Game: Grav Armor

Thread: Re: Printing Maps and Counters to Scale

gmonk — 2008-09-19T17:28:39+00:00

For those without access to DTP software, try the freely available Inkscape. It will allow you to scale the imported images and produce PDF files.

It's got a little bit of a learning curve but there are tutorials available for most things on the Inkscape site. Best of all, it's a (relatively) small download and it's free!

Thread: Re: beginner scenarios

elbmc1969 — 2008-02-26T18:55:24+00:00

Just take one of the existing scenarios and cut out 3/4 of the units. If it's just for you to learn, balance doesn't matter.

Thread: beginner scenarios

Greedo — 2008-02-25T23:41:21+00:00

Hello,

I'm new to Grav Armor. Just read the rules for the first time. Seems a bit tricky to me, but that's probably because I've never played a wargame before.

Could someone post a link to a basic scenario for a beginner to learn the game on? The few scenarios I've found all seem to be based on very large battles. I'd really like to see a scenario that's laid out in the same format as a normal scenario, just using fewer/easier units and such.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Thread: Re: Printing Maps and Counters to Scale

biggles99 — 2007-07-16T01:01:29+00:00

Hi FNH,

I will try sizing them up in a bit...looks like a good game to start with.

I'm not sure I would have the guts to be on the podcast though...not sure I'd be the greatest guest in the world, either, since I'm not really in the loop with the whole wargaming thing...just got intrigued about it listening to the point to point podcast.

I'm just downloading yours now, I'm sure it is great too

I'll let you know how it goes on the printing and playing...

Thanks for yor help,

Tim

Thread: Re: Printing Maps and Counters to Scale

KenHR — 2007-07-15T20:48:54+00:00

I did the same as FNH1 when I printed out Grav Armor. Made the map sections the size I wanted, then sized the counters in Corel Photopaint so they would be a comfortable fit.

If you don't have the ability to re-size the images, let me know and I'll see if I can do up a pdf for you when I have time this week.

Thread: Re: Printing Maps and Counters to Scale

FNH1 — 2007-07-15T20:23:44+00:00

Hi,

I havn't done Grav Armor (yet) but in this situation the final size does not really matter. What does matter is that images scale to each other.

In this situation what I do is paste all of the images into Microsoft Word or Open Office's Writer. Then you compare the images on screen to make sure that the counters fit in the Hex's ( or whatever shape the game uses). If they match up thats fine.

If not then you have to start messing about. What I do is rescale the counter images. I open the images in Paintshop/Photoshop and reduce the size by 20% and then repaste it into the document and compare the images again. Then cycle and repeat as needed.

I host the Print and Play Podcast. When you finish the game and have played a game or two please let me know how you get on. Maybe we could even get you on the show?

Thread: Printing Maps and Counters to Scale

biggles99 — 2007-07-15T19:45:40+00:00

Hello,

I went and got the pictures of the maps and counters from the one site:

http://dwarfstar.brainiac.com/ds_gravarmor.html

but I want to make sure I get the scaling right on the printouts...it seems like all of the map pictures are to different sizes.

Anyone know the actual size of each hex / counter?

Like 1/2" counters and 1/2" hex?

Thanks,

Tim

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M St — 2007-04-01T06:02:49+00:00

Scenario 3 - Meeting Engagement - approx.setup. (Ice Planet Map)

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M St — 2007-04-01T06:00:34+00:00

Scenario 3 - Meeting Engagement - approx. setup. (Ice planet map)

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clandaith — 2007-01-01T17:08:22+00:00

Sample of printed and laminated counters

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clandaith — 2007-01-01T17:03:31+00:00

Sample of printed and laminated counters

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clandaith — 2007-01-01T17:03:22+00:00

Sample of printed and laminated counters

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clandaith — 2007-01-01T17:02:07+00:00

Home printed and laminated maps

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M St — 2006-12-18T09:43:19+00:00

Molten planet setup closeup

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M St — 2006-12-18T09:43:12+00:00

Scenario 2 - Starbase Raid - setup. (Molten Planet map)

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M St — 2006-12-18T09:23:01+00:00

Scenario 1 - Relief of the 42nd, turn 3

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The Maverick — 2006-10-15T20:34:38+00:00

Better box cover scan

Thread: User Review

VikingBerserker — 2004-11-19T00:31:18+00:00

Grav Armor is a game based on futuristic armor vehicle combat and to a small extent, powered armor troops a la Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie).

This game came out during the time Metagame microgames ruled supreme (Ogre, GEV), or play the other spectrum of monster wargames made popular by Avalon Hill and SPI. Grav Armor was somewhere in the center. It had a good amount of rules, but not extremely long or difficult, large amounts of counters for a small game, but no where near the counter count of the monsters.

Most games of this period had bland components unlike this one that had several colorful geometric boards and counters that had more than two colors. Unfortunately the cardboard used should have been a thicker stock as warping sometimes occurred. The box like most of these games from Heritage would eventually collapse and fold. Your better off just transferring the contents to a clear zip lock bag.

The fiction behind the game was actually supportive as it described the circumstances of why these situations came to be. The current fiction at the time like Bolo, and Hammer’s Slammers helped to increase this game’s popularity in this genre for me at least.

Most of the game scenarios had relatively low counter density and moved quickly. The game however does favor the defender at times but fortunately many of the scenarios had very tight turn counts. Little time can be spent dawdling, and as the aggressor you have to make sacrifices to accomplish intermediate objectives to win the scenario.

The game has several scenarios that can be played quickly, which is a problem. This game could have used some sort of design your own system which could have included a campaign version.

This game is great if you consider yourself the casual wargamer and appreciate this genre. The price is also right about now---free so enjoy.