I was under the impression that Armada was going to be 6 x 4 but the quick play guide seems to suggest 3 x 3.
Is there different sized mats depending on the game size?
What size of mat?
Yes, 3x3 for just the core, 3x4 for 180 points and 3x6 for all else.
I haven't personally played Armada yet, but I was wondering about this too. If you use a 3x6 mat for games, are there any rounds with no/minimal shooting? Seems like a waste of your precious 6 turns to try and get to the good stuff.
Can a 300 point game be run using a 3x3 or 3x4 style mat, or would the ships become an entangled mess instantly?
Can a 300 point game be run using a 3x3 or 3x4 style mat, or would the ships become an entangled mess instantly?
Honestly, I played my first 300 point game yesterday on a 3'x6' play area, and the play area felt too big. The objective we got was all about killing ships, so maybe objectives with objective markers that you need to get will make better use of the area, but as far as my first impression of a 300 pt game goes, I would say that a 3x3 or 3x4 would work fine for 300 points.
I would rather not play on a 3x3 or 3x4 at 300 points, because regardless of the mission it will end up being nothing else but killing ships.
I have a 3x6 play area, but it tends to be a bit too big. You can do 400 points on a 3x3, but it gets a little crowded. Works well for deathmatch style games though. Ideally it's nice to have the larger play area for thematic setup and giving you extra options in terms of setup and strategy.
I would rather not play on a 3x3 or 3x4 at 300 points, because regardless of the mission it will end up being nothing else but killing ships.
As I've said, I've only played the one game, but when I played half of the map wasn't used at all. With 300 points you're really only oging to have 2-4 ships and some squadrons. That doesn't really feel like it's enough to cover that much area.
For example, I deployed first in my game and put my Frigate and squadrons on one side of the area and my corvette on the other. My opponent deployed both ships and all squadrons on the same side as my frigate (the ship they made worth double points). The only thing my corvette did, was move into that same half of the map as everyone else and was useless for several turns as it moved that way. So, really all of the action took place in a 3x3 area and anything outside that area ended up being useless for awhile.
I'm still going to try several more games on a 3x6 before making my final judgement, but right now I don't see any reason for an area that large for 300 points.
Can a 300 point game be run using a 3x3 or 3x4 style mat, or would the ships become an entangled mess instantly?
Honestly, I played my first 300 point game yesterday on a 3'x6' play area, and the play area felt too big. The objective we got was all about killing ships, so maybe objectives with objective markers that you need to get will make better use of the area, but as far as my first impression of a 300 pt game goes, I would say that a 3x3 or 3x4 would work fine for 300 points.
3'x4' is only the setup area. Having played several games, the more area, the better.
Get a 6x3.
It's the stated tournament size. It's good for 400 points, which will eventually be the standard game size.
Lastly, you can use a 6x3 mat, for a game on a 3x3. You can't use a 3x3 mat for a game on a 6x3.
For example, I deployed first in my game and put my Frigate and squadrons on one side of the area and my corvette on the other. My opponent deployed both ships and all squadrons on the same side as my frigate (the ship they made worth double points). The only thing my corvette did, was move into that same half of the map as everyone else and was useless for several turns as it moved that way. So, really all of the action took place in a 3x3 area and anything outside that area ended up being useless for awhile.
A single Corvette and Nebulon? That sounds like the learn to play game or a 180 point game. In which case the biggest map would have been 3x4.
At 300 points however, a 3x4 would cause the rebel fleet some significant issues and would make the game fun for only half the participants.
The Armada gameplay are is 3x6. It is important to have a large space because many of the objectives, in particular the blue navigate ones (and fleets based on high manuverability) need the space to avoid tanky star destroyers who want to blow everything up in a single dice roll.
There is no such gameplay area as 3x4. 3x4 is the designated setup space within the 3x6 so that players cannot deploy on the flanks of the board.
When playing the learn to play scenario with just the core set contents a scaled down 3x3 game can be played to learn the game.
