This is a little sneak peek of my upcoming releases for those who follow the news here on the site.
Soon, you’ll be able to get a variety of games that range from modern to science fiction in my new OP4S [pronounced Opposing Force] line. So, what’s OP4S?
OP4S is a group of games whose design concept will be to take the disconnects that I believe currently exist between video games and tabletop games, and then marry the disparate elements that gamers enjoy about them both on the tabletop. All the while, I intend to embrace the tropes and idioms that I feel we all love from the shooter, tactics, and strategy genres.
So, what’s OP4S going to run on? The RTS game engine. The RTS game engine features 4 distinct elements, including the Overdrive mechanic, that I will discuss in more detail as the initial release draws near.
A crazy plan…
My plan is to release a product that is part pay-to-play beta and part pre-order. The model will work something like this:
1. Anyone who purchases the beta version will receive all electronic updates of that version for free. This includes the final product.
2. Players that purchase this version will be able to participate in a Yahoo development group and receive credits in the final rules as appropriate.
3. Everyone that purchases the electronic beta will receive a 50% discount coupon on the final print edition.
That’s the concept I have now. Any suggestions are welcome. I’m excited about the opportunity to have people who play my game, or just like the concept, join in the creative process.
OP4S has the support of over 10 miniature manufactures!
Who are they? An announcement is coming soon.
OP4S, the RTS game engine, and Overdrive are all trademarks of Brent Spivey.
All rights reserved.
bombshell games 
Awesome. Love the pre-order idea. You can expect meaningful feedback from my group.
Is this based on the Havoc Core Rules? An altogether different system?
Posted by Charles | August 4, 2011, 6:14 pmGlad to have everyone jumping on board! The feedback and interaction in this portion of the process is really going to elevate the final product.
Charles, OP4S is going to run on the RTS game engine and is not based on the HAVOC core rules. That being said, for anyone that has played HAVOC, this will be a very easy transition. Think of it as the modern/sci-fi spiritual successor to HAVOC.
What’s different? This system will actually empower the players to do a lot more customization in the form of both force construction and scenario creation than was previously possible. The turn sequence, if you can believe it, is actually more fluid, as I have totally eliminated phases. Instead of rock-paper-scissors, the metagame is more hard counter- soft counter-push. There’s so much to talk about that I’m just rambling now!! 🙂
If you have any specific question, then I’ll answer what I can. BUT… I do want to save a little until the beta is uploaded. Hopefully, if all goes to plan, that will be very soon!
Posted by voodooink | August 4, 2011, 11:27 pmSounds very interesting. I can bottle my excitement and hold back the questions till the beta is releeased.
Posted by Charles | August 5, 2011, 8:31 amCount me in! Havoc is good stuff. OP4S sounds promising.
Love to find out who the mini manufacturers are. Minis have a good impact on how my forces will be themed. Win or lose, a good themed army is ALWAYS a win.
Posted by Random Eric | August 4, 2011, 10:46 pmI’m going to announce all of them shortly, but I guess I could let one slip now- Micropanzer Wargame Studio.
Jason at Micropanzer has not only given support of the game through his miniature line, but he has been extremely generous by allowing me to have use of his artwork for my books and website. The Powered EXO Suit pictured above is from the concept art by Jared Blando for Jason’s Russian Heavy Armored Suit– digital color and animation by me.
Don’t worry, the other manufacturers will be announced soon! When you see some of the names, you’re naturally going to start wondering if there are going to be some world/setting specific expansions to follow. Maybe 😉
Posted by voodooink | August 4, 2011, 11:53 pmFantastic!
As soon as you are ready we start to play…
thanks Brent
best
Paolo
3DVenexia
Posted by Paolo Fagherazzi | August 5, 2011, 9:03 amPaolo:
I am counting on having 3DVenexia involved from day one. It wouldn’t be a serious playtest without your group! 😉
Posted by voodooink | August 5, 2011, 9:38 amThis I’m excited about! I’ve got a lot of 15mm stuff that’s just waiting for the right rules. New system? Can’t wait to see what direction you’re going to take. The mention of video games and disconnects definitely has me curious!!
Will the yahoo group be up soon?
Posted by planetside | August 5, 2011, 11:21 amplanetside:
The yahoo group will go live either on the day of the beta release or, perhaps, just a few days before.
Posted by voodooink | August 6, 2011, 9:22 am