FlyingArrow wrote:Could someone in the know give a comparison/contrast among Star Wars Miniatures, Star Wars RPG, Star Wars TacRPG, and Star Wars Miniatures: Campaign Edition?
Some questions to answer:
Is this more of a boardgame (winner/loser) or RPG (storytelling)?
Is a GM required?
How much of the Star Wars Miniatures rules are used? All? All but with extra rules? Most but with modifications? None?
How complicated are the rules?
This is right up my alley!
I don't have a lot of time this second but I'll just give you some quick answers...
TacRPG/CE are essentially the same. TacRPG came out and we basically built upon it to make CE. Where TacRPG is very simple (5 classes and no races, some skill elements and no real other optional rules), CE is more complex (over 20 classes, 10+ races, the option to use Skills, InitSYSTEM, D10 DamageSYSTEM).
Both TacRPG/CE are "Storytelling" if you will and in a nutshell explore the "RPG" in a way but still are based on the mechanics of SWM. Both focus primarily on HP, Defense and Attack as your "Core Stats" and have "Feats" (Special Abilities/Commander Effects) and Force Powers that you gain access to as you "Level Up". Neither of them delve into the complexities of Talents, Prestige Classes or the RPG Core Stats "Str, Int, Dex, Cha, Con, Wis".
For CE/TacRPG it is a hybrid rules system but it is GM to GM Specific. Some may rely solely on the SWM Rules except where logic dictates (This is what we did when we first started playing). Others may use the "Skills" and allow players to move freely but switch to SWM when combat rules dicatate using some "RPG" Elements (Surprise Rounds, Free actions, Swift Actions etc...).
TacRPG is mainly meant to be "Skirmishing with a story" where "CE" is meant to take that to the next level and for it to be more of an "RPG" feel. Again, there are numerous "Optional" rules to allow for the game to be GM specific.
Personally, I don't find the CE Rules to be complex at all (or at least a step down from the RPG). Right now I'm starting my first SW RPG campaign and I find the rules to be extremely complex. I'm GM'ing the campaign and there are so many fine intracacies that are included that it makes it difficult sometimes to know where to start. CE is simple in the sense that you build a character (the steps are pretty specific so it's fairly easy to understand), then one of the players acts as a "GM" and creates a story (or alternatively you can use own of the custom campaigns that have been done or modify it). Then you essentially bring enemies and the battle begins.
The Best information can be found in the GM Supplement for new GM"s for CE.
Also, CE is Free. Let me say that again. CE is
Free so it really makes it a viable alternative to the RPG.
I would say in terms of "steps" from simplest to most comlex it would be:
SWM - TacRPG - CE - RPG
I don't think TacRPG is worth downloading IMO. CE covers everything it did and takes it to the next level. The last update for TacRPG was Bounty Hunters I think so really, it is pointless to even play. CE is now inclusive up to Dark Times (albeit I'm working on getting something on a .pdf that is current and up to date).
Hope that helps.
If you need more information on CE you can check out CE @ Runboard:
www.runboard.com/bswmce1 and you can download it at The HOLOCRON
http://www.the-holocron.com/index.php?option=com_remository&Itemid=36&func=fileinfo&id=172Right now we're sitting at 911 downloads!!
If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.