Old gaming mechanisms

[Leman (Andy)]

Not an old gaming mechanism as such, but a tendency in the past for gamers to fret too much about whether they are able to adjust base sizes, because the rules state a base size. Nowadays experienced gamers are really only concerned that both armies are on the same size bases, or that base widths or a adjusted scale ruler are used for measurement. Gridded tables, of course, remove this problem entirely. Unfortunately this problem does seem to still persist in the minds of some novice gamers, but many rules now state "suggested base sizes" for figures.

[Bankinista]

There's also context to consider. I've no experience of it but I'd imagine that a spaceship game making heavy use of computers was okay. It would feel right. Ancients though! - Not right at all.

Derek of Cambridge

[steve_holmes_11]

Light medium Infantry or Light Heavy Infantry.  Never did like that about WRG rules.

Derek

I'm still waiting for a list including ultra-heavy cavalry.

[steve_holmes_11]

Percentages fall into the category of "false precision".
It was a common sin during the 1970's obsession with "realism".

[martin goddard]

I think there are still a couple of rule sets that talk in terms of "base widths" Why not just give a measurement?


martin

[Martin Smith]

I think there are still a couple of rule sets that talk in terms of "base widths" Why not just give a measurement?


martin

...because it means you could, in theory, mount your models on any size base and still play the game. Usually aimed at 15mm v 28mm, but one set I use written in BW's also has a smaller base-width dimension, for space-strapped gamers, or more usually 6mm and 2mm.

[Leman (Andy)]

Indeed, I have reduced my bases for Basic Impetus to 60mm frontage, and thus my measurement is now 1/2 base widths, i.e. 30mm increments. Easy, just mark out a stick, paint alternately red and white and write in the numbers. Fix with varnish.