A trick we used way back when we played was we laminated the maps. Then used the reverse side that was just the hexes left blank, the "DM" running the campaign would use a washable marker to fill in the terrain as he wanted then when done wiped it off the plastic. Not as pretty as open terrain but allowed a lot of flexibility.
Actalzy Hex maps are something we have in abundance around the command bunker. I personally prefer open terrain games over hexes but it's easier to teach others with them. We have in the past used the small clear hex sheets for campaign settings. Where players move units around with the help of a GM on the sheets
We don't use the double range as often, due to the individuals who play in our group. A majority like to keep it the standard ranges found on the sheets, but doubling them means that your games go much quicker!
the old Styrofoam hex terrain was Geohex. a bit pricey, but is a good base terrain. as for modifier dice, we use 2. 1st, is for hexes displaced modifier. 2nd, is for units move type. (1- walk/cruise, 2- run/flank and 3- jump) don't need special colors. as for flying vehicles, we can add a third die for elevation, but velocity is tracked separately. I've seen people use a D20 for the heat scale, but I use a small metal cube on the chart.
The Geohex terrain was the go to back in the day, pricey but worth it. You only need one die to represent the modifies for the mechs, the color determines the movement type and the pip value determines the movement distant travelled. The heat scale is already on the sheet so just need to make a pencil mark for the heat levels.
Hexagons are the bestagons. Makes gameplay faster, usually ends up having a more varied terrain. Visually I like the emphasis being on the units over the terrain anyway.
It's a interesting thing that some people prefer one or the other system. I've never noticed much difference in speed of play between hex or terrain games. I like the ability to change up the terrain versus a fixed map. Have a good day
The problem with open terrain and all the wargames using it, is that people (accidentally or not) move their figures further or closer than they r supposed to, do various shooting range shenanigans or sometimes make a whole drama out of "I can see the tip of your helmet feather through the window piece in that ruined bunker" thing. That's why i waved goodbye to 40k/FB/Warmachine etc and as for Battletech, I use neoprene gaming mats with hex grid on it with terrain on hex bases. It's really simple, intuitive and helps avoid a whole lot of measurement/LOS problems. Thx for the video, great as always, loved it!
Alexander K Very true that in large groups your going to get that problem. I've found that in a two person game with individuals who are trying to not do it's better. Who makes the hex mat that you're using for the game.
Sometimes people get overexcited or simply want to win at any cost - then all sort of trouble happens. We usually try to avoid or exclude such players, but such things may happen and ruin experience for others. As for mats, a friend of mine usually made some for us - he used fmap files from the web and added a hex grid, look very nice. Plus we ordered mats and terrain from Battleboards and these were also great ones. But a month ago I received a package from Hotz Mats and they are just awesome. They make the hex size you want, plus they provide accessories like roads and fields. For terrain we use standard foam terrain as well as 3D printed from thingsverse and printablescenery. Here is a pic of a generator from Mech Commander (mech for scale): oi64.tinypic.com/2guh4xu.jpg It's a good and easy way to make lot's of various terrain, yet the hills, trees and rivers still have to be made yourself xD
Alexander K I can see that with some people, usually just needs a few reminders that people are watching what you're doing. If they become really bad at it then it's kicking to the curb.
I would definitely consider getting a small 3D printer just to make all sorts of terrain hexes. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that temptation because I don't have room for one at the moment. 😂
The printer is an useful tool if you want to create models or terrain. Sometimes it's easier to have a friend who has one and pay for the resin to have items made for you
Interesting video I currently play on maps but ultimately I am most interested in getting a felt hex Matt and making hex terrain with a foam cutter. But it is cool to see your idea on non hex open terrain. Cheers
I enjoy playing Battletech as a true miniature game and set it free on the tabletop, there are so many different ways of playing the game. It's interesting to see how others play the game and get ideas from others.
I liked playing with terrain on a table top. It looks better. I'd be careful about changing weapon ranges. Doubling weapon ranges while keeping movement the same skews game balance to long range weapons.
Robert Chisholm We've never noticed that happening in the game with enough terrain on the tabletop. The only thing that I've noticed is that missile boats can fire indirect at ranges that would be something to normal. But if you can't see it you still can't fire at them.
I'm not home right now, but I believe it's the Strategic Operation rulebook that have the majority of the rules. Overall it's fairly simple to play without hex maps or other hex boards. The rules are about the same found in the Total Warfare book.
@@BigZaeon That's a lot of fun to design your own terrain pieces for the game. You have a group of friends that play with for the game. Where did you pick up the terrain map
There's some rules floating around at the moment I can't remember where they're located. We just use the normal Total Warfare rules for terrain games, pretty simple to just convert hexes to inches on a one for one basis. So nothing is changed except for getting rid of the hex and it plays better like a miniatures game.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
A trick we used way back when we played was we laminated the maps. Then used the reverse side that was just the hexes left blank, the "DM" running the campaign would use a washable marker to fill in the terrain as he wanted then when done wiped it off the plastic. Not as pretty as open terrain but allowed a lot of flexibility.
Actalzy Hex maps are something we have in abundance around the command bunker. I personally prefer open terrain games over hexes but it's easier to teach others with them. We have in the past used the small clear hex sheets for campaign settings. Where players move units around with the help of a GM on the sheets
I've been playing open for a long time but never considered doubling the weapons ranges. I like that modification.
