Anyone else looking forward to this release?
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/201516/advanced-platoon-leader
June 6, ordering opens up with a limited number of boxed and zip locked copies available. I'm probably just gonna get the PnP version... maybe build a VASSAL module for it as well as build the game... maybe even build a minis version if it's good enough.
The rules have just been posted in the file section, so go read them!
Just what I need is another squad level WWII game but this one is at least solo designed out of the gate.
Quote from: Barthheart on May 11, 2017, 03:32:44 PM
Anyone else looking forward to this release?
Jason has been selling various self-published stuff for a while now. I only remember the name because his earliest artwork was simply pirated stuff which he's now replaced, apparently, with custom designed stuff. Not sure how big the design team is, but as always, buyer beware. No reason it couldn't be good - maybe you can tell us what you think once it's in your hands.
Barthart and Michael,
The early days of H&S GAMES were admittedly rough going having started the company on my own in my girlfriend's college dorm room with little to no money or know how. With Platoon Leader, all i knew is that I had a system that worked, but more, it was a system that i liked and wanted to make available. The means to do so were extremely limited. Along the way, kind souls from the community emerged to offer help, specifically with graphic design until i was ultimately able to land a kind of "in house" graphics person based out of Germany. Robert Lenz has exceeded every expectation i could have since hopping on board and Advanced Platoon Leader marks the first game in which he has headed the entire graphic design/layout. From that very first game, to Ostfront to APL to the future, i am doing everything i can to improve in all aspects of design/development and publishing. I have learned quite a bit but still have much to learn. To this end, i strive to make games that are fun and affordable and am always open to suggestions, constructive criticism, questions etc. Together, we can continue to make the wargaming hobby the best hobby out there and for my part i am trying to be proactive rather than reactive.
Looking forward to seeing/reading Barth's impressions :)
Quote from: bayonetbrant on May 19, 2017, 02:14:18 PM
Looking forward to seeing/reading Barth's impressions :)
As soon as I can get my grubby hands on it! :D
Quote from: HSGAMES on May 19, 2017, 01:59:26 PM
Barthart and Michael,
The early days of H&S GAMES were admittedly rough going having started the company on my own in my girlfriend's college dorm room with little to no money or know how. With Platoon Leader, all i knew is that I had a system that worked, but more, it was a system that i liked and wanted to make available. The means to do so were extremely limited. Along the way, kind souls from the community emerged to offer help, specifically with graphic design until i was ultimately able to land a kind of "in house" graphics person based out of Germany. Robert Lenz has exceeded every expectation i could have since hopping on board and Advanced Platoon Leader marks the first game in which he has headed the entire graphic design/layout. From that very first game, to Ostfront to APL to the future, i am doing everything i can to improve in all aspects of design/development and publishing. I have learned quite a bit but still have much to learn. To this end, i strive to make games that are fun and affordable and am always open to suggestions, constructive criticism, questions etc. Together, we can continue to make the wargaming hobby the best hobby out there and for my part i am trying to be proactive rather than reactive.
Welcome and thanks for dropping by Jason! O0
Looking forward to getting this on the table.
Got my PnP copy. Just need some time to assembly and get it on the table.
Might even write a review for Brant....
Looking forward to the review. I have looked at APL a few times, but not sure if I would like it.
I'[d probably like a copy but delivery will probably be in the US - costing me a small fortune, so it's unlikely I'll pick one up.
Looking forward to the review though
So how does Print and Play work? I've never done that before.
I know what it is - I'm just wondering what's involved by you as a purchaser. I presume you can just print the components onto paper and play? You could take it a stage further and mount the items onto card or blocks (for chits for example)? So basically making it as expensive as you need?
Never done it - and it sounds interesting...a board game - tactical too - for $9.99! O0
Quote from: Barthheart on June 09, 2017, 06:20:49 AM
Got my PnP copy. Just need some time to assembly and get it on the table.
Might even write a review for Brant....
Is that promised review #49? :P
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 26, 2017, 05:13:55 PM
So how does Print and Play work? I've never done that before.
I know what it is - I'm just wondering what's involved by you as a purchaser. I presume you can just print the components onto paper and play? You could take it a stage further and mount the items onto card or blocks (for chits for example)? So basically making it as expensive as you need?
