Strategic Hex Chits
Over the years I’ve played a few games of BattleForce and have also taken a distinct liking to the new Abstract Combat System. One thing that unites these two rule sets is the use of Strategic Symbols to represent combat units. While you could always proxy in miniatures I feel that the use of iconography showcased in Strategic Operations (itself a modification of familiar Military Symbology) really adds to the gaming experience.
- Covet Thy Neighbor, BattleForce Battle Report
Catalyst Game Labs has made available some modestly priced PDF products for those who wanted make their own tokens at home.
I’ve downloaded the whole bunch and have played around with them in the past. I really think they hit the mark. They are gorgeous tokens but they do require a bit of work to make them tabletop ready. Not a huge detriment considering we are all war gamers who are perfectly comfortable cutting, filing, priming, painting, and sealing minis and terrain for fun.
However, I’ve always wanted something with a bit more heft. Something a bit more substantial than some card stock glued back to back. Over the last year I’ve been using Print on Demand services from The Game Crafter (TGC) to procure board and card game prototypes. Just recently I’ve prototyped some hex chits for my Battle for Altais scenario. After some tweaks as well as some process improvements at TGC I wanted to make these chits available to anyone to purchase.
A Closer Look
Take a look at the following action shots to see how they look. The chits will come attached to a punch board so you have the fun of punching out the chits when you first receive them. The hexes are just a bit smaller than a standard BattleTech map hex so they fit nicely next to each other even when things get crowded. My only complaint with TGC is the front to back registration can be a bit off, so the radar blips sometimes are skewed to one side.
One of the best features is a UV coating which makes every hex dry erase marker compatible. You can mark units, keep tabs on radar blips, and do any kind of tracking you can fit on the hex. After the battle, just wipe it away and be ready for the next campaign.
I have more than a few sets available for sale depending on what assortment of colors and units you are most interested in. (Click through to see details on TGC) Each item will have a full inventory in the description.
The multi-color packs feature a reduced variety of units but cover all five major colors BattleTech players will want to see (red, blue, green, yellow, purple). The single color Reinforcements have a much wider variety of units including things like Aerospace, Artillery, Mechanized Infantry, and even an HQ unit.
- Warfare Pack (120 Hexes in 5 Colors)
- Battle Pack (60 Hexes in 5 Colors)
- Reinforcements Blue (60 hexes in 1 Color)
- Reinforcements Red (60 hexes in 1 Color)
- Reinforcements Yellow (60 hexes in 1 Color)
- Reinforcements Green (60 hexes in 1 Color)
- Reinforcements Purple (60 hexes in 1 Color)
Future Plans
I have a few more ideas in mind for future expansions to the lineup. A Grey Reinforcement set is a given. A set of space hexes is also in the works. We could all use some Warships, Space Stations, Jumpships, and Dropships in our lives.
Looking For Something Completely Custom?
Not seeing anything you like? Perhaps you need a different color? A unique unit type? A different mix of units to capture your favorite battle?
I can work with you to do something completely custom. I generate the images for each hex using a script so just about anything is possible. With a little bit of work I can generate a custom TGC order for you to purchase. If interested, shoot me an email at brian@scrapyardarmory.com and we can discuss the details of your project.
Posted under Misc