“Clash on the Fringe” uses alternate activation and D10s to simulate deadly, energetic combat with units such as alien warriors, killer robots, and hover tanks. It features a points system, scenario rules for creating varied encounters, a campaign upgrade system, and tools for building diverse units from a wide range of sci-fi archetypes, allowing for head-to-head play or solo play with provided guidelines and decision tables.
Core Gameplay
Platoon-Level Skirmish:
The game focuses on tactical battles between small units, or platoons, of soldiers and other forces.
Alternate Activation:
Both players alternate activating units, leading to dynamic gameplay and requiring tactical finesse.
Deadly Combat:
Combat is designed to be energetic and deadly, with area-of-effect weapons and mechanics that can cause units to be pinned down or demoralized, in addition to taking casualties.
D10 Dice:
All combat and characteristic checks are performed using ten-sided dice (D10s).
Stats & Characteristics:
Units have five characteristics to track.
Key Features
Diverse Unit Creation:
Players can create a wide variety of units, including infantry, vehicles, and monsters, using a points system or designing their own custom units with the included builders.
Psionics & Leadership:
The game incorporates rules for psionic abilities and features talented leaders who can motivate their troops, with heroes capable of turning the tide of battle.
Scenario Rules:
A selection of scenario rules is provided to create diverse encounters, with a scenario generator and options for different objectives.
Campaign Upgrade System:
A simple system allows players to upgrade their forces over multiple games.
Solo Play:
Guidelines and decision tables are included to support solo play.
Setting & Adaptability:
The game provides a background setting for space adventure combat, featuring pirates, alien traders, and killer robots, but it is also designed to be adaptable and usable with any miniatures collection.
Setting Elements
The “Fringe” refers to a border region of space where diverse elements, including human sub-types, numerous alien species, and robotic forces, engage in warfare for resources, territory, and survival.
The game’s setting allows for narratives of piracy, corporate interests, alien encounters, and the challenges of frontier existence.
