Game: Dragon Rage

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

Fenway5 — 2008-04-05T21:25:19+00:00

Avalanche Press is also a good bet. They do Fantasy stuff and are lavish in their production quality! You should contact Mike over at AvPress! A Great guy and a great company.

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

asgelb — 2008-04-05T20:41:58+00:00

Exactly! I'd pay a ton for a shiny version of this with little plastic men and monsters!! And expansions?! SURE! It could be expanded to where players build up or modify their castles and lay siege on one another! It could be great...i've wanted this game for a long time now.

Anyone selling it?

Thread: Re: Length of Dragon Rage

ehanuise — 2008-03-09T10:57:46+00:00

eventually got to give it a try yesterday.
First game, it took us a couple hours to go over the rulesbook and set up the game (taking our time and casually chatting all the while).
We played the standard scenario (2 dragons vs town militia) and the game took about three hours, with lots of back and forth to the rulesbook.

I think a second game would last about 2 hours, and setup around 15-20 minutes.
I expect other scenarios would be a bit longer (once both dragons are leg- and wing-less the game is pretty much over, which is not the case with regular invader units).

I submitted a correction of gametime to 120 Min.

I'll email you about this later this week

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

themitchells — 2008-01-14T15:01:09+00:00

Dragon rage is easily producable as a miniatures game, and it's easily expandable with new cities, ports, units, scenarios etc....

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer

lewpuls — 2007-12-31T20:38:31+00:00

rdsmith wrote:
This has been on my eBay watch list for a looong time. A new, upgraded version would be fabulous. I'm surprised Fantasy Flight wouldn't bite on it, since its genre is right up their alley, and they would do it justice. My only other suggestions for publishers that might give it a go would be Phalanx, Lost Battalion, or Z-man.

Best of luck!

It seems too "wargamy" for Z-man, so I've submitted other games there. Phalanx might be worth checking. Maybe Lost Battalion, too.

Look at FFG's latest catalog: they are very much into BIG games using miniatures that have plenty of room for expansion. And they prefer to use in-house designs. Britannia there is an aberration, the owner likes the game. But they're not interested in expansions for it, it's too "small potatoes" for them even though, for an unabashed wargame, it has sold extremely well.

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

kingbobb — 2007-12-31T20:31:10+00:00

I had the microgame of this, and please let me add my voice to continue searching. I regret not keeping all these games over the years...one drawback to the microgame design was the lack of a resiliant box. This is one I'd happily add to my collection again.

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer

rdsmith — 2007-11-19T23:33:23+00:00

This has been on my eBay watch list for a looong time. A new, upgraded version would be fabulous. I'm surprised Fantasy Flight wouldn't bite on it, since its genre is right up their alley, and they would do it justice. My only other suggestions for publishers that might give it a go would be Phalanx, Lost Battalion, or Z-man.

Best of luck!

Thread: Re: City Under Siege

mistermarino — 2007-10-03T04:08:49+00:00

Nice job with this review, as well. It's got a little bit more depth and detail than the average review, with some good description and examples of play. I'm giving you a second Cordwainer Bird Award and a prize of 6 GG for your effort.

If you would like to help alleviate the loneliness of OOP, unreviewed science fiction, fantasy and horror games, see my Cordwainer Bird Award GeekList. If you could save just one game from the oblivion of having no reviews, wouldn't it be worth it? Wouldn't it?

Thread: City Under Siege

mst3k4ever — 2007-10-02T21:39:15+00:00

Dragon Rage is a light fantasy wargame where one person controls the units protecting a walled city and the other controls an invading force of monsters.

The Scene

The game is played on a hex map that is essentially 25 x 12 in area (that's where the important parts are, anyway). The map shows a walled city bordered by a sea to the south. Inside the city are a variety of strategic locations (Temple, Hospital, etc.) that are worth Victory Points (VP) if the Invader can destroy them. A certain VP total is required (based on the scenario) for the Invader player to win; the City player wins be destroying the Invader's units before this VP total is met.

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Unit Overview

There are three types of units in the game:

1. Troops and Individuals: these represent your basic quasi-Medieval fantasy units, such as Archers, Cavalry, Infantry, and Catapults (on the City side) and Goblins, Orcs, and Trolls (on the Invader side). Also included are Heroes (who fight and inspire nearby units) and Wizards (who cast spells).

Troop units are familiar wargame-style units, with attack strengths and movement points. They also have an Escape number (for avoiding dragon breath).

