I play a lot of solo games, especially at
the moment. Recreating that “other intelligence” is impossible, but you can
make things harder for yourself and create some uncertainty. If you enjoy solo
gaming then like me you will probably find that no one system can answer your
requirements, the answer of course, is to write your own rules. Or do what I do
and cheat and combine systems you like from different sets of rules! It doesn’t
actually matter which combat system you use, the mechanics of causing
casualties or the morale system are not as important as command and control, so
pick a system you like and change the command structure.
I like the system in Sharp Practice (Too
Fat Lardies), in fact, all Lardy games translate quite well into solo affairs.
The random movement being an excellent example of this, each unit rolling dice
to determine how far it can move, introduces an element of chance especially
when rolling certain numbers triggering random events. “Unit lost way” “Unit
has lost its water supply reduced movement” etc. Their system of drawing of
chits or cards to decide turn order with each principle character having a
number, introduces an element of uncertainty but doesn’t fit with all rule
systems.
 |
| Sharp Practice-Chips are drawn to decide order of play |
 |
| Frostgrave excellent for solo play |
Joseph A McCullough, the creator of Frost
grave, writes excellent solo rules. A deck of random event cards, one for each
turn. They are scenario specific and introduce variable victory conditions random
wandering monsters and clues, amongst other things. His
system for automated movement for enemy characters also works well at skirmish
level, certainly something similar is possible at mass battle level. Frost
grave is available free on line and so are several solo scenarios. The beauty
of this system is the “lone wolf” element Joseph uses to create a narrative
that changes with your choices.
 |
| An excellent read for the solo gamer |
Stuart Asquith was the master of solo
gaming, and all his books are still in print and available. His idea of a
“programmed opponent” works well and he suggests several systems to represent
this. I like the one where you draw cards to decide the strategy for the
battle” refused left flank” “counterattack” etc
Personally, I think the most important
thing of all is to adopt a solo style. Forget the competitiveness, you can’t
beat an enemy that knows your every thought. Is it possible to win against yourself?
I don’t know, for me, that way lies madness. I think its better to find another way and most
of all to have fun.
One
style is to play both sides as if they are your army and you are playing
against your sworn enemy. It’s good if you can find a character on each side
that you can empathise with. Writing a short character sketch for each
leader/hero works well. Roll their characteristics and then make them
caricatures with larger than life traits and eccentricities. They could be
reckless, bold, determined, cautious. Veteran or raw. All solo games are narrative in nature, anything
you can add that generates an element of "story" to your game will
make it more enjoyable. Also, very important, you have to have two hats, one
for each side and actually put them on as you play each side. I have a French
hat and a British hat for when I play Napoleonic games, when I play Middle Earth
based games, I have a wooden sword that I wave as the Good guy and a cudgel
when I play the Evil side!
Another style is to adopt the role of
observer or narrator. In this you are a neutral non participant, a journalist
perhaps or chronicler, observing from an objective viewpoint and watching the
story unfold. I tend to use this style for Sharp Practice.
Narrative games work well in solo mode. The
Robin Hood model where one force, the goodies, are outnumbered or out gunned by
a force of baddies. Most scenarios can be doctored to represent this. Increase
the enemy forces by half. Use an “automated system” for their reactions. Use a
dice throw to decide their rate of movement. I use this for Middle Earth SBG.
Random events can make a huge impact on a game
and should be used with a hint of caution. Lots of small events will help to
create the feel of the chaos of war without overpowering the game or making it become
too random.
Use a deck of cards, ace to ten, remove
picture cards. Hearts are movement random events, spades are firing random events,
clubs are general random events.
Create ten events for each group of events,
one for each card. Draw a card at the start of each turn and apply the effects to
the Last unit that moved or fired.
Some examples
Movement-heavy mud- reduce movement, high
spirits -increase movement. Hidden ditch, takes one turn to cross. A fire
breaks out in the nearest building. “Hmmm I don’t like it”- unit doesn’t move. Horse
bolts-taking a hero or leader one move in random direction
Firing- damp powder, fire at less effect. Fouled
barrels, jammed weapons, can’t fire this turn. Smoke a huge pall of smoke
forms.” I say Good shot sir”-a bonus is applied to shooting. Cannon misfires
roll d6 1-5 needs one turn of clearing barrel 6 = explodes
General- Sudden heavy downpour, reduce movement,
check for wet powder, ruined bow strings. Heavy wind- horses unsettled – 1 morale/courage,
no long-range bow fire. Monster goes berserk, attacks nearest friendly unit.
Automated response for enemies.
Although automated, enemies will behave as though they have a life an are not throwing it away needlessly
1)Does the enemy have a line of sight to
your forces?
Yes If the enemy has a loaded missile
weapon and it is in range it will shoot. If not, it will move into range,
adopting a position in in any appropriate cover. If it does not have a missile
weapon it will move towards the nearest opponent and attempt to melee.
No Proceed to 2)
2) Does the scenario have an objective?
Yes The enemy will move toward the
objective using what ever cover it can utilise to remain in cover
No The enemy will D6 1-3 watch and
wait 4-6 advance towards your base line
This can be nuanced according to period,
rule set and characteristics of the enemy leader
Which ever system you use, what ever period
you play, if are home alone and wanting to play games adding some element of randomness
can only make things more fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment