Federation Commander

I played Federation Commander the other day for the first time and really liked it -- for the most part. My journey to Federation Commander began many, many, many years ago with the original Star Fleet Battles.  Not sure if I had the first edition pocket game or the boxed game.  All I remember is that plasma torpedoes were handled using a paper cone.  They were deadly, but slow moving and not very effective.  I played a few times through high school (1980s) and early college, then the complexity of the rules became too much and I dropped the game.  It was a fun game, and I liked the impulse movement mechanic, but when the game became a matter of ECM vs. ECCM, it became more work than it's worth.  I kind of feel the same way about Advanced Squad Leader, although I still enjoy that game on a smaller scale.

Original Star Fleet Battles Game

Since then, I've been waiting for a simpler, more streamlined version of the game. They came out with a few easier games over the years, although I can't recall their names. Then I came across Federation Commander.  Eager, I bought the game (Romulan Border -- I'm a Gorn fan -- and Klingon Attack) back in 2008 and after that, let it gather dust on my shelf.  Just didn't have anyone to play with.  Then, I found out someone in my game group is a big Federation Commander (FC) enthusiast and after that it was just a matter of finding the time.  That day came last weekend.

I played the Klingons and was teamed up with Stephen Brasseur (http://yockbosboardgames.blogspot.com/), who played the Lyrans.  Two others played the Federation (Jim D, affectionately known as "Big D") and the Hydrans (Brian).  We played with 2-3 ships of 270-300 points each.  I selected an F5 Frigate and a C7 Battle Cruiser.  My plan was to send the F5 ahead to take out drones and draw some fire as my C7 moved into position around the three Federation frigates. Yeah, that didn't work out so well.

First, the Hydrans came barreling in from their corner to join in the fray while my ally, the Lyrans, pulled a Russia and diddled their way to the front.  As a result, my two ships came under very heavy fire.  While my strategy worked to some extent, I failed to adhere my adversaries pre-game warning about overloaded photon torpedoes.

Federation Commander SSD (Ship System Display), which allows tracking of ship's power, weaponry, damage, and other functions.

I decided to take out the Federation fleet one ship at a time and did some damage to one of the three frigates, which subsequently disengaged.  However, I left both ships vulnerable to a barrage of overloaded photon torpedoes that effectively ended the game.

It was fun and I am looking forward to playing again, although I wonder if I'll ever be able to pick up on all the tips and tricks others have picked up over the years.  I do plan to explore the game more, play some solo games, and many sign up for a three month online subscription.

Having said that, I never try to end a game session without some "lessons learned":

1) When playing against the Federation, stay more than 8 hexes away; use speed and acceleration to do this.
2) Launch drones during impulse 8 of one turn then impulse 1 of the next turn.
3) Always save a few direct fire weapons for opportunistic fire later in the same turn.

I'm sure there were more lessons I should have learned, but that's all I recall.

I liked the game for the most part, but the record keeping was still a bit much.  The game does offer an even easier "fleet" scale that might be easier for new players.

July Gaming Recap

I've been playing a lot of games lately.  Which, given my income deficient status (my writing work has dried up and I've devoted most of my work time to finding a regular full-time job), is probably a good idea.  Yeah, it's been a slow summer, but gaming is a great hobby for those on a tight budget -- as long as you have the games (Al's collection) and enjoy the games you have (and don't forget your friends' game collections).  It helps that my sons enjoy playing some of the same games I enjoy.

My youngest (12) and I have been participating in a well-run Pathfinder campaign with three others.  It's been great and we've leveled up twice already -- he is playing a roque/fighter and I'm playing a fighter.  We've been playing for a few months now and play every-other-weekend. It's a fun time and I actually think it helps him with his Asperger's.

I've also hooked up with a Wednesday night gaming group. We played two games of Sword of Rome (I played the Gauls both times) and had a lot of fun.  We spent one night playing Mustangs, which I really enjoyed, and the group is now playing another air game, although out-of-town interviews and a back-to-school night have kept me away from those games. You can read my Mustangs AAR here.

Closer to home, my son and I have been playing Magic the Gathering. It's funny, but our decks couldn't be more black and white.  LOL.  That's an insider joke.  He has a black magic (swamp) deck and I have a white magic (plains) deck.  He whips out the evil creatures and I pacify them. I also love, love, love my griffins and griffin riders.  When I amass a few of those it's hard to stop me.

We also played a game of Axis and Allies and a few rounds of Stratego.  On July 4 (or thereabouts) my older son brought over Dominion.  I didn't think I would like it at first, but I really enjoyed it (he kicked out butts, though) and I like the idea of a game that changes every time you play it.

Coming up, I plan to replay the 1933 All-Star game using APBA Baseball game, and my Wednesday night group is beginning Clash of Monarchs on 8/22.
 
That's it for now.  Roll well, and live.

Al