Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) is a tactical wargame that was first released in 1985 by The Avalon Hill Game Company. It is known for its complexity and detailed gameplay, making it a favorite among hardcore wargamers. Designed by Don Greenwood, ASL is set during World War II and allows players to recreate historical battles with a high level of realism.
Game Components of Advanced Squad Leader
Rulebook: A comprehensive three-ring binder containing several hundred pages of rules, charts, and tables.Modules: Initial modules like Beyond Valor and Paratrooper, which include counters, map boards, and scenarios. Beyond Valor provides German, Soviet, and Finnish orders of battle, while Paratrooper focuses on US paratroopers and their German opponents in Normandy.Map Boards: Geomorphic mapboards divided into hexagons to regulate fire and movement, depicting generic terrain that can represent different historical locations.Counters: Cardboard pieces representing squads of soldiers, crews, individual leaders, support weapons, heavy weapons, and vehicles. For example, the German army alone has 56 different types of tanks and assault guns.
How To Setup Advanced Squad Leader
To set up ASL, players must first acquire the Advanced Squad Leader Rulebook and an initial module. The rulebook provides the core rules, while the module includes the necessary counters, map boards, and scenarios. Players must assemble the map boards according to the scenario instructions and place the counters on the board to represent the starting positions of units. Each scenario will have specific setup instructions, including the placement of units, terrain, and any special rules or conditions.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Turn Structure: Each player turn includes phases such as rally, preparatory fire, movement, defensive fire, advancing fire, rout, advance, and close combat.Opportunity Fire: Units can fire during the opponent’s turn, adding realism to the game.Unit Destruction and Manoeuvre: Emphasis on unit destruction and manoeuvre, although supporting artillery and indirect fire support are somewhat downgraded.Sniper Mechanism: Random events like sniper fire can disrupt unit cohesion and morale.Objective: The objective varies by scenario but generally involves capturing key terrain, eliminating enemy units, or completing specific missions.
Player Experience
Playing Advanced Squad Leader can be a complex and immersive experience. The game demands a deep understanding of the rules and a strategic approach to tactics. Players must manage unit movements, firepower, and morale, all while navigating the unpredictability of combat. The game is known for its realism, with mechanisms that simulate the friction and chaos of real battlefield conditions. This makes each game unique and challenging, appealing to players who enjoy detailed strategic play.
Pros
Comprehensive System: ASL can simulate almost any tactical engagement in World War II, covering all major theaters and belligerents.Realism: The game incorporates detailed rules and mechanisms to mimic the realities of combat, including opportunity fire and variable rates of fire for weapons.Community: A thriving global community of players supports the game with new scenarios, modules, and tournaments.Depth and Complexity: Offers a rich and intricate gameplay experience that rewards strategic thinking and tactical prowess.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: The game has a complex rule set that can be daunting for new players.Time-Consuming: Games can be lengthy due to the detailed rules and the need to manage multiple units and scenarios.Abstracted Command and Control: The game lacks detailed command and control mechanisms, which can make unit coordination feel too smooth and unrealistic.Errata and Updates: The game has required numerous errata and updates over the years, which can be cumbersome to manage.
Personal Thoughts on Advanced Squad Leader
Advanced Squad Leader is for the dedicated wargamer who values realism and depth in their gaming experience. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and the time required to master its rules. However, for those who are willing to invest the time, ASL offers an unparalleled level of tactical detail and historical fidelity, making it a rewarding and engaging experience. If you are fascinated by World War II tactics and enjoy strategic gameplay, ASL is an excellent choice. Just be prepared to dive deep into the rules and scenarios to fully appreciate its intricacies.
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