[Players Wanted] Finite Sci-Fi Wargames

From: "Paul Baldowski" <p.baldowski@virgin.net>

Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 00:00:00 +0000

Firstly, NXS4: Galactica is a simple game of strategy and colonisation,
allowing up to SIX players to pit there wits against each other either in a
free-for-all or in a couple of team variations.

Players assume the roles of either Cylon or Colonial factions with access to
a range of ship frames which can be customised as the player wishes from a
list of available components. There is room for research & development to
improve colonies, industry, ship parts, etc. and opportunities for diplomacy
with anyone and everyone.

The game is supported by a simple rulebook which provides information on the
components of the game, colonies, ship building, troops, heroes (characters
who lead fleets, armies and field research projects, amongst other things),
turn construction and some helpful background on Battlestar Galactica itself
allowing you to add some personal colour to your turns. There is an A4 map
showing the 154 segments of local space making it possible to plan
strategies in local space without knowing where either your enemies or
allies are at the very start of the game.

The game has a finite length of 20 turns. Deadlines are once every three
weeks and processing is another 7 - 10 days (though it can be as little as 1
day if orders are all submitted before the deadline). The game is entirely
hand-moderated with mixed statistic/prose reports.

The start-up package includes the rulebook and map - costing �5.00. It's my
intention, if possible, to avoid the need to calculate exact turn costs by
offering a �50 single payment option with guaranteed refunds if you're
knocked out. Otherwise, the cost is �0.80 per A4 sheet (equivalent). Most
initial turns will be 2 A4 sheets, rising by a sheet after 5 turns - with a
likely maximum of 5 A4 sheets (�4.00) by the latter stages of the game.

It's helpful if you have Word 97, but the turns can be adapted to earlier
versions of Word or simpler text processors if necessary.

The Star Wars slant on NXS4 is Fall From Grace, allowing up to SIX players
to take on the role of Moffs controlling systems within a large Nebula that
disrupts much of the tech that the Empire is so reliant upon.

The Battle of Endor has just dealt a telling blow to the Empire leaving the
Core Worlds in disarray and plunging the frontiers into stunned silence.
Central support and control has been lost leaving every Moff for himself. In
control of a single star system you need to expand outward or suffer at the
hands of your local rivals.

The game shares a similar rulebook to Galactica with a much greater number
of standard ships available - Imperial Star Destroyers, Interdictor
Cruisers, TIE Fighters and Lambda Shuttles, for example - as well as the
possibility of developing your own. Troops also take on a more fluid
structure as you are allowed to design specialised stormtrooper units from
scratch to your own specification. There's a 154 segment map of local space
and a reference guide with all the systems primary charts.

Turnaround, deadlines, pricing, etc. are the same.

In development, probably for an Autumn/Fall release, is NXS4: Frontiers -
utilising the same basic system but this time in the Star Trek universe of
The Original Series. The Federation and Klingon Empire are faced with the
need to expand whilst limiting the possible damage of a bloody war. Ship
construction will be more involved with more detailed components - should
you fit molecular or quantum transporters, photon torpedoes or phasers,
enhanced structural integrity fields or heavier shields? Still a long way to
go on this one...

If you're interested, please drop me a line at thedarkertimes@hotmail.com .
There is presently the possibility of taking up a drop-out position in
either Galactica or Fall From Grace - or you can wait for a new game to
begin (probably October/November for Galactica, January/February for Fall
From Grace - though both depend on when Frontiers is released).

Any further questions, feel free. Keep an eye on Flagship UK for some very
favourable reviews in Rumours on the Front.

Regards,

Paul Baldowski
Moderator