Troop units are killed if they are hit, except the Hero, who can take two hits.

2. Minor Monsters: these units are similar to Troop units except they have "hit points," so they can take a certain amount of damage before dying. For example, a Giant has 10 HP and a Sea Serpent has 15 HP.

3. Major Monsters: these units have multiple hit points in multiple locations, representing a variety of attack types and abilities. For example, Dragons have a Head (8 HP), two Wings (6 HP each), four Legs (3 HP each), and a Belly (6 HP). Each of these parts (except the Belly) can attack (alone or in combination) until it is destroyed.

Major Monsters behave like the Ogre in Ogre; it is a unit much more powerful than its opponents, but over time, as damage accumulates, its abilities decline.

Major Monsters also have a facing (which limits where certain body parts may attack) and a variety of movement options.

Components

The components are decent for a microgame. That is, the counters are a bit thin (and in my case, rather poorly aligned/printed) and the map, while a sturdy cardboard, is hard to keep flat. It is a good looking map, though, and everything "works" well enough.

My game also came with two tiny dice. Cute, but I prefer larger specimens.

Gameplay

The game is very straightforward. Players determine their forces either by using a set scenario or by purchasing units using a points system. Once the City player has set up his or her units, players take turns (Invader first) doing the following:

1. Cast spells (one per Wizard per turn, using a finite amount of spell points).

2. Move units (can include overrun attacks by Major Monsters).

3. Missile attacks (includes Dragon breath, which is devastating but limited to two attacks per game).

4. Melee attacks.

That is, the Invader takes a complete turn and then the City player does.

There are only a few terrain effects, based mainly around towers, walls, and gates. Because it is a walled city, it is supposed to be difficult for the Invaders to get in, although many options exist (smashing gates, scaling walls, even flying or bounding over walls) depending on the unit type.

Attacks are resolved using 1d6. Between Troop units, the attacker's Attack Strength is divided by the defender's; the result or less must be rolled. If the result is less than 1 but the Defender isn't double the Attacker, the Attacker still has a slim chance (2-3 on 2d6).

Against Minor Monster units, Troop units must simply roll a 5-6 (or sometimes just a 6, depending on the monster).

Against Major Monster units, a specific number must be rolled to score a hit based on the part of the monster being attacked. For example, to hit a Dragon's Head requires a 6 (and the unit must be in front or above the Dragon); to hit a Dragon's Wing requires a 4-6 (and the unit must be on the side of or above the Dragon).

Experience

The game is fun and not too complicated. It is quick to set up (typically, the City player has 20-25 units, and the Invader 2-12) and fairly quick to play (60 minutes is typical). The bookkeeping needs are modest, although playing with Major Monsters does require a bit of effort (keeping track of attack strengths, current movement points, etc.).

The variety of Invader unit types means that different styles can be accommodated (along a continuum that is basically Ogre at one end and a straight fantasy wargame on the other). The City units offer less variety, although the Wizard's four or five spells (one is optional) provide some flexibility, as do the optional siege engines.

There's enough room to maneuver, but not too much ground to cover. There isn't any downtime to speak of.

All in all, a neat little game.

Availability

This is the only DwarfStar game that isn't available as a free print and play, which is too bad; the designer is apparently trying to get it reprinted -- without success, thus far.

I wouldn't wait for that to happen; if you get a chance to pick this little gem up, I recommend that you do. That might be hard, though -- it's not available in the Marketplace or on eBay as I am writing this review, so I have no idea what its value might be.

Edit: pesky typos.

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

themitchells — 2007-09-25T13:47:39+00:00

lewpuls wrote:
I don't know where I'll try next.

...good luck because its a special one of a kind game.

Would you think of publishing a scenario booklet? Maybe with a bunch of extra counters?) Possibly like SJGames did with the GEV sequels...)

I'd buy that!

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

ScottE — 2007-08-15T18:28:57+00:00

I'm hoping you find a publisher too. I've been facinated by the idea of this game for awhile and been looking for a copy for awhile too. But been hoping you'll find a new publisher that can upgrade the quality to match today's games.

Good luck on a publisher and I'll keep my eyes open for a copy of the original.

Thread: Length of Dragon Rage

lewpuls — 2007-08-11T10:36:21+00:00

It has been 25 years since I played this game, and neither my brother nor myself can remember how long it takes. BGG's 180 minutes seems much too long, however. Can anyone who has played recently say how long a typical game takes to play?