Never done it - and it sounds interesting...a board game - tactical too - for $9.99! O0
The way I do it is to print the counters on single page stickers then stick that to a piece of 2mm mat board. Then cut out the counters with nice square corners. ;)
This game uses map tiles rather than a map sheet so I've printed them on to card stock.
So it's $10 for the PDF game files, printer ink, full page stickers, card stock, and mat board. So maybe $25 altogether.
Quote from: bbmike on June 26, 2017, 05:24:11 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on June 09, 2017, 06:20:49 AM
Got my PnP copy. Just need some time to assembly and get it on the table.
Might even write a review for Brant....
Is that promised review #49? :P
I've not promised anything... merely suggested that I might dain to write one.
Unlike mirth who still owes at least one. :P
Quote from: Barthheart on June 26, 2017, 09:03:59 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 26, 2017, 05:13:55 PM
So how does Print and Play work? I've never done that before.
I know what it is - I'm just wondering what's involved by you as a purchaser. I presume you can just print the components onto paper and play? You could take it a stage further and mount the items onto card or blocks (for chits for example)? So basically making it as expensive as you need?
Never done it - and it sounds interesting...a board game - tactical too - for $9.99! O0
The way I do it is to print the counters on single page stickers then stick that to a piece of 2mm mat board. Then cut out the counters with nice square corners. ;)
This game uses map tiles rather than a map sheet so I've printed them on to card stock.
So it's $10 for the PDF game files, printer ink, full page stickers, card stock, and mat board. So maybe $25 altogether.
Thanks...bought it.
So $9.99 = £8.13!!! WTF!!
Having never bought Print and Play before, I was assuming a link after payment...is that not the case (I didn't get one)? Perhaps he processes them manually, hence taking some time for the details to come through?
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 27, 2017, 12:29:32 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on June 26, 2017, 09:03:59 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 26, 2017, 05:13:55 PM
So how does Print and Play work? I've never done that before.
I know what it is - I'm just wondering what's involved by you as a purchaser. I presume you can just print the components onto paper and play? You could take it a stage further and mount the items onto card or blocks (for chits for example)? So basically making it as expensive as you need?
Never done it - and it sounds interesting...a board game - tactical too - for $9.99! O0
The way I do it is to print the counters on single page stickers then stick that to a piece of 2mm mat board. Then cut out the counters with nice square corners. ;)
This game uses map tiles rather than a map sheet so I've printed them on to card stock.
So it's $10 for the PDF game files, printer ink, full page stickers, card stock, and mat board. So maybe $25 altogether.
Thanks...bought it.
I
So $9.99 = £8.13!!! WTF!!
Having never bought Print and Play before, I was assuming a link after payment...is that not the case (I didn't get one)? Perhaps he processes them manually, hence taking some time for the details to come through?
One man shop. You should get email saying thanks for the purchase. Then a second with a link to download the files, there's 8 files all together. Link comes in about a day or less.
Thank you
Got my link. I will download tonight and think about paper/card etc, etc O0
O0
I've been so busy with Origins and returning home jobs that I haven't had time to complete my PnP version.
I'll finish it this weekend and put up some photos and maybe some play thoughts.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 27, 2017, 07:40:56 AM
Got my link. I will download tonight and think about paper/card etc, etc O0
There's an old thread here (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=6129.0) that might help with some of that.
Quote from: bbmike on June 27, 2017, 08:05:20 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 27, 2017, 07:40:56 AM
Got my link. I will download tonight and think about paper/card etc, etc O0
There's an old thread here (http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=6129.0) that might help with some of that.
Thanks O0
Whoa, hold on...this looked, honestly, like 'just another infantry combat' WWII game, of which arguably there are a plethora.
Looking at the product page, though, it seems this is a solitaire game? This isn't specifically stated, but the '6' on the box is (I'm guessing) meaning it's highly solitaire-friendly, and the mention of AI in the game indicates the same...so if it is why would this not be touted as such?
Or did my middle-aged eyes just miss something? ;)
Nope, you got it right. It's primarily a solo game which is why I was so interested.
