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I did an on-off podcast thing over a year ago, alternating between the HobbyCast - talking about painting and modelling - and the BattleCast - talking about the theory, mathematics and philosophy of game design. It all became too much like hard work, so it eventually stopped. But my schedule has recently changed to mean that I have one evening a week to record again. The exact evening varies, but is going to be pretty definite for the foreseeable future, so I've decided to re-start.

I've got three episodes in the can and up on the Podbean site; the latest is here: http://bit.ly/15WP5gq. Or, if you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes - just search for "Precinct Omega".

I'm just doing the (far more popular) BattleCast, although I will occasionally have episodes in which I talk hobby where it collides with the topics I'm discussing (as in the latest epsiode, which covers the joys of "small scale" gaming - that is, 6mm to 10mm scale wargames). To make it less like work, I don't script the episodes, just working from notes, so it's all a bit stream of consciousness. And it is just me, so you'll have to tolerate a monologue. But I hope you'll find what I have to say worthwhile.

Regards,

Robey

I am extremely glad to see you back.

Episode 7 - Getting on target with Range

I have a bit of a rant about how ranged combat is handled in various games, talk about how I've tried to handle this in my existing games and what strategies I am thinking about using in future releases.

http://precinctomega.podbean.com/2013/05/29/episode-7-getting-on-target-with-range/

R.

P.S. Thanks, PsychoticStorm. I hope you enjoyed the more hobby-related Episode 6 and don't find my new, quick-and-dirty, stream-of-consciousness, unedited approach too annoying.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, I fully recommend your podcasts especially the battlecast series and fully recommend them for aspiring game designers.


I am intrigued to see your opinion on ranged combat, downloading now.

I went back and listened to BattleCast #1. Great stuff. I'll definitely be catching up on them.

Thanks, frozenwastes. That's really good to hear. I'd welcome your opinion on whether less frequent, scripted shows (like episodes 1-4) are better or whether you prefer the more frequent (if not exactly regular) unscripted shows.

R.

Personally the unscripted ones.

Well one quite interesting point in your ranged combat themed episode is the devolution of GWs ranged combat.

It started from rogue trader were a weapon had short and long range modifiers then it could fire 10 times over its maximum range, but you should first roll a natural 6 and then try to hit as normal (from memory)
it was cut to modifiers and maximum range in 2nd edition and then simplified to the present system in 3rd onwards.

Episode 8 - takes a turn for the worse, as I monlogue about turn sequences, their history and traditions and how I'm plundering ideas from some of my favourite games in the design of a new One Pound Wargame.

http://precinctomega.podbean.com/2013/06/04/episode-8-taking-a-turn-for-the-worse/

R.

@PsychoticStorm - It's been far, far too long since I played Rogue Trader and even then I only played a handful of games before 2nd Edition came out, so my memory of the original rules has faded. I do my best to play as many games as possible, but, as the guys at the d6G are fond of saying: too many games; not enough time!

It was not meant to be a "you got it wrong" post, but a supplementary one to the things you already said.

Nice to see a new podcast, downloading it now.

I felt like I was getting into my stride in this episode. Hope you enjoy.

New episode of the BattleCast is up!

http://precinctomega.podbean.com/2013/06/23/episode-9-unpacking-the-details/

Episode 9 finished of our series looking at the process of miniatures game design through my own paltry efforts. Next episode, I'm going to start a series discussing rules for and playtesting indy miniatures games, starting with Heaven's Fall from Casket Games.

R.

Nice, downloading now, looking forward hearing it.

I just listened to your first post-hiatus podcast, and enjoyed it immensely. I was (and am) ready to try your mecha rules, but the Precinct Omega website seems to be down...

The episode about randomizers pretty much killed it for me. I've never been so bored listening to a podcast before. Especially after how good the first on was.

Really? it was quite a good episode.

The last one was good, like how you illustrate how small details could work.

Looking forward on the next one.

@frozenwastes - Can't say I disagree. It was surprisingly boring to write and read, too. It's very hard to make the theory of probability and randomizers entertaining.

However, you may find the latest episode more to your taste.

As promised, I have turned my attention, now, to reviewing indy/beta/overlooked games in more detail. The idea will be that I give each game three episodes - one to review the rules in depth; one to actually play the game (in battle report form, rather than as an "actual play" format) and, hopefully, one in which to interview the author/creator if they'll agree to come on.

We kick off with post-apocalyptic skirmish game (beta test edition) Heaven's Fall from Chris Averiss of Casket Games:

http://bit.ly/126RsF5

R.

A new one? you are on a roll!

Whenever I get a couple of hours to myself!

R.

I'll give later episodes a shot.

http://precinctomega.podbean.com/2013/07/06/episode-11-heavens-fall-battle-report/

Continuing our new theme of reviewing and testing emerging indy miniatures games, I got together with Heaven's Fall designer, Chris Averiss at the Gloucester Games Bunker to give it an official run-out.

I won't lie - about two-thirds of the way through, the episode kind of starts to lose steam, because the turns became quite repetitive and my notes lost a bit of coherence. However, stick with it, because I notice eventually and get back to the interesting stuff.

Well, I thought it was interesting...

Just a reminder:

http://casketgames.webs.com/apps/documents/

Episode 12 comes in with a review and analysis of the forthcoming Mecha Front 15mm mecha combat game from Paulson Games:

http://bit.ly/1aPiCHB

R.

Nice looking forward hearing it (downloading atm).

 PsychoticStorm wrote:
Nice looking forward hearing it (downloading atm).

Same here. I am really enjoying these podcasts. The off-the-cuff, ad libbed style is particularly appealing.

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the feedback. I'm really looking forward to getting Chris and/or Jon on so we can actually have two voices for a change.

R.

A new episode is up!

http://precinctomega.podbean.com/mf/web/nqpkjf/BCEp13.mp3

more a recap episode to set the grounds for the next one, still nice to hear.