Remote Game in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

As alluded to in my previous post, Peter offered an invitation to try out Squad Hammer rules with his Star Wars Legion collection.  Having an interest in seeing his figures in action and curious to see a walkthrough of the rules, I jumped at the kind offer.

Since Peter has already documented the scenario and the two battle recaps here, I only add my impressions from Game #1 via annotated screenshots and brief commentary.  For reports on both games, please visit Peter's accounts at the link above.

Peter's game layout reminds me of a cool, retro sci-fi setting.  Quite creative especially some of the sources used for the terrain pieces.  The hand painted backdrop adds another dimension to set the scene and impart this retro vibe.  Love the look of the game.

Dusthaven
photo courtesy of Grid based wargaming

In Game #1, I commanded the Rebel defenders ensconced in Dusthaven awaiting the Imperial attack I know is on the way.

With Rebel flanks guarded by one squad armed with a Z-6 Rotary Blaster positioned on the heights in the background and a Laser Cannon situated on the heights in the foreground, Luke, Hans Solo and the remaining Rebels hunker down within the town.  In the distance, Imperial troops work their way through the rocky terrain.  I mistakenly deploy my Sleeper Cell on point in the cover nearest the enemy line of advance.  With a weapon range of only one square facing enemy weapons having longer range, these fellas will likely be put into permanent sleep soon.

The Empire moves up!

Rebel Swoop bikes zoom out from behind the town firing into the AT-RT as the pair race forward. The walker takes some damage but moves toward the bikes to engage.  Imperial speeder bikes move out on the left wing as Stormtroopers advance in the center.  Concentrating their firepower onto the Rebel bikers, the bikers are gone in a flash.  As a consolation, the Z-6 Blaster takes out the already weakened AT-RT. 

Rebel Swoop bikes race forward!

Rebel bikers and Imperial AT-RT go down!

Pressing on after the elimination of the Rebel bikers, Imperial bikers swoop in on the Rebel Sleeper Cell.  Darth Vader leads the Riot Squad into the fray!  From afar, the Rebel laser cannon pours down suppressing fire to keep another squad of Stormtroopers at bay.

The Imperial attack, with Darth leading the way, makes short work of the Sleeper Cell.  Seeing the possibility of their defenses being breached, Luke swings around the building complex in an attempt to outflank the enemy.  Time for a Rebel counterattack!  

Darth Vader attacks!

The Rebel counterattack is vicious!

With Hans and Chewbacca providing deadly covering fire, a Rebel squad goes in to attack the Imperial Riot Squad.  Luke, coming around the building, cuts down the unsuspecting bikers.  Not only is the Riot squad destroyed but Darth falls as well when Luke steps in to settle a score.  The Imperials lose three units in one turn!  The loss of one more Imperial unit signals defeat for the Empire. 

Rebels counterattack and destroy three enemy units!

With one Imperial squad still under fire by the laser cannon on the hill, the Empire makes one last ditch effort to turn the tide of battle.  In goes the Dewback!  Taking out the Rebel squad was easy but Luke and the Rebel rotary blaster on the hill make short work of the Dewback.  Caught in a deadly crossfire, the Dewback falls.  With only two squads remaining, the Imperial attack is called off.  Victory to the Rebels!

Dewback caught in a deadly crossfire!

While I ended up winning Game #2 as well when sides were swapped, Peter offered up plenty of hints and tips to likely leverage the games in my favor.  Without his suggestions, I may have lost both decisively.

Thank you, Peter, for a pair of interesting and fun games.  Really good fun!  The QRS and unit stat sheets provided were clear, and the rules were uncomplicated.  I learned a lot and picked up the rules quickly.  Fast playing game and bloody.  Very bloody!  It would be fun to bring this collection to the table again to reinforce what I learned in this fine pair of contests.  Proper tactics are beginning to evolve in my mind.