Thursday, February 12, 2015

"You like movies about gladiators?"

Okay, it's an oft heard quote, but still a classic, to me anyway. So, this is something I've neglected to see to fruition for far too long. In fact, the excellent Hotz ArtWorks Arena hex game mat has been sitting in a closet for close to three years without ever being bloodied. While toying with the idea of hosting a smallish game at our big con, Enfilade!, in May, yet another search for gladiator rules was made. Not sure why I hadn't noticed Arena Games' Gladiatorial Combat before, but a quick review was made and the $10 USD pdf was purchased. This set has been around for some time, and I think I once played a version of it with robots a buddy hosted a few years ago. It's seems perfect for a con where players should easily grasp the rules with a QRS and Combat stat sheet.
The figures are all Crusader minis that were painted some years ago also. As for the rules, at the start of the game each gladiator is given Action and Save Points based on how much armor is worn - more armor means less points for movement, but easier saves - and vice versa. Even though I don't like charts, the Combat Sheet is very simple to use and all hits are made on 6 from a D6. Another D6 of a different color is used to determine hit location on the body. Saves are immediately made using D10 scores equal to or greater than the Save Points. Successful hits are accumulated until max'd out and then damage effects are determined using the easy to read QRS. It'll be nice to host a game for up to 12 players with only 12 figures and no terrrain except for the mat.
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24 comments:

  1. Unlucky GeneralFebruary 13, 2015 at 12:04 AM

    Well done for realizing your project. I've got the basics together for my Gladiator effort also but have yet to paint up the figures.

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:02 AM

      Thank you - in the past I shied away from rules that looked to "charty" but these are quite simple and appear to work well for this type of game. Best, Dean

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  2. Black PowderFebruary 13, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    These kind of games are fun, and perfect for small scale miniature gaming. Love the minis!

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:03 AM

      Thanks, Soren. In fact, I'm hosting another game at the convention - a naval one in 1/1200th scale. The minis for both games will be easily transported and allow for quick set up. Regards, Dean

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  3. BigRedBatFebruary 13, 2015 at 3:26 AM

    I do like that mat, Dean!

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:05 AM

      Simon - it surely is a beauty; and why gladiator games appealed to me - the hex basing and movement. Seems to work best for this type of game. Regards, Dean

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  4. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 13, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    I like the mat too! Gladiators look really good. I have a few of those Crusader figures and they are very nice.

    Many years ago, we played a campaign of gladiatorial combat using Avalon Hill's excellent boardgame, Gladiator. Great fun!

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:06 AM

      Appreciate that, Jonathan. Someday I would like to try out that game too - if still available/obtainable. Regards, Dean

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    2. Jonathan FreitagFebruary 13, 2015 at 1:25 PM

      A VASSAL module exists for the game if you want to try it that way. Otherwise, I could send my copy of the game out to you for your review.

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    3. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 3:48 PM

      Appreciate the info and offer, Jonathan, but please don't trouble yourself about sending the copy; I'm in no rush and sure it'll pop up somewhere like ebay someday. Warm regards, Dean

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  5. SteveFebruary 13, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    Great looking game, I've been meaning to get into some games with only a few minis per side and this looks like it could be the way to go

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:08 AM

      Thanks for your thoughts and kind comments, Steve. Yes, this is a great way to allow for lots of players with minimal figures/terrain (none). Most games I've hosted were usually capped at 6 players, and still requiring over a hundred minis and lots of terrain. Tough to transport and set up at a con - with limited time blocks. Not to mention cutting down time visiting the Bring & Buy tables! :O Best, Dean

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  6. Simon Quinton February 13, 2015 at 8:10 AM

    Sounds like fun and looks great!

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 8:16 AM

      Thank you, Simon. What is encouraging is the reviews that this has been played at cons with great results. I wanted something no requiring a lot of effort, yet enjoyable for the players. If they want something larger, they'll be a Waterloo game with close to 5K 28m figures going on for two periods. Too much for me! :) Best, Dean

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  7. David SullivanFebruary 13, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    I'm intrigued. I'll have to download the rules, even though I'm really looking at something that doesn't use a square or hex grid, which is why I'm going with Habet, Hoc Habet! for my big scale guys.

    Nice looking figures. The Crusader range is pretty nice and I would be using them if Gripping Beast hadn't come out with their 35mm range (which I hope will expand to more figures than the eight available now).

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    1. DeanMFebruary 13, 2015 at 3:45 PM

      David - I suppose the hex movements can be converted to measured distance w/o much issue. That said, I actually wanted hex-based for gladiators. Thought that seemed the most appropriate for the style of fighting - up close and personal. Sounds like you're moving up on scale for gaming too. What with your 40mm Bronze Age collection and all. I think there are 40mm Medievals too - which would work with Lion Rampant. That said, if I were to go 40mm, I might even think of 54mm/1:32nd scale - as there are a lot of those already available. But I'm content with 28mm for now. Regards, Dean

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  8. Alex MayerFebruary 14, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    These rules sounds simple and funny to use. I will make a try! Thank you for sharing it with us!!!

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    1. DeanMFebruary 14, 2015 at 7:28 AM

      Alex:

      These rules sure do seem like a great fit for conventions - where once your give an overview of the game, players should be able to get on with game by themselves with the QRS and damage sheets. Best, Dean

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  9. jmilesrFebruary 14, 2015 at 4:08 AM

    Looks like a lot of fun. The arena mat is very sharp and your miniatures are always painted superbly.

    One more thing - "Don't call me Shirley"
    :)

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    1. DeanMFebruary 14, 2015 at 7:29 AM

      LOL! Right on, Miles. Yes, I'm thinking "Airplane" has some of the most heard/used quotes from any movie. Glad to finally have a set of rules to get these guys in action. Kind Regards, Dean

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  10. PhilFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:56 AM

    Seems to be a great game with lot of fun...should try it one day!

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  11. peterFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    I don't know a thing about wargaming but I do like the painted gladiators!

    Greetings
    Peter

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  12. Evan HughesFebruary 14, 2015 at 3:48 PM

    These guys look great, Dean, and I hope you can share the results of a game with your readership some time!

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  13. DeanMFebruary 14, 2015 at 6:31 PM

    Thank you so much, Gentlemen! I will surely be posting a review once I get a game or two in. Regards, Dean

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