What are the differences between the Battlesystem Rules for 1e and 2e?

[billd91]

Actually, I prefer the 1e Battlesystem rules, since they're just a direct extrapolation of AD&D rules to large units. 2e battlesystem requires conversion of individual units to its own rules, and loses some weird things in translation (for example, BS2e spellcasters can cast a very limited raft of spells compared to their normal daily allotment). Attack Ratings do seem to make combat go more smoothly, but IMX it's not a huge time-saving.

I have mixed feelings between the two rule sets. 2nd edition was much more streamlined but I recall it had a much higher rate of unit loss too. You'd see units reduced much faster than the original system, except when facing trolls. I believe the troll base damage of 1d6+6 caused a shift of 6 columns up the tables in 1E and that meant they ripped through things at an astonishing rate. Those bonuses to damage were really harsh.

 

[GwydapLlew]

This thread makes me wonder...has there been any really good systems in 3.x for mass combat? I'm thinking of the traditional 'heroes + units' wargaming aspect that would allow the PCs control over units in the battlefield, but still allow their characters to have a chance to affect the battle.

 

[Henry]

This thread makes me wonder...has there been any really good systems in 3.x for mass combat? I'm thinking of the traditional 'heroes + units' wargaming aspect that would allow the PCs control over units in the battlefield, but still allow their characters to have a chance to affect the battle.

None that stand out head and shoulders above, but Cry Havoc for 3.0 released by Malhavoc press was pretty good; however, to me, it shined more in the mass (numbers) combat than the squad-level stuff. Its big advantage was that it was built so that you could easily shift between large-scale involving thousands, to squad-scale involving hundreds, down to individual challenge combats during a battle.

 

[diaglo]

This thread makes me wonder...has there been any really good systems in 3.x for mass combat? I'm thinking of the traditional 'heroes + units' wargaming aspect that would allow the PCs control over units in the battlefield, but still allow their characters to have a chance to affect the battle.

Merric will be along soon to tell you about the Miniatures Handbook for the 2000ed.

 

[GwydapLlew]

None that stand out head and shoulders above, but Cry Havoc for 3.0 released by Malhavoc press was pretty good; however, to me, it shined more in the mass (numbers) combat than the squad-level stuff. Its big advantage was that it was built so that you could easily shift between large-scale involving thousands, to squad-scale involving hundreds, down to individual challenge combats during a battle.

You aren't the first person to give Cry Havoc a nod in this arena. I'll have to see if I can rummage up a copy somewhere.