The Commander Series Forum

Hi

Has anyone considered online games?

As a roleplayer I use Skype & Maptools a lot. Both are free to both dowload & use.

Skype is used for voice, whilst Maptools can import any map, overlay with grids etc.

Maptools uses tokens for units (characters in my case), and even has a measuring ability (when you move token it tells you how far it's gone). Umpires can even include visible/invisible layers for ambush, even setting visibility ranges.

Maptools also includes a diceroller and text.

Be very useful for those of us who can't get regular games. Maybe even encourage an even greater worldwide player base?

Thanks
Paul H

Hi

Just to clarify;

Maptools

Can Import/store Maps (Including huge ones)!
Can overlay grids
Can measure movement via grids
Has zoom function
Can setup 'hidden' units and use LOS
Has area AoE markers
Has Dice roller
Can Import/Store tokens (for minis)
Can show Healthbar etc for conditions
Can save maps, tokens etc (Eg 'save game').

Is free and uses Java 6 (Not Java 7)

Effectively like playing 'counter based' game online

Skype

Is free
Free voice over internet anywhere
Just needs headset with microphone

Thanks
Paul H

Hi

Oh, and would allow me to actually get a game!

Paul H

I liked the idea I saw somewhere where one player sets up the table & troops, and then sticks their web cam on it so the remote player can see what's happening - dead easy!

Hiya

Nice idea, but using tokens is far easier.

Now, setting up a table to get a visual 'overview', then going to Maptools to run the game sounds good. You could even take pics every so often so others can see how the game progessed, especially at critical, key moments! :P

Thanks
Paul H
PS Hope weather holds out - off to Bovington Tank Museaum on Tues

But then you can't push the lead around so well! Although a Maptools game is prob easier

Very nice - enjoy Bovvy, it's great!

Hi

Yeah, nothing like using minis you've spent so much time & loving attention on.

Using tokens/counters on a PC seems like a copout at times.

But if that's all you've got......

Thanks
Paul H
PS Keeping eye out on weather, Distinctively much colder today...

One of the earliest games of BKC I ever had was via webcam & MSN with PanzerKalle (hi Kalle!) - superb - with his figures set up & me acting remotely...that was in early 2006 I think...

I'd go with a Google+ hangout for online gaming now - and then you can integrate all kinds of funky things into it if you don't want to just do video conferencing...

Slightly off topic but 5 of us are currently play testing my play by email (very bastardised) version of BKC. Its early days but so far it seems to be working rather well with initiative fire, opportunity, mortars, MG's, Armoured units, transports Etc. Once we have thoroughly play tested it, I will pass to Pete and see if he wants to stick it in the resources section so you can all have a look.

I ve nicknamed it "BKC Battleships" becuase the command structue has had to be changed to allow grid references to be used so the orders can be sent by email, but as many of the original BKC stats and mechanisms have been kept as possible.

Nik, Kiwi Dave, Steve J and Howard are play testing it with me as umpire. Nik probably didnt mention it in his above post as he has just lost 3 infantry units in 1 turn to KD's Germans in the woods.....oh the shame Nik and Steve are playing the Allies trying to secure a target grid in Northern France, KD and Howard are playing the Germans. After 4 turns the Brits are on shaky ground, but it is rumoured that Armoured Support is on its way

Cheers, Craig
Tiny Terrain Models

Yeah - thanks Craig mate: I most *definitely* wasn't mentioning this....

Mind you - it's all good - I can have something other than the PBI to dick about with - my record might speak for itself

Hi Nik!
You played via webcam with Mike,
I also had some games against him and it was always nice. I have only ready 6mm battlegroups and that´s a little small for tansmission! Mike has 15mm.
Report of one of our games:

http://kalleswarmaster.pbworks.com/w/page/10994...

http://kalleswarmaster.pbworks.com/w/page/10994...


Cheers Kalle

Ah - that's right...me & my poor failing memory

Our first trial game of BKC battleships by email was concluded on Sunday night, with Nik and Steve J as the Brits getting whomped by Dave and Howard as the Germans.

All in all I think it worked pretty well, and certainly taking time to make intel reports and maps in photoshop made for quicker and easier umpiring than I imagined.

Will post details on my blog soon, of both this game, and the next which I am looking to run in around 2 weeks and may need another player or 2.

Cheers

Craig
Tiny Terrain Models

Deutschland, Deutschland über alles!

Paul,

Do you have a link to MAPTOOLs?

Thank you

Hi

Sorry for the delay, Isabee.

yep - use Maptools '87 regularly for my RPG games. Had to change my Java to Java 6 update 33.

That said - I'm not the one who has to make the tokens, plus, now my ISP provider has given me a router instead of my nice old modem. I can't host games any more!
(Port Forwarding Hell)

Thanks
Paul H

Hi

Oops - you wanted a link:

http://rptools.net/

Best version is Maptools & use Java 6 update 33

Thanks
Paul H
PS There's new software now coming out called Roll 20, but doesn't work on all browsers
http://roll20.net/