Hordes of the Things (HOTTs) - My
current - bar none - favorite game. The game system is elegant, robust (which makes it
fun to modify and experiment with), and lends itself very nicely to campaign
games. This game simulates combat between Fantasy armies. It is extremely fast,
easy-to-learn, and fun. Investment consists of one rules book and the toys
needed to play. The armies that you can field are limited only by your
imagination. I play this game with 15mm and 25mm figures.
De Bellis Antiquitatis (DBA)
- The first miniatures game that I ever really liked. This game
simulates historical combat between armies before about 1500AD. The game
is very similar to HOTTs in size and investment, and armies developed
for DBA can be easily adapted for HOTTs. DBA armies also have a
frightening tendency to grow into DBM armies. I play this game with 15mm and
25mm figures.
De Bellis Multitudinis (DBM)
- This game is "DBA growed up." Like DBA, it simulates
historical combat up to about 1500AD. Armies are large. To play, you'll
need the rules and the four army lists books, along with toys; which can
be a significant investment of time and money. This game
does lend itself to team play. I play this game with 15mm and 25mm
figures.
De Bellis Renationis (DBR)
- This game is - essentially - DBM carried through to about 1700AD.
I think that the game system is much cleaner than DBM and is certainly
faster. I play this game with 15mm figures.
High Noon - This is a
Western/Fantasy or Victorian-Era/Fantasy skirmish game based on the
role-playing game Deadlands from Pinnacle Entertainment. Sort of
gunfighters meet zombies. I have a lot of fun painting figures for this
game and have done a few conversions. Play can be cumbersome and slow,
especially as the number of gamers grows. I play
this game with 25mm figures, all individually-based and named. I sure do
lose a lot in this game - but I like it.
Ogre - This is a
miniatures game based on the popular board game. (In fact, I wore out my
first Ogre board game!) Basically, Ogre is ground combat
in the near future and features really big giant, self-aware
tanks. I like to mess with these rules, too. Basically, I hate to
be the guy controlling the Ogres (the big tanks). I much prefer running
amok with the hordes of hovercraft and infantry that take on the big
guys. I play this game with 6mm figures from a variety of sources (such
as Warhammer Epic and Battletech - neither of which I play, but I
like the figures).
Imperial Commander - This
is a futuristic ground combat skirmish game that can move along quite
quickly. It's a precursor of
the Warhammer 40K series (which I don't touch). Basically, you
pick your force and go out and get killed. In a fun sort of way. I
play this game with 15mm figures.