Attack Phase

[krashreed]

I was curious as to how many people out there are actually following the attack phase sequence on page 7 of the rules. I've only played two games so far and it seemed that we defaulted to allowing each ship to fire each of its weapons in either groups of like weapons or one at a time. However, this may have been allowing us too much flexibility. We were able to shoot at targets until they were destroyed and then switch to a different target if the original was destroyed before completing a ships weapons sequence.

Also, what is everyone doing with say a second system that hasn't rolled dice for and attack For instance say I'm going to fire my ship at yours and designate all forward phaser-1's and all forward Photon torpedo's at target A. So, I roll all of the valid Phaser-1 banks and destroy the target. Now, what happens to the remaining Photon torps. Can I designate a different target or do the torps still fire and the target defend until all attacks have been made?

 

[Frankvas]

You can not re-designate the weapon, you just keep piling on damage. If you look at page 8 of the book at the Damage Table you will see that you can make the ship explode with enough damage past 0.

Frank V.

 

[krashreed]

That does make sense, since we were unable to achieve enough damage in either game to make any ship go critical mass per the chart on page 8. But if you keep piling it on then I would guess that if the destroyed ship has valid systems to defend with that they would still defend against torps before going out in a blaze of glory?

 

[Sgt_G]

Page 8, just under the "Damage Table", it says that you must roll all attacks declared on a target. So, no, you can't stop when you've hit it enough to kill it and move to a new target.

It's not CLEARLY stated in the rulebook, by it is very much implied that you have to declare ALL intended weapons fire and targets before rolling any dice.

 

[Rick]

It's always been a very clear and precise implication (if not actual statement) in every ACTA game that you declare what shoots and where and then you have to stick with it (exploding ships or not!).

 

[Captain Jonah]

It's always been a very clear and precise implication (if not actual statement) in every ACTA game that you declare what shoots and where and then you have to stick with it (exploding ships or not!).

Which is what is causing so many problems and so much confusion.

For those who haven't played ACTA before and those coming from SFB where everything is clearly stated along with most every situation where it could happen.

A rule system that Implies something is not concise and simply generates confusion and argument as people have different interpretations of what is being implied. If something is the case, Say it clearly, with an example. Implying something in a rule isn't a rule, it becomes a guideline or suggestion.

Here I agree fully with the Declare All Your Shots, then roll them point. But it should be stated clearly and concisely that this is the way to do it, with an example in case there are any GW players reading it :wink:

If it adds a few pages to the rules and requires a lot of the pictures to be shrunk to make space then so be it. Simple is good, simple but simple needs to be clear as well.

 

[Iain McGhee]

Granted I'm used to playing ACTA, but "Nominate targets for each weapon system in each fire arc" then "Resolve firing and damage" (first section of page 7 describing the attack process) is clear enough.

 

[Red-24]

As I work on painting up my first couple squadron boxes, I'm also planning on making some counters to represent weapon targets.

My idea is a set of Phaser-1, Phaser-2..., Disruptor, Plasma, Drones, etc. counters. Each counter is one die of attack. When you designate a ship to attack with, you place counters for each die of weapon beside the ship you are attacking.

Once placed, you check off how many die of each weapon attacked on your your ship sheet (so that you know what you have in reserve for defensive fire).

Then, make rolls against an enemy based on the number and type of tokens there. Remove the tokens as you fire each volley.

That way, it's clear what was declared, it's clear what is available for defense, and it's clear when you've done all your attacks.

Then pass the tokens to your opponent. His/her turn.

Once I get them done up, I'll share them out.