Michael Dorosh
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An excellent review by the way, and kind of a really great example of how to write one. Somebody posted upthread some twaddle about "coming to the right conclusions" or something, which is ridiculous on the face of it since it suggests there is only one way for multiple people to feel about any given product.
I'll pick out some things at random that spoke to me.
Firstly, the photo support for the review is terrific, and I like how they are integrated into the text.
Great review, thanks for sharing it.
I'll pick out some things at random that spoke to me.
Firstly, the photo support for the review is terrific, and I like how they are integrated into the text.
I said in another thread here recently that the counters are the best parts of these modules - I like the plastic coatings and the artwork is good. Not great, but the counters strike me as probably the best part of the modules - or would, if not for the obvious unfamiliarity of the producer regarding ASL nomenclature, etc.WBW products always come with their own self-produced counters including all the nationality units, SW, AFV and air units. Here are a few examples from the pack:
They are covered with a plastic-type film that I’ve only seen from one other game producer.
I think this is a great thing to include also. "Unboxing" videos strike me as dull as dishwater at best and at worst just rob me of the joy of discovery of something I've ordered. But hearing from someone who has actually played the thing is a nice touch. Better would be a FtF AAR, but solo play seems to be more and more commonly discussed in wargaming groups, and I suppose more and more seen as a legitimate way to rate the quality of a game.While some ASL review pundits make assessments based on an initial review of the product components only, I am providing a solo AAR of the first scenario in the module EF2-01 It Begins! pitting the US 101st Airborne against Isis in Fallujah.
Seems to make sense to me to review a game based on the designer's intent, rather than what the review wishes the publisher has done (or alternately, how well the product fits into the reviewer's notion of what ASL should be rather than what it could be). My own feelings about the WBW stuff mirror yours. I bought one of the Vietnam modules a while back (coincidentally because I was working on Meier's Modern ASL group and curious to see how WBW's rules compared). Was a bit surprised to see vehicles and ordnance counters, but no To Kill Tables for them. It looked like a great opportunity to develop my own, perhaps even market them or release them online say on FB or GS. Never got that far, but I do think there are opportunities here for others with an interest in the diverse time periods these modules are set in.So, on the one hand it was fun to play modern conventional forces and enough guidance to get you moving pieces, but on the other there are editorial issues and a lot of SL rules and counters in this module suggesting this was balanced (and developed?) more as a SL module than an ASL module. But as I am a designer and natural tinker, these issues can easily be addressed but will require more play testing to balance the scenarios and updating the counters. My initial assessment is frankly leaving Isis fanatic and use regular ASL underline morale rules will even this up plus leave out two armed Hummers and a M2 Bradley. So if play testing turns you off, this product is not for you. This reminds of the WBW stuff he did way back in the day for Squad Leader where he made his own counters, scenarios, and guidance “rules” so players could explore areas untested by the current system. His methods continue allowing you to fight on the modern battlefield but will require you to take part in the design process making it your own and sharing it with others as I have done here. An interesting subject for ASL and about 75-percent there but will require a little research before you can pull a scenario out and start playing ASL.
Great review, thanks for sharing it.