Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes Available for Pre-Order!

[Alex Fiedler]

New Tactical World War II Board Game Nears Release

Matrix Games and Mark H. Walker (www.locknloadgame.com) are very pleased to announce that Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes is now available for a special pre-order price of $64.99 via the Matrix Games online store.

Printing is also about to begin on the first board war game to be published by Matrix Games, which with six mounted geomorphic mapboards and over 480+ counters will be available online and through retail stores.

Mark Walker’s Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes is a squad level board game that is easy to learn, fast to play and loaded with exciting scenarios. The game features the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions in multiple scenarios across Normandy in June of 1944. If you don’t have a handy opponent, solitaire suitability is high with random scenario events and unfolding storylines. In addition, Lock ‘n Load supports online play through free virtual board game utilities such as VASSAL, which allow you to play an opponent across the world without having to set up a single board or game piece, except online.

As with the first Lock ‘n Load in the series, 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.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games said, “We have greatly enjoyed working with Mark Walker to bring Matrix's first board game to print. We hope to have printed copies ready at Origins and look forward to all the fans that can meet us there at the end of June to play a few games and join in the excitement of this release.”

Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes includes sixteen scenarios which play to the game’s strong suit... story telling. We have the Medal of Honor battle (XYZ Complex)... where two paratroopers (later supported by a platoon) took down an entire German artillery battalion. The Alamo depicts the final battle in Saving Private Ryan, Flash... Thunder demonstrates the chaotic struggle of the first scattered paratroopers as Germans and Americans randomly appear, and still another (The Call of Duty) dishes up some tough choices for the commander of the 327th Glider Regiment.

New Game Features Include:

* Enhanced armor rules
* Simplified artillery rules
* Streamlined spotting routine
* Straightforward Assault Movement rules

The Game Box Includes:

* Six MOUNTED geomorphic maps
* 480+ beautiful four-color counters
* 16 Scenarios printed on quality card stock
* Rule and example of play book
* Player’s Aid charts
* 16 Colorful Skill Cards
* Two six-sided die.

Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes is scheduled for a Summer release at the Origins 2005 Gaming Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Mark H. Walker is scheduled to personally attend Origins and demo Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes to interested gamers. For more information on Origins please visit www.originsgames.com.

For more information about Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes and other Matrix Games titles, or to pre-order Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes, please visit
www.matrixgames.com and www.locknloadgame.com.

Distributors or retailers wishing to discuss ordering Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes should contact dealers@matrixgames.com.

[markhwalker]

Guys, I can't tell you how excited I am about this... so excited that I mad a mistake. As we were laying out counters friday, we came up with extra room. In fact, I though we could stuff 520 counters into the box... that's what I told David. He passed it on to the staff, and when the game went on sale Alex posted the number I gave them. Well... I goofed. The good news is that we do have MORE counters than the 420 originally published, but we didn't quite make 520. It looks like the final counter count will be 486 (give or take a couple). I knew that inquiring minds would want to know.

Now... go buy it before they sell out.

Best,
Mark

[benpark]

Great news. Mark, do you have a partial scenario list to give some idea of the range of engagements?

Hope ya made enough! This one should be popular...

[AlvinS]

This is great news indeed. I will go and pre-order my copy today. Can't wait to see this beauty.

[AlvinS]

Well its ordered. Now I can't wait for origins to get here. Will the game ship after Origins or around the same time?

[Erik Rutins]

ORIGINAL: AlvinS
Well its ordered. Now I can't wait for origins to get here. Will the game ship after Origins or around the same time?

We don't know the answer to that yet, honestly. We're going as fast as we can to get them ready for Origins. It will be very close.

Regards,

- Erik

[AlvinS]

We don't know the answer to that yet, honestly. We're going as fast as we can to get them ready for Origins. It will be very close.

Regards,

No problem Eric [;)]

I am just excited. I have so many new Matrix games to keep me busy so I can wait. I am just happy to see a great game put out by a great publisher.

[Sarge]

Agreed,

GGWAW still has me trying to figure out the trick to supplying my units [&:] [:D]

[AlvinS]

Agreed,

GGWAW still has me trying to figure out the trick to supplying my units

I'm with you on that one. It is an addicting game. Of course now I am having trouble turning off Battles in Italy. [:D] So many games, not enough time.

When I first bought Lock N Load Forgotten Heros, I did not think they could make a better looking game. Now with Band of Heros and the Mounted boards, it just does not get much better.

For those who have not played the original Lock n Load, you are in for a treat.

[ravinhood]

Will someone loan me $30? I only have $34.99 this month for gaming. Puhleeeze? hehe I'll give yah a lien on my house for it and when I die, you can get your $30 back.

[markhwalker]

Ravinhood... I'll reiterate my post from the other thread... you buy the game, and I'll send you ten bucks of my own (not Matrix) money. IN fact, I'll do that for the next ten people who buy the game, send some type of proof of purchase.

Best,
Mark

[markhwalker]

Ask, and you shall receive...

1. Counter Attack at Ste Mere Eglise: The 82nd AB fights elements of the German 91st Infantry Division.
2. The Call of Duty: Glider troops from the 82nd face some interesting decisions as they battle men from the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment.
3. The Bridge at Chef du Pont: The 82nd AB attempts to force a crossing at Chef du Pont against determined defense from elements of the German 1058th Infantry Regiment.
4. Le Manior: Troops from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment fight tooth and nail for control of a huge farmhouse overlooking the Meredet.
5. Ewell’s Charge: Elements of the 501st PIR battles with German Fallschirmjagers near Dead Man’s Corner.
6. Doggin’ Down the Road: Meeting engagement between the 506th /101st and the German 919th/709.
7. Medal of Honor: Two paratroopers take on an entire artillery battalion.
8. Alamo: Recreates the climatic battle in Saving Private Ryan. Even has a Tiger tank.
9. Coming Through: Men from the 502nd PIR and Combat Command A of the 2nd Armored Division, battle the 37th Regiment, 17th SS Panzergrenadiers.
10. Flash… Thunder: Alone, without support, American paratroopers try to find each other and battle Germans.
11. Brothers in Arms: Lieutenant Turner Turnbull, and his men defend Neuville from the Germans from the 91st Infantry Division and a pair of StuG IIIGs.
12. Roosevelt’s Butchers: Big battle between the 502nd PIR, supported by 2nd Armored Division tanks and Fallschirmjager and SS men and armor.
13. The Road to Foucarville: the 502nd PIR attacks against the German 91st Division into Foucarville.
14. Rebecca Can you See Me?: Scenario about the Pathfinder Company of the 101st.
15. Carentan: Lt. Winters and the men from Easy Company engage the remnants of the 6th Fallschirmjager Regiment.
16. Tameville Breakout: The 327th Glider Regiment and 4th Armored Division battle toe-to-toe with German Paratroops.
To be released as PDF downloads:
17. Mission Koebuck: An Airborne patrol searches for a dead commander and lost documents.
18. Get a Prisoner: Units from the 101st are ordered to bring back a German officer. Frantic, exciting scenario.

Units:
As mentioned above, 101st AB, 82nd AB (Glider and Paratrooper), German —6th Fallschirmjager Regiment, 17th SS Panzergrenadier, 91st Division, 709th Infantry Division.