, action!

With the recent acquisition of a small camcorder, I'm going to start filming some bits and taking stills to try and build a "dummies guide" to some of my favourite things.

Firstly I need to practice with it, to learn my way around the basics and then I think the best thing will be to just try and make an actual video and see what people like & dislike about it.

A picture of a picture

It seems as though the best way to get a video on here is to upload it to YouTube (I now have my own channel here) and the use Blogger's tools to embed/link the video onto a post or page, this seems to work although I'm seeking advice on the matter ;)

The next thing I need to work on is some better lighting and some form of background for the focus of my pictures & videos.

K-Wing's in the winter.

So I'd thought I'd be brave and try my luck in the Athena winter tournament, it went surprisingly well!

Miranda & Co, staying in formation as the enemy approaches.

I've used my three K-wings a few times lately and bought these to the tournament (Miranda Doni with Chewbacca & 2 x Warden squadron, one with Jan Ors and one with Nein Numb) all equipped with my favourite thing ever - twin laser turrets!

1st game.
I came up against a B & two A wings and was lucky enough to take out one of the A-wings in only the second turn followed by the destruction of the second A next turn!
This greatly stacked the odds in my favor with my 3 ships chasing down the lonely B-Wing.

2nd game.
This match-up had me facing a Firespray and a scary looking IG-2000. Luck played it's part again here when the larger ships struggled to fly through an asteroid field.
The Firespray became separated from its big buddy and my 3 ships descended upon it and managed to bring it down before the IG returned.
The IG-2000 came back into the fight and proved a fearsome beast, the dogfight between it and my three ships was lengthy and savage, but I managed to reduce it to a flaming wreck just as time was called on the round!

3rd game.
Here I met a regular at Athena and some more familiar ships, T70's and a Y-Wing.
The Y-Wing used a fixed secondary weapon, allowing it to fire (front arc only) and then fire it's primary weapon too, this turned out to be a devastating ability.
The Y-Wing quickly dispatched my lead K whilst the T70's ran circles around the other two. I had to endure the savaging I was receiving from this experienced player.

4th game.
Again another regular Athenian! But with some new (to me) hardware. Darth Vader's Tie advanced accompanied by Soontir Fel in a Tie interceptor and (the painful bit) Emperor Palpatine in an imperial shuttle.
That nasty Sith lord Palpatine is a force to be reckoned with, having the ability to 'force' a reroll of any dice once every turn. This (along with my opponents skills) ensured the demise of my mighty K-Wings.

5th game.
I knew from the start that this was going to be my toughest of the day.
I faced another Miranda Doni, an X-Wing, a turret locked Y-Wing and a Z-95. Both squadrons rushed headlong at each other and engaged in deadly combat! One of my Wardens fell as the other took on the X-Wing and Z-95.
The two incarnations of Miranda merged upon each other as the other ships fell to the side and began a mini war of attrition!
They circled and zapped each other for several turns with both holding their own, until the surviving enemy ship returned to deal the coup de' grace.

In the end . . .
I had a great day with 4 great games and I never imagined I could have managed to land 4th place. I'm looking to refine my list a little (Nein Numb wasn't used) before my next tournament which will hopefully be the store championship at the end of the month.