There's nothing like sailing on your own deck.Originally Posted by tractorboy
There's nothing like sailing on your own deck.
I know, like Dale said Ares is going for the jugular. I am sure I will break down and get the ships also, I am sure the missus will love it!
Kirk, We have lots of ships pre-ordered & on the way. I'm sure we will be running some games at the Soldiery, you are welcome to join us. We ran demo games at Origins and had a great time!I know, like Dale said Ares is going for the jugular. I am sure I will break down and get the ships also, I am sure the missus will love it!
OKAY!!! Sounds awesomeKirk, We have lots of ships pre-ordered & on the way. I'm sure we will be running some games at the Soldiery, you are welcome to join us. We ran demo games at Origins and had a great time!
I am also impressed by the fact that Ares plans on selling separate ship boards and extra counters. Not to take away from the Ares ship miniatures, but there are a lot of other minis of comparable size out there that could easily be used to pad out one's SoG fleet if you have the necessary game components. I have a number of the punch-out-and assemble ships from WizKids' Pirates game, which don't look at all bad with a little touch-up painting and mounted on a base. Much as the Shapeways planes supplement the WoG minis, the WizKids ships can give us additional models to use in SoG once we can figure out the appropriate stats for the new ships. I think it's a class move for Ares to make the additional game pieces available to do this, and look forward to giving the SoG a try.
Well I'll be scuppered! I went to my local hobby shop and the owner had all the ships, starter set, counter bags & mats for "Sails of Glory"! He was just opening the box of goodies as I walked in. Unfortunately they were not for sale - he had joined the kick-starter & these were all being smuggled home "for personal use". I wonder if I can organize a game????? My initial big reservation was the depth of the bases, making the ships look like they are sitting on a plinth rather than the sea, but when placed on the sea mat this was not so noticeable. I was really blown away by the production quality of these pieces - the painting on the ships I examined was excellent!
However the ships had no rigging and a couple of the sails looked a bit weird without any as they appeared to be just stuck up in the air on their own. I presume that the idea is that at this scale the rigging would not be seen, but i will put some black thread on anyway. I said earlier on that I doubted that I would get any based on the "plinth" idea but I think I have changed my mind - the ships and all the extra components of the game just look superb (Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of lemonade me hearties - Arrh!)
It is a good game but sadly it seems to be a victim of its own success as a lot of our club who want a set are finding it sold out already in shops and online (here in SE England at least) - Wayland Games didnt even get their first allocation!
The mats are doing a #countryside mat impression already!
I was going to let another gamer in our group get them until I went to the annual BGGCON this past November and played the game.
I was hooked and bought the Starter Set! It arrived this week and look forward to introducing to game at our monthly get-together...
Can't wait to try is game always loved the sea base games
So, some 300 bucks later, I am in! The game appears to be flying off shelves and online stores like crazy! That bodes well got The game and Ares.
I won't as I use a computer generated rule system for years for 1/1200 ships on an old laptop (Clear for Action), and I wrote my own rule set for my 15mm War of 1812 ships.
I was in the KS at Commodore level plus extras. Just before it arrived I re-energized on WoG. So Sails is just sitting. Weird?!
Some repaint and "decked out" ships from the Anchorage:
And for you pirates out there, the Black Pearl...
What a handsome sight they are to be sure Keith.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
I just picked up SOG last Friday from my local shop - but I haven't even had time to do anything more than glance at the rules! How is everyone finding it so far?
I was a bit apprehensive as the last several naval wargames I've played have been "line up and roll dice from across the table," but to be fair they were WWI and WWII games, not Age of Sail. I love the idea of variable wind speed and direction - no idea how it works yet, but it seems really cool.
I have just bought a copy of the Starter Set from a local online store and waiting for it to be delivered on Wednesday.
"We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."
I was in the Kickstarter and my set has arrived. Today Ares sent out an e-mail about the next set of ships to be released, 3 sloops, 3 frigates and 6 3-deckers.
Played the game for the first time last Friday night. We didn't get passed the standard rules, but really enjoyed it to say the least.
I can't wait for the new triple deckers!
