RE: [DS2] Game size

I would suggest 2-3 maneuver units per person. With more even good new
players can bog down in keeping track of details while learning a new
system. I would also suggest trying to keep the units homogenous (same
type
of vehicle in a unit). I would also suggest keeping away from options
(VTOL,
Aerospace, Snipers, etc.). 

You may want to skip artillery, or not. If you do not, I suggest giving
making it a few off-board tubes (2-4?) and limiting the number of rounds
for
the battery (1-3?). Aritllery can quickly become overwhelming.

If the players are more interested in playing than winning, you may want
to
give one side more units or models in a unit at lower quality (FCS,
Armor,
Weapon type) than the other. However, this may be better for a 2nd game.

-----
Brian Bell
-----

-----Original Message-----
From: Tomb [mailto:tomb@dreammechanics.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 19:07
To: gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu
Subject: [DS2] Game size

Gents, 

I need some advice on game size. 

Type: Meeting Engagement.
Players: 4-8 (attendance varies)
Experience: DS2 experience - low, general gaming background and other
GZG games - very high (very adaptable, used to picking up new games and
just playing them, sharp crew)

What is an appropriate number of points/elements to deploy (I realize a
point value is only a guideline, so also suggest how many manouver
elements would be good to have). I want everyone to be involved, but I'd
like the game to be one we can finish in 4 hours. 

I'm thinking (just a WAG) that something like 1 pltn of armour and 1
pltn of MICV-bound infantry per player wouldn't be too bad. That gives
everyone about 3 manouver elements (and a bunch of dice to roll at
firing time!).

Now, I'm not saying all I'd give is MICVs and tanks... but that might be
some reasonable idea of the magnitude of forces. Probably throw in a
flavour or two - maybe a unit of engineers, probably some light
artillery. Just something that lets people play move and shoot, with
smoke, a bit of arty, etc. Classic stuff. No fancy tacair or
uberweaponry. 

Is this about right scalewise? Or am I short of units? Or are my
eyes-bigger-than-my... nope... not gonna give Chris the straight
line.... lets try this: too many units? 

Thoughts? Gotchas to watch for? 

Thanks. We've only played DS2 maybe twice in four or five years, and
we're going to give it a go and see what we think.