For example, I deployed first in my game and put my Frigate and squadrons on one side of the area and my corvette on the other. My opponent deployed both ships and all squadrons on the same side as my frigate (the ship they made worth double points). The only thing my corvette did, was move into that same half of the map as everyone else and was useless for several turns as it moved that way. So, really all of the action took place in a 3x3 area and anything outside that area ended up being useless for awhile.
A single Corvette and Nebulon? That sounds like the learn to play game or a 180 point game. In which case the biggest map would have been 3x4.
At 300 points however, a 3x4 would cause the rebel fleet some significant issues and would make the game fun for only half the participants.
I didn't say a single corvette and Nebulon. A single Frigate and Corvette is what I had, as well as 100 points worth of squadrons.
For example, I deployed first in my game and put my Frigate and squadrons on one side of the area and my corvette on the other. My opponent deployed both ships and all squadrons on the same side as my frigate (the ship they made worth double points). The only thing my corvette did, was move into that same half of the map as everyone else and was useless for several turns as it moved that way. So, really all of the action took place in a 3x3 area and anything outside that area ended up being useless for awhile.
A single Corvette and Nebulon? That sounds like the learn to play game or a 180 point game. In which case the biggest map would have been 3x4.
At 300 points however, a 3x4 would cause the rebel fleet some significant issues and would make the game fun for only half the participants.
I didn't say a single corvette and Nebulon. A single Frigate and Corvette is what I had, as well as 100 points worth of squadrons.
Nebulon B Frigate
Assault Frigate Mk. II
Both ships use frigate, so I can see how someone reading would be confused.
The play area is 3x6 and should be used for any game larger than 180 pts. 180 pts can be played on a 3x3 area. Depending on how people deploy, you will likely use either all of the area or half of the area in a 3x6 game. Objectives play a big role in this.
Edited by rowdyoctopusThe play area is 3x6 and should be used for any game larger than 180 pts. 180 LTS can be played on a 3x3 area. Depending on how people deploy, you will likely use either all of the area or half of the area in a 3x6 game. Objectives play a big role in this.
Yes, and for a game to play out where missions may be important and maybe even more important than the shoot each other aspect, you need the ability to run around the edges of a fleet and avoid being shot.
My friends and I play a game and swap sides (Rebel/Imperial), I have found that the tension in running for the mission to be a lot of fun. I also find the tension in trying to run down and hit a fleet going for the objective fun also.
The variety of missions and the making them a part of the overall strategic play of the game gives this game far more depth of play that will give it a longer life span on my bookcase.
Can anyone recommend a good mousepad-style 3'x6' mat?
3X3 is for the learn2play. Any real game is on 3x6.
3 x 6 is the way to go. The rebels, especially, will be at a disadvantage on anything smaller, as they won't have room to zip around the imperial ships. As far as a good 3 x 6 mat goes, I mentioned in a different post a while back that I love my extra wide, black yoga mat. I got one for around $24, including shipping, from yodadirect.com. It's not the fanciest option, but it has a neutral look to it and grips the ships well.
http://www.yogadirect.com/yoga-direct-extra-wide-yoga-mat-36-inch-x-72-inch-x-1-4-inch.html
Edit: the two-tone blue mat in the picture looks like crap, but the black one is one solid color and looks way better.
Edited by SmogLordCan anyone recommend a good mousepad-style 3'x6' mat?
I have bought a number of pads from inkedplaymats and am always pleased with the speed and print quality of the product. It's printed on the mousepad foam and works great.
You could buy two of their 36"x36" pads to put together, but it would not be cheap. I don't have experience with anyone else that does the mousepad mats.
http://www.inkedplaymats.com/products/custom-playmat-36x36#.VVysdPlVhBc
Can anyone recommend a good mousepad-style 3'x6' mat?
I have bought a number of pads from inkedplaymats and am always pleased with the speed and print quality of the product. It's printed on the mousepad foam and works great.
You could buy two of their 36"x36" pads to put together, but it would not be cheap. I don't have experience with anyone else that does the mousepad mats.
http://www.inkedplaymats.com/products/custom-playmat-36x36#.VVysdPlVhBc
At that price I'd go with a gripmat:
Premium felt, 1 yrd X 2yrds cost about $9 for 300pt games. Fold it in half and booM! 180pt map.