I played the game last week and was not impressed. I'm glad I did not invest in the game. It is WW1 all the way for me.
John, I am surprised at your statement. Have you played other sailing ship games? I have played them all (or at least it feels like it) and this is the best one. I have only played the basic stuff so far but it is excellent and I have bought my last sailing ship game!
BTW guys been away with winter storms, car wreaks, car pooling, power outages, broken (brand new) furnace, family and oh yeah work!
I should be back and I owe some pictures to a certain craftsman here on the forum.
By the way, I ran another game for a local group and they loved the game. It should generate some sales!
I have not played to many other sailing games. I was hoping for a big breakthrough with this game. It did not come. The mechanics were OK. I cannot see anything but playing up to a 3 on 3 game. The placards take up alot of space. Not a big fan of pulling chits out of a bag or cup. I rather play WW1 aircraft.
I do hope you got to experience the game playing the advanced or standard rules. If I had only played the basic rules, I would not like the game either. Using the standard or advanced rules was when I began to feel the salt spray -- and in fact, unless teaching the game, our group sticks with the advanced rules.
But not everything is everyone's cup of tea. I love WoG WW1 and SoG, but don't enjoy WoG WW2. In fact we looking at other rule sets, including breaking out Mustangs and Messerschmidts! I found a supplier making table-top stands that can be used with the WoG planes, and the rules are great -- many of us started there.
Cheers!
I agree partly with John. I have read the rules and seen some online demos (no I have not played the game). I was all in when I first learned of it....it does sound like a good game but It doesn't wow me enough to justify spending money on another hobby.
I'll give it another go based on what you suggested. Thanks.
Despite some qualms because of experiences with other sailing games,I have enjoyed playing the game to the extent that I will probably add a couple of the heavier SOTL and Frigates when they are released. I do not, however, envisage buying everything that is produced as I have done with WoW. Indeed I have already made a decision not to bother with the Sloops, as they contribute nothing to the battle between the heavies, and historically tended to keep out of the way. I don't fancy actions between the little ships.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
I personally am put off by the scale.
If the SOG game had been designed for the popular 1/1200 scale by GHQ and Langton we would have had dozens of Napoleonic ships immediately available for the game.
See:
http://www.ghqmodels.com/store/milit...icronauts.html
http://www.rodlangton.com/napoleonic/frame.htm
The SOG game would have been more popular due to the many 1/1200 Napoleonic ships that are available.
In the event that SOG does not become a popular game, we would at least have some Napoleonic ships in a popular scale which could be used with other rules.
The 1/1000 scale is an orphan scale which will be use-less if SOG fails to become popular.
If they'd been designed to that scale, no one would have bought the minis -- or the game.
They tested 1/1200, but couldn't get the detail they wanted with the material they use.
WoG, WWI is in 1/144 scale (a popular scale with many planes available from other manufacturers).
It does not appear that being in a popular scale has hurt the sales of WoG, WWI.
WoG, WWI is, in my opinion, more popular than WoG, WWII in 1/200 scale which is also an orphan scale.
I've built many metal planes and ships, but the big draw (for me) and many young gamers is that WOG and SGN are pre painted, finished and ready to play.
I personally think that SOG/SGN will be around a lot longer than me. (But at my age that's not saying much)
Initial cost is a bit off putting plus not sure I like those 'toy' looking ships. But the game itself I am very interested in. if there was a way of substituting those ships as the minis rock in at around Ł15 (ouch) and getting the maneuver decks then I would be in.
I think we have been all over this before. My personal opinion is pretty much the same as Zac above, they should have went for 1:1200 with a mind to cross sales. "Orphan" or proprietary scales rarely work for me as a gamer, and by doing so they have restricted the game scope and appeal. I don't buy they couldn't get the details - others seem capable.
WoG WW2 at 1:200 makes some sense in the fact that at 1:144 would be a bit large when they get to multi engined planes, which is less important in WW1.
I keep coming back to this, but I think the root cause of the scale issues is that Ares makes board games, and therefore sees the models as playing pieces for use in their game only. They produce piece x for game y and dont see any need for too much variation. Their core market is board gamers who play SoG one night and Catan the next.
