Second HASL after RF, need some help.

[Gelete]

Although I started learning the rules three years ago, I have been quite busy and I am actually just getting into the game. I have built a good enough collection with all the cores and several APs. I also have Red Factories and I have played some basic scenarios but not the CG yet. I know the wise thing here would be to stick with RF since it has so much to offer, but got some extra and unexpected money from my taxes and wanted to add a second HASL to the collection. I like a lot Sword over Manila concept (also I am very attracted to Phillipines history). I want to get a HASL with japanese forces since I won´t collect all the HASL stuff and want some variability so that rules out Hatten in Flames and Saint Marie Eglise. Now, and knowing both designs are not for beginneers but being 100% sure I will stick to the game since I love it, what do you recommend me? Wait for the Marco Polo full ASL version or buying a copy of SoM? Normally I would just wait for Marco Polo and compare both, but SoM is closer to get out of stock here in Spain so I have to take a decision. Is it a good HASL compared to HiF or RF?, are the regular scenarios included in the box also good? Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

PD: This is my first thread here, so if this is not the place to post it fell free to delete it and sorry in advance, just learning, conscript and disrupted user here.

 

[PresterJohn]

Assuming you are only interested in modules from MMP then this is as good as any place. Sword and Fire:Manila is going to be cheaper buying it now from MMP, rather than later from the second hand market where you can assume any out of print items will at least double in price.

 

[Vinnie]

If your only experience is RF then do not discount Hatten. They are 2 very very different HASLs. One infantry heavy, the other armour heavy.
S&F is a great product with a large number of scenarios of high quality. It is PTO light, being a city fight rather than jungle.
I assume you have Rising Sun? If so then you have Gavutu Tanambogo as well.

 

[Hutch]

Or the mini-HASL's Nhpum Ga, Burma (Annual 97) or Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa (Journal 2). Both magazines can be purchased on the Wargame Vault.

 

[Gelete]

Yep., I have all the core boxes.

Thanks all, you gave me some nice alternatives (as a matter of fact I own all the annuals and journals).

 

[Hutch]

Now, we all we have to do is to convince Dan Dolan (phlegm027) to release his CG for Kakazu Ridge.

 

[Honza]

Now, we all we have to do is to convince Dan Dolan (phlegm027) to release his CG for Kakazu Ridge.

Is that still on the cards?

 

[Hutch]

I don't know, but was hoping it might trigger something.

 

[ScottRomanowski]

I dislike city slogs like RB/RO/RF so I'd recommend KGP 1 and 2, Operation Veritable, and Drop Zone SME.

 

[VonHutier]

Yep., I have all the core boxes.

Thanks all, you gave me some nice alternatives (as a matter of fact I own all the annuals and journals).

Buy S&F Manila; if you like playing Japanese in built up areas, it's fantastic...

 

[MajorDomo]

You may want to buy Blood & Jungle.

While not a HASL, it has 40+ scenarios, which range from tourney sized to some biggies. PTO based, it is a must for a PTO lover and a very good value for money spent.

 

[VonHutier]

You may want to buy Blood & Jungle.

While not a HASL, it has 40+ scenarios, which range from tourney sized to some biggies. PTO based, it is a must for a PTO lover and a very good value for money spent.

Excellent recommendation

 

[Gelete]

Thanks all, you are very kind.

 

[Carln0130]

Yep., I have all the core boxes.

Thanks all, you gave me some nice alternatives (as a matter of fact I own all the annuals and journals).

In our self-serving shameless plug department, there is always Dinant.

 

[STAVKA]

I dislike city slogs like RB/RO/RF so I'd recommend KGP 1 and 2, Operation Veritable, and Drop Zone SME.

I would not reccomend Country slogs to new players.

The city slog fanbase is what made ASL popular and made the game possible to grow and attract new players.

 

[Vic Provost]

Although I started learning the rules three years ago, I have been quite busy and I am actually just getting into the game. I have built a good enough collection with all the cores and several APs. I also have Red Factories and I have played some basic scenarios but not the CG yet. I know the wise thing here would be to stick with RF since it has so much to offer, but got some extra and unexpected money from my taxes and wanted to add a second HASL to the collection. I like a lot Sword over Manila concept (also I am very attracted to Phillipines history). I want to get a HASL with japanese forces since I won´t collect all the HASL stuff and want some variability so that rules out Hatten in Flames and Saint Marie Eglise. Now, and knowing both designs are not for beginneers but being 100% sure I will stick to the game since I love it, what do you recommend me? Wait for the Marco Polo full ASL version or buying a copy of SoM? Normally I would just wait for Marco Polo and compare both, but SoM is closer to get out of stock here in Spain so I have to take a decision. Is it a good HASL compared to HiF or RF?, are the regular scenarios included in the box also good? Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.

PD: This is my first thread here, so if this is not the place to post it fell free to delete it and sorry in advance, just learning, conscript and disrupted user here.

Do NOT discount Hatten right away, it is one of the most playable and balanced HASLs with a manageable campaign and fun scenarios, neither side is way better than the other and it always is a blast to play. Manilla and Budapest are very heavy HASLs that have a lot of Chrome and you need to commit much time and effort in either. They are A+ efforts best enjoyed with veteran ASL help. As someone else mentioned, mini HASLs are a great way to go with Nhpum Ga, Burma (Annual 97) or Kakazu Ridge, Okinawa (Journal 2). Both magazines can be purchased on the Wargame Vault. I would steer clear of the big HASLs until you have more experience or buy one now and wait until you are more comfortable in ASL to give it a try. Lastly, we at Dispatches from the Bunker have smaller HASLs in Issues #28 (Guadalcanal) and #46 (Rees, Germany 1945). Hatten and Rees are my favorite HASLs after RF, Vic from Dispatches.

 

[Vic Provost]

In our self-serving shameless plug department, there is always Dinant.

Yes, almost forgot Dinant, great stuff as well, but beware that river crossing!

 

[wrongway149]

Save it for 'Slaughter at Ponyi- which is coming this summer.

Some infantry only scenarios, but lots of combined arms with a bit of chrome but not excessive amounts.
Has more of a 'back to basics' feel than some of the more recent HASLs,

 

[Doug Kirk]

Another vote for Hatten.

 

[DVexile]

I like a lot Sword over Manila concept (also I am very attracted to Phillipines history). I want to get a HASL with japanese forces since I won´t collect all the HASL stuff and want some variability so that rules out Hatten in Flames and Saint Marie Eglise.

You have many excellent suggestions from others already.

That said, if you want Japanese and like Philippine history then presumably you will want SaFM eventually.

SoM is closer to get out of stock here in Spain so I have to take a decision.

And this is the problem. HASLs pretty much never get reprinted (RF being the unusual exception). So if you think you may want a HASL in the future it is better to purchase and put it on the shelf. They resell very well once out of print if you eventually decide you don’t want to play it.

So I’d say perhaps get SaFM now if it is going to be hard to get for you soon (in the US at least it probably has a couple more years availability if it goes like most MMP HASLs). But perhaps don’t actually play it anytime soon. As others posted there are a lot of other smaller HASLs that you might play first (and already own).

Many people responded about your mention of Hatten. Indeed, it is quite different from RF as it is a more open map with armor. The rules burden is low with few special rules or terrain. However, that armor combined with some challenging LOS can make it slower to play than expected! Definitely a different beast than an urban slugfest. It is, however, already out of print and becoming a bit pricey.