All this is very understandable for ranged attacks. But how would it play out if all the NPC minions have melee/brawl attacks? I get that when ranged combat happens, thematically all minions are just shooting at the PC's and one ends up getting hit on a success. Would this work out the same for close combat? Minions are just positioned where they are placed by the GM (attacking either multiple PC's or all focusing on one) and when the collective attack is rolled, one of the PC's gets hit on a success, either pre-chosen or rolled for by the GM?

I might have just answered my own question, but wanted to clarify. And didn't think it would hurt to include the up-close and personal side of combat when discussing minions.

Cheers and thanks for any feedback!

The key to thematic game is to get away from the miniatures mindset (though I have used miniatures to show relative positions). Minions form a blob and generally take the same action. Anyone engaged with a minion group is the midst of a roiling combat like busting through a shield wall. Everyone is engaged with everyone and we are no longer concerned with exact positioning on a grid system.

As @OriginalDomingo said, don’t think in miniatures combat mode. To answer the question of whether melee combat with a minion group works the same as ranges combat, yes it does. The group makes a single attack and is treated as a single target when being attacked.

Also bear in mind that a minion groups melee/Brawl check is the combined effect of them pummelling you for the round. So a rival with GGYY for a brawl check is the same as a minion group with 4 brawn, brawl for a skill and 3 minions.

Minions are the mooks you see mowed down by Rambo in the First Blood/Rambo films or being put down by Jackie Chan in droves in any of his films, or Bourne etc. A starting character is equivalent to any of these heroes from the outset. They are way above the rank and file in ability and resilience, even those less combat effective.

Cool. Thanks for the feedback!

Our group has moved away from the 'maneuvers' range issues as well as the 'minions' combat rules and initiative procedures. We simply follow the 5e ruleset which is 30 feet, base movement. Keep it simple I say. Stormtroopers each act as one npc. It helps the narrative in my opinion and it allows a lot more freedom with options including various weapons on each stormtrooper, etc. We also use initiative values for each individual player and npc. Allowing the players to choose who goes first is not very realistic. Holding an action does allow for this.

Hope this helps.