Most of the members here are wargamers who expect standard scales and variety so that rather than fighting the limited scenario laid out in the rules we want to refight a historical naval action which is beyond the scope of the boxed scenarios, ie we thlnk for ourselves.
Ares sees the SoG ships as complicated counters, we see them as HMS Daring and USS Constitution -and neither side understands the other.
spot on Ken!
I played a quick Sails of Glory game the same day I was introduced to Wings.
I thought it was pretty good; it made me think I need to brush up on my tactics for using the weather gage, which seems like the sign of a good naval game.
I know it's fictional, but is it too pedantic to say "wrong century"? <sorry>
Well said, Ken... Chris, too. Ares wants players to buy their ships, not use fleets already purchased.
The WWII planes for Angels 20 and Bandits High are in 1/100 scale which is even larger than 1/144 scale.
However, there is now speculation that Wizards of the Coast is 'dumping' the Angels 20 and Bandits High games.
See:
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1112...ws-from-cancon
Hello everyone! I have played Sails once and it was alot of fun. There were 4 of us, 2 British (1 Frigate and 1 Man-o-war), 2 French (1 Frigate and 1 Man-o-war). I was runnig the British Man-o-war and managed to ram into every ship that was on the water. The French Man-o-war was the only functional ship left at the end of the game, mine was void of crew but hadn't sunk. All in all a fun game but I doubt if I buy it for myself, I already play WW2 naval miniatures and am still trying to get a good go on the Wings of Glory planes. Thanks for listening. Bob Starr( Cpl. Cando)
More speculation that the Angels 20 and Bandits High games are being 'dumped'.
"the original design team were let go after Bandits High."
See:
http://boardgamegeek.com/thread/1075...e-of-this-game
At least the 1/100 planes are still good for 15mm games.
I feel the same way, James: the WoG gams engine works very well for WW1, but less so for WW2. (I still enjoy playing WGS, but the feel isn't as right)
I would recommend looking into Check Your 6, as an alternative game to use the WGS minis. There are ways of playing with or without a hex grid playing area.
Having played M&M years ago, I can't envision how you can make stands for tabletop and still have wheels
you can see the rotation of to play M&M.
Karl
It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus
Today I had my baptisme of fire with Sail Of Glory at Modena Play Convention.
It was a little basic fight: Two British fregates vs two french fregates.
The sistem is simple, good balance even if it is too easy to have a line of fire using the surface of base. It is very difficult to obtain a clear stern or bow rake!
It may be if it would be possible to use the mimis as reference point or something else!
What's Your opinion about?
Bye Carlo
Wow... certainly, to each his or her own; but nonetheless I still was taken aback when I read this.
Check Your 6 is a whole different type/style game from WGS, the two are not anywhere close to one another, IMHO. CY6; a good game certainly, but you're into an entirely different game experience when you go that route. To my way of thinking, that is not a good comparison at all, way different games.
As far as WGS vs WGF, I also couldn't disagree more. Fantasy Flight Games basically adopted the WGS mechanics for it's wildly popular Star Wars: X-Wing game. Wiz Kids followed with their own Star Trek: Attack Wing game.
Don't get me wrong, I love WGF, but plotting 3 maneuver cards in advance and not being able to react quicker to what is going on in the game, is the biggest complaint I hear, time and time again, from new players. Next would be not being able to control your speed in WGF.
But jumping from WGF/WGS to CY6...whoa, you're jumping into a whole different group of gamers there.
Just my .02 cents.
As far as SoG goes, at the present time, I'm going to have pass on it. I love the manuever card game mechanic, but with WGF & WGS occupying my fix (& game budget) for that style of game design, the theme of sailing ships isn't strong enough for me to commit the kind of money I would want to when WGF/WGS are still producing new series of planes, and repaints of airplanes. I love the game mechanic/system, but I am waaay more of an airplane aficionado than sailing ship history fan. Let's face it, these games are expensive enough, especially for a working class stiff like myself. I'm not sure there are enough convenience stores around here anyway, for me to hold up, in order to fund SoG!
