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A New Beginning ... |
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Despite being a slightly niche product, the original Squadron Commander 3600 rules were always popular and many complimentary comments were made about the rules. When the original book went out of print, we decided that it was a shame to let it die away completely and arranged with Mariner Games to take over the rights for the rules when they became available. New Models For the relaunch of Squadron Commander we've designed a whole new range of models. The initial releases will feature four fighter designs for each of four Human fleets - the American Republic, Germans, European Federation and Chinese Democratic Socialist Republic. We've changed the model scale to 1/300th so that we can incorporate more detail and also, very importantly for the ground-pounders, the models can also feature as air support in 6mm ground combat games such as Iron Cow and Future Wars Commander. Most models are one-piece so assembly is straightforward. Some of the designs will be familiar from the Starmada range of starships, some have been modified a bit and others are completely new. Expect to see the new designs scaled back down into the smaller scale as well.Rules The rules mechanics have been given a quick once-over although this has been little more that a tidy-up since we felt that they were pretty solid anyway. We've tweaked the movement rules a little and added in the option to play on a plain table as well as a hex map. There are a couple of new rules such as PDAM (Point Defence Anti-Missile systems) for close defence. Background The rulebook includes a background within the same universe as our other SF games, based on the Wessex Games Iron Cow setting. As well as an introduction to the universe, the different vessels and tactics of the main protagonists are detailed along with data sheets for the initial batch of releases. Design System The fighter design system has been reworked and the five different fighter size classes have been removed since they had no effect on gameplay. Instead, you simply cram your fighter with whatever equipment you desire - but be prepared to pay for it ! Online support for fighter design will include a spreadsheet template. Campaign System The rulebook includes a campaign system that allows the player to create a squadron, generate pilots with their own characteristics and watch as they develop (or die !) through successive battles. A number of scenarios are supplied which can be played stand-alone or within the context of a campaign. Support As well as the rulebook and the first batch of models, there will also be a range of accessories such as external stores - missiles, rocket and gun pods, fuel tanks, ECM blisters etc - to customise your models. We've also teamed up with Decals Express to create a series of decals, initially of national markings but these will expand to cover nose-art, specific squadron markings etc in the future. Future models will have stats provided in the form of free downloadable PDFs. Stats will also be provided to allow the models to be used in 6mm ground combat games. The Future The initial batch of releases covers 16 models for four nations. In future we aim to expand to make models for other factions including further human nations as well as the alien races - so the PacFed, the British, Cimexians, Yenpalo and others will all be covered. And, of course, we'll continue to expand the existing nations. Data sheets for any new models will be downloadable from this website. Existing Models As of now the existing models are no longer available - the moulds were on their last legs anyway and with the new developments we didn't feel that we could justify making a new set. +++ SUMMER 2009 UPDATE - 'IRON HAWK' +++ As you may well know, Brigade Models is very much a part-time outfit, and as such we've found that the process of revamping the rules is taking a lot longer than we anticipated. This is delaying the relaunch of the rulebook, which is frustrating since we have a host of models moulded and ready to go - and judging from the e-mails we've received, there are quite a few of you out there waiting to get your hands on these. Never fear - help has appeared in the form of Wessex Games' 'Iron Hawk' rules. Based on the mechanics from their acclaimed 'Air War' series of historical aircraft rules, Iron Hawk is a set of Sci-Fi fighter rules that will include stats for the models from our Squadron Commander range. For more on Iron Hawk, see the Wessex Games site. |
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