Marvin asked me to run a survey...

[VoidStalker_WoE]

Back on topic, could we get a series of threads, asking just one question each, and then go from there? It may just help to have everyone responses to each question all in one place.

Right now I am looking for information from you, the players, and didn't want to muddy or influence that information with discussion. I have only commented where I thought clarification was necessary. But if there is something in particular you really want to discuss, feel free to start a topic!

Will do.

[coldsteel]

Shields and armor should simply be notated as to which generation (perhaps after the speed)
eg: Zippy (2) SSSSSSAA(I)(I)NXr(I) (6) S2 A2

That's actually how I set up displays, with the generation in the summary. Made it lots easier/neater.

Using your example:

Zippy-class CT 16 HS
[2] SSSSSSAA(I)(I)N(Xr)(I) [6/3]
S2x6 A2x2 Nx1

[Morpheus]

I'm just now getting around to answering, but here are my thoughts. I will say that I tend to favor the older versions of Starfire, and tend to only play tactical level scenarios like the ones in Stars at War and Crusade as I just don't have the time to play a long game and have no desire to do all of the associated bookkeeping. That to me becomes more of a job in and of itself than fun. I also like how the older versions of Starfire have a very rich history with the novels and all.

In general, shipbuilding and the simplicity of the ship system display and being able to completely customize your ships is what originally drew me to Starfire from Star Fleet Battles in the first place, and it is one of my favorite things about the game.

#1 - To be honest I rarely play with the strategic rules. That being said, I think the ship building rules and the tech trees are essential, as well as system generation, however, if there were a pre-fab universe provided, the system generation rules wouldn't be needed for a "quick start" type game.

#2 - I think the spying/espionage rules seem like more trouble than they are worth.

#3 - I feel like economics could be greatly simplified and the more complex version of them left to optional or advanced rules. Currently, I feel like the economics rules are just too much work to be fun. I also feel like the land/ground combat rules would be best left to the optional rules.

#4 - I agree with some of the others, who said that system generation is pretty simple if you use a universe generation application. It takes almost all of the work out of it.

#5 - Essential technologies to Starfire: Shields, Armor, Reactionless Drives, Guns, Missiles, I really like the old "W" Gun/Missile launcher in the 3rd Edition rules a lot better than the current "W" box launcher, Lasers, Primary Beams, Force Beams, Point Defense, and Datagroups/Datalink.

[coldsteel]

#1 - To be honest I rarely play with the strategic rules. That being said, I think the ship building rules and the tech trees are essential, as well as system generation; however, if there were a pre-fab universe provided, the system generation rules wouldn't be needed for a "quick start" type game.

Oh, man. I LIKE this idea.....

[Vandervecken]

I'm a Sysgen fanatic from way back. Update the current stuff and get it programmed so that all a newer player need do is specify how many systems (and what optional rules to use). I don't care that most of the stuff in most systems is garbage. just knowing it is there paints me a picture of that system that I use when I 'play a solo game.

I'm looking for an empire building game to go along with the fantastic combat system that I don't need to hire an Accountant to help me run and a Lawyer (rules) to get every MCr out of the game. A nice middle ground between the current behemoth and the simple Empires rules from the past. Something I can sink my teeth into, but won't still be chewing on when my daughter had grandchildren (The Khanesse is now a H.S. Junior - FYI).