Advanced Squad Leader

[Yassy]

I keep on hearing lots of good things about this game. Would it be something that you can play online in digital form somehow?
I know its a tabletop game, but perhaps something like VASSAL has support for it?
And if so, would it be suitable for DoW?


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[Asid]

Hi Yassy

There are some members here that would be interested, time permitting, and it is possible with Vassal.

Here is a good Podcast talking about ASL: http://threemovesahead.libsyn.com/episode-292-advanced-squad-leader

[Beef]

There is a VASSL for ASL (VASL) that can be found here: http://vasl.info/download.htm

You need the rules from MMP (Multi Man Publishing) which are available with or without an official binder for $80 or $66 respectively. The current version of the rules is the 2nd Edition. I have the 1st edition and have been brooding over whether to buy the 2nd edition.

There are three ASL Starter Kits (ASLSK) with each kit adding "new dimensions" to the rules (first infantry, then support weapons, then armor rules). It's the rules in baby steps...also available from MMP. There is a good three-part YouTube video that shows off the 1st starter kit.

I for one would be very interested.

Beef

[Yassy]

I would be interested to play, BUT (and this is a big but) a) I've never played any ASL, just heard about it a lot, b) time is always a concern.
Would there be a way to play by email or at least save your ongoing games? Does VASSAL feature AI to practise against?

[Beef]

Yes, you can PBEM. Get the starter kit #1 and see how you like it, or not. The kits have a great re-sale value as they sometimes are out of print.

[Yassy]

Sounds like a plan, but before I do: how long would a game take PBEM?


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[Stardog765]

Always wanted to play ASL but never had any friends locally that played tabletop wargames.

Definitely interested though sounds way expensive for what it is.  Cheaper to get Tiller's Campaign Series from Matrix. Great classic wargame with PBEM. 

[Asid]

Cheaper to get Tiller's Campaign Series from Matrix.

Tiller... You played one... You played em all.....You've seen one...You'll never see again as the garish colours blind you

Advanced Tactics Gold is worth a look http://www.matrixgames.com/products/405/details/Advanced.Tactics:.Gold
Unit Scale: Division, Battalion, Company, Regiment, Brigade, Army
Players: 1-14
AI: Yes
PBEM: Yes

or maybe

TOAWIII http://www.matrixgames.com/products/317/details/Norm.Koger%27s.The.Operational.Art.of.War.III
Unit Scale: Company, Corps
Players: 1-2
AI: Yes
PBEM: Yes

[Stardog765]

Still good games though.

[Rondor]

Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

[Asid]

Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

Tell us more Rondor

[Yassy]

Ok, I've been able to take a gander at the ASL rules, but I digress. This is going to take a long time in PBEM and seems to be much better with players around the table.
I am not going to jump in, sorry. 

[Rondor]

Well, where does one start. No doubt the most detailed baord wargame of squad level WW2 ever made.

Pro's:
Amazing fidelity
The rulebook is HUGE.
Every possible geography and battle you can ever imagine.
fully fleshed out rules for ANYTHING you could imagine happening.
HUGE online player base thru VASSAL (VASL).
Tremendous tension for a boardgame...truly.

Con's:
The rulebook is HUGE
Expensive to collect (but easy to sell and prices never go down).
One must spend a shit-ton of time to learn the bells and whistles and it really is best suited to a mentor as opposed to read and learn.
Face-to-face apponents are not easy to come by but if you live in a major city you can usually find one or two.


The ultimate ww2 chess game

Played ASL for years.

It's a lifestyle more than a game.

Tell us more Rondor

[Beef]

Rondor: Do you have the 2nd Edition of ASL and if so, do you use VASL and do you mentor at all? I have the 1st Edition of ASL and recently bought ASL Starter Kit 1 with the thought of actually playing the game and going to ConSim World eventually.

[Asid]

The time commitment is the issue

Still.......