I am just about finished the new book, and it is definitely one of the reasons I'm looking for a new space fleet game.
I just finished the Battle of [spoiler]Hypatia[/spoiler] section, and yeah, its got me fired up (hence resurrecting bab5 for a game this Saturday).
A good HH / Saganami system needs to do just a few simple things, but they require cleverness to execute:
1) Abstract the movement system, forgoing 3D, but allowing for bearing and ship rolling. And the latter is mainly needed for TARGETS, not shooters, to determine where the sidewalls come into play, where hits might occur, etc. Actual Fire Arcs can be abandoned save for fights at Graser ranges.
The #1 point of movement would be to determine a range factor, which in turn yields a "time in flight" factor for launching missile salvos. Range also determines prep time for counter-measures, plus difficulty in real time guidance of missiles (FTL comms or not?). All could yield modifiers for a To Hit per salvo/die.
2) Work out a system for Missile launches and counter-missile strategy that combines resource allocation and risk management both. Then a simple way to execute those mechanics. A Commander's success should not be measured in how many arcs of their OP ship design they can bring to bear, but more how they manage their missile load quantity into salvos, and at what points in their movement, to maximize target saturation where needed. I.e. Ammo vs range vs flight time vs target attitude vs a sidewall factor. Then maybe add mechanics for a variety of pen-aids vs target ECM. maybe include recon platforms and drones as abstracts for that.
2a) A Graser targeting system that emphasizes their deadliness, as countered only by sidewalls and maneuver. Needed just for very short ranges (Under 4" tabletop?) and use of small craft.
3) Work out a damage system that reflects degradation of launch and counter capabilities, crew loss, and the ever popular crit that dumps a Fusion Bottle ... KABOOM.
As far as models go,
everything uses the core Hammerhead design, so you've got an easy basis for a plastic kit. Just vary size by class, and hammerhead bits and/or ship plastic color by Star Nation.
Sounds like a lot, but I feel like a good team could hammer that out in a few weeks.
As a guy who works in actual Missile Defense, a game like this would make me happy beyond words, the Honor IP aside even.
