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01-12-2018, 02:16 PM | #1 |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tyler, Texas
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Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
I have very few criticisms of Ogre/GEV. They have to be ranked as nearly perfect tactical wargames - engaging, fast playing, simple and elegant. There is, however, one very minor complaint - no opportunity or overwatch mechanic. This is not a big problem, since (a) the movement allowances and ranges are small; and (b) line of sight isn't required (which avoids the panzerbush problem). However, there are some odd situations that can develop, particularly with GEVs. These problems generally occur more when playing games with non-Ogres on both sides.
Examples: 1. GEV is 6 hexes away from light tank. It moves 4 hexes closer and shoots at the light tank. It then moves 3 hexes back. The light tank can't shoot back unless it moves 3 hexes closer. And if the terrain won't cooperate, the light tank won't be able to get within range of the GEV. 2. Enemy GEV on water hex ends its movement 3 hexes from friendly light tank. Friendly light tank is occupying a key piece of terrain. At this point, friendly light tank is well out of range. Water prevents it from closing the distance. On the next turn, enemy GEV moves 2 hexes and attacks friendly light tank. 3. Enemy light tank ends movement 5 hexes from friendly light tank. Friendly light tank is occupying a key piece of terrain. At this point, friendly light tank is well out of range. On the next turn, enemy light moves 3 hexes and attacks friendly light tank. Friendly light tank could only avoid this if it gave up its position and moved towards (or away from) the enemy light tank. Despite being in position and waiting for the enemy, each of the non-moving tanks either had to give up their position or let the enemy shoot first. While this gives Ogre/GEV a certain chess-like quality, it's wholly artificial. In my own Fistful of TOWs 3 rules, I have two solutions to the problem: The first is Overwatch. If a stand does not move and is eligible to fire, it can take an Overwatch marker instead of firing. This allows it to fire before, during or immediately after the enemy's next movement phase. If the overwatch stand fires before or after the enemy movement phase, the attack is handled normally. If it fires during the enemy movement phase, a negative modifier is applied. (This discourages players from slowing the game down by taking gratuitous Overwatch shots while the enemy is moving). The second is Hold Fire. If a stand does move and is eligible to fire it can take a Hold Fire marker instead of firing. This allows it to fire during the enemy fire phase, with results being applied simultaneously. In Ogre/GEV, the best approach would be to conduct all Hold Fire, then let the phasing player fire and apply results. Then apply the Hold Fire results. I don't think that Ogre/GEV would benefit much from the Overwatch rule. As noted, there is no line of sight issue and Overwatch mostly addresses "panzerbushing". However, the Hold Fire rule might be worth trying. In the above examples, the attacking unit would still get to fire, but it would be potentially vulnerable to counterattack without the enemy having to give up its position. You could come close to a true overwatch mechanic by letting the non-moving stands fire fire first and immediately apply the results. But I wouldn't do that. I'd like to encourage aggressive play. Just a thought. Last edited by tbeard1999; 01-12-2018 at 03:01 PM. Reason: Additional Comment |
01-12-2018, 04:45 PM | #2 | ||||
Ogre Line Editor
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Plainfield, IL
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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GranitePenguin Ogre Line Editor |
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01-12-2018, 04:50 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
It seems like it would just add complexity, for the occasional ability of the 'defender' to get first reaction fire in. Might as well then add LOS rules, and Morale, and from there Supply ... in which case, then I'd just play ASL.
Ogre/GEV is meant to be fast and deadly ... |
01-12-2018, 05:06 PM | #4 | |
Wielder of Smart Pants
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ventura CA
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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01-12-2018, 08:56 PM | #5 | |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tyler, Texas
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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Anyhow, the hold fire suggestion was the simplest way I could think of to address my friend’s concerns. And now mine, since I feel like I beat him with gamesmanship, not superior tactical ability. Also, the Hold Fire rule as proposed doesn’t give the non-moving player the first shot. And since the unit using Hold Fire foregoes his attack in his turn, it won’t be used except for meeting engagements. Once the units get “stuck in”, Hold Fire will likely rarely be used. |
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01-15-2018, 08:01 AM | #6 | |
Join Date: May 2015
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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01-15-2018, 08:36 PM | #7 |
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, FL. Please forgive me...
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
For those who have the OGRE Miniatures book (or the pdf nowadays) you know that they put in all sorts of LOS rules. Heck, in the playtest version there were even rules for firing arcs and what sections of an Ogre could be damaged depending on your firing position.
Frankly, much as I liked Ogre Miniatures (the book was beautiful and set the bar for miniature books to emulate for years to come) I simply didn't like all the additional rules. This is why I prefer the hex-based game. And I KNOW that sounds a tad hypocritical coming from the co-inventor of "OGRE Macrotures" back in the '90s (for those of you with memories of GEN-Con and a few DragonCons from 15 to 25 years ago.)
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"How do you know it's an OGRE Ninja if we can't see it... Oh, right..." John H. |
01-16-2018, 04:05 AM | #8 | |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tyler, Texas
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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I never saw the Macrotures but man they looked like something I’d want... |
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01-12-2018, 05:01 PM | #9 |
Join Date: May 2007
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
I do see it as kind of artificial, but deliberate, especially considering GEV split movement. Allowing attacks of opportunity drastically changes the dynamic between treaded armor and hovercraft, to the point of throwing the entire system into confusion. Think about how much more powerful this makes Ogres. The usual tactic for using GEVs against cybertanks is in a series of slashing attacks: move a group close in the first movement phase, make attacks in the firing phase, then scatter in the GEV second movement phase. The Ogre player has to make a decision between grinding for the CP or trying to run down some of the GEVs. If the Ogre can instead hold its fire then it can devastate the GEVs as soon as they come into range, eliminating their entire special game mechanic.
Remember that Ogre/GEV is not meant to be a realistic simulation, just a fun game. Sometimes things will happen that might not make real-world sense. |
01-12-2018, 08:59 PM | #10 | |
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Tyler, Texas
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Re: Hold Fire in Ogre/GEV
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