2nd Ed. Starships and the rest

[Flax]

Hi!

I've been reading quite a few threads on these boards, but I still can't decide if I should get second edition or not. I have most of the 1st edition books and I must say, the thing I like the most about the 1st edition system are the starship combat rules. I really enjoy the tactical aspect provided by firing arcs and their use with miniatures.

What are the major differences in the combat systems, I've read a bit about the total offense vs armor and how it is more abstract now. I'm interested in knowing if these sets of rule can be as tactical (mostly in movement and ship placement) as the 1st edition rules. Also, could I use the 1st edition starship rules while using second edition for everything else? (without too much hassle) Last, but not least, would it be possible to convert 2nd edition ships to 1st edition rules or are the ship statistics totally different?

Thanks in advance.

 

[frobisher]

The simple solution is to run with 1st edition Star Ship combat rules if you like them (maybe lifting elements from 2nd edition).

To my mind, the 2nd edition rules aren't tactical enough, too un-wargamey (YMMV) and are more abstract. Some people like that, but I suspect by what you've written, you'd prefer the 1st edition ones.

You should be able to convert ships between the two systems by inspection (there's no formula for the conversion according to Mongoose) but you'll get a rough feel for it. The Boresight and Rear Boresight arcs have gone for the 2nd edition ships and have become Forward and Rear arcs for the effected systems due to the abstaction involved within the system, so that is the one thing you would need to look out for.

 

[ShadowScout]

Go 2nd Edition for all the background and RPG info, and make up your own space combat rules (borrowing from 1st Edition, or whatever game you like, whenever you like)

Myself, I still use a modified form of Babylon 5 Wars for my space encounters. Of course, I also use a modified form of GURPS for my roleplaying... and buy all Mongoose stuff for the background only. Hey, it's a good deal more effort, but it works.

 

[Shadow Queen]

im lookin foward into running the 2nd edition after christmas when one of our gamers goes back to the states, she said she didnt want to loose out playing when she goes. I lent her the first season on dvd and she is loving it.

 

[lastbesthope]

Of course if we had the promised conversion note, it would be easier to mix and match.

LBH

 

[Flax]

Thank you for your replies, I'll be getting second edition soon and I'll see what I can do.

 

[Shadow Queen]

then Ships of the Galaxy ok??