Archive through August 21, 2011
Star Fleet Universe Discussion Board: Star Fleet Battles: Star Fleet Universe Training Command:
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Archive through August 21, 2011
Hi All,
I would like to know what material do I have to buy after for entering this boardgame.
Also I would like to know what miniatures do you use: Micromachines, Special Minis from a Special Brand (Plastic or Metal),..?
In the Basic Set there are counters to represent Ships? What else is represented? And there is a map in the basic set?
Maybe this questions have been done before sorry.
Crusher.
Thanks
To enter you need BASIC SET. After that, you might consider Advanced Missions and the Tactics Manual as your next purchases (if you liked Basic Set). After that, modules C1 and C2 would be next in line. Once you get that far, anything will work.
SFB uses counters (die cut cardboard squares, in all products) on a map (in basic set). You can use miniatures (we produce pewter ones, but you can use anything if you want to) on a larger map (available as Module W).
Playing pieces represent ships, shuttles, gunboats, seeking weapons, planets, monsters, asteroids, and several other things.
Crusher,
SFB is a very complex game, but is very rewarding once you get the hang of it. What will really help you is to find any players local to you. Go to the "Players Wanted" section of this board and place a post in "Looking for SFB opponents". Also check out the "Starlist" section. The game is much easier to learn if you have an experienced player show you the ropes. You're in for countless hours of fun!
MG
Crusher, Marcus speaks the truth.
I bought the game when it was in its infancy (ziplock bagged) and learned many rules the wrong way. It was embarrassing when I met my group here in Tucson the first time. I had to unlearn my own interpretations and learn the correct ones. Now, I win about 1 game in 20 and steadily improve.
Also, might I suggest you test the waters of SFB by purchasing the Cadet version of the game. It covers the basics in increment (sp) form.
Crusher-
Best way to get in is to find someone that already knows the game and is willing to show you the ropes. It is alot easier to pickup if you can go this route. You might post on the "Players Wanted" page to see if someone is in your area. If not then you will need to plug through the basic rules on your own. Not to say that we are a bunch of snobs that don't answer questions. Best of luck, and welcome to the group!
Yeah,and once you get the hang of things, give SFBol a look, too. Great way to meet and play others. Let them know your new. I'm sure someone will be willing to blow you apart.. i mean.. give you a lesson. *grin*
Crusher ... why SVC didn't point this out, I don't know ... but the rules of this board says you must display your real name and not just a handle. Please update your account. Thanks!
Garth L. Getgen
Crusher: Yes, you must reregister with your real name. We do not use handles here.
Quote:...purchasing the Cadet version of the game.
I do believe that the cadet rules are a free download (as well as paper cutouts for pieces and printable pdf map and SSDs). I am fairly sure I downloaded that and used it to walk my wife through the first set of scenarios. Teaching her one new set of rules at a time.
http://www.starfleetgames.com/playerresources.shtml
Hope you really like it,
Jason
Yes, it's a free download.
Hi all,
I'm a new player and I just bought the Master Rulebook (electronic version given that I'm Italian).
I know is not the best thing to do but I don't have any players close to me therefore my only chance to play SFB is online :-(
Reading the manual it mentions the following products:
Master Ship Manual
Master Scenario Manual
Master Annexes
SSD books
I don't know if are all available and I'm curious if I need all of them.
Any help will be appreciated, thanks :-)
Alessandro;
I think you'll want to start off by buying the Cadet Training Manual (I think it's available electronically but I'm not sure). That will guide you through the basics of the game. It will also give you the information you need on which of the above you'll need to be able to play.
Alessandro,
Welcome! I think you will find the SFB online community very welcoming and helpful.
Regarding your question, the master ship manual does not yet exist but is under development. The rest are available.
However, before you get started on the Master Rulebook (which can get very technical) I suggest you first go through the cadet training materials. You can find them for free at the following three links:
http://starfleetgames.com/sfb/sfin/CadetHandbook.pdf
http://starfleetgames.com/sfb/sfin/CadetSSDs.pdf http://starfleetgames.com/sfb/sfin/CadetCounters.pdf
Everything you need to learn the basic game can be found at those three links.
