Episode 144: When Jeff Doesn't Say Ummm.

Eric Ortega (front and center) and friends
from Southwest Outpost ASL Group

In today's episode we're happy to welcome Eric Ortega to the broadcast foxhole. Eric is commander-in-chief of Southwest Outpost, a new and burgeoning ASL group near Chicago. If you're not excited about Advanced Squad Leader, Eric's infectious exuberance will fix that!

This episode has a bit [a LOT, actually] of something for everyone. Barrels of banter, tons of tips, scads of scenario talk. The only thing lacking is Jeff saying, "ummm".

St. Louis scenario "Revenge is a Dish" Japanese Burmese set-up

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Discussion of SW Gaming Group with Eric
12:15 What's in the Box -- Journal 1 (part 1)
1:15:00 Scenario Analysis -- STL10 Revenge is a Dish
Total Running Time 1:39:10
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ASL Extra 22: A Bloody Harvest - Play by Play

Dave Timonen, as the Germans, attacks into Poland in 1939. Doug Gries, as the Poles, defends a small village surrounded by grain fields. Doug hasn't played a game in quite a while but, much like riding a bicycle, it all comes back to him very quickly. The fact that both OB's were infantry only surely helped.

This was recorded during a PAASL meeting and there is a bit of annoying background noise until about 40 minutes in. This episode has been recorded with every move covered in detail, so it is well worth the effort of listening. There is a nice discussion of tactics at the end. So break out your boards, focus in on the main voices, and enjoy.
Which side will prevail?
Listen to find out!

The Scenario Card
 

The Germans pass by the trenches.

LINKS
Photos of the game at Flikr
ASL Index
A Replay on the "Hulldown" Blog
Scott J, Eddie Z, and B. Abela's AAR

Total Running Time: 1:55:15
 

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Episode 143: Kelln, the Canuck

Tonight we have the pleasure of speaking with George Kelln, the man behind Lone Canuck Publishing, makers of fine scenarios, campaign games and maps for Advanced Squad Leader. If you've ever wondered how a lone -- but not lowly -- Canuck can contribute so much to the greatest game in the world, have a listen. Then order some stuff!


SHOW LINKS
Lone Canuck Publishing
Bloody Buron at Boardgame Geek
Moro River Campaign at Wikipedia

SHOW TIMES
1:00 No Banter, We Promise!
2:30 Interview with George

1:08:47 Total Running Time

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Episode 142: What, No Sump Pump Rules?

There are signs, you know, that you've been playing too much ASL -- one of which is reaching for The Rule Book whenever a question of any kind comes up. Well, we can save you time by telling you now, there are no Sump Pump rules.

But, there are rules covering Ice, Water Obstacles, and Buildings. And we cover 'em here. We also get caught up on some listener mail and talk a bit about What We've Been Playing Lately.

You may not learn how to keep your basement dry, but hey, this show is about Advanced Squad Leader!

BFP 92 Trenches in Flames

SHOW LINKS
Computer Playing 'The Typewriter'
St. Louis Tournament
Vote Here for Alpenfestung
WW2T Video Game
World Boardgaming Championship
Kelly's Heroes Scenario

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Blab
13:15 Letters
39:30 Playin' Lately
49:45 Terrain Time
1:24:30 Total Running Time

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Episode 141: The Great Unwashed

Ozerekya Breakout cover is a
fine example of chiaroscuro.

Nothing brings a lightness to the heart and a smile to the face quite like a session of the greatest game in the world, Advanced Squad Leader. Why it can even lift the mood of Jeff, perhaps the grumpiest podcast host in the world. If you don't want to listen to 10 minutes of whining about The Great Unwashed, skip forward to . . .

. . . the return of Box Art Review! wherein Dave exposes himself and his large knowledge of arty words. To further amaze, Dave then proceeds to whip out his Terrain Time notes for a review of Streams, Fords, and Crests. But if you already know these rules, you may want to skip forward to . . .

. . . our discussion of the World War II comedy classic film, Kelly's Heroes. Not surprisingly, we have markedly different opinions about this movie. Can you guess who loves it and who doesn't?

This work by Thomas Hart Benton is a
fine example of the use of
pretty colors.

SHOW LINKS
The Amphicar
How to Pronounce Gyros
Kelly's Heroes Trailer

SHOW TIMES
1:00 Some Interesting Conversation
10:10 Box Art Review (Oh Yeah!)
16:45 Terrain Time (Steams, Fords, Crests)
47:30 Movie Review Kelly's  Heroes
1:14:20 Total Running Time

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Episode 140: Aesthetic Arrest

Ost Front Pack from
Lone Canuck Publishing

Let's see now, what we're we saying? Oh yes . . . Somehow we managed to keep our attention focused long enough to post another exciting episode of this podcast -- not an easy feat in these days of Tweets, sound clips, 6 second videos, and snappy chats, but we did it. And you know what helps? The fact that Advanced Squad Leader is the greatest game in the world!

You know what else helps? New ASL stuff. Yes, there's nothing that grabs the attention more than coming home after a long day amidst the world's distractions to a package from some exotic, far-off land. We love the anticipation as the family gathers around, eager to see the wonders contained therein. We also love it when they learn it's more ASL stuff and they suddenly remember something important they need to do and scurry away like mechanical mice from an AT mine.

In today's episode we see What's In The Box and discover treasures from exotic Canada. The folks -- or is it "folk'? -- at Lone Canuck Publishing have long been on our radar, and today we take a look at a couple of their offerings. We also have some lovely new dice from Battle School, guaranteed to spice up any ASL play -- and perhaps induce aesthetic arrest in your opponent such that he won't notice your tanks skirting up his flanks.

Hey, if you're finding you have less and less spare time for ASL, be sure to check out Rich Spilky's excellent player aids. The time you save looking up rules will add more gaming to your life, and more life to your gaming.

SHOW LINKS
Lone Canuck Publishing
Battle Dice
ASL Module Dependency Chart
Flames of War podcast
Spilky's Boats player aid

SHOW TIMES
13:00 Letters
31:30 What's in The Box?
1:08:45 Total Running Time

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