Lew Pulsipher (designer)

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

heath p avery — 2007-07-23T23:15:29+00:00

Keep trying
Its a brillaint game and with a large board and pieces WOW

Thread: Re: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer

lewpuls — 2007-07-23T20:45:15+00:00

I offered Dragon Rage to GMT, though it seemed unlikely they would
bite as they don't publish fantasy games.

They have a higher production cost than some publishers because they
print in America rather than China or Germany. They're comfortable
with their printers, so aren't going to change.

For them to do DRage with larger (say 1 inch) pieces and corresponding
board would cost $45. They don't feel that would make sense. And I
cannot disagree! They think it would sell at $25, but they can't
produce it at that price.

I don't know where I'll try next.

Thread: will this brilliant game get another shot at the printer?

themitchells — 2007-07-23T12:27:54+00:00

Any new news on the re-print potential?
I know Lews was keen for it......
Regards,
Mike.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

tuttleboy — 2007-04-02T15:13:05+00:00

Best of luck, Lew. I'd really like to see a re-print!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

lewpuls — 2007-04-02T02:07:00+00:00

DWTripp wrote:
What? You mean you can't still buy this one for $5? That was, IIRC, the full retail on Dragon Rage. A slick little piece of work. I'm interested in how the modern gaming community views it if it gets published again in any format.

I think it was $10. Which works out to something like $21 in today's money.

I'd like to see it offered for about $25 with much larger counters and correspondingly larger board. Half inch counters don't make sense nowadays. Look at how much nicer the larger counters are in FFG's Brit, compared to the old versions.

Lew

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

lewpuls — 2007-04-02T02:00:43+00:00

Fantasy Flight had the game under consideration for nearly two years, then decided not to do it. I'll be approaching another publisher soon.

Unfortunately, most publishers (games or books) do NOT like simultaneous submissions. So it's one by one.

Lew Pulsipher

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

ScottE — 2007-03-31T09:00:12+00:00

Well its been over a year since the designer said anything so I'm assuming he couldn't generate any publisher interest. Guess its back to ebay!

Thread: Re: counters for dragon rage

themitchells — 2007-03-14T10:48:56+00:00

Thanks Heath,
good luck in your search.
Regards,
Mike.

Thread: Re: counters for dragon rage

heath p avery — 2007-03-12T22:55:22+00:00

Damn Ive been afterthis one for years and years Good luck Mike,I think a mate has a copy Ill check for you and speak soon.

Thread: counters for dragon rage

themitchells — 2007-03-11T20:15:39+00:00

I have just purchased an incomplete dragon rage from an ebay seller. I'm only missing 6 counters (148 out of 154.) The game hasn't arrived yet, but in the mean time is there anyone that can put a copy of the the counters on the site so I can find out which ones I'm missing? I'd really appreciate it!

Regards,
Mike.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

Hosir — 2007-03-04T00:18:50+00:00

wow....i really want this nice game got reprinted.
When?

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

Impr3ssion — 2007-02-20T15:21:02+00:00

Any news? I've just discovered the Dwarfstar games, and would love to add this to my handmade sets!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

themitchells — 2007-02-09T14:53:15+00:00

Lew,
I take it this never got the publisher interested?
Regards,
Mike.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

P_J_Keller — 2007-01-26T03:44:05+00:00

Any update on this?

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The Maverick — 2006-10-15T20:08:16+00:00

Better box cover scan

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The Maverick — 2006-10-15T20:07:59+00:00

Better box back scan

Thread: Re: How much does this game sell for?

bkrownd — 2006-09-21T03:54:23+00:00

Last I looked about a year or two ago the good complete ones were going for $35-$45 on eBay and I'd estimate like-new would be more like $55-$65. It all depends on who's watching and bidding, of course.

Thread: Re: How much does this game sell for?

The Maverick — 2006-08-09T02:21:43+00:00

ebridge wrote:
How much does this game regularly sell for here at the geek and on E-Bay assuming its in good condition and 100% complete? Is there a list of all the components somewhere? Thanks.

There is a summary list of components here:

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

I can give you more info about the counter mix if you are trying to verify whether or not your copy is complete.

Thread: How much does this game sell for?

ebridge — 2006-08-08T12:20:36+00:00

How much does this game regularly sell for here at the geek and on E-Bay assuming its in good condition and 100% complete? Is there a list of all the components somewhere? Thanks.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

Thalon — 2006-07-17T23:32:42+00:00

Hi Lew,

Is there any news about progress on republishing this? I loved this game, and would really like to get a replacement for the one I had.

