TFG/SDS STARFIRE vs. CB Inquiry

[jdagee]

I've been looking for a possible replacement for the Task Force Games/Starfire Design Studio's STARFIRE system I use for space battles, but really enjoy the stories/theme and the 'build your own ships' rules Starfire has (that, and I've been with the game since '80).

Can anyone tell me if the systems are similar or close enough for me to make a simple change over, or even if the learning curve is low?

Thank you, appreciate any help and inputs.

R, Jim

[warchariot]

Don't know Starfire, but CBF is simple and has it's own ship building program, you even get an excel program with it.

[jdagee]

Thank you, Larry, appreciate the feedback. I hope someone with STARFIRE experience can pipe up, I have a horde of fleets that I'd have to change over for pseudohistorical reasons

Apr 23, 2013 17:55:55 GMT -5 warchariot said:

Don't know Starfire, but CBF is simple and has it's own ship building program, you even get an excel program with it.

[TheDreadnought]

Well not too much experience with the Starfire system. I have one set of the rules, but I think its from a later version. It certainly looked complicated to me.

Colonial Battlefleet was designed to be taught and played in a convention setting. So it's very easy to learn the basics of the game. At the same time, there are enough options and tactical depth that it offers infinite replayability.

There is definitely a difference between a good CBF player and a new CBF player. . . as tactical skill with the game is something you develop. This is a contrast to a lot of space games that are more about who gets the best die rolls.

Ship design is fast and easy. As mentioned, there is an excel shipbuilder program. However, the design system was created to be do-able with just a pencil and paper. . . not even requring the use of a calculator. You'll have no problems doing CBF designs for your fleets.