Last edited by kaufschtick; 04-05-2014 at 20:42.
I played my first game with someone else's kit on Friday and I quite liked it I must admit. I'll Reserve judgement until after another go.
True (they are about as close as WGS is to X Wing
I'm in a similar situation to Jager - I love WGF (I love it even more with our "one card" variant, although we usually play vanilla). WGS just doesn't feel right to me.
I agree in part with both Dave and Rob, although WWI is my first love, I have taken readily to WWII, which surprised me rather.
As far as the theme of this thread is concerned, I have bought the Starter pack, and will undoubtedly buy a few more ships, but only to play with for a change of scene. I can't see it gripping me like Wings.
Rob.
"Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."
Very true, but since James (KiltedWolf) said they were looking for other rules sets, and considering M&M, I opinioned that CY6 would be worth looking at. Despite having a great time playing M&M in the past, I feel CY6 is a better game, and more suitable for the gaming table (as opposed to the game room floor). I don't know another WW2 air game that is at the complexity level of WGS.
>dragging myself back to the thread<
I did play SoG at Origins (actually ran a couple demo games) and a couple times since. And I did kick in for the Captain-level Kickstarter.
It's a fun game, but I'll agree with Rob: it won't match my interest in WoG.
Karl
It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus
Although I am not huge fan of it, Angels 20 would be in that ballpark. As would the old Avalon Hill
game Mustangs, which I liked very much.
I actually had SoG in my hands at my local FLAGs back when it came out. The price was just too much to buy it (all the components and ships that is) in my FLAGs though. My favorite on line retailer, CS, at first didn't have the game mats, then the starter was OOS for a really long time. When I was at my FLAGs holding it, I was told by one of the staff there that one of he early concerns from folks such as myself, was how would the game handle in two player games with larger number of ships? That was a question I had as well. My favorite way to play WoG is by controlling just a few planes.
Also, the feel of the game, although it has a totally new theme, made me wonder if SoG wasn't going to be just like playing WoG, only with different miniatures that shoot sideways mainly. Don't get me wrong, I love WoG, and if I where a big fan of sailing ships, I'd be all over SoG. But I am just your normal working class stiff here, and I do WoG in 1/144 scale as well as the official miniatures for the WW II side, so I'd be lying if I said I didn't have concerns about the cost of SoG with WGF & WGS still releasing new materials. My wallet just couldn't stand the strain.
In addition, I have many other wargame interests, and to tie up all that money for WGF, WGS & now SoG just seemed a little disproportionate all for one game system.
Again, if I had the same interest in naval history as I do for the history of flight, it would be a no brainer to get into SoG. Money, the sameness of the game system, and the inability to get it from an online retailer (significant cost savings for me) when it first came out, all conspired to cause me to take pause, reconsider,; and at least for the time being now, hold off from taking the plunge (pardon the pun please ) on this one.
Last edited by kaufschtick; 04-10-2014 at 08:21.
I thought the same way as most here about being just a WoG fan or the cost being too high for SoG. But after playing the game at BGGCON 2013 in November changed my mind. Most of my wargames were either land warfare or aerial. Besides picking a few new naval games, I managed to get my hands on the Starter Set, game mat & damage bags for a pretty good price.
About two weekends ago, a group of four played the Shallow Waters scenario with all the rules; basic, standard & advance!
WOW!
I'm hooked!
I've gone back and picked up two more frigates since we all agreed that the Starter Kit was a bit lopsided. Meaning frigates really dont stand a chance against those Ship-of-the Line. I'm also starting to put together some scenarios based on real naval actions that I've found - thanks to wikileaks.
I understand everyone's concern for budget and I'm probably not going to go head-over-heels like I've done with WoG. But may be several of you in your game community could join hands and chip in for set?
Cheers,
Andy
PS Now I need to find a good stowage system!
The nice part about _Mustangs_ is: It can be as complex, or as simple, as the player wants -- all the necessary data is on the playing pieces, but the player can pick what rules he wants to use.
Hmm.. I haven't seen that one yet. If Crazy Egor comes to Origins, I'll see if he has a copy.
Karl
It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus
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