I played BFG when it came out and really enjoyed it but now I want ot do somehting outside of the GW sphere......whats a popular set of rules and models?

I think full thrust is one possible one that's similar in complexity to BFG. I think it's space ships, but it could be something else and my memory is failing me.

Firestorm Armada is a recent newcomer, it's supposed to be a streamlined ruleset (which I find usually makes for a better game system) and has rave reviews. Really nice minis for cheap too.

Full Thrust is er... well it's simple-ish like BFG but a bit more Battletech-type detailed in it's ship recording and has various add-ons for more complexity (like vectored movement).

It's a good system, especially with stock ships rather than custom (again like battletech).

Battle Tech core rules rocked, add ons sucked.
so +1 to tenabrae's opinion, it sounds like considered advice.

STAR FLEET BATTLES !!!!!

There is no substitiute.

Well, maybe Babylon 5 rules too....

Firestorm Armada.

It's new, fun, simple, challenging, cheap and you can buy the models in Australia for virtually the same price as you can get them o/s.

Cheers

CW

I love Battletech. It is a little more involved than GW games, however you do not need to collect 30 or more miniatures to play even a small game, especially for those who play Imperial Guard, or Orks. Battletech needs only 2-4 mechs , vehicles or battle armour squads, and you can play a nice 1-2 hour game.

However you might want to look at some of the new board games out there. There was a game called Shogun, that has been reboxed and sold under a new title., as well as the WWII versions from the same manufacturer. I think one is called "war in the pacific"?

Alternately if it is pure tactics and based on a simple set of gaming rules, try the DBA/DBR/DBM series set in 16mm scale. Board sizes are smaller and the games are just as fun, have simpler rules, and look like GW's Warmaster game which came out much later.

I have not gotten into the space fleet battle type of games myself, so I can not comment on any of them.

what is this

Someone's personal take off topic gaming I guess.

Just answering the original question for this thread - what are other gaming systems, not GW based that are out there, that he could start collecting.

I picked up on a reply that mentioned Battletech, and added to it, because I love Battletech. Then I mentioned other gaming systems and board games I have played that I liked, that might interest the member who started this thread.

Do you know any other games out there - not GW made that are popular, fun, or easy to get started on?

You almost got there...see the thread is called "Spaceships", with the proviso that the games be non-GW.

Back on topic, I have just picked up Firestorm. Have not yet read through the rules but my mates say that it plays a lot like Spartan's first game 'Uncharted Seas', although with more details (not tons more, but enough to make it somewhat more varied beast).

As other have said, the models are reasonably priced, even here in Australia! Finding them can be a little tricky:
http://www.thecombatcompany.com.au//shopDi...irestorm+Armada
http://www.phoenixforge.com.au/c/255678/1/...orm-armada.html

I really like the look of the models. I'll post back once I have had some quality gaming time.

Had a quick look around, there are a few other game systems you could check out:

The Universal Space Combat System (available from MilSims)
http://ubergoobergames.com/space-combat/

War Rocket (available through Phoenix Forge)
http://warrocketgame.com/
http://www.hydraminiatures.com/

Probably plenty of others...but these were once I could find that are available (if only via mail order) within Australia.

Full Thrust
Staramada
Colonial Battlefleet
Firestrom Armada
Sky Full of Ships

and those are only the ones I own, I suggest you check out starship combat news for a more definitive list

Battletech had aerotech which was playable from fighters to capitalship, jump ships and drop ships.

War Rocket is actually quite nice!

Unique movement and combat ideas, with some really nice retro style ships. Not too serious a game, but great fun in a beer and pretzels environment!

The funny part is that the styling is what I find most appealing about War Rocket. Everytime I see one of those models I cannot help but think about Buck Rodgers!

Full Thrust for the win!!!
i have been playing on and of for over 10 years heck i go back to the original 2nd ed books before fleet books
i have tried nearly every Space combat game over the years and nothing stacks to the simplicity but elegant rules of Full Thrust and it is a real shame that not enough people know about it more!!!

(well another post to get my count up so i can post my WTB - Full Thrust thread)

forgot to add oops!!! im seriously looking at FireStorm Armada i play Uncharted and Dystopian and the system works well and i like the quirkyness of close range Space naval battles. a very simple system loads of dice FireStorm for the second win

I've read the rules for BFG, Full Thrust and Starmada. I enjoy full thrust the most despite many hardcore space gamers enjoying Starmada. While Starmada does give you an apparently balanced system for creating your own ships the weapons all use the same dice rolling mechanism. What I love about full thrust is that the different weapon systems play differently, missiles aren't the same as a dice roll for a laser gun.

I listened to some reviews and analysis of Firestorm Armada through a few podcasts but I don't think it had the elegance and uniqueness Full Thrust offers. Plus the ships are a bit big IMO.