3,201 Reply by mj12games

(3 replies, posted in Starmada)

shift_shaper wrote:

Really?  That doesn't make sense to me for a couple of reasons...
[...]
Sorry to be such a bother, but I just want to make sure my spreadsheet calculates cost properly, and I am confused.

Well, it's easy to get confused when the Great and Powerful Dan turns out to be wrong... smile

It should indeed be "-2" instead of "2" in that cell. I have changed the official SXCA on the web site to reflect this.

Good catch. You get a gold star.

Go to forum: Starmada

3,202 Reply by mj12games

(22 replies, posted in Miniatures)

FlakMagnet wrote:

Nope, not gonna paint 'em.  I'm gonna cast 'em up, maybe after some mods to get the really big one adapted to a cast-able shape.

And THEN you're gonna paint 'em?

big_smile

Go to forum: Miniatures

3,203 Reply by mj12games

(123 replies, posted in Starmada)

KDLadage wrote:

A question for you Dan: the Engine and Shield factors that are used in the book... these are rounded off to the nearest whole number. It appears that the SXCA is doing this also. I am not doing this in the spreadsheet as it stands... so the final numbers can be off by a few SU in either direction from SXCA. Is the rounding off an "official" rule, or was this simply something done to make things easier when doing it on paper?

The numbers are rounded off by the spreadsheet because "officially" the values are not a computation but a lookup table... however, leaving it as an unrounded value will not significantly affect construction, and will affect gameplay not a whit.

So, my answer is, "Whatever."

smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,204 Reply by mj12games

(3 replies, posted in Starmada)

shift_shaper wrote:

Hello.  I have been looking at the copy of the sxca spreadsheet I have, and noticed that in cell AF31 (AH42 in the VBAM version, if you care) the defensive rating modifier for Point Defense System is a positive 2.  This entails, from what I gather about how the spreadsheet works, that 2 would be treated as an additive modifier for the Defensive rating, and not a multiplicative modifier, as it states the 2 is in the Starmada X rules.  I was wondering whether this was a typo, or if there was something I was missing.

Nope. You're not missing anything.

The spreadsheet treats any number in that column as a multiplier, unless it is 10 or more, in which case it "knows" that it is an additive.

Go to forum: Starmada

3,205 Reply by mj12games

(22 replies, posted in Miniatures)

FlakMagnet wrote:

My efforts in the scratchbuilding realm:

http://geocities.com/flakmagnet72/pics/scratchbuilt/

They're not finished, but I plan on returning to them sometime.

These are really good... but I wanna see them painted!

Get to work!

Go to forum: Miniatures

3,206 Reply by mj12games

(11 replies, posted in Starmada)

KDLadage wrote:

http://mj12games.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=287&highlight=

This is the thread where I asked about it some time ago... and I was given an answer. The list indicates that Security Teams and Marines would be affected; but Troops would not -- which is something that makes no sense to me.

The reason (in my mind) is simple:

Marines and Security Teams have actual equipment that allows them to do what they do -- especially Marines with their boarding pods. It is possible, then, for technology to reduce the amount of space taken up by this equipment.

Troops, on the other hand, are merely people and bunks. It's hard to reduce the space requirement for these -- unless you pull a Star Trek and turn all your embarked troops into calcified dodecahedrons... smile

However, this is my ruling -- and it is one that does not affect gameplay or balance. So, if you want to change it, go right ahead. I can see an argument for Security to be unaffected, but Marines really should remain tied to TL.

Go to forum: Starmada

3,207 Reply by mj12games

(123 replies, posted in Starmada)

KDLadage wrote:

Thanks Dan!

That means a lot to me coming from you!

Well, it should.

'cause I'm the coolest.

Way cooler than Jim.

If Jim tells you something is cool, well, that's like having your Mom pick you up from the high school prom.

And don't even get me started on Kevin...   big_smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,208 Reply by mj12games

(123 replies, posted in Starmada)

KDLadage wrote:

I have been working for some time now on a spreadsheet that would aid me in creating Starmada X: Starships. Yes, yes, I know that Dan has written a very nice tool for this sort of thing, and others have even added fighters to the mix...

I will go on record as saying...

THIS IS FREAKIN' COOL!

That is all.

smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,209 Reply by mj12games

(123 replies, posted in Starmada)

And for the wet monkeys among us... smile

http://mj12games.com/forum/download.php?id=60

Go to forum: Starmada

3,210 Reply by mj12games

(3 replies, posted in Starmada)

hundvig wrote:

I mean, you expect spaceship captains to be named things like "Hercules Strong" or "Lance Starblaze" but Fred?  He doesn't even have a cool middle name like "Tiberius" or some other Roman Emperor.  And isn't Antimony a softish metal of some kind?

Heh... am I the only one reminded of the "Space Mutiny" episode of MST3k?

"Blast Hardcheese"
"Smash Lampjaw"
"Dirk Hardpec"

(see http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view.php?id=64902 for a complete listing... smile )

Anyway...

