Several months ago, Big Kev at Palladium mentioned exploring the option of coming out with Robotech minis. This was met with both cheers and jeers.
Now, in the latest Palladium weekly update, he mentions a "Robotech Tactical Role-Playing game."
"UPDATE: Robotech® Tactical Role-Playing Game
I spent two complete days and had several conversations with my attorney to hammer out a work agreement with the amazing team who will be working with Palladium to make the best darn Robotech® game pieces we can. We want to produce a product that will make Robotech® fans swoon (or at least grin with delight)."
Is Palladium seriously going to make a tactical game? A brand new game system???
I'm just excited about the minis, personally. But a Robotech tactical game could be awesome.
A Western mecha game that properly portrays real robots? One can dream.
so basically Robotech version of 4e?
Quote from: Sacrosanct;594561so basically Robotech version of 4e?
Honestly, that sounds pretty awesome.
Yeah, I'm still not sure what Palladium's dog is, in the new tactical game.
They've quite clearly said that another company is doing the mini's and the rules, but Kevin is also saying he's in constant talks with HG over the new game.
???
(oh, and while I doubt they'll be ringing GW bell any, as a RT fan, I'm looking forward to the game all the same. Just as long as it isn't "collectible" (random mini's in each box))
A land based game would be pretty simple to design. It's when you throw in aircraft and spacecraft that things will get complicated. Especially when the goal of "fun" is lost to the goal of "realism."
So I'm kinda hoping it's more Savage Worlds and less Jovian Chronicles.
I'll be happy if they just put out minis and don't make a game to back them. Mostly because i would use them for my own Macross game.
Although the Rifts minis were a failure in the 90s, minis weren't as popular back then as they are now. So I hope Palladium gets something out of this. And if they DO put out a tactical game and it's a hit, then maybe Kevin may shift his focus towards outsourcing more (and start writing PFRPG books again).
I'd be all over this for the minis alone.
I've been hacking on Macross/Robotech conversions for a few years now with a bunch of different systems:
http://platonicsolid.blogspot.com/search/label/mecha%20dev
http://platonicsolid.blogspot.com/search/label/mecha
The price of getting a collection of minis/toys together from Japan has prevented me from even trying.
Heroequest isn't a boardgame from the early 90's, I take it.
Cause I loved that game. Maybe that was Heroe's Quest. I dunno. enough with the tangent.
I've tried building my own system off of Palladium's for robotech, I've tried building a game setting for Macross off of Jovian Chronicles/Heavy Gear, Silcore, Twilight 2000 2nd edition...
I'm done with trying to build my own system since it is unlikely I'll ever even get to play it.
I can write setting material like a unicorn jizzes rainbows. I just need a simple game system that my players will enjoy and not take forever to learn. and one where I don't have to spend 2 years writing conversions.
I wonder if Palladium will outsource to DP9? They already did once with the Macross II deckplans series of books, so a relationship is there. And DP9 already has established tactical game rules.
Quote from: Eisenmann;594755I'd be all over this for the minis alone.
I've been hacking on Macross/Robotech conversions for a few years now with a bunch of different systems:
http://platonicsolid.blogspot.com/search/label/mecha%20dev
http://platonicsolid.blogspot.com/search/label/mecha
The price of getting a collection of minis/toys together from Japan has prevented me from even trying.
by the way, I am now following your blog on Blogger. I like watching other people work out things because it helps me work on my own ideas. I'm not familiar with the game systems you're using, but it's still cool.
Quote from: everloss;594771by the way, I am now following your blog on Blogger. I like watching other people work out things because it helps me work on my own ideas. I'm not familiar with the game systems you're using, but it's still cool.
Thanks! We've been down similar roads - playing Palladium's Robotech and hacking other systems.
HeroQuest 2.0 (http://moondesignpublications.com/product/heroquest-core-rules) that I mention on my blog will do any setting or genre. The game comes at it from the angle of stories and characters. Specific character abilities get tested according to the needs of the story at the time. On top of the basics, there are other bits of the game to help the GM build tension to a finale where everything is on the line. It has stood out for us as the best system so far for creating the Robotech/Macross experience at the table. Not only does it do clouds of missiles and transforming your Valkyrie on the fly to take advantage of the situation but we've seen character arcs develop that fit the source material to an amazing degree. We've even had our Roy Fokker moment.