We don't use the double range as often, due to the individuals who play in our group. A majority like to keep it the standard ranges found on the sheets, but doubling them means that your games go much quicker!
the old Styrofoam hex terrain was Geohex. a bit pricey, but is a good base terrain. as for modifier dice, we use 2. 1st, is for hexes displaced modifier. 2nd, is for units move type. (1- walk/cruise, 2- run/flank and 3- jump) don't need special colors. as for flying vehicles, we can add a third die for elevation, but velocity is tracked separately.
I've seen people use a D20 for the heat scale, but I use a small metal cube on the chart.
The Geohex terrain was the go to back in the day, pricey but worth it. You only need one die to represent the modifies for the mechs, the color determines the movement type and the pip value determines the movement distant travelled. The heat scale is already on the sheet so just need to make a pencil mark for the heat levels.
Hexagons are the bestagons. Makes gameplay faster, usually ends up having a more varied terrain. Visually I like the emphasis being on the units over the terrain anyway.
It's a interesting thing that some people prefer one or the other system. I've never noticed much difference in speed of play between hex or terrain games. I like the ability to change up the terrain versus a fixed map.
Have a good day
The problem with open terrain and all the wargames using it, is that people (accidentally or not) move their figures further or closer than they r supposed to, do various shooting range shenanigans or sometimes make a whole drama out of "I can see the tip of your helmet feather through the window piece in that ruined bunker" thing.
That's why i waved goodbye to 40k/FB/Warmachine etc and as for Battletech, I use neoprene gaming mats with hex grid on it with terrain on hex bases.
It's really simple, intuitive and helps avoid a whole lot of measurement/LOS problems.
Thx for the video, great as always, loved it!
Alexander K Very true that in large groups your going to get that problem. I've found that in a two person game with individuals who are trying to not do it's better.
Who makes the hex mat that you're using for the game.
Sometimes people get overexcited or simply want to win at any cost - then all sort of trouble happens.
We usually try to avoid or exclude such players, but such things may happen and ruin experience for others.
As for mats, a friend of mine usually made some for us - he used fmap files from the web and added a hex grid, look very nice. Plus we ordered mats and terrain from Battleboards and these were also great ones.
But a month ago I received a package from Hotz Mats and they are just awesome.
They make the hex size you want, plus they provide accessories like roads and fields.
For terrain we use standard foam terrain as well as 3D printed from thingsverse and printablescenery.
Here is a pic of a generator from Mech Commander (mech for scale): oi64.tinypic.com/2guh4xu.jpg
It's a good and easy way to make lot's of various terrain, yet the hills, trees and rivers still have to be made yourself xD
Alexander K I can see that with some people, usually just needs a few reminders that people are watching what you're doing. If they become really bad at it then it's kicking to the curb.
Like them booth
I prefer the ability to adjust the terrain for different game settings, but maps help train new players on how to play the game
I really like the idea of doubling range when playing on a regular tabletop map!
We've played with double ranges and standard movement, makes it a interesting game.
I would definitely consider getting a small 3D printer just to make all sorts of terrain hexes. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that temptation because I don't have room for one at the moment. 😂
The printer is an useful tool if you want to create models or terrain. Sometimes it's easier to have a friend who has one and pay for the resin to have items made for you
Nice chat, good to paint to
IDICBeer 40k Thanks Nick glad to help out with your painting session.
good job, best regards
Thanks!
Interesting video I currently play on maps but ultimately I am most interested in getting a felt hex Matt and making hex terrain with a foam cutter. But it is cool to see your idea on non hex open terrain. Cheers
I enjoy playing Battletech as a true miniature game and set it free on the tabletop, there are so many different ways of playing the game. It's interesting to see how others play the game and get ideas from others.
I liked playing with terrain on a table top. It looks better. I'd be careful about changing weapon ranges. Doubling weapon ranges while keeping movement the same skews game balance to long range weapons.
Robert Chisholm We've never noticed that happening in the game with enough terrain on the tabletop. The only thing that I've noticed is that missile boats can fire indirect at ranges that would be something to normal. But if you can't see it you still can't fire at them.
where are the rules for hexless play?
I'm not home right now, but I believe it's the Strategic Operation rulebook that have the majority of the rules.
Overall it's fairly simple to play without hex maps or other hex boards. The rules are about the same found in the Total Warfare book.
@@Helcarexe26 neat, I bought a felt hex mat that is slightly larger (hex wise) than 4 mapsheets. I've been making terrain for it
@@BigZaeon That's a lot of fun to design your own terrain pieces for the game. You have a group of friends that play with for the game.
Where did you pick up the terrain map
@@Helcarexe26 I grabbed it from HotzMats
@@BigZaeon My brother picked up a couple of their mats awhile back. They're nice ones, which one did you get
is there published rules for this out there by catlyst
There's some rules floating around at the moment I can't remember where they're located. We just use the normal Total Warfare rules for terrain games, pretty simple to just convert hexes to inches on a one for one basis. So nothing is changed except for getting rid of the hex and it plays better like a miniatures game.
@@Helcarexe26 cool