Just getting a random idea out there, while it''s still fresh in my head. How about a card game (either collectible, or static) where both players play large spaceships. The object would be (of course) to destroy the opposing ship(s). Cards could be various weapons, shield/armor systems, maneuvers and outside events. It should be fast and simple, using no counters if possible (outside of the number of cards in the players hand). An unblocked attack requires the player to discard a certain number of random cards based on the attack, and if they cannot do so, then the ship is destroyed. Players start by drawing 10 cards (maybe 7). On ones own turn, you draw a card, then may either play either an attack or maneuver. If attacked on someone elses turn, you may play a maneuver or shield card. Events may be played at any time, whether it is your turn or not (some may aid in attack or defense, others might be more general occurences). Multiplayer could be team based or free-for-all. Example cards: Stasis Bubble (type: shield) - Blocks an attack, but you may only play event cards on your next turn. Boarding Party! (type: attack-special) - If this attack is unblocked, draw two cards at random from your opponents hand, and add them to your own hand. (keep cards separate so that they may be returned to your opponent once played) EMP cannon (type: attack-special) - unblockable, opponent must discard one card. Particle Accelerator (type attack-damage 3) Run Away! (type maneuver) - You cowardly escape combat, as long as at least one opponent has less cards in their hand than you do. Consider this a draw, but all other players may mock you freely. Energy Anomoly (type event) - All players draw an additional 3 cards. Partial Dodge (type: maneuver) Discard one card of your choice, instead of taking the normal damage from a standard attack. Any thoughts? Would this be viable? Has it been done before? Any card ideas? I know it''s just sketchy right now. For Mother GameDev!

Actually, that sounds pretty kewl.

^_^

-Hyatus
"da da da"

It''s been done for Star Trek (sort of). Check out http://www.starfleetgames.com/sfbf.htm

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Original post by microdot
It''s been done for Star Trek (sort of). Check out http://www.starfleetgames.com/sfbf.htm

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That looks complicated. Really complicated.

The goal of this idea is to avoid long convoluted rules that need to be explained beforehand (most of it should be in the cards). Avoid bookkeeping and counters. What you''ve got is what''s in your hand, and the card you''ve just played.

For Mother GameDev!

An added layer of complexity could deal with crew.

As it stands, it kinda seems like fun.

sounds very cool!

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Original post by deClavier
An added layer of complexity could deal with crew.

As it stands, it kinda seems like fun.

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I was thinking that crew actions could be handled within one of the 4 categories. The Boarding Party! for example. An engineer pushing the ships engines as hard as they''ll go could be an event, while a hotshot pilot doing some form of stunt could be a maneuver.

Thanks for the encouragement so far. I''ll definitely go ahead and flesh it out, and post it (probably pdf, maybe another format) if anyone is interested (and doesn''t mind the "Cheap Ass Games" presentation that would be required for a downloadable card game).

For Mother GameDev!

I''ve been considering doing much the same myself. Initially, I was inspired by the guys behind Naval Battles. They''ve released it as public domain here. (if you never played Naval Battles, I''d highly encourage it, especially given the similarity of subject matter). Card stock is cheap, and inkjet printers are cheap enough and of high quality to do nothing but encourage the proliferation of great free games.

Cheers,
-scott