# Phoenix Command tags: #game/rpg/phoenix-command ![[Living Steel (cover).png|400]] **Phoenix Command** is not so much a role-playing game as it is a brutal, hyper-detailed combat simulator, designed by Barry Nakazono and David McKenzie and published by Leading Edge Games in 1986. This game is notorious for its labyrinthine rules and precise simulation of gunshot wounds and ballistics, making it a cult favorite among those who believe that if you’re going to pretend to shoot someone, you should do it with a level of detail that would make a forensic scientist weep. #### Game Summary At its core, **Phoenix Command** is about replicating the chaos and precision of modern combat. Set in a variety of plausible military scenarios, the game is less about role-playing and more about navigating an exhaustive array of tables and charts to determine exactly what happens when you pull the trigger. This is not a game for the faint-hearted or the mathematically challenged. #### Core Mechanics The core die resolution mechanics of **Phoenix Command** are, in a word, exhaustive. Here's a glimpse into the madness: - **Action Tables**: Players use action tables to determine the outcome of every shot fired. This involves rolling dice and cross-referencing multiple tables to find the exact impact of a shot, including hit location and damage. - **Hit Location and Damage**: The game uses a detailed hit location system that can pinpoint injuries to specific organs, bones, and even digits. Each type of weapon and ammunition is accounted for, factoring in variables like bullet velocity and angle of entry. - **Modifiers and Calculations**: Players must consider numerous modifiers, including the type of cover, distance, weapon type, and even the shooter’s stance. Each factor can influence the final outcome, making every shot an exercise in detailed simulation. #### Editions and Changes - **First Edition (1986)**: Introduced the Silhouette system, focusing on ultra-realistic small arms combat. The original ruleset came in a spiral-bound book with extensive tables and charts. - **Second Edition (1988)**: Added hand-to-hand combat rules and expanded the weapon data. This edition further refined the already complex system, adding even more layers of detail. - **Subsequent Supplements**: Numerous supplements were released, including data for World War II, Wild West, and civilian weapons, as well as advanced damage tables and rules for power armor in the **[[Living Steel]]** setting. ### References - [Phoenix Command - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Command) - [Phoenix Command at PhoenixCommand.net](https://phoenixcommand.net/) For those who enjoy spending more time calculating the exact trajectory of a bullet than actually playing the game, **Phoenix Command** offers an unmatched level of detail and realism. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who thinks RPGs should come with a health warning and a degree in physics.