Welcome to Lock 'n Load: Band of Heroes

[Alex Fiedler]

Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes is the second complete module in the Lock ‘n Load game system, covering the battles of the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles) during World War II. Gamers who are familiar with the Lock ‘n Load system will be able to immediately start playing out of the box. As with the original game, each hex is 50 meters, turns are a few moments, counters represent squads, leaders, heroes, medics and even the occasional chaplain or scout. In addition to their own firepower, squads employ machine guns and squad automatic weapons, including for the Americans the .30 Cal, the Browning Automatic Rifle and the bazooka; for the Germans the MG-34, MG-43, Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck. Both sides are supported by tanks and assault guns.including Stuarts, StuGs, Shermans and an array of Panzers

The scenario list for Band of Heroes is not yet final, but should include actions in the vicinity of Foucarfille, street fighting in Ste. Mere-Eglise, the battle for the La Feire farm and much more. Band of Heroes is schedule for a Summer 2005 release.

[wodin]

Excellent addition to the Matrix stable.

I only hope it gets converted to the PC.

[wodin]

Also is Mark using the same artist as the previous versions.

The counter art is better (by light years) anything else Ive seen.

I can only hope for either:

A. A PC conversion is done using the same counter artwork.
B. Squad Battles gets a major counter overhall to make it look as jaw droping as LnL is.

[markhwalker]

Hi Wodin,

Yes, I'm using the same counter artist (Nicolas Eskubi) that we used in ANZAC ATTACK.

David and I haven't made plans for a computer version of LnL, but we have certainly bandied the idea about. Yes, I COMPLETEY agree that I'd want Niko to do the art for that game also. He is AWESOME. He loves to draw stuff like this...




A half-squad from the 17SS Panzer Grenadier Division.

[Erik Rutins]

Looks fantastic, Mark. Welcome to our community. [8D]

Regards,

- Erik

[markhwalker]

Hi Erik,

Thanks, and thanks for the opportunity.

Everyone... stay tuned, I'll be posting screen shots on a regular basis. Also, as LnL: Forgotten Heroes players already know, I love to chat on the boards. So, if anyone has questions or comments, fire away.

Best,
Mark

[benpark]

Great news, Mark. I have been meaning to get Ln'L for a looong time, but always hoped a WW2 version would be forthcoming. Also, I am very pleased at you doing through Matrix Games, a great group of people. I think Nicolas Eskubi is the best graphic artist working in the boardgame field for my taste, and I sing his praises whenever I get the chance. His work on the last boardgame I bought, Fortress Berlin, made me a fan. I'm looking forward to this one.

[markhwalker]

Thanks, Ben. Niko is something special.

But don't wait to buy the game. Pick up a copy of LnL: Forgotten Heroes and ANZAC Attack (Niko's art). I don't think you'll be sorry, and then you'll be ready to go when Band of Heroes releases.

Best,
Mark

[Marc von Martial]

Yep, Nicolas kicks ass in the boardgame industry. His map and counter artwork is just great. I´m happy Mark and we have him on the team.

check out his artwork for "Devil's Cauldron: The Battles of Arnhem and Nijmegen"

[markhwalker]

Yes, Marc, he does. Another example to feast our eyes on...

[wodin]

Superb.

What a counter artist he is.

If your not going todo a PC conversion then I wish Tiller would employ him for the SB series.

[markhwalker]

Worry not, I'm gonna employ him. The above is exactly how ClnL will look.

Best,
Mark

[Fred98]

What do all the numbers mean on the M5???

[JeF]

Hi Mark,

very nice artwork indeed. The counters will look good for old eyes . But may I suggest you shrink them by half, so that the map do not completely fill my living room ? Thanks in advance.

And don't be fooled by these guys asking for a computer version. First they ask for a faithfull rendition, then competent AI, no micro-management, then more micro-management, 3D, more units, more detailed terrains (with telegraph poles, cows and abandonned civilians cars), more accuracy, more playability. And finally they'll bitch about prices and performances.

Keep up with the good work. As Airborne Assault was my first game in a while, LnL might be my first board wargame ... ever (no Risk does not count).

JeF.
PS: I'm not inspired with smileys today, insert the one that please you when appropriate. Thanx.

[wodin]

ORIGINAL: JeF


And don't be fooled by these guys asking for a computer version. First they ask for a faithfull rendition, then competent AI, no micro-management, then more micro-management, 3D, more units, more detailed terrains (with telegraph poles, cows and abandonned civilians cars), more accuracy, more playability. And finally they'll bitch about prices and performances.

Uncalled for. You obviously have never read any of my posts. I'm an AVID Squad Battles player. I dont want 3D. The maps look superb anyway.

Please think about what your going to say and who its directed at before posting. Everything youve mentioned is not what I want nor I believe anyone else who has asked for a PC conversion. As you enjoy HTTR I could say you will be asking for continous time.........?

[markhwalker]

Thanks for the comments everyone. And Wodin, thanks for consistently postng here. I appreciate what you say, and that you keep the discussion going. That is valuable to me and the game. Thanks.

Jef... counter size is fixed. LnL is a series, I can't change in mid-stream. Simply infantry is 5/8", Weapon Teams (like moratr and ATG teams) are 3/4", Vehicles and helicopters are 7/8", Hexes are 1". The maps are geomorphic, and each is 8.5" x 14".

As per changing requests with a computer game... been there done that. I know the form of ClnL alredy.

Joe:
4* --360 MG Firepower
4 -- Covered Arc MG Firepower
3 -- Main Gun HE equivalent
6 --Morale
17T --Speed (tracked)
3/3 --fron hull/turret armor
2/3 side armor
2/2 -- rear
PPO --can carry a squad outside the tank.
M5A1 --Means cools American light tank named after the second most famous Conferderat Cavalry general of the Civil War.

[JeF]

wodin,

ORIGINAL: wodin
Please think about what your going to say and who its directed at before posting. Everything youve mentioned is not what I want nor I believe anyone else who has asked for a PC conversion.

I'm sorry you take it personally. I thought that the term "these guys" would seem impersonal enough and that it was obvious by the tone of the post that I was joking. My bad for not mastering the language enough, sorry about it. These were simply a quick concatenation of various comments you find on the forums. A simple joke, nothing personnal.

As you enjoy HTTR I could say you will be asking for continous time.........?

Why not ?
But I have no time to ask, I'm currently busy playing two BiN tournaments games, typical IGO-UGO. Can you say "incoherent" ?

[;)]

Cheers,

JeF.

[JeF]

Reading last post from Mark, it looks like all my jokes go unnoticed... [&:]
On my screen the counters presented as examples are roughly 20cmx20cm. [8|]

Anyway ...

JeF - who should stop posting for a while.

[wodin]

Sorry jeff.

Just dont want anyone putting Mrak off doing a CLNL.

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: JeF

Reading last post from Mark, it looks like all my jokes go unnoticed..

I got it -