Thanks, Barth. I might buy the PnP rules myself.
I'm seeing a lot of cool product on their page, too...lots of expansions and such.
Quote from: BC on June 27, 2017, 10:31:44 AM
Whoa, hold on...this looked, honestly, like 'just another infantry combat' WWII game, of which arguably there are a plethora.
Looking at the product page, though, it seems this is a solitaire game? This isn't specifically stated, but the '6' on the box is (I'm guessing) meaning it's highly solitaire-friendly, and the mention of AI in the game indicates the same...so if it is why would this not be touted as such?
Or did my middle-aged eyes just miss something? ;)
I saw the 6 for solitaire and the fact it was a squad tactical game and I was sold.
Just bought this lot
Matt print paper 270gsm for printing counter and cards
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FIMAG2466_zpsxnu9tjzz.jpg&hash=ac66974395244fc4c963d515786525b2b177fc8f) (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/wmar1967/media/IMAG2466_zpsxnu9tjzz.jpg.html)
210gsm "card" to stick the playing cards and terrain cards to
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FIMAG2467_zpsr6x3sysp.jpg&hash=e7d15df4561e411c76de739a83416600e2daa4ba) (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/wmar1967/media/IMAG2467_zpsr6x3sysp.jpg.html)
An Foam board to stick counters to
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FIMAG2468_zpsptalhani.jpg&hash=cf51ccd8c1e69433780bc284eb1b8265bd51b601) (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/wmar1967/media/IMAG2468_zpsptalhani.jpg.html)
Here goes! Never done this before
That foam board might be a little too brittle for the kind of foam described in the other thread. Give it a try, but it's tricky stuff to cut
Quote from: bayonetbrant on June 27, 2017, 01:37:11 PM
That foam board might be a little too brittle for the kind of foam described in the other thread. Give it a try, but it's tricky stuff to cut
Because it's laminated?
I already came across one issue - the card I bought is too thick to work in my duplex printer.
I could print odd numbers then feed it back through and print even numbers, but before I did so, I printed onto normal paper and decided for that manual that would do me.
I always print the manuals on normal paper. Maybe just the covers on card stock.
Players aids also get card stock.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 27, 2017, 01:43:52 PM
Because it's laminated?
No, bc the interior is rather brittle. If I'm reading the packaging correctly, that's "foam core" where the cross-section looks like this
(https://www.foamboards.com.au/image/cache/catalog/Foam_board-228x228.jpg)
that interior is very crumbly & brittle.
It stands up nice as a display sign, but once you start cutting it and moving it around too much and dinging the edges/corners (rounded or otherwise! ;D) it'll start to flake apart and get pretty soft on the edges
The kind of foam I was describing in the "how to mount counters" post I made (linked above) was this stuff
(https://store.schoolspecialty.com/OA_HTML/xxssi_ibeGetWCCImage.jsp?docName=F1612700&Rendition=Large)
that is more soft / pliable
You can also use the kind of matte board that framing stores use to back / frame pictures with, but it can be expensive and tough to cut. The upside it that it's nearly indestructible.
Quote from: bayonetbrant on June 27, 2017, 01:59:42 PM
....
You can also use the kind of matte board that framing stores use to back / frame pictures with, but it can be expensive and tough to cut. The upside it that it's nearly indestructible.
That's why I use it for my DIY counters.
Quote from: Barthheart on June 27, 2017, 02:02:44 PM
That's why I use it for my DIY counters.
you just use it b/c the corners are harder to clip!
And they stay sharp as a knife! O0
I am cheap and make mine like this.
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/images/pic1019138.jpg)
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/666901/constructing-vv-building-armies-hedgerow-hell-with
Those A4 labels are £40 here :o
So I opted for the cheaper £18 photo paper and £5 card. I have double sided tape which I will use or I may well get some spray glue.
Ran out of photo paper last night and coloured ink. So it's back to the shops anyway.
I don't particularly mind this costing more...as long as it looks good.
Spray glue is a totally fine way to do it. It's just messier than the label sheets :)
I've done the label sheets on both sides of non-corrugated cardboard and that worked out ok. I save pieces of cardboard from packaging inserts and the like if it is thick enough and not creased.
