Squad Leader
Squad Leader is a tactical level board war game originally published by Avalon Hill in 1977. It was designed by John Hill and simulates infantry combat. Squad Leader is a game system by design rather than just one game. The game itself comes with 12 different scenarios, each one introducing more complicated rules in a system called “programmed instruction”. Each scenario card includes historical information, victory conditions, and play balancers for each side. The game was a significant improvement over previous wargames, as it introduced unique concepts into squad-based games. The game was so popular that it spawned a series of gamettes and expansions, including Advanced Squad Leader (ASL).
Why is Squad Leader Popular?
Squad Leader was a significant improvement over previous wargames, as it introduced unique concepts into squad-based games. The game was so popular that it spawned a series of gamettes and expansions, including Advanced Squad Leader (ASL). Squad Leader was chosen for inclusion in the 2007 book Hobby Games: The 100 Best. Game designer Ray Winninger explained: “Hill’s design recreates World War II combat in the same way that a great caricaturist recreates a face — by exaggerating the important bits and abstracting everything else”.
Game Components of Squad Leader
Mapboards: Divided into hexagonal grids, each hex representing 40 meters of terrain.Counters: 520 1/2″ counters and 192 5/8″ counters, representing squads, weapon and vehicle crews, individual leaders, support weapons, and vehicles.Scenarios: 12 different scenarios on 6 sheets, including historical information, victory conditions, and play balancers.Quick Reference Cards: 2 cards for easy rule lookup.Dice: 2 dice for resolving combat and other game mechanics.Original Instructions: Detailed rulebook[4′.Order Forms/Registration Card: For game registration and additional resources.
How To Setup Squad Leader
Setting up Squad Leader involves several steps:
Mapboard Assembly: Players combine the mapboards to create the desired terrain layout. The generic isomorphic mapboards can be aligned to any edge of the same length, allowing for a variety of battlefields.Counter Placement: Players place the appropriate counters on the mapboard based on the selected scenario. This includes deploying squads, leaders, and support units according to the scenario’s setup instructions.Scenario Selection: Choose a scenario and read through the scenario card, which includes historical background, victory conditions, and any special rules or play balancers.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Game Objective
The objective is to achieve the victory conditions specified in the scenario card, which typically involve capturing key terrain or eliminating enemy units.
Gameplay Mechanics
Semi-Simultaneous System: Each turn consists of two player turns, broken into 8 phases:Rally Phase: Broken units attempt to rally and malfunctioning weapons are repaired.Prep Fire Phase: The current player may fire on enemy units; these units cannot move or fire again during the player’s turn.Movement Phase: The player moves their units on the board.Defensive Fire Phase: The opposing player may fire on units that just moved.Advancing Fire Phase: Units that did not fire in the Prep Fire Phase may fire.Rout Phase: Broken units must flee for cover.Advance Phase: The player may move every unit one hex.Close Combat Phase: Opposing units in the same hex engage in close combat.Leadership and Morale: Leadership affects morale, with extraordinary leaders having direct effects on unit performance.Combat Resolution: Combat outcomes are determined by a single table, reflecting the effects of various weapons on infantry units.
Player Experience
Squad Leader offers a deeply immersive and complex gaming experience, appealing to those who enjoy strategic depth and historical accuracy. Players must manage unit morale, leadership, and tactical positioning, making it a game that requires careful planning and execution. The game’s complexity and realism have made it a favorite among wargamers, with many players appreciating its ability to simulate the intricacies of infantry combat.
Pros
Deep Strategic Depth: Complex gameplay mechanics that simulate real battlefield phenomena.Historical Accuracy: Scenarios are based on historical events and include detailed historical information.High Replayability: Multiple scenarios and a “design your own” system ensure countless hours of gameplay.Realistic Morale and Leadership: Elegant handling of morale and leadership effects on units.Modular Mapboards: Allows for a wide variety of terrain layouts and scenarios.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules and multiple phases per turn can be overwhelming for new players.Time-Consuming: Games can take several hours to complete due to the detailed mechanics.Simplistic Casualty Rules: Some critics argue that the casualty rules are too simplistic compared to other aspects of the game.Limited Social, Political, and Logistical Aspects: Focuses primarily on tactical combat, neglecting other aspects of warfare.
Personal Thoughts on Squad Leader
Squad Leader is ideal for dedicated wargamers and those with a strong interest in World War II infantry combat. Its complex mechanics and realistic simulation make it a game that rewards careful study and strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it has become a classic in the wargaming community and continues to provide countless hours of engaging gameplay for those who appreciate its depth and historical accuracy.
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