What ASL Product Have You Bought Recently?

holdit

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Scenarios Designer's Guide by Mark Pitcavage. Well-written and full of good information and tips. I've been toying with the idea making ASL versions of some of the scenarios in Charles Grant's "Scenarios for Wargames" (WRG). Also it might be helpful for converting SL G.I. AoV scenarios to ASL because trying to get a copy of A G.I.'s Dozen is proving very frustrating.

I also pulled the trigger on "Turning the Tide" and "Rivers to the Reich", from second Chance Games.
 

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I just purchased Critical Hit's "Uncommon Valor." This product seems not to get bad reviews either here or at Desperation Morale. I hope to solitaire some of the Iwo scenarios as a way to make myself come to terms with the cave rules (and thereby expand my PTO knowledge). I've recently read the paddy rules (and used them in a FW scenario), so grokking caves seems like a reasonable next step (then maybe amphibious landing rules).

Oh, I also replaced some of my last few mounted boards with cardstock boards.
 

olli

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I just purchased Critical Hit's "Uncommon Valor." This product seems not to get bad reviews either here or at Desperation Morale. I hope to solitaire some of the Iwo scenarios as a way to make myself come to terms with the cave rules (and thereby expand my PTO knowledge). I've recently read the paddy rules (and used them in a FW scenario), so grokking caves seems like a reasonable next step (then maybe amphibious landing rules).

Oh, I also replaced some of my last few mounted boards with cardstock boards.
They have done some good stuff over the years and a few of the most recent stuff have been good. But I have bought very little over the last two years and he has released over 300 items in that time!!!!!
 

djohannsen

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They have done some good stuff over the years and a few of the most recent stuff have been good. But I have bought very little over the last two years and he has released over 300 items in that time!!!!!
Though new to ASL, I have learned to do some research before taking the plunge on CH (at a minimum, checking Desperation Morale to see the lineage of names for a particular offering). Some of their earliest stuff (Rout packs and Paddington Bears packs) seems to me to be very good (though the production standards never approached the level of AH/MMP, even on something so simple as scenario cards). Anyway, Uncommon Valor only cost me $20, so even if all I do is throw counters on the historical map and work through the cave rules I think that I will have gotten my money's worth.
 

Honza

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Uncommon Valor is worth the money just because it is an attempt to cover a very interesting battle and bring it to ASL. This module introduced me to Iwo Jima and then I went on to design my own map and CG. CH have often ventured where other ASL producers dare not go in terms of subject matter.
 

djohannsen

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Uncommon Valor is worth the money just because it is an attempt to cover a very interesting battle and bring it to ASL.
I just finished "The Friendly Dead" by T. Grady Gallant and am beginning Hammel's monster (picture) tome on Iwo Jima. I felt inspired enough, then, to take a bit of a chance on CH's "Uncommon Valor."

What do you think of the accuracy of the historic map in "Uncommon Valor?" Does it depict anything beside some portion of the airfield (i.e., Turkey Knob or Hill 382 or the amphitheater)? I guess I'll know soon enough (should arrive in a couple of days), but would be interested to hear the thoughts on accuracy from soneone who knows the battle better than I.
 

Sparky

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I just finished "The Friendly Dead" by T. Grady Gallant and am beginning Hammel's monster (picture) tome on Iwo Jima. I felt inspired enough, then, to take a bit of a chance on CH's "Uncommon Valor."

What do you think of the accuracy of the historic map in "Uncommon Valor?" Does it depict anything beside some portion of the airfield (i.e., Turkey Knob or Hill 382 or the amphitheater)? I guess I'll know soon enough (should arrive in a couple of days), but would be interested to hear the thoughts on accuracy from soneone who knows the battle better than I.
CH does do one thing well.. maps. It is very accurate. The map covers 382 and the 4th M.D's attacks upon it but the primary focus of the HASL is the 3rd M.D's attacks on Hills Peter and 199-Oboe north of the airfield.

the amphitheater is just off the map.. it would be great to see that expanded to the east to catch the rest of the meatgrinder.

enjoy it... it is one of my favorite HASL products. It is a good one also for learning caves and complexes.. and on that note. Stay very far away from the other CH Iwo release.. 362A but it sucked balls... its only redeeming element were the counters haha
 

Yuri0352

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I just finished "The Friendly Dead" by T. Grady Gallant and am beginning Hammel's monster (picture) tome on Iwo Jima.
I recommend Hammel's 'Iwo Jima ' very highly for it's excellent photographs, many of which I have not seen previously. My favorite aspect of the book was the inclusion of the citations for all of the Medal of Honor recipients who fought in this battle.
The book is not heavy on text, as the images are quite effective at telling the story.
 

Honza

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What do you think of the accuracy of the historic map in "Uncommon Valor?" Does it depict anything beside some portion of the airfield (i.e., Turkey Knob or Hill 382 or the amphitheater)?
Apparently the map is based upon actual plans of the area. Darrell Andersen (the designer) found some old Marine plans.

In the resources section of this forum I have downloaded my Iwo map. It covers the same area as the UV map PLUS the Amphitheatre, Turkey Knob, Minami Village, Quarry and Charlie Dog Ridge. It covers the whole area the 4th M.D. fought in.
 
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djohannsen

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I recommend Hammel's 'Iwo Jima ' very highly for it's excellent photographs, many of which I have not seen previously.
I'm just through the first couple of chapters... The close-up photos of some of the Japanese fighting positions are incredibly effective for conveying how difficult a struggle it was. The Gallant book was enjoyable but not great (for me). It does, however, effectively show the human side of the battle by relating various anecdotes and first-hand accounts (some of which are grisly and some humorous).
 

hongkongwargamer

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I'm just through the first couple of chapters... The close-up photos of some of the Japanese fighting positions are incredibly effective for conveying how difficult a struggle it was. The Gallant book was enjoyable but not great (for me). It does, however, effectively show the human side of the battle by relating various anecdotes and first-hand accounts (some of which are grisly and some humorous).
Just picking up Hammel's "Frozen Chosen" myself .. I have a feeling that Iwo Jima might be next!
 

djohannsen

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Apparently the map is based upon actual plans of the area. Darrell Andersen (the designer) found some old Marine plans.

In the resources section of this forum I have downloaded my Iwo map. It covers the same area as the UV map PLUS the Amphitheatre, Turkey Knob, Minami Village, Quarry and Charlie Dog Ridge. It covers the whole area the 4th M.D. fought in.
I now have vague recollections of seeing this a couple of years ago, certainly before I knew who anyone was around these parts (sadly, I am still personally acquainted with only a couple of guys, but working on it). Anyway, the map looks wonderful. IIRC, aren't you working on a CG as well? I still don't yet VASL, but if you ever need another set of eyes for proof reading, or, if I make it ASLOK, I would love to help PT anything. Finally, thanks for all the help.
 
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Honza

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Yes I am working upon a CG as well. It is a huge task. Imagine covering a 3ft by 4ft map with caves and pillboxes and then attacking them with about 150 SE of Marines.
 

Honza

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To be fair to Peter Iwo Jima is a very specialist subject in ASL. Particularly at the scale I re-created it. I cannot imagine many tourney players would enjoy it.
 
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