If your counter sheet is fairly small you can even cut sections from glossy boxes electronics are packed in.
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 28, 2017, 12:37:46 AM
Those A4 labels are £40 here :o
It's $13.79 US for a box of 25 sheets here. I have also tried spraying the counters with a gloss to protect them. Works well.
This is my Valor & Victory PnP squad battle game.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi738.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx28%2FRichie61leader%2F003_zpsyxyqirwu.jpg&hash=a1450d3a26b168d20f65e69c33879470fbce86be)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi738.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx28%2FRichie61leader%2F003%25202_zpsvqx6mdqn.jpg&hash=39f3d37c5d0418ea104151d7eddee23dda11120a)
Look at all those nice square corners! :bd:
Now I need to buy this PnP, spend a few sheckles to prep it, carefully cut them out...
...and then clip the counters and post pics for Barth! :D
:knuppel2:
Can I ask what the bottom part of these terrain tiles are for?
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FSnap1_zpsci2oay7e.jpg&hash=4c512775ef4bf507f5c0921ea44392b182e5bfbc) (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/wmar1967/media/Snap1_zpsci2oay7e.jpg.html)
They seem to be surplus to requirement - as well as using a load of ink
I think you will find that they are the reverse side of the tile.
Thanks bob. I thought that was the case (in the video the guy mentioned perforating the line) but as I'm going to put them onto card, doesn't seem worth the ink.
Can't do anything about it though.
I have to say, I'm impressed with the quality of the print on Matte photo paper
I will do an unboxing thread when I've finished - if I get the components together (I may have an issue with that foam card as Brant pointed out)
Quote from: JudgeDredd on June 28, 2017, 01:50:21 PM
I will do an unboxing thread when I've finished - if I get the components together (I may have an issue with that foam card as Brant pointed out)
O0
I look forward to that, JD.
Man - this Print and Play is a lot of work! :wow:
It can be. :D But then you have the satisfaction of knowing you built a game with yer own hands. O0
Judgedredd,
You are not required to mount every counter included in the game. You need only mount that which is required for a particular scenario. Most of the German counters are merely included for DIY scenarios.
I think you'll find GrogHeads is full of overachievers.
Quote from: BC on June 30, 2017, 04:18:20 PM
I think you'll find GrogHeads is full of overachievers.
At douche-canoeing
To an extent, but as your avatar title clearly states...
Quote from: BC on June 30, 2017, 04:18:20 PM
I think you'll find GrogHeads is full of overachievers.
I resemble that remark! :knuppel2:
Quote from: HSGAMES on June 30, 2017, 04:15:45 PM
Judgedredd,
You are not required to mount every counter included in the game. You need only mount that which is required for a particular scenario. Most of the German counters are merely included for DIY scenarios.
Thanks you.
I know - but I wouldn't feel it was complete if I didn't do them all. ;D
I'm currently debating whether to put the "backs" on the back of the terrain cards. They don't add anything but aesthetics and making them a bit sturdier. The reason I'm debating is I might well run out of spray glue
I did put the backs onto the back of the Stat cards, weather card and VP card and they are very robust...so it might be worth it
That spray glue is damn messy! Lots of waste paper required to prevent it going onto table/work top
Looking good though so far. I haven't cut out the counters yet - I'm a bit wary after it being said it may be brittle. I will do it - just waiting for some courage :-"
Quote from: Barthheart on June 30, 2017, 05:16:53 PM
Quote from: BC on June 30, 2017, 04:18:20 PM
I think you'll find GrogHeads is full of overachievers.
I resemble that remark! :knuppel2:
you don't even trim your counters!
I'm nearly done. The foam stuff want working out so I put the counters on card and then again so they are sturdy.
Is there really only one company of US troops? There's something like 5 or 6 companies of German troops
Yeah but the Germans have 5 different types of units and you don't use them together much, regulars, conscripts, vets, paras, engineers, etc.
For the US all you have are paras.
Quote from: Barthheart on July 01, 2017, 02:49:42 PM
Yeah but the Germans have 5 different types of units and you don't use them together much, regulars, conscripts, vets, paras, engineers, etc.
For the US all you have are paras.
Ah-ha....cool. Thanks O0