BeamStrike is a set of free wargames rules for 15mm science fiction games. From the introduction:
Beamstrike - The miniature game- is a set of fast paced, simple, science fiction war-game rules for tabletop battles using 15mm model miniature figures. A wide range of armoured vehicles can be fielded, from Tanks, to Walkers and Mecha. Rules for alien races, including generic ‘bugs’ and ‘greys’, add interest, and full rules allowing robots and androids complete the sci-fi repertoire.
Beamstrike is not a strict war game as weapon ranges are compressed heavily to accommodate your army on a table of manageable size, comprehensive rules regarding chain of command and communications between various levels of command are largely ignored, and force organization and structure are fairly flexible. Beamstrike is best described as a fun, fast paced, science fiction ‘spaghetti western’ of a system, which will not take you 3 months
to read and learn, and will not lead to bankruptcy by forcing you to purchase expensive miniatures which must be used in order to
play the game according to the rules.
Miniature Wargaming is part of the "adventure games" hobby, which includes r ole p laying and board games. Wargamers recreate battles on the tabletop with toy soldiers, like a more complicated game of chess. Models range in height from 6mm to 28mm tall, with 15mm and 25mm being the most popular. There also is a growing interest in toy soldiers and military models, such as the 1/32 and 1/35 scale plastic soldiers from Conte, and Marx.
The most popular miniature wargames are fantasy and science fiction based, such as Warhammer, Warhammer 40K, Warmachine and The Lord of the Rings. World War II games such as Flames of War and Axis and Allies are new favorites. Other favorite historical periods include Napoleonics, the American Civil War, and ancients, such as Romans or Greeks. Other gamers enjoy miniature naval wargames, recreating battles like Trafalgar, Jutland and the Coral Sea.
Hobbyists research historical periods and paint their tiny soldiers in accurate uniforms. Others develop "historically realistic" rules sets or build scale battlefield terrain using model railroad techniques.
For pictures, visit the gallery.
Some of the bigger hobby companies are Games Workshop, which produces Warhammer, Wargames Foundry and Old Glory Miniatures. Wizards of the Coast produces several lines of pre-painted miniatures games, such as the Star Wars and Dungeons and Dragons miniatures games, and a historical game with pre-painted miniatures: The new Axis and Allies game. Wizkids produces a fantasy collectable miniatures game, such as the Mage Knight and Heroclick fantasy games, the science fiction games MechWarrior and Rocketmen, as well as the quasi-historical Pirates of the Spanish Main.
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