[ASLML] ASL Starter Kit - First Impressions

[Sam Belcher]

> Is it that much different from Programmed Instruction? One of 
> the earlier ASL Annuals had a great PI program in it that 
> would add rules over a series of scenarios. This couldn't be 
> reprinted for download on MMP's website? Just reprint 
> Paratrooper with it's Chapter K and get on to bigger and 
> better things, like AoO! 

IMO It is - MUCH - better and very different from the Programmed
Instruction. It is also, IMO, much better for new players than Chapter K. 

In one box, you have about 9 or 10 pages of rules, two maps and all the
counters you need to play the six scenarios that are included. It costs less
than $25 and is a self-contained game. This is a _GREAT_ way to attract new
players and to get some of the guys who bought the rule book 20 years ago
but never played (back) into the hobby. 

I bought two copies on pre order and now I wish I had 10. We have a tourney
coming up at the end of May where there will be 40+ ASL players and 200+
historical miniatures gamers. I want ten or twelve of these to offer to guys
who wander in and look at the Red Barricades map, or the games in progress
and say "I used to play Squad Leader...". 

For years Avalon Hill (and even MMP for a while) used to advocate that you
play Squad Leader first and then move on to Advanced Squad Leader. The major
problem with that was that you had to "unlearn" much of the Squad Leader
rules to play ASL. The starter kit is a subset of ASL. You can pick up the
start kit, learn to play in an hour and you won't have to "unlearn" anything
when you go on to buy the ASL rule book and modules. 

Great job, folks. I want all the "groggies" out there to promise not to buy
the starter kit for themselves - but buy it and get it into the hands of new
players. 

Scenarios:
S1 - Retaking Vierville - 7 June 1944 (Vierville, France)
11 US squads, with a 9-2, two 8-1's and an 8-0 
11 German squads, with two 9-1's, an 8-1 and and 8-0 
Village board, 5 turns. 
Americans win if there are no good order German MMC in four specified
buildings
The Americans start with three squads on board. 
In the first three turns both sides squads "trickle in" two or three squads
at a time. 
No support weapons.

S2 - War of the Rats - 26 Sep 1942 (Stalingrad)
13 Russian squads with a MMG, and 3 LMG. Lead by a 9-2, 8-1, 8-0.
11 German squads with a MMG, 3 LMG, FT and 2 DC. Lead by a 9-2, 9-1, and
8-1.
City Board, 6 turns.
Germans win if they control three specific buildings.

S3 - Simple Equation - 12 Oct 1944 (Aachen, Germany)
12 German second line and conscripts, HMG, 3 LMG, 8-1, 8-0, and two 7-0
14 and a half US squads, 2 MMG, FT, 9-2, 9-1, and two 8-0
Two half boards - city/village, 6 and a half turns.
US wins immediately when they control at least 25 building hexes.

S4 - Welcome Back - 16 Dec 1944 (Bosingen, Luxembourg)
8 mixed quality US squads, .50 cal, 2 MMG, 2 FT, 10-2, 8-1, 8-0
15 second line German squads, 2MMG, 3 LMG, 9-1, two 8-1, two 7-0 	
Village board, 5 and a half turns.
Germans win by exiting 10 VP. 

S5 - Clearing Colleville - 6 June 1944 (Colleville, Normandy)
10 German squads, HMG, MMG, LMG, 8-1, 8-0, 6+1
12+ US squads, 3 MMG, 9-2, 9-1, 8-1, 8-0
Village board, 5 turns.
US Wins if there are no good order Germans MMC in stone buildngs within a
certain area.

S6 - Released from the East - 11 Dec 1941 (Istra, Russia)
9 Elite Germans squads, MMG, 3 LMG, 9-2, 8-1, 8-0
14 Elite Russian squads, MMG, 2 LMG, DC, 9-1, 8-1, 8-0
City board, 5 and a half turns
Russians win if they control at least two of three specified buildings.