As far as working with the system goes, it's cake. You don't have to stat out a Battle Pod if you don't want to. Treat them as resistance in the scene. I only ever stat up important NPCs which typically only takes a few minutes. If the NPC is from the series I'll pull a few quotes and make those game abilities.
As a player, learning the mechanics of the game is pretty easy. I've used the system itself to introduce gaming to non-gamers.
I keep thinking that I should just settle on HQ2 and refine what I have but the quest of the hack keeps me looking.
As far as Palladium outsourcing to DP9 goes, that could be a good thing. Blitz is making a strong showing at my FLGS so hopefully that's an indication that there's enough vigor in the podders to make some great Robotech minis.
Quote from: vytzka;594559A Western mecha game that properly portrays real robots? One can dream.
You didn't just imply that Anime "properly portrays real robots" did you? :eek:
Quote from: CRKrueger;595016You didn't just imply that Anime "properly portrays real robots" did you? :eek:
I was thinking the same thing, since the only game I know of that tries to be "realistic" about robots IS a western game. Nevermind that realistic robots doesn't make sense at all.
I don't know. It looks like someone is trying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zq2pnouiPU) to make them real ;)
Quote from: CRKrueger;595016You didn't just imply that Anime "properly portrays real robots" did you? :eek:
Apologies! Careless use of jargon there on my part.
(http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz260/vytzka/th_educate.gif)
"Real robot" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_Robot) is the moniker used to describe, roughly, properties including mecha that are roughly science based and use a lot of other military tropes as well as being relatively gritty (best examples are Gundam and Macross here).
The term was required to make a distinction from "Super robots" such as Mazinger Z or Voltron that rarely even pretend to acknowledge laws of physics, are frequently courage or religion powered and use outlandish weaponry like eye beams, rocket punches and their chest logos that turn into swords.
When Super Robot Wars, a Japanese crossover turn based strategy series that pits licensed mecha anime series against one another, developed, they created the distinction and made it easiest to see in the ways they defend themselves in combat - super robots absorb damage using their heavy armor, and real robots prefer to dodge or shoot down enemy projectiles because they can't really take a hit. So "real robot" is also sometimes loosely used (like by me carelessly above) to mean "robots that are built to avoid enemy attacks due to their inherent sci-fi squishiness as their primary mode of defense".
Since original distinction was made between series made way back in the 70s (Mazinger Z, Getter Robo and Mobile Suit Gundam), others came to gradually blur the line. Military super robot shows like Dancougar have a lot of setting elements of real robot genre, while some Gundam series really played up the invulnerability of ace custom suits almost elevating them to Super Robot levels. And there's weird shit like Evangelion or Escaflowne.
Most stand-and-pound Western robots like Warhammer 40,000 Titans or Battletech don't really fit into either paradigm, which isn't a criticism of them by any means, merely outlining the differences in portrayal (even though I'm not gonna lie, I think Battletech is ugly and Gundams are beautiful. By design.).
This is a topic I am very interested in and can talk for hours, but I think this will be enough ^_^
Quote from: everloss;595068I was thinking the same thing, since the only game I know of that tries to be "realistic" about robots IS a western game. Nevermind that realistic robots doesn't make sense at all.
I dunno, Armored Core seems pretty realistic (unless you're only talking about board/RPGs and how many Japanese games has anyone of us actually played in that case?). Original Mobile Suit Gundam series were also some of the hardest sci-fi in mecha properties, before they cranked up the space magic.
I was referring to RPGs - specifically Heavy Gear/Jovian Chronicles.
But I also misread your meaning about Real Robots (as opposed to "Super" Robots)
I get it now.
Even if the game sucked, I'd buy a ton of the minis.
Looks like Kevin has signed contracts and everything is moving forward. Full announcements on who he is working with and more details about the game are expected in January.
In the most recent Weekly Update (http://palladiumbooks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=644:palladium-booksr-weekly-update-january-17-2013&catid=52:weekly-updates&Itemid=183), Kevin name dropped "Tom Roache," and a quick Google search of that + Robotech turned this (http://robotechbattles.blogspot.com/2012/03/soon-soooo-good-news.html) up:
QuoteSoooo The good news.. I posted an article to Tabletop Gaming News:
http://www.tabletopgamingnews.com/2012/03/14/56341/
This blog exploded to about 160 hits in the first hour of the article release... at the time of posting this (roughly 7 hours later) - 570 hits - I can't thank everyone enough!!