Later, when you're ready to tackle the complete rules in the Master Rulebook, I recommend purchasing the following products:
SSD book for the Basic Set
SSD book for Advanced Missions.
After that you can slowly build your library by purchasing the SSD book and rules for a given "new world" module or "new rules" module. However, the above two SSD books will have the most commonly used ships in them.
The only thing you will NOT receive by purchasing products this way are 1) play aids (maps, counters, etc.) and 2) the rules that apply to individual ships (the so-called "R" section rules).
The complete "R" Section rules are eventually going to be published in a separae product, which will be the Master Star Ship Book (Master Ship Manual); however, this product is not likely to be available for several years.
Therefore, if you can afford it, I recommend purchasing the actual physical boxed sets for the Basic Set and Advanced Missions and having them shipped to you there in Italy. In this way you will be able to have the "R" rules for the most commonly used ships, as well as the physical play materials in case you find or train a face-to-face opponent in Italy.
All that being said, if you just want to dive into playing, then I strongly recommend you go through the cadet training materials. You can then use SFB online (SFBOL) to play the game with live opponents, many of whom will be more than happy to help train you in rules, tactics, ships, weapons, etc.
Feel free to ask more questions and once again, welcome! 
I'm on SFBOL fairly regularly. My nickname is "Sir_CatWhoEatsPhotons" and I will certainly answer your questions or help train you if I'm not actively playing. However, my time is fairly limited and probably not compatible with your schedule, as I'm usually only online between about 9:00 pm and midnight Dallas, TX time. I'm not sure where you are at exactly, but Rome is 7 hours ahead of me.
Thanks for yours quickly replies :-)
You can find them for free at the following three links:
Perfect, I have already downloaded them.
Therefore, if you can afford it, I recommend purchasing the actual physical boxed sets for the Basic Set and Advanced Missions and having them shipped to you there in Italy. In this way you will be able to have the "R" rules for the most commonly used ships, as well as the physical play materials in case you find or train a face-to-face opponent in Italy.
Ok, but now I have another question: reading the Product Updates section it seems that some modules have an updated version of counters, therefore the question is, will they are reprinted or no restyle will be done?
Buying the Master Rulebook I have the lastes version of the rules at least.
All that being said, if you just want to dive into playing, then I strongly recommend you go through the cadet training materials. You can then use SFB online (SFBOL) to play the game with live opponents, many of whom will be more than happy to help train you in rules, tactics, ships, weapons, etc.
I will play it before read the whole rulebook.
Anyhow I don't have any problem reading 400+ pages given that I'm an ASL player :-)
Other ASLer said me that SFB is a must and I made 2-3 introductive games several years ago.
Now I can spend some spare time playing it.
I'm on SFBOL fairly regularly. My nickname is "Sir_CatWhoEatsPhotons" and I will certainly answer your questions or help train you if I'm not actively playing. However, my time is fairly limited and probably not compatible with your schedule, as I'm usually only online between about 9:00 pm and midnight Dallas, TX time. I'm not sure where you are at exactly, but Rome is 7 hours ahead of me.
Many thanks for your offer, usually I play with American guys in the week-end where the different timezone is not so problematic.
Anyhow after have played the first scenarios in solo play I need some real opponents to play the following.
Can I ask here or is better in the SFBOL site?
Alessandro,
Quote:Ok, but now I have another question: reading the Product Updates section it seems that some modules have an updated version of counters, therefore the question is, will they are reprinted or no restyle will be done?
Buying the Master Rulebook I have the lastes version of the rules at least.
If you order from the ADB website you will get the latest version of those rules and SSDs and counters. It's true you will have redundant rules, as the MRB (master rule book) has *all* of the *play* rules. However, by ordering the boxed sets you will also receive the so-called "R" section rules which apply to individual ships in the products you buy (these "R" rules are NOT in the MRB).
Really, the "product updates" are more for players who have played for decades and may be wanting to update their older materials. They shouldn't apply to you.
