LnL or BoB?

bob48 · January 29, 2014, 08:04:16 AM

Since it seems that Academy Games 'First Men In' game won't be published in anything like the near future, I've been looking at a couple of alternatives to satisfy my lust for a NWE game.

I've narrowed the choice down to either L'n L's Band of Heroes, although its currently out of print awaiting the new edition, and new copies don't seem to be available anywhere in the UK.

I do like the look of Worthington's 'Band of Brothers' though, and there are copies available at the moment. Has anyone got this and if so, is it a good system to play and how does it compare to BoH?

Ta.

Jack Nastyface · January 29, 2014, 08:39:07 PM

There's lots of comments about the LnL series in this forum area. Do and search and you should find copious conversation. FWIW...LnL plays "easier" than WWII squad game stalwart Advanced Squad Leader, but some find the rules a little bit elusive (partially because the rule book suffers from average editing).

Can't comment on BoB...I think there is a good / fair review at armchairgeneral. Worthington games make a variety of game types, from in-depth studies to rollicking fun / hollywood action. You can find the updated rule book here http://www.worthingtongames.com/detailbob.html

Yours in gaming,

Jack Nastyface

Arctic Blast · January 29, 2014, 08:58:12 PM

Quote from: bob48 on January 29, 2014, 08:04:16 AM
Since it seems that Academy Games 'First Men In' game won't be published in anything like the near future, I've been looking at a couple of alternatives to satisfy my lust for a NWE game.

I've narrowed the choice down to either L'n L's Band of Heroes, although its currently out of print awaiting the new edition, and new copies don't seem to be available anywhere in the UK.

I do like the look of Worthington's 'Band of Brothers' though, and there are copies available at the moment. Has anyone got this and if so, is it a good system to play and how does it compare to BoH?

Ta.

I read an interview with Uwe Eickert a day or two ago indicating that the Conflict of Heroes series is about the rev up big time. They waited until solo was working how they want it, and I guess it now is. Guadalacanal is actually coming out fairly soon, and he indicated that First Men In is next up and about 90% finished.

Haha, found it! It's a good interview across the board, and he also talks about other products that Academy has on the way.

Part 1 : http://gamesontables.com/2014/01/uwe-eickert-interview-part-1/

Part 2 : http://gamesontables.com/2014/01/uwe-eickert-interview-part-2/

bob48 · January 30, 2014, 11:38:38 AM

That's quite good news from Uwe, because by preference, I'll stick with First Men In. The slow pace of CoH games has been annoying, although you can't fault either the game or production values.

I really did not want to go the ASL route, and do have a leaning towards LnL, but on the other hand, quite like the system used in BoB - having had chance to read the rules for it, and they do seem to have a few more titles in the offing.

Thanks for the comments though chaps.

Ha - just found a retailer in the UK who sells the 'Sergeants' stuff. The base game is £72 excluding delivery - too rich for my pocket!

Richie61 · January 30, 2014, 03:17:22 PM

I have all the LnL titles, but not the "Band of Brothers" game. That being said I feel LnL titles are ok. I loved SL as a kid and have at least one copy of the (4) modules released, but I don't feel like
trying to relearn the rules.

I did get the PnP game "Valor & Victory" and love it! http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/28452/valor-victory?
Down side is that you need to Print & cut the counters, but it's a great title.

I have heard a lot of great things about "Band of Brothers"
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/41429/band-of-brothers-screaming-eagles
and Band of Brothers: Ghost Panzer - (stand alone title) too.
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/129122/band-of-brothers-ghost-panzer

I want to get either BoB or the new "First Men In" when it's released!

Good luck with whatever you pick you :)

bob48 · January 30, 2014, 03:26:06 PM

Same here, played lots of SL and ASL in the past, but really don't want to re-learn it all. Not sure if I have the patience anymore.

First Men In will probably be a 'must buy' for me, and yep, BoB does seem to be an interesting system. I gather that when the next game comes out they will provide new BoB counters to reflect the changes to the system made in GP.

Having said all that, if it meets its pre-order target, the new LnL will also include an expansion, so that may be worth waiting for.

I'm a bit put off BoB by the slighty cartoony looking counters, but I do like the LnL ones - I'm a sucker for stuff like, and they do make ASL counters look a bit bland.

Barthheart · January 30, 2014, 03:32:13 PM

Well I'm not gonna be much help to ya Bob.

I'm a diehard LnL fanboi. Have them all love playing them and have volunteered a lot of time to the company.

I have never played the Band of Brothers series... like you the cartoony graphics turned me off... and frankly I don't need another squad system.

Don't like the mechanisms in Conflict of Heroes system.

Old time Squad Leader and all expansions. Loved the game. When ASL came out I tried it but just could not be bothered to try to relearn it all again with MORE detail.

LnL hits the sweet spot of easy rules, fun to play, narrative movie like game play and believable results.

bob48 · January 30, 2014, 03:38:12 PM

Looking more like I will wait for the new BoH and V4 rules - as noted elsewhere, it seems unlikely that it won't get into print.

Barthheart · January 30, 2014, 03:39:44 PM

Quote from: bob48 on January 30, 2014, 03:38:12 PM
Looking more like I will wait for the new BoH and V4 rules - as noted elsewhere, it seems unlikely that it won't get into print.

I asked about that on their site and they said it will definitely get printed. 8)

bob48 · January 30, 2014, 03:44:15 PM

Yum!

I would pre-order, but the shipping costs are terrible, its cheaper for me to wait until I can get it from a UK retailer. I do have Stalin's Triumph on pre-order and I'm dreading the shipping on that, mainly due to the extra cost the dear old post office stick on. I had to pay an extra £15 on DH (have you managed to play any of that yet?)

Barthheart · January 30, 2014, 03:58:56 PM

Haven't played any DH yet..... need more hours in the day..... and a weekend off would be nice too... too much travel fer work lately.

bayonetbrant · January 30, 2014, 04:37:34 PM

You know Bob - if you come to Origins, you'll get plenty of LnL time with the guys :)

bob48 · January 30, 2014, 04:38:51 PM

:( Yes I know. If only money was not an issue.........

Richie61 · January 30, 2014, 05:28:00 PM

The other thing out there is "Retro: Tactical WWII Wargame Variant Rules".
http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15081/retro-tactical-wwii-wargame-variant-rules

I have them and messed around with them awhile back with my SL titles, but work got in the way.

PS: Nice thing about BoH is that you can always warp to the 80's and play "Heroes of th Gap" ;D

Richie61 · January 30, 2014, 05:38:20 PM

I don't own it (yet :)), but what about "Combat Commander: Europe"? I heard it's a good system too.