The better news - I'm working with Paulson Games to get the miniatures produced. The minis look AMAZING!! https://www.facebook.com/PaulsonGames/photos_stream
The great news.... Palladium is reviewing the project and are excited about it.
More Info to come.. Stay tuned!
-Tom
Here was the full article I sent to Tabletop Gaming News: It got chopped up alot before it was posted..
Hello Everyone, My name is Thomas Roache, PE. I'm the developer putting together Robotech Battles a 3D tabletop miniatures skirmish game. Myself and Jon Paulson are looking for interest in a Tabletop Game and Miniatures set in the Robotech Universe.
Here is a little blurb to get the ball rolling about my game..
"Welcome to the Tabletop Miniatures Skirmish Game based on Robotech from the Japanese version of the Anime Series Macross. Robotech Battles is a 3D Tabletop Skirmish Game where you can either be human or the alien Zentradi in the First Robotech War. You are the RDF pilot in control of Devastating Transformable Mecha battling for the earth's survival, or the alien commander in control of the hordes of giant aliens bent on war and domination. Aerial Dogfights, missile trails filling the sky, and Mecha on Mecha combat give you the player, a taste of the Robotech Universe. Play out your favorite scenes from the Robotech series in this skirmish game where the fate of the First Robotech war can be decided on the results of your battles."
Jon Paulson of Paulson Games, has been developing several prototype miniatures for Robotech.
http://www.paulsongames.com/ Is a casting company that produces a range of miniatures and parts used for wargaming.
Both Jon and myself have approched Palladium Games with the hopes of producing Quality Miniatures and getting a quality game produced for everyone that enjoys Robotech.
On to the big news:
Talks with Palladium concerning a Robotech Miniatures Game and a Robotech Miniatures line. Here is the quote from Palladium:
● Palladium has been approached by two different people about making a Robotech® miniatures game. We are currently entertaining the possibilities.
We are talking with Palladium Books about the project. We need their Help to get our much needed foot in the door for the Licensing of the project. Both Jon and I believe a solid Robotech Miniatures game is long over due and would get a lot of notice if we can get the word out. We've always wanted to see Robotech on the Tabletop and we hope you have also. All we are asking is that you take a minute and show your support for getting A Robotech Tabletop Miniatures game and a line of amazing miniatures produced; Let Kevin at Palladium know that your interested in seeing this happen. So please make sure to go on their forums and on facebook and leave them a comment saying: yes I want a game and those minis!
Awesome as Robotech is, I can't stop thinking of a full blown GW style plastics range of Rifts minis and War Machines. Used for both the wargames and the RPG. Coalition, Triax, NG, Atlantis, Archie, lord the options would be 40k squared.
KS would have to let someone else do the Tactical rules though. He's sitting on a gold mine IP.
Poking around a little more about this got me to finding Jon Paulson's blog, where he makes this mention (http://www.mechdudesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/whered-pics-go.html) a couple of months after Tom's announcement:
QuoteI know that most of your guys probably aren't sifting through my older posts so it's not something that jumps out but I've removed almost all pictures of the 1/285th scale Robotech models.
The main reason is that I don't want them being used to promote any potential Robotech game. The minis grabbed a lot of attention with potential players, which was fine at the time but now that I won't be involved with the project I want to avoid generating any confusion with new readers.
I've been getting a lot of emails about the minis asking if they'll still be used, or about what plans might be in place etc. All I can say is that my versions will not be used at all. I have no clue who they might be getting to do sculpts or what quality they might be or even "if" they are going to actually be produced.
I wasn't privy to any information other than what we'd discussed relating specifically to my minis. So that means when it comes to what can we expect to see? Well, your guesses are as good as mine.
From what they've made available on their website, Palladiums newest announcement said they have the rights arranged with Harmony Gold, but at this point they are at the most basic stages of development and indicates they don't have sculpts sourced.
They may have the rights to make miniatures but that doesn't mean it's an ironclad guarantee that anything will actually be made. You can always buy rights to a product and choose not to exercise them. Will we see minis? I have no clue. Will they be any good? Again I have no clue.
