Which factions for Demos?

[Shadow4ce]

Quick question for the long-timer ACTA folks out there...

My wife is going to begin demoing 2nd Edition B5:ACTA, and would like to know if you can only start with 2-3 Fleet boxes, which 2 or 3 would be best from a balance vs. interest for folks?

I'm thinking ISA, Narn, and Centauri. But, having never played the old ACTA (Did play some B5 Wars back in the day), not sure which I should recommend to her.

She wants something balanced, but recognizable to folks who have only in passing heard of the show. She is not worried about rabid fans who know the exact load-out of drazi experimental fighters for example.

In short, she wants to pick up 2-3 Fleet boxes of factions most sci-fi fans have heard of, but make for a fun, balanced game at different fleet levels.

So...

Which two or three, and why?

Let the discussion commence, but please keep it friendly, as she will be the one deciding and will stop listening if you tear each other up with personal grudges or name-calling. :lol:

Bonus consideration will be given to those of you who are fellow MI and are already demoing the 2nd Edition. If you fit this description, please mention the fact. 8)

 

[Na-Po]

Hello,

Not demoing the 2nd yet, still waiting my books ...
BUT for first edition demos I used a lot the Narn and the Centauri.

First anyone know them they are not a 2nd plot race. It helps a lot for people who just know a little bit about B5.

Then they have a lot of ships which is good to explain a lot of rules and
also to compose different task forces.

You can use this two races with basic rules for true begginers.

The counter exemple would be Minbaris or Drakhs (stealth, GEG)
or Vorlons and shadows (in 1st edition the damages taken were calculated in a different way).

The problem with ISA is that you'll have an army of carriers and white stars. And (first edition saying) not balanced for demo purpose.

I'm a minbari player and I find it's not a race for demo because it's quite tactical to play and either you're never seen (frustrating the other player) or you're dead as you're weak.

Coming back to Centauri and Narn for demo purpose seems the best choice. But I also use humans and it's going quite well as they have the advantadges (well known and a lot of ships )

 

[Triggy]

Narn and Centauri are a popular starting point for the game although may I suggest another:

ISA and EA (Third Age) - think of all the confrontations you see in Season 4 between the White Star fleet and the EA. Also, both fleets have a few special rules but nothing too complicated and play in completely contrasting styles. The Centauri would be a good third fleet to add as one with plenty of choice, a style somewhere between EA and ISA and they too face off against the ISA as Season 5 hots up.

 

[noobdelux]

i bought the bintak and an narn fleet box, same with the Centauri (adira+fleet box)

 

[Celisasu]

Narn and Centauri for ease of use plus being the most famous oppnents. Then if you want a third race, pick something that's radically different to give a feel for the different races. For example the Drakh or Vree might be a good third choice because they handle so differently than the Narn and Centauri.

Minbari=Aweful choice for demos. The hit/miss nature of stealth can make them far too frustrating for people just trying to get into the game.

 

[David Anla Shok']

Narn and Centauri. Both were high profile in the show, easily recognisable and both have lots of small scale ships. Good for demos. I'm not sure why you want a third fleet but if so, I would recommend the Vree. Fewer mechanical issues to remember, manuevering, fields of fire, etc and fairly simple to put together.
Regards,

 

[Britgirl]

I'm not sure why you want a third fleet

The third fleet is for me! I'm Shadow4ce's daughter. 8)

Actually, I think "mom" wants all the fleets eventually. We can only afford 3 fleets to start with. I'm pretty sure mom will get the rest over time.

She wants to play Minbari, so it's good to see other people feel the same way about them as a demo fleet to start with that dad and I do.

My dad got me and my sister playing alot of VaS and BF:Evo. Mom is just getting into the hobby (She has stuck mostly to RPGs to date), and as a big B5 fan she wants to play ACTA. Having only read over the rules, we thought Minbari would be a tough sell as a demo faction until we've got some more established players in the area. Shadow4ce and I are glad you all agree.

Thanks for the unbiased back-up. :wink:

"Hey Mom! You can't be Minbari and stealth kill me like you sank my Kongo in one shot last month..."

Oh, sorry, TTFN! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[katadder]

wow a whole wargaming family, thats what everyone needs can play an in house ACTA campaign, cool.

 

[Shadow4ce]

wow a whole wargaming family, thats what everyone needs can play an in house ACTA campaign, cool.

*Proudly sits back and agrees* 8)

 

[noobdelux]

what abaout Earth, Centauri, narn? should be even enough, and eatch with alittle different play styles as well