Frederic I think is probably a reference to Freddy the Great (of Prussian fame), and Antimony just sounded cool.

But hey, I was in my early 20's when I thought of it... lots of things were "cool" then... smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,211 Reply by mj12games

(22 replies, posted in Miniatures)

Go0gleplex wrote:

Updated my pic page with the latest mini's.  3 new ones for FT/ Starmada.

Again, very nice!

What are you making these out of? You probably said already, but I forgot... smile

Go to forum: Miniatures

3,212 Reply by mj12games

(21 replies, posted in Starmada)

jimbeau wrote:

We should try out the Ass. Corps rules whis weekend.

PLEASE don't call it that. smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,213 Topic by mj12games

(8 replies, posted in Grand Fleets)

kevinsmith67206 wrote:

> 1. Have some of the WW2 ship data for US/UK/Japanese/German
> or Italian ships been converted to the Grand Fleets format?
> If so, is it available?
> ==========
>
> I believe I've converted all of the US and Japanese ships
> necessary to refight any of the Guadalcanal naval battles,
> with probably a few extra thrown in. I've also done a few
> British and German ships (enough for the Bismarck
> encounters), but I don't think I've done any Italian ships yet.
>
> ==========
> I started my own conversion but it takes an incredible amount
> of time ...
> ==========
>
> Why yes, yes it does.
> big_smile
>
> ==========
> 2. When looking at the gun data, it seems almost impossible
> to penetrate BB armor at long range: even a 16" gun would
> need a dice roll of 10 to penetrate a belt armour of 14 at
> long range. Is this normal for plunging fire during WW2?
> ==========
>
> I'm not sure.
> It's possible we were a little conservative in our mechanics.
> We used an average of the deck and belt values, with the
> logic that plunging fire would hit either the deck or belt
> roughly half the time.
> Geometry shows this to be the case, but you could also make
> the argument that adding in the superstructure would cause
> the non-belt portions of the ship to be hit a little more
> often. I've thought that averaging the deck and belt, and
> then averaging that result with the deck again might be a
> little more appropriate.
> For example, say a battleship has a belt of 14 and a deck of
> 8, in game terms. The second belt value is then 11. Using the
> optional method the second belt value would actually be the
> average of 11 and
> 8, which would be 10 (rounding up).   
> The WW II games I've played have been satisfactory, but I
> haven't used a lot of battleships yet.
> One thing you can do to open things up a little is to use the
> straight deck armor value for plunging fire. I believe a
> friend of mine has played the Bismarck scenario that way and
> it works fine.
> This may swing things a little too much the other direction; i.e.
> make plunging fire a little too effective. But you'll get
> quicker results.
> smile
>
> ==========
> 3. I tested successfully a few additional die-roll modifiers
> that are usually found in other naval rule sets:
> crossing T: +1 for gunfire
> smoke screen: -1 for firing from/into a hex with smokescreen
> except if radar-equipped. No fire allowed through a
> smokescreen hex except if radar-equipped.
> night fire or poor weather: -2
> first broadside at target: -1
> target already hit by same ship: +1
> threading torpedoes: -1 for torpedo attacks

Hmm.

I find it interesting that other rules sets would give a +1 to-hit modifier for crossing the "T". If anything, I would think it harder to hit a target end-on; also, the benefit is reflected in GF by use of the end armor values.

Go to forum: Grand Fleets

3,214 Reply by mj12games

(3 replies, posted in Aces at Dawn)

jimbeau wrote:

and I say Woot!

Woot, indeed.

And the reviewer's suggestions give you plenty of room for an expansion... wink

Go to forum: Aces at Dawn

3,215 Reply by mj12games

(10 replies, posted in Starmada)

KDLadage wrote:

I now own a copy of the Starmada Compendium, two copies of the loose-leaf version of Starmada X, two copies of the Starmada X Brigade book, and I just ordered a copy of the new Starmada X bound book...

I think I may need some psychological help here... smile

Perhaps, but I love you anyway. smile

Go to forum: Starmada

3,216 Reply by mj12games

(17 replies, posted in Game Design)

Well, since the main reason I'd want to design a sports game is for the season/"campaign" aspects, it would appear that a consensus is growing.

(VBAM: Football, anyone? smile )

So -- I've got a couple ideas for relatively quick-playing sports games that could serve as the basis for franchise play.

Details soon...

Go to forum: Game Design

3,217 Reply by mj12games

(19 replies, posted in Miniatures)

EXCELLENT!

So, who's gonna do the Starmada stats for 'em?

smile

Go to forum: Miniatures

3,218 Reply by mj12games

(15 replies, posted in Discussion)

I'm sorry, but I have to get this off my chest. Apologies to those who don't know (or care) what I'm talking about...

(I'm trying avoid the "White Sox won so it was the right call" attitude, but I understand that I am clearly biased... smile

Kudos to Baseball Tonight for going back and playing the clip of the play A.J. Pierzynski referred to in his interview (when he clearly dropped a third strike while playing for S.F. but failed to throw to first, allowing the opposing pitcher to reach base).