Thanks!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

DWTripp — 2006-03-08T07:12:39+00:00

What? You mean you can't still buy this one for $5? That was, IIRC, the full retail on Dragon Rage. A slick little piece of work. I'm interested in how the modern gaming community views it if it gets published again in any format.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

bkrownd — 2006-03-08T07:06:14+00:00

Note - Please stick with the original standard 1/2" size counters. I hate it when some games use the weird 5/8" oversized counters. I'd want it to be the same format as the original game I already have, and I like to use the counters from my various games together in my own homebrew games. 1/2" is the One True Counter Size!!!

It would be wonderful if the reprint included not only the original game, but also additional boards, counters and rules to add new playing possibilities and expand it to The Next Level.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

ScottE — 2006-03-07T07:47:02+00:00

I've been looking for a copy of this and now that I hear you might be getting it republished I say great!

Won't have to spent way too much on ebay for it. And it will have today's quality components to boot!

Looking forward to it. Hope you find a publisher.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

themitchells — 2006-03-02T08:59:07+00:00

Sounds excellent!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

bkrownd — 2006-01-21T09:23:47+00:00

I bought this game when it was new...1982?. Played it a lot, and even used the chits with my own battle rules for our AD&D battles. I still have the chits, but unfortunately lost everything else when moving out of my mother's place. It's one of the more important momentos of my teenage years.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

GeoMan — 2005-12-15T23:08:01+00:00

That's good news!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

Kimo_LeFey — 2005-12-15T22:28:24+00:00

I have but one thing to say:

YIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

or would that be
YAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

Sky Knight X — 2005-12-15T22:28:11+00:00

Woo hoo! I haven't thought about this game for years, but I enjoyed it so much when I was younger. I'll get a copy. In fact, the better the components, the more I would be willing to pay.

Thread: Re: Dragon Rage reprint

wtrollkin2000 — 2005-12-15T16:26:39+00:00

Great news LP!

Unlike historical wargames (which still get published by companies today), hex and counter consim games with a Science fiction or Fantasy theme seem to be missing from todays world (Oh how I used to enjoy those SPI/AH/MTG classics). I welcome a step taken in the direction of their return.
- Ray

Thread: Dragon Rage reprint

lewpuls — 2005-12-15T15:59:48+00:00

Those interested in this game might like to know that I AM looking to get it "reprinted". I use quotation marks because it is most unlikely to be reissued in a similar format. I would think that 5/8 inch or larger pieces and a correspondingly sized board would be desirable. I don't intend to change the rules at all, other than adding a note at the end about the mysterious "princess".

It is presently at a publisher for consideration.

Lew Pulsipher

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The Maverick — 2005-02-20T15:21:56+00:00

Sample counters

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The Maverick — 2005-02-20T15:21:56+00:00

Map detail

Thread: Session Report

Rick Smith — 2004-08-09T04:25:03+00:00

I played the pair of Dragons and Steve played the city forces. He got an early lead managing to knock a dragon out of the air with his wizard's whirlwind spell. To add insult to injury I rolled two dice for the damage he took crashing and took 11 points.

This set much of the theme for the rest of the game, with my second dragon trying to protect her wounded mate. I did not worry too much about destroying key buildings for victory points and concentrated with destroying his military forces. I did manage to take out the wizard but not before he used up most of his magical energy blasting my wounded dragon with lightning and powering up the other troops with moral spell.

We struggled with the rules a bit. There are lots of exceptions to the basic game and it took a bit to track down special rules. We will do better next game.

The dragon's breath weapons are awesome, they really discourage the human troops from concentrating (which they have to to hurt the dragons). I did fairly well in using the threat of the fire blasts to keep him from hitting me with full force.

Anyway Steve managed to get a mortal hit on the wounded dragon and it went berserk. It actually managed to wound his hero / king and kill an infantry before it finished dying.

My remaining dragon started flying around and picked up 11 more victory points before the reinforcements coming from the docks drove me off. I lost by about 5 points (out of a needed 20).

When I play the dragons again I would make more effort to kill off his hero. The moral bonus it gives his units is really vital to the humans.

A very fun game!

Rick

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wtrollkin2000 — 2002-08-03T19:12:24+00:00

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wtrollkin2000 — 2002-08-03T19:12:21+00:00