Quote:Many thanks for your offer, usually I play with American guys in the week-end where the different timezone is not so problematic.
Anyhow after have played the first scenarios in solo play I need some real opponents to play the following.
Can I ask here or is better in the SFBOL site?
Either one. There is a sub-topic under the SFBOL topic here on the BBS that is specifically dedicated towards "looking for an online opponent." You can post there. You can also just show up on SFBOL and simply start asking people whether they are available for play or training. Often folks are busy, but more often than not you can find someone to help you out. Just "double click" on their nickname when in the SFBOL client and you will call up a private message (PM) window where you can chat privately with that person.
Hope that helps!
-Ted
Alessandro,
As an aside, my wife has an affinity for Italy as her ancestors are from Tricarico. While we don't speak Italian, we've started learning slowly so she can fulfill a promise to her grandmother to learn the language and teach it to our two daughters. I speak Spanish reasonably fluently, and that helps.
In a few years we plan on travelling to Italy. Depending on where you live we might even be able to arrange a face to face game!
Best Regards,
Ted
Ted thanks again for your explanations.
Ok, I will buy the the Basic Set and the Advanced Missions boxed sets as next step.
I'm also thinking to buy the following products:
- SFB Tactics Manual
- Module A+ Expanded Edition
- Module G3: Master Annexes
- G3A: Supplementary Annexes
What do you think especially for the latter two?
Have they an effective role or better to wait a future purchase of the single modules? (C1, C2, R1 and so on).
SFBOL: I downloaded the client, after to have played the first scenarios will be time for a real opponent.
Quote:As an aside, my wife has an affinity for Italy as her ancestors are from Tricarico. While we don't speak Italian, we've started learning slowly so she can fulfill a promise to her grandmother to learn the language and teach it to our two daughters. I speak Spanish reasonably fluently, and that helps.
Eh eh, I come from Turin (close to Alps), unfortunately I don't understand the Basilicata dialect :-)
Anyhow if you speak Spanish you can speak Italian as well, a lot of words are similar.
Quote:In a few years we plan on travelling to Italy. Depending on where you live we might even be able to arrange a face to face game!
Of course! I'm always happy to play FtF drinking some beer.
Quote:Ok, I will buy the the Basic Set and the Advanced Missions boxed sets as next step.
I'm also thinking to buy the following products:
- SFB Tactics Manual
- Module A+ Expanded Edition
- Module G3: Master Annexes
- G3A: Supplementary Annexes
What do you think especially for the latter two?
Have they an effective role or better to wait a future purchase of the single modules? (C1, C2, R1 and so on).
For your situation, I'd rate these products in the following order: SFB Tactics Manual, G3 Master Annexes, G3A supplementary Annexes, Module A+ Expanded Edition.
Module A+ is more valuable for face to face players, as it has a lot of play aids in it. It does have a rules cross index; however, you can download many play aids here: http://starfleetgames.com/sfb/sfin/index.shtml#SFB. Some of my favorites on this page is a history of the general war and the rules cross-index. The Rules cross index will be very helpful for you.
The Master Annexes are more valuable for players who have been playing for decades and have all the products. That way you can quickly find references to all the "Alpha Octet" ships in the game. However, it is full of other valuable charts and consolidated information, so it will be helpful even for a beginning player.
The Tactics Manual will be very helpful for you. It will teach you the basic tactics for all of the major "Alpha Octet" empires in the game that you will get with the Basic Set and Advanced Missions.
Given the inconvenience, time, and expense required for overseas shipping - and depending on your enthusiasm and money available - I would also recommend the following expansions. If you get all of these expansions you will be able to play the entire flavor of all of the "major empires" in the "Alpha Octet" (including the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Lyrans, Hydrans, Kzinti, Tholians, Gorns, ISC, and the Andromedan Invaders). These are all the major empires "near" the Earth (and the Federation). Omega races and Magellanic races are "add-ons", are more distant, and do not necessarily interact well with the "Alpha" races.
