What items do you all use to enhance game appearance?

[billclo]

I'm looking for ideas to enhance the appearance of a VaS game. Maps you all prefer? What kind of terrain (if applicable), play aids, you name it.

 

[leopard]

So far just using painted models and avoiding counters.

Specifically I use data sheets for each craft, with no counters on the table at all avoiding the cluttered look that an excess of counters can cause.

As for terrain, well have not used it in VaS as yet but did make the following for another game

There are also a few simple reefs etc painted in the same way made from gravel glued to card, they are not amazing and for VaS I want something a bit closer to a proper scale - but most of the games I have played to date have been away from coastal areas.

Key to get people to play games is making them look good, the lack of counters makes the game look a lot simpler to play, which it is, and makes playing faster so far at least. Painted models are a big help, a board covered in a blue cloth goes a long way.

 

[billclo]

Thanks. I did figure that it being a naval game, that terrain and other map clutter was going to be at a minimum in most games.

Any manufacturers you like for your gaming accessories in particular?

 

[leopard]

Tend to make my own to be honest, terrain is not that hard or expensive to make - just takes time, but that island was made in spare times over a few evenings.

 

[afilter]

I am a fan of Litko for Splash and explosion markers.



As well a Torpedo markers



.....and Smoke



If they do not currently have it in stock they will do custom work as well.

 

[billclo]

Those markers look pretty good. Thanks.

 

[McKinstry]

I am a big fan of Litko markers.

 

[Myrm]

I am a big fan of Litko markers.

I'd love to get hold of them, but trying to find a UK distributor who has a reasonable stock and reliable stock from them is a bit awkward (ideas and suggestions happily accepted). Trying to get hold of the company by email proved fruitless, but I got a direct answer on TMP on the question I was after, so they are certainly in t'interweb....

 

[Skullduggery]

I have some islands from the plastic guys here in Ohio

 

[rcbecker1]

I myself use a nice blue cloth, but to me the biggest attracter is very nice looking ship moving across the table. If your playing coastal or games with Islands the the 3d terrain is the way to go.
Ray

 

[Ecclesiastes]

I like building stuff to make the table look just a bit nicer...

Torpedo and Evasion markers:


Smoke:


Rain Squall:

Still looking to improve the 'rain' bit, but it looks good enough imo.

My islands still have the water effects drying, so I'll add those later...

 

[billclo]

I came up with the idea of using crinkled iridescent plastic wrap (used an iron to wrinkle it) for ACTA:SF, but it looks as if it might use usable in this game. Kind of has a weird ocean wave look to it.

Crinkled plastic on top of a black space map.

Crinkled plastic on top of a Corsec space map.

 

[jean1951]

Hello,

I use 1/6000th ships. For islands I use Fights on products from Texas and Geo Hex terrain. For a mat I use a piece of vynil made to cover boats. I found this at the material store that sell felts etc.

Best regards,
Jean