Saturday, July 1, 2017

Hexes and Counters

I had the original version of Squad Leader back in the late 70s and really enjoyed it. Somewhere along the line, I ended up selling my copy of the original and the two expansions I had. Why I do things like that, I'll never understand! Inevitably my interest circles back around and I regret selling off the collection.

Anyway, I picked up a second hand copy of the Advanced Squad Leader Starter Kit #1 recently. I discovered an extensive online community supporting the game and found some great tutorials for learning how to play. It's made for some very enjoyable evenings playing solo.

The iconic silhouette on the cover is what grabbed my attention.
Memories of days gone by. : )
The beginner's scenario.
I always loved these mission cards.
Old School hex and counter game.
I love the look of beautifully painted minis and terrain,
but something about the graphic art of this game appeals to me also.
It has some serious "crunch", but it flows well and is an enjoyable challenge.
Some argue that Advanced Squad Leader is more of a simulation of combat than a game. Not having been in combat, I cannot speak to this. But I do know it's complex and I'm enjoying that complexity. With the current trend in games to simplify everything, it is refreshing to experience a real mental challenge. I figure if I keep playing games like this, it will help stave off senility as I age! : )

I'm looking to pickup the other two Starter Kits when the publisher restocks them at the end of the Summer. I'm imagining further enjoyable evenings this Fall and Winter.

Until next time, carry on!


4 comments:

  1. I still have Squad Leader and Cross of Iron and Crescendo of doom as well. Never did by GI Anvil of Victory. Not played in 10+ years, maybe I should dust it off and play a game or two.

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    1. Those were the only expansions I had as well. It was a great game back in the day. I'm seeing how ASL is even better these days. The ASL Starter Kit rules are more concise and flow better than the original game. You should give it a try!

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  2. I had a friend who was heavily into ASL, several decades ago. Think I played once, but I'm not interested enough in the subject matter to apply myself to the complexity...

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    1. It's not for everyone. I've always been a WWII history buff, so it appeals to me. Plus, I like the complexity for the mental challenge it offers. I guess I just like all kinds of games. : )

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