• Registered: 2010-07-08
  • Posts: 44

Topic: Starmada and VBAM, good?

I was wondering if people have had good luck with Starmada:AE and VBAM.

I'm interested in trying out VBAM (I've heard good things) but don't actually know how well it plays out. I know the Starmada VBAM book is made for Starmada X, and that there has been a conversion file put up in the files section to allow play with Admiralty Edition. How well does it work? Any issues? Do people play this online?

Before I pump out 50 bucks for the VBAM manual and the Starmada source, I'd like to know that people think about it and if it's worth learning.

Thanks!

  • Dave
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  • Registered: 2008-09-04
  • Posts: 75

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

The second edition of VBAM has been in the works for almost two years now, I'd wait for that or Sovereign Stars before jumping in.

I own VBAM but couldn't seem to parse the rulebook. By this I mean I couldn't get a clear idea of a sequence of play. The book talks about a lot of this you CAN do but I found it very difficult to figure out what I NEED to do to play a game.

  • Registered: 2010-07-08
  • Posts: 44

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

I had heard about the second edition being worked on, but havn't parsed the dev forums enough to get a feel for how it'll work.

My biggest wish is for a method to run a campaign were players can decide not to run a tactical combat for certain battles, while retaining the ability to choose to "jump" in and take control. It sounded like VBAMs campaign combat model would fit with that.

I checked out the demo version off of RPGnow and found the number of possibilities exciting, but also felt alittle confused as to the setup and pacing of such a game.

Mostly I'm looking for something for 2-3 players plus or minus a CM.

  • Dave
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  • Registered: 2008-09-04
  • Posts: 75

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

You can always try the Sovereign Stars draft rules, those have what you want:

http://mj12games.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2292

It's also in the back of IS/Rules Annex. I'm sure cricket would appreciate feedback on them.

  • Registered: 2010-07-08
  • Posts: 44

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

Thanks, I very well might try it out. I've been looking at it in the Rules Annex for quite some time and wondered how it played out. Perhaps I'll give it a whirl this weekend.

I noticed the version in the Annex and the "current" one up on the boards are pretty different. Would it matter which one I give a go first? Have you played it?

I'm still interested in VBAM, but Sovereign Stars might be able to hold me off till I hear more about VBAM and the 2nd edition rules.

  • Dave
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  • Registered: 2008-09-04
  • Posts: 75

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

My friend Matt and I played a couple of games with the one in the Annex, slightly modified though (Starmada fleet composition was assigned to each piece in SS). It made for some interesting games (one-sided engages/trying to preserve ones ships for future games/etc.)

Haven't given the one of the forum a whirl yet, as we've been distracted with other games.

  • Registered: 2010-07-08
  • Posts: 44

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

I just noticed that the Sovereign Stars Forum is gone, along with the updated playtest. Is there anywhere else to get the map and marker pieces?

  • From: Denver, CO
  • Registered: 2005-03-27
  • Posts: 3,578

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

pickledteak wrote:

I just noticed that the Sovereign Stars Forum is gone, along with the updated playtest. Is there anywhere else to get the map and marker pieces?

Not gone... moved.

http://mj12games.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2292

Daniel Kast
Majestic Twelve Games
cricket@mj12games.com

mj12games's Website

  • Registered: 2010-07-08
  • Posts: 44

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

Thanks Dan! I've got two folks who are actually willing to try it with me this weekend. Wish me luck  big_smile

  • Registered: 2010-11-15
  • Posts: 298

Re: Starmada and VBAM, good?

There doesn't seem to be much action happening over on the VBAM forums.  Kind of a shame really.

I'm so very curious as to how VBAM works and how it integrates with Starmada AE.  If I were to pick up the VBAM campaign guide, the Starmada X conversion guide and the update found here (http://www.mj12games.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2385) am I good to go?

-Tim