They seemed to be looking for the lower end of industry pay standard so IMO that doesn't bode well for sculpt quality. If they decide to fund it properly maybe they'll get some top notch sculptors, but if they are looking for average or lower pay then the miniatures will reflect that.
(which is also why I don't want people thinking my sculpts are the ones be developed by Palladium)
They want a product made as cheaply possible with maximum profit, which is a standard business practice. However my personal feelings are that if you have a well sculpted professional product you will see far greater sales than a run of the mill sculpt that you could get from Reaper or Iron Wind for example.
I was willing to scrape my teeth in order to get the mini made as it's something I was passionate about. It's a tremendous amount of work to sculpt a 30-40 model range especially if you are trying to juggle a team of freelancers. They may find artists willing to work in that price range but I don't think the quality will be there and the time lag will be massive. I'll be interested to see what type of product (if any) they manage.
What about about rules? I have no clue.
Rules weren't really one of the things I was pushing, I was working on my MSIA adaptation simply to have something to show minis off with and generate interest with. It was never a serious consideration to begin with as my primary concern was with the miniatures themself.
Palladium's announcement only mentions them producing the miniatures as accessories for their RPG line, there's no mention of a miniatures rules system. Maybe that's something that will be addressed in the future or it could be an indicator of a line exclusively of miniatures and rules may not be a feature, I'm not sure.
Regardless of how it pans out I'm sure people will use them with Battletech, or Tomorrow's War or whatever system they are partial too. Likely any of those choices would be better than a Palladium system anyways so I don't see that as a loss.
I do want to say thank you for all the kind comments and support I've received about the minis. It's encouraging to get that stuff and know that there are fans out there. Parting with Palladium at this point is a very good thing, I've gotten some serious notice from other companies and it's generated several sculpting commissions for custom mecha. It's also freed up time to work on my own personal sculpts again. It's going to allow me to focus on my own designs which grants me a lot more creative freedom and personal satisfaction.
Looks like Tom's blog is Robotech Battles (http://robotechbattles.blogspot.com/), which I'm guessing is the previous name he had for the game.
He also mentions that Jon was told he wouldn't be used (http://robotechbattles.blogspot.com/2012/06/uh-oh-important-update.html).
Don't know if this is still applicable if NDAs have been put in place, but there's mention of an email address to get a copy of the rules.
Oh, and here's the FB page for Robotech Battles: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Robotech-Battles/107328996040410
Water is wet, Sky is Blue, Siembeida fucks up another IP deal. Film at 11.
Quote from: CRKrueger;619586Awesome as Robotech is, I can't stop thinking of a full blown GW style plastics range of Rifts minis and War Machines. Used for both the wargames and the RPG. Coalition, Triax, NG, Atlantis, Archie, lord the options would be 40k squared.
KS would have to let someone else do the Tactical rules though. He's sitting on a gold mine IP.
Last weeks Palladium "Murmur" or whatever KS calls it, had Big Kev mention that he was expecting to see or go over the rules and begin playtesting the new rules (that he did not develop) in the coming weeks. I'm pretty sure it said he was having other people playtest it, not himself.
God, minis for just Rifts robots would be incredible.
Quote from: everloss;594770Heroequest isn't a boardgame from the early 90's, I take it.
Cause I loved that game. Maybe that was Heroe's Quest. I dunno. enough with the tangent.
To be clear, it is a boardgame. One of the GW-MB collaborations, totally awesome.
*Yoda Voice* Expensive now, on Ebay it is.
Meh not like this'll ever get a uk release anyway(the last robotech rpg didnt thanks to kev not bothering to sort out international licencing or harmony gold being dicks..probably both) so not interested...besides which i'd rather have a Macross minitures game than some crappy knockoff made buy a company like harmony gold who block any attempt at western licencing of the newer macross stuff despite having zero interest in it themselves.
Quote from: Broken-Serenity;619823Meh not like this'll ever get a uk release anyway(the last robotech rpg didnt thanks to kev not bothering to sort out international licencing or harmony gold being dicks..probably both) so not interested...besides which i'd rather have a Macross minitures game than some crappy knockoff made buy a company like harmony gold who block any attempt at western licencing of the newer macross stuff despite having zero interest in it themselves.
IIRC, UK distribution rights are in legal limbo.
HG may not have a good case that they can distribute in Europe (though they've pretty much won North America).
It's part of the on-going, "Who owns
which piece of Macross?!?", nightmare.