Scenarios to play multiple times, replay value.

[Bjoernar]

Now and then I play a scenario that I can enjoy playing several times, even the same side. The last scenario like this for me was Hazmo 31, The cloak of disorder. I have played the chinese two times (win and loss) and can play then again because there many things to try and do in the defensive. Hard to get to use the dare-death and TH-heros optimal.

What scenario could you play several times?

This could be a suggestion to follow due to the large number of scenarios to play.

 

[Actionjick]

We replayed scenarios a lot. Great way to learn and try different approaches.

Guryev's Headquarters

Played it seven times before the Series Replay and at least a couple more after that. We obviously liked it.

 

[PresterJohn]

What comes to mind when I think of a small bundle of scenarios with high replay value?

I think MMP should compile a short list of 20 scenarios that in some way bring back the progressive learning that I remember experiencing with SL and COI, and package it as an Anniversary product, which is only available as an online product. This product would likely only be purchased by an interested non-ASL wargame player (along with the eASLRB as a bundle too) and played on VASSAL, which they might probably already have experience of.

To be successful and long lasting the scenarios in such a product would need high replayability for people who don't just play ASL. It may be the only ASL scenarios they own. But it would allow them to experience the system without buying component modules and yet they will be able to sit down and play with those who do own many modules with hundreds or even thousands of other scenarios. A product for a new generation of part-time ASL players.

I probably shouldn't be choosing those scenarios. I would replay any scenario, but I have so many more to play for the first time.

A similar product could be imagined for SK.

 

[von Marwitz]

I think MMP should compile a short list of 20 scenarios that in some way bring back the progressive learning that I remember experiencing with SL and COI,

Well, there is SK 1-3...

von Marwitz

 

[Robin Reeve]

It seems that some players are in a loop of three scenarios : Guards Counterattack - The Tractor Works - Hill 621.
A Groundhog Day where people don't want to leave their beloved 1976 teenage years.

 

[Vic Provost]

For me, Bread Factory #2 - RB3, was always a good fallback if you could not agree on what to play, balanced and tourney sized and almost always came down to the last turn in what I have played it at least a dozen times in my ASL lifetime and would play it again someday for sure. Honorable mention to A Stiff Fight J9 which is 110-109 Japanese - Gurkha on ROAR and is always a close one when I played it. Hill 621 also for being such a fun fight.

 

[Paul John]

Bread Factory #2 - RB3

Second, this one is always fun! For American combined arms practice, Old Friends (J178) has been super fun multiple times.

 

[PresterJohn]

Well, there is SK 1-3...

von Marwitz

Wouldn't you keep those for the SK version of the Anniversary product?

 

[zgrose]

IIRC, VotG9 Eviction Notice has a lot of replay value. AP101 When I Call Roll is another good one.
Short, tight scenarios will lots of choices. I'm sure I have other favorites, but those spring to mind.

 

[wrongway149]

Now and then I play a scenario that I can enjoy playing several times, even the same side. The last scenario like this for me was Hazmo 31, The cloak of disorder. I have played the chinese two times (win and loss) and can play then again because there many things to try and do in the defensive. Hard to get to use the dare-death and TH-heros optimal.

What scenario could you play several times?

This could be a suggestion to follow due to the large number of scenarios to play.

This is an important consideration in scenario design. Some (including this designer) claim 'replay factor' adds value, others say 'don't bother as there are too many other scenarios now.'

For me, even if you DON'T play the scenario again, it is important to have options- and even options that may not be obvious after you've pulled counters. Half the fun is having that 'a-ha!" moment when you realize some other ways to approach the problems presented and that it could make a difference in the outcome.

But in order for a scenario to have replay value --it must be FUN first. Not many will replay something that turns into a chore to finish-- no matter how well-balanced it might be. So a scenario must have a number of dynamic components (which some call 'diceyness') and those must be balanced with opportunities for superior tactical execution when the dice get moody.

 

[wrongway149]

Here is an example of one of my recent children, that I was quite happy to hear about (AP 226 Bargaining Chip) which was replayed by the players switching sides.
I was especially excited about this one as it almost didn't make the pack. The first few tests showed some canine DNA and I wasn't sure what to do about it---, but several playtesters enjoyed it enough to stick with it through a few more tweaks and now it might be one of the better games in Action Pack 20. (For those who don't mind a bit of Forgotten War, any way.)

 

[Mister T]

This is an important consideration in scenario design. Some (including this designer) claim 'replay factor' adds value, others say 'don't bother as there are too many other scenarios now.'

For me, even if you DON'T play the scenario again, it is important to have options- and even options that may not be obvious after you've pulled counters. Half the fun is having that 'a-ha!" moment when you realize some other ways to approach the problems presented and that it could make a difference in the outcome.

But in order for a scenario to have replay value --it must be FUN first. Not many will replay something that turns into a chore to finish-- no matter how well-balanced it might be. So a scenario must have a number of dynamic components (which some call 'diceyness') and those must be balanced with opportunities for superior tactical execution when the dice get moody.

It's not that people would reject to play a scenario another time by principle. It's just that for many scenarios, after having played it once, its capability to surprise is exhausted. There are scenarios where this is not the case and people would be eager to try them again, because there are other options that appeared in the course of the playing and one may want to try these on . The latter type is a minority, because it is not easy to design such rich scenarios.

I wouldn't necessarily equate "dynamic components" with "dicyness", the concepts only very partially overlap.

 

[Vinnie]

The Friday Night Fights group have played a couple of scenarios multiple times. Tony can tell you which (I don't recall from one game to the next @Tony Gibson ).
The latest one was Elephants Unleashed. It's always interesting to pop in and see how different each game is.

 

[Bjoernar]

IIRC, VotG9 Eviction Notice has a lot of replay value. AP101 When I Call Roll is another good one.
Short, tight scenarios will lots of choices. I'm sure I have other favorites, but those spring to mind.

Thank for tip on AP101 When I call roll, I have been considering this for a long time, maybe I shall actually play this one. VotG9 is a great scenario, only played once but I remember it even many years later.

 

[burniefox]

Merzenhausen Zoo

 

[Gunner Scott]

Merzenhausen Zoo

Yes! Excellent scenario that has the possibility of multiple playings. AP1 A Breezeless Day is another scenario with lots of replayability. Also agree that VotG9 Eviction Notice has great replay value, I would also say all the RB and VotG scenarios are very replayable. A good chunk of DFtB and FrF scenaios have great replay value too.

 

[Robin Reeve]

AP1 A Breezeless Day

I think it is AP3 and has been reissued as scenario 198.

 

[pensatl1962]

I’ve played Engineering Defeat several times from Poland in Flames. Several ways to defend and attack in this one. Maczek Fire Brigade is another one that can hold up to multiple playings.

 

[Vic Provost]

Yes! Excellent scenario that has the possibility of multiple playings. AP1 A Breezeless Day is another scenario with lots of replayability. Also agree that VotG9 Eviction Notice has great replay value, I would also say all the RB and VotG scenarios are very replayable. A good chunk of DFtB and FrF scenaios have great replay value too.

Thanks again Scott for your kind words about scenarios from VotG and Dispatches, getting positive feedback on a regular basis keeps me motivated and going, more scenarios to come and working on 4 of them for #62, due out in September. Roll low & enjoy!

 

[Psycho]

I think it is AP3 and has been reissued as scenario 198.

OMG! MMP is just like CH now! When will it ever end?