What is annoying to me is that they are so convinced that the umpire in this game somehow did something wrong or confusing by pumping his fist, they neglected to point out that the ump in that clip DID THE EXACT SAME THING. He clearly pumps his fist to indicate the strike, yet obviously the batter wasn't out that time, either. It would seem that the pumped-fist is a common signal for a third strike, out or not.

Also, the focus on the ump's "confusing" signal misses the point that the Angels catcher DIDN'T EVER SEE IT. He's so sure of himself that he tosses the ball back to the mound before the ump makes any signal at all.

If it's true that the ump verbally called the batters out all night, then the fact that he didn't for the critical at-bat should have clued the Angels catcher in, just as it did A.J. As they say in (American) football, "Play to the whistle."

Personally, I think the ump was wrong -- the catcher seems to have gloved it before the ball hit the dirt. But at full speed I can see why he might interpret it differently. (And according to at least one conspiracy-minded Netizen, there is another angle that clearly shows the ball hit the dirt, but ESPN refuses to show that angle ever again because "they love controversy".)

I'm sorry, but even if it's a missed call (which it appears to be), it would have been a simple matter for the Angels to correct -- tag the batter or throw to first. Instead, they made an assumption, and, well, you know what that leads to.

Besides detracting from Mark Buerhle's exceptional pitching, the worst thing about this is that it may result in the abomination of instant replay coming to baseball.

Go to forum: Discussion

3,219 Reply by mj12games

(2 replies, posted in Iron Stars)

Go0gleplex wrote:

Interestingly enough, 1910 was one of the Halley's Comet years.  With the invasion by the Martians and other events thereafter...curious about how folks on earth might react to this if anything more than just a footnote in history....or maybe...it heralds some other plot from the deep dark of the aether.   :?:  :twisted:

that's fun, coming as it does a year and a half after the Tunguska event...

Go to forum: Iron Stars

3,220 Reply by mj12games

(14 replies, posted in Iron Stars)

Just prodding a bit... there was some talk about a couple people interested a few months back in doing up a fleet for the Reds.

Matt and I, along with Go0gleplex, are working on final plans for the next IS supplement, so I figured I'd put out one final call for anyone who'd like to stick their oar in...

Go to forum: Iron Stars

3,221 Topic by mj12games

(4 replies, posted in Defiance)

Do a search for "Defiance" on Lulu.com, and you get this:

Catching Carolyn
by Laurel Joseph
Description: A romantic spanking adventure set in the old West, Catching Carolyn is the story of a mother and her fiesty daughter Megan, both of whom have a lot of trouble listening to their husbands. When Carolyn and Megan decide they must find the daughter of Carolyn's dying friend - in direct defiance of their husbands wishes - the sparks fly and two backsides are in for more spankings than they counted on. Originally published on Bethany's Woodshed, the best erotic spanking novel site on the Net. 7 Chapters.

Demian, I had no idea... smile

Go to forum: Defiance

3,222 Reply by mj12games

(17 replies, posted in Game Design)

kevinsmith67206 wrote:

> Do you play sports-related games? If so, what kinds? If not, why not?
> ==========
>
> I'll probably forget a few, but the following are the games I
> own or have played over the last 35 years.
>
> STRAT-O-MATIC
> Baseball
> Pro Football
> College Football
> Basketball
>
> STATIS PRO
> Pro Football
> Baseball
>
> APBA
> Pro Football
> Baseball
> Horse Racing
> Golf
> Basketball
>
> SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
> Pro Football
> College Football
>
> 3-M
> Thinking Man's Golf
> Speed Circuit
> Horse Racing
> Blue Line Hockey
> Regatta
>
> GAMES WORKSHOP
> Blood Bowl (of course, and all three editions)
>
> MISCELLANEOUS
> Numerous other car racing games
> Numerous other baseball, football, and basketball games
>
> SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES
> Formula-1 (Parker Brothers, 4 copies)
> The Stupid Racing Game (otherwise known as Powersled Circuit)

So, I'll put Kevin down as a "yes". smile

Go to forum: Game Design

3,223 Topic by mj12games

(2 replies, posted in Defiance)

I wanna see stats for this in Defiance! smile

http://theminiaturespage.com/news/75232/

Go to forum: Defiance

3,224 Reply by mj12games

(15 replies, posted in Discussion)

jimbeau wrote:

Go 2006 Cubbies!

I still don't like you.

tongue

Go to forum: Discussion

3,225 Topic by mj12games

(17 replies, posted in Game Design)

Since the response to anything Grid-related is usually less than overwhelming, I thought I'd gauge the overall level of interest in sports-themed games... Not complaining, just wondering if I should expend any effort on such projects (beyond that necessary for my own enjoyment, of course... smile )

It's poll time!

Do you play sports-related games? If so, what kinds? If not, why not?

Go to forum: Game Design