You cannot go wrong with Stargrunt II.

5150 (by Two Hour Wargames) is pretty good for small sized skirmish, as is WarEngine (formerly Shockforce). I’ve used 40K 3rd Ed (without the fluff), Future Wars (by Chris Peers), and modified Disposable Heroes as well. Fantastic Worlds is pretty good for a more retro sci-fi game. Oh, I almost forgot, AT-43 also works well.

I have been using Stargrunt II for my generic 28mm Sci-Fi games. I like it… It serves me well and has a fire and maneuver, realistic feel to it.
I have never heard of Vital Ground. I’m curious my self.

I’d not recommend 5150 unless you know some people who play it locally. It is a difficult ruleset to work through. Some interesting ideas but really badly in need of an editor

The thing about 5150 is that it’s 4 or 5 games plus a pseudo-roleplay campaign system all rolled into one. The basic rules are not that long. Then these are expanded with scenarios and the pseudo-rpg bits. Then there’s the add-ons for vehicles. And the Bug Hunting rules (ala Starship Troopers). And then the rules for those that want to do Aliens-style encounters. Then there are the sections that detail all the races.

It SEEMS like a lot of stuff, abut the core rules are pretty simple. The core rules are based on Reaction Rolls which do take a lot of the player’s control away, but - IMO - result in quite realisitc games. Power Gamers need not apply! :-)

It isn’t the size of the game that is the issue really. Its just not really well written or well organized. I agree that there is a lot of fun material in it but I think that the game would sell a lot more and be a lot more approachable if the books were better edited.

How about infinity?

Not terribly generic :-)

You cannot go wrong with Stargrunt II.
In principle I’d agree with you, if it was not for the fact that you’ll have twice as many card chits on the table as miniatures! Gets a bit confusing sometimes.

Yes, With Stargrunt II there are 2-12 or so card chits per squad… Eye sore if one cares, and I do. We just played a game at company strength and it was pushing the limits of the game. Our group played 3 sessions at 5 hours each and on the 4th session and we just called the game. It was a very good game, but long. In the end I really like the game and will continue to play.

We used 40k minis for the game, but I plan on using the Pig Iron troops in the future.
One aspect that I liked about Stargrunt II is the need to have casualty minis. I love knowing that I can have lots of injured and 86ed minis on the table. Just looks great.

I’m going to try out 5150.

Infinity, excellent game ! But not generic at all.

I’d say Stargrunt II if you want a generic battle game that feels ‘realistic’. Blinksquirrel - if you don’t like the look of the counters, just model some up that mean the same thing, but look like battlefield debris: ammo clips, discarded weapons, etc :o)

Can’t say I play generic skirmish, though I prefer Urban War to Infinity as a game if we’re mentioning ones with integral background.

The Rezolution rule-set is extremely flexible. It could certainly work as a ‘generic’ rule system that is easy to pick up.

Tried a lot of the above and I have gone back to 40K Rogue Trader, the rules that started me off on this wargames malarkey in 1988!

Not as easy as the rest to get hold of, especially the White Dwarf Compilation and Compendium (Red & Yellow books), but I now have them all as well as the realms of chaos books and the Book of the Astronomican.

It is old fashioned, but it is way above the current incarnations and still stands head and shoulders above 40K 3rd & fourth editions, Aetherverse, 5150, FAD, Combat Zone, Defiance Vital Ground and for heroic combat Star Grunt II, I also own all of these fine games. However each was lacking something, hence my return to the source.

The main rulebook cost me around £15 on ebay, and I have it in hardback and softback. If you don’t like the fluff, ditch it and use your own. On a similar line I am using early warhammer fantasy along with Mordhiem for a similar effect in the fantasy genre.

Rogue Trader includes complete rules for character and creature design etc, with almost no restrictions, and as a bonus it can also double up as a designer for warhammer.

Whatever you choose have fun.

SW

In fact, now that I think about it, I really should dig it out and have another go. Thanks for reminding me :o)

It’s the perfect format for those wierd and wonderful oddments I’ve picked up: Hasslefree space Zombies, Space Pirates, Rhino-headed aliens…

In which case, in answer to the original question, never heard of the one you mention but Laserburn is a fun romp. Ignore the 15mm nonsense - we played with 15s and 25s* equally happily. Double the movements and ranges for 28s and there you go. 28s are about twice the size anyway :o)

Cheers Zac

* Back in the old days when 25mm figures were 25mm tall.

Stargrunt 2 is now available free from the GZG website. Well worth a look.

Try Pilgrim Cell by redknight etertainment

I like SG2, but yes it has chits and is more realistic.

We’re currently bringing 5150 into regular circulation for games. You can stat out anyone’s figs in nearly any genre/setting. AND it’s on sale this month. Played a fast & bloody game last Fri night that went smooth and was done in an hour.

There’s No Limits or WarEngine. Both are good - and free.

I’m pretty sure Rez and Infinity are adaptable. Haven’t tried it though.

There’s also Combat Zone.

Should be able to find something out of this lot:
http://www.freewargamesrules.co.uk/index.php/Main/SciFi