Getting closer...

Advanced Platoon Leader Promo Video

New release date for Advanced Platoon Leader announced
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0zgFReuf2c

H&S GAMES/HEXES AND SOLDIERS 2017 PROJECTION

  

With 2016 behind us what was accomplished?  For the Hexes and Soldiers podcast, 4 new episodes (44-47) were completed.  With the final target episode of 50, that ensures at least 3 more shows for the coming new year.  The number of shows declined in 2016 as the game design side of life soaked up most of any available free time.  As a result, Ostfront marked H&S GAMES 4th release.  Total game sales for all 4 releases rose significantly with customers from all over the world placing orders.  Other highlights include the completion of a Battlegrounds Gaming Engine (BGE) module for Ostfront (essentially a vassal type rendering) as well as an extremely interesting Joseph Balkoski interview at the WWII history museum here in NOLA.  

So what does 2017 have in store?  March 17 (St. Patrick's day) will mark the release of Advanced Platoon Leader (APL).  The original Platoon Leader was overhauled to include terrain cards which allow the configuration of numerous map variations as well as an improved combat engine, added detail and some overall fine tuning.  A limited amount of boxed editions will be available (a first ever offering from H&S GAMES thanks to Brian Winkeler) as well as ziploc versions and of course print n play.  I am also happy to announce that Robert Lenz hailing all the way from Germany is handling the artwork for the game.  Mr. Lenz assisted with Ostfront and is ensuring that the same quality control and high standards are carried over to APL.  

Post APL release should see a brief hibernation period followed by a number of possibilities including: Napoleonics rules (long in the making now), a fast play Arnhem game or even a Weird War sc- fi/alternate history themed game a la Dust tactics/warfare meets Cthulhu.  

So that's it for 2016, with all its highs and lows lets hope 2017 is a step up and may you and yours have a superb new year!

-JMK

Hexes and Soldiers Episode 47

New Hexes and Soldiers Episode up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5LWbrEnXPs

APL

Advanced Platoon Leader (APL) is in the works!

H&S GAMES

https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/201516/advanced-platoon-leader

Platoon Leader is growing up.  With a tentative release date of 1st quarter 2017, Advanced Platoon Leader (APL) will offer more detail, more options and improved graphics.  One of the main differences will include replacing the single map with terrain cards which can be configured into any number of map variations.  New, improved graphics ensure a more detailed and eye catching style.  The "buckets of dice" combat system will remain in place with additional tweaks and improvements while a number of random events turn each game into a story.   Each platoon will roll for command actions the result of which forms a single pool that each squad within a platoon must share and while often times there may not be enough commands to go around, you must decide who will act and who will not.  Finally, an innovative, fully fleshed out German AI promises to make this a true solo adventure so get ready because history awaits!