Review: John Lambshead's Sci-Fi Skirmish Scenarios

Just what it says on the tin.
I can't remember what links I'm supposed to provide.
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/

[@dartmart9263]

“I left a little nugget in my shorts” LOL. How did I miss that line the first time I watched this? Hilarious!!!

[@nerzenjaeger]

I was going to pre-order it, but didn't pull the trigger yet. We have a lot of strong rules sets, but good scenarios are what's lacking. Thanks for the review.

[@mathieu4204]

I was already looking forward to this book. Looks like a fun toolbox and a good source of inspiration to get the little dudes on the table. Thanks for the review.

[@toddcarlson5324]

This is a great book especially to get a jumping-off point in scenario design. Many of the scenarios can be adapted for fantasy, modern and post-modern games with minimal effort. The author's sample world, The Sprawl, gives some great examples of how to craft a universe to base scenarios in and to give our mighty miniatures a reason to meet on the field of battle (or street, tunnel, etc.) I've considered looking into 15mm miniatures but I already own a lot of 25/30mm miniatures/terrain and feel it would be wiser not to reinvest in a different scale even though the temptation still crops up once in a while. I can see the benefits of using 15mm (or smaller) for your videos as you get more real estate to base your games in without having to take up a lot more physical space. Take care.

[@tonyhind6992]

Only found you a little bit ago. Love the vids.

[@slartibartfast0815]

As always... excellent, insightful and entertaining review. Thank you! Just bought the Kindle version, hardcopy follows in January.

[@samb2052]

Great review again. I’d normally overlook a sci-fi scenario book but these look like they’re easily converted to something I can use.

[@andrewparkin8222]

Was already on my xmas list. Definately feeling that's a good choice now.

[@timberry4709]

Currently available from Amazon for $16.69 with delivery after Christmas.

[@TimboToys]

Looks fun!

[@thomaswilliams5005]

Looks like an interesting addition to my collection

[@grasswidowyt]

Really good, well-balanced, review. John is in my wargames club but, embarrassingly, I hadn't bought this book yet - your review just pushed me over the line into doing so 😁

[@mjhobbycorner5503]

This looks very interesting! thanks for posting.

[@doccatface6868]

Good rundown, I was just banging my head against scenario generation for a warband game demo I'm putting together. Looks like you sold a copy for the man, because I'll take notes from him tempered by criticisms from you to make a better spread. Kudos, King.

[@fringemusic9296]

Thanks for the review, didn't know about this.

[@tonys4341]

How embarrassing! I forgot about this book. Saw the title of the video, watched maybe a minute, then paused and ordered it. One thought occurred to me - I know officially Dr Lambshead only has a few solo scenarios at the back, and I know we can play any scenario solo by playing both sides (with varying degrees of success depending on the suitability of the rules in question), but I wonder if these scenarios can be used by rules designed specifically for solo play. I'm thinking 5Parsecs or Space Station Zero mainly.

[@TheJoyofWargaming]

Most of them should work fine with one side running by a programmed AI. Not a lot of hidden movement or secret objectives.

[@johnscarr70]

For anyone looking for sci fi scenarios, Vic Dobson has written several for USEME, which are free to download and introduce some interesting ideas. (See "Battle of the Spanners")

[@holysmoke8439]

Hope it's solo n not just another of the ten billion 2 person skirmish rules

[@nicknascati8725]

Do you think the scenarios would work for other genres of skirmish games?

[@TheJoyofWargaming]

Most of them, yeah. Objectives are objectives, whether they are computers to hack or sigils to deface or chests of gold to pilfer.

[@nerzenjaeger]

@@TheJoyofWargaming Well said.

[@johnyonkers3974]

Why do you prefer 15mm? Just curious.

[@TheJoyofWargaming]

Space mostly. Cost partly. My table is tiny, my house small. The sun is setting on the golden age of the West, and the assumption of a middle-class man with a basement or loft no longer reigns. It is increasingly an age where the childless weirdos have more time and money than family men, and they are increasingly driving the hobby. Much to my chagrin.

[@johnscarr70]

@@TheJoyofWargaming just assumed you wanted to play wargames with miniatures, not the action figures which 25mm is fast approaching.

[@gunhojput]

Far too generic for me but thanks for the heads up.