Which one to purchase First?

[PanzersEast]

I am looking at jumping into the DVG Air Leader Series after trying out the earlier version of Thunderbolt Apache Leader on Vassal.  So, this lends to the question, which one to purchase first or which one is your favorite?

• Phantom Leader Deluxe
• Hornet Leader
• Thunderbolt Apache Leader

Thanks

PE

[Nefaro]

I say Thunderbolt Apache Leader by a good distance!

The extra features really make it stand a head above the older ones.  Especially the terrain hex tiles.  Makes for a lot more strategizing and livens up the actual mission gameplay.  The ridges on the hex map can dictate your flight path and weapons use due to LOS and added pilot stress when you are trying to stay as low as possible, to place the ridges between you and air defenses, until you're ready to strike.  Creating the randomized enemy battalions/forces with the card decks and having to prioritize which you'll be attacking each day gives a nice variety of situations every game.  They can also advance so the situation changes day-to-day within a single air campaign.  There just seems to be a lot more to do in TAL and a wider variety of randomization.  It can be more challenging too, IMO.

Funny you should ask about it, I was just getting ready to set up a TAL campaign tonight or tomorrow.  It's definitely one of my favorite solitaire games, and quite possibly in the number one spot.

I wasn't interested in the upcoming Tiger Leader game (ugh WW2 Nazi tank porn again?!  :P ) but it's supposed to be based on the TAL style terrain hex tile system so I may have to jump on that one after all.  ;D


A German guy going by the name "callasmar" has multi-part playthroughs of both Thunderbolt Apache Leader and Phantom Leader (Deluxe?) up on YouTube.  Look it up and watch them to learn the systems - he goes through the whole thing at a slow pace and explains most of the rules while playing them.  I've watched some of his many solitaire YouTube playthroughs and got a very detailed idea how they play by watching them.   That helped me easily decide between some different purchasing options before.


Edit:  Also of note is that DVG sells a PC version of Phantom Leader for around twenty bucks, too.  I picked that one up awhile back to get my fill until I decide to buy one of the older Leader series games.

[PanzersEast]

I've really enjoyed the Vassal version of TAL, which is v1.  After reading the rules to v2, I think I will miss having the secondary missions as that is a cool mechanic.  The terrain cards look like they work better in v2 and the gameplay more streamlined.

TALv2 is out of print and is no where to be found so I guess I will have to wait for a re-print and keep playing the Vassal version until they show up.  I may go ahead and get Hornet Leader as it appears to be up there at the top.


PE

[Rekim]

I own TAL and HL. TAL is probably my favorite of the two because of the tactical element. HL has it's own strengths (many A/C types and pilots). I really don't see how you could go wrong picking up either title.

I am interested in some of the more recent Leader titles that have been released but am reluctant to invest in more of the same system with having so much to play with already.

[PanzersEast]

I own TAL and HL. TAL is probably my favorite of the two because of the tactical element. HL has it's own strengths (many A/C types and pilots). I really don't see how you could go wrong picking up either title.

I am interested in some of the more recent Leader titles that have been released but am reluctant to invest in more of the same system with having some much to play with already.

Since I cannot find it in print, I have considered picking up the Vassal Module for $29.99.  It looks very well done and appears to be easy to use.  Noting replaces holding something in your hands, but I really enjoyed the way The Hunters was implemented on the Sun Tzu system that I only use some charts from my board game to play.


Anyone using the TAL Vassal module?

PE

[Barthheart]

Read here about a couple of errors in the vassal module.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/14691466#14691466

Not sure if/when they'd be fixed up.

[PanzersEast]

Read here about a couple of errors in the vassal module.

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/14691466#14691466

Not sure if/when they'd be fixed up.

I noted the corrections and made them in the module where it was reported.  So far it looks great and started playing tonight.  I already have HL on the way.  Could not help myself!  :o

PE

[Nefaro]

Looks like almost nobody's reselling their TAL games.   :(

Glad I picked mine up when I did.  I can say that for a few recent games that are difficult to find for a reasonable price, sometimes picking them up brand new at regular price and seeing them going for almost twice that much a month later on Amazon.  :o

[Staggerwing]

NWS has a reprint of TAL listed.

http://yhst-12000246778232.stores.yahoo.net/thapledboga.html

PREORDER: ESTIMATED REPRINT SHIPPING FEB-MAR 2014

SHIPPING WEIGHT : 3-4LB

I wonder if there is more info about a reprint at the DVG site.

[PanzersEast]

Played the Vassal Module of TAL last night (Should have been running Mission #2)..... but so far no issues.  The implementation appears to be spot on and the shortcuts etc... all work, however takes a little getting use to.

All in all, I am happy with my purchase.

PE