Archived from groups: rec.games.miniatures.warhammer (
More info?)
disgruntled pawn wrote:
> On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 09:20:37 -0400, Peter Ramos wrote:
>
>
>>Hi!
>>
>>NetEPIC 5, released as a beta!
>>
>
> <snip>
>
> I'd be interested in anyone's opinions of this system. I've skimmed
> through the rules and it reminds me of the 2nd ediiton SM rules, but it
> will be a while before i get a chance to give it a detailed read and see
> if it's worth trying out.
>
Disgruntled Pawn,
NetEpic is based on second edition epic (SM/TL), therefore the basic
mechanics are for the most part, unchanged. Does it mean its the same
game? No. There have been significant changes:
1. Alternating movement - unlike the original rule where one player
moved all his units and then the opponent did the same, under netepic
you move one detachment and alternate with your opponent until all units
are moved. This gives movement a more tactical feel and involves both
players in this phase to a greater degree than the original rule.
2. Fog of war - under the original rules orders were all revealed
simultaneously at the turns beginning. Under netepic rules are reveal
WHEN THE DETACHMENT IS ACTIVATED TO MOVE. That means that unactivated
units orders' a remain hidden, keeping the opponents guessing. This was
a simple but yet profound addition to the core rules.
3. Custom built titans and cost - a major complaint under the orignal
rules was that all weapon patterns and titans of a given class cost the
same and yielded the same victory points when destroyed. That meant you
could build titans with the best weapons and they would cost the same as
one with medicore weapons. Under netepic, the "empty hull" has a base
cost and you "tailor" you titan weapon configuration from the list of
weapons, each with their own cost. That means titans with better weapons
cost more and yield more VP's to the opponent when destroyed.
4. Praetorians and superheavies - these correspond to those extra large
mobile fortresses like the famous capitol imperialis or extra big tanks
like the baneblade. Under the original rules these things did not live
up to the hype. With a simple save like any other tank they'd get taken
out relatively easily. Under netepic epic, the real big boys
(praetorians) have hit locations like titans and are almost as
resilient. Baneblades and such roll on a shorter table when damamged,
and while they still may be destroyed with one shot, it is less likely.
5. Holofields and barrages - many eldar players will tell you how
annoying this was under the original rules where barrages negated the
holofield save and more often times than not would damage or outright
destroy the eldar titan. Under netepic holofields still negate the save,
but they ALWAYS scatter, even with direct barrages, becuase since
holofields mess up targetting, it shouldnt be easy to pinpoint
regardless of weapons.
While these are the "bigger" changes, there are a whole slew of smaller
changes too numerous to mention (but some as equally profound on game
play). The goal was to address the systems shortcoming, fixing what
could be fixed or just scapping it and building from the ground up when
fixing wasnt enough.
I wont tell you if this is the "best" system of epic, since my opinion
is bias and that is not of use to you. I will let others give their take
as seen from someone outside the design aspect, that will be more useful
to you.
I can only relate some advantages of NetEpic from a non-game mechanics
perspective:
1. Complete system. What I mean is that ALL armies (yes, squats are
STILL available and even some never made GW armies like Slann, SOB's,
etc). Epic A, officially has release army lists for Orks, SM, IG and
recently Eldar. The other armies are in progress, but with the withdrawl
of support from GW I doubt you'll ever see another official book for
some time.
2. Supported system. Netepic is 8 years old. The oldest, continously
supported version of epic - bar none. Netepic includes ALL models, new
old, from GW, fanatic and even FW. We update the rules to include stats
for newer models as they are made available, whatever the source.
Netepic has 8 years of playtesting. Each version reflects input from
gamers and their experience with the rules and they are changed/modified
accordingly. We have our own maling list and website, thus we are not
dependant on GW and their decisions to drop games after a year or so. We
offer downloadable playing aids (counter, templates, etc) and even army
cards (although I am in the process of making new ones). We are even in
the process of making a FULL color, illustrated and professionally laid
out rulebook (called NetEpic gold) which will be available for download
when completed. Or you can take it somewhere and get an actual book for
yourself made out.
Different versions appeal to different people, regardless of your
choice, epic is fun and worth the time!
Peter Ramos
NetEpic Coordinator
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