What I mean by "flavor" is you will have the rules (including "R" Rules) for all of the different technologies that developed during the General War, including fighters, fast patrol ships, "X ships," so-called "war ships" (designed for fighting and quick production versus extended missions), battle ships, fast ships, and others.
I've generally presented these products in the order that I would have picked had I been a new player, seen the whole game with all the races demonstrated, and not been *too* worried about money (you can spend several hundred dollars quickly).
C1: New Worlds I
C2: New Worlds II
J1: Fighters!
J2: Advanced Fighters!
K: Fast Patrol Ships
R5: Battleships!
R6: Fast Warships
R1: Bases & Auxiliaries
R2: Fed-Kzinti-Orion-Andro
R3: Klingon-Ly-Hyd-Wyn
R4: Rom-ISC-Tholian-Gorn
R10: The New Cruisers
R11: Support Ships
R8: System Defense Command
R7: Dreadnaughts at War
X1: The X Ships
X1R: X-Ship Reinforcements
C3: New Worlds III
After that you'd be looking at assorted other expansions that open up less-used empires and technologies. If you get into Omega or Magellanics, I suggest you do so *after* getting a good handle on all of the "Alpha" empires above.
By the way, you can do the exact math yourself, but you're probably looking at $400-$500 if you purchased all of those products at once - plus the cost of the basic set and advanced missions and the other products. So, it can get expensive fast if you try to do it all at once.
It might be better to stick with just the Basic Set, Advanced Missions, MRB, and Tactics Manual for now. You'll only have spent somewhere around $150-$200 and you'll have plenty to get you started. However, at least you have my recommendations for expansion from there.
Feel free to deviate from my recommendations. Once you're expanding it's easier to control where you go depending on what your interests are. If you decide you want to see fighters first, then do that. If you want X ships first, then do that. If you like Gorns best, then get products that feature Gorns (like R4).
I hope that helps!
Best Regards,
Ted
P.S. on Italy, I look forward to it.
I wasn't impressed by the Tactics Manual. It's very out-of-date now. You could almost use it as a guide of what not to do in a modern game.
Troy - I agree the tactics manual is dated. However, it's good enough to teach the basic tactics of the game. Alessandro can learn modern, advanced tactics during actual play.
Quote:history of the general war
Nice article, where can I read more info about SFB background?
Quote:...I would also recommend the following expansions...
Very detailed list, I wrote down for the future.
About Tactics Manual: the SFB site said is update to 2000 edition, do you think that TM is still out-of-date?
About Captain's Log: can be useful for a novice like me?
As always, thanks for your suggestions!
Alessandro, Captain's Log is usually great fun. It has great fiction, history, background, tactics notes (Term Papers) by the guys, many times a long article that is tactical in nature, and new SSDs. It also has company news and more information about all the games. Many people enjoy it.
Thanks Jean, your explanation is enough to think it is worthy.
Agreed, Captain's Log is great. Basically, it's the Star Fleet Universe magazine.
Where can you read more info about SFB background? Hmmm, mostly those downloads. Captains logs are also good. Over time you may also consider purchasing past Captains Log issues - but I wouldn't go earlier than Captain's Log #30 until you're doing it to collect them.
As to tactics manual, it is dated. However, it is still a good resource to learn basic tactics for new players, so for you I would still recommend it.
Always to be a help!
Alessandro:
Don't forget about the General Tactics Discussion topic on this board. There is even a Q and A subtopic where you can ask specific questions to SFB veterans.
As for products to get, I recommend just the Basic Set and Advanced Missions to start with. These products have everything you need to play the game: rules, ships, descriptions, missions (scenarios), annexes, map and playing pieces. Play with these for a while, get some experience with how to play (there is ALOT to learn) and then worry about the finer points of tactics. Then get Modules C1, C2 and maybe C3. This will give you enough ships and background to play with the important empires in the game. After that, get whatever interests you.
You already have one advantage: the master rulebook. This allows you to find rules for empires you may not have purchased yet and have never seen before! I bought a paper copy when it was first released and it is still my favorite SFB purchase.