Barnes on Games- Talon Head to Head with Kyle Mann, Mexica in Review, Shadowrun: Crossfire

A second printing with no changes save for the surface of the counters (and frankly, mine were fine so I didn't bother to replace them for $11) and then an expansion that includes an AI opponent engine and a random scenario generator. But the rules have remained super-light for a game of this nature.

Sag, how does this stack up against the other, good, "licensed" space combat titles?

I've been tossing around getting this for ages, but keep reaching a kind of mental detente -- given the option, why would I play this instead of Armada/XWing, or even WoW or that Galactica game?

I do get the SFB connection, and the more mundane components don't bother me at all. I'm just curious if there's enough there to really hold this in its niche, given the competing options.

Sagrilarus wrote: Looking at this article from back in the good old days it occurs to me that Talon hasn't gotten the respect it deserves. It's rule complexity is on the line of Manouevre or Hold The Line, and it really brings a unique mechanical structure to the play with its Impulse system, which dates back to Star Fleet Battles and BattleTech. I don't know how may other games have used it since the 80s.

If anyone is interested in taking a shot at this on Vassal in a Play-by-Email game give me a ring. It plays any number of players so I should be able to accommodate anyone that wants to give it a go.

I went to put a rating on this and . . . it's not in the TWBG database! Tyranny!

ModelVillain wrote: given the option, why would I play this instead of Armada/XWing, or even WoW or that Galactica game?

I have not played Armada so I can't speak to that.

Talon isn't anything like those other three games. The only real point of comparison is the setting. Talon is more heads-down, more . . . precise. I'm trying to decide if that's the word I'm looking for.

Give the rules a read, and if you like them you can pick up all of Talon used for about $30, sell it for the same if you don't use it. The others are glorified LCGs, more lifestyle sort of games.