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I like both. I enjoy SPWAW and Close Combat equally well.

War at the squad, platoon, company level, at the point of the spear if you will, is violence and chaos and I think that real time kind of reflects that. To see unit interaction and planning work, I think that turn based best shows that...and to illustrate that no plan is perfect, there's oppurtunity fire!

I like both but I prefer real time...it just get the excitement going more than a turn based can for me...

Reiryc

For me, wargames should reflect the classic reasons for which they were created. Prussian officers sat around a table moving pieces representing armies or fleets and the games were officiated by human judges. I got involved in classic Avalon Hill and SPI board wargames a long time ago which ustilized a turn based ruleset. I even prefer the hexes. I realize I'm percieved as a dinosaur to some younger wargamers, but unless I'm holding the real rifle or sitting inside the actual tank, a wargame for me just isn't playable unless it's turn based. Real time games are fun, but I don't get the pleasure of feeling like I'm commanding a force unless it's a turn based game.

Something that hasnt ever been stated thus far anywhere I chat about ASL Advanced Squad Leader the board game is the price.

It took me several years to get my collection but I bought it as it was released. Now to say "go try ASL" a person needs to understand it will cost you more than the price of a new computer if you buy the whole ASL system. We are not talking about a purchase that people on finite incomes will take lightly.

If you want to try ASL be advised. The rulebook is a separate purchase. 80 bucks canadian when I got mine years ago and its just a binder full of rules and no game. It is assumed you have owned the for precursor games released under the name of just Squad Leader. You will want the boards that came with those boxed sets (which you can buy separately, its the only parts you want from them). Then you will begin an odyssey buying many modules that walk you through every combat that fought in the second world war on all fronts and theatres.

Its no small purchase. Not for the faint of heart. How will you know if you want to buy it? Well if you WONT be playing anyone face to face forget ASL as its not worth it. If you DO have a real live in person opponent, buy it in the order it was marketed. Be assured, if you like Steel Panthers, you will like its grandfather ASL. ASL was there before the PC. I only play Steel Panthers because it looks like ASL.

How hard will it be for non US resisdents to buy it? Hmmmm probably a bitch to afford it really. MMP the people selling it will have to answer those questions.

I for one have all of ASL so I have that advantage. If my computer crashed tomorrow never to be replaced, I would just play ASL a good deal more. If I had to sell all but one of my many wargames, ASL would be the sole survivor. ASL has also had a solitaire module released.

ASL is a REAL wargamers wargame. You must accept that you must keep counters in precise spots in precise postures in precise alignments within hexes in most cases. The game being a board game means you either read the rules or you dont get to play. ASL sure separates the men from the boys when it comes to dedication.

It is also capable of being the most accurate most detailed most realistic gaming experience you will ever enjoy (including virtually any software ever created, and yes I am not backing down on that one, ASL is the king of accuracy). But it isnt free, you will see daunting arrays of methods employed to achieve that realism as well.
The ASL manual looks intimidating. But you dont have to memorise it, merely know which section you want when a question arises.

My favourite perk is that you can play it fine on a half board just fine. It is easily the most playable game I own for space friendly considerations.

So all of you that havent tried ASL, get out there and discover it, check out sources and see what Steel Panthers is trying to mimic.

Oh and dont wait for it to be a computer game to soon. It isnt going to happen, computers are still way to underpowered AI wise. And that abortion Hasbro is selling has nothing in common with ASL, so comparisons to it are not worth making.

Turn based (and its derivatives) wins hands down.

Originally posted by Les the Sarge 9-1:

Oh and dont wait for it to be a computer game to soon. It isnt going to happen, computers are still way to underpowered AI wise. And that abortion Hasbro is selling has nothing in common with ASL, so comparisons to it are not worth making.

It's a shame but it's true. If ever a wargame cried out for being computerized it's ASL. IMO it would be the ultimate wargame if a faithful port was made.

Turn based!!!

For battalion-level and below, real-time is good for the illusion of simulating actual WWII combat (CC and SPWaW). For regiment, brigade, and above, I definitely prefer turn-based (Battleground, Ardennes Offensive 2, etc). It only seems appropriate for the human commander--without a staff, controlling each manuever element of a three-division corps is a bit much for a real-time game, isn't it?