Thank you for the review of the Solo System. It was a daunting task to align an AI with all 400+ scenarios available in the LnL Tac game system. The question on if you have to interrupt the AI to fix a decision has been debated greatly. There are many posts both pro and con... I won't go into details but I can say that the AI will NOT play like you but it will be competitive. Thank you Players Aid!!
I tried my best to leave the AI alone to it's own devices (you know, how it was designed to function) even when it seemed flat ridiculous. Usually it created unique and interesting situations, which is all that I am looking for in a solo AI! Thanks so much for your hard work.
And pop on an iPad...works great. Also, there is an portable decision tool program for pc. (Don't know if there's an app version; would be awesome if there was).
The LnLT Rules are available as a free download. You will also find smaller LnLT Solo Cards and other free resources. Link: - forums.lnlpublishing.com/resources/
Thanks for the great review! I have a question for you. I am on the hunt for a similar system for OST (Old School Tactical). I have noted that both LNL and OST are very similar when it comes to counters and map boards. Would you say that this solo system for LNL could be adapted for OST? Thanks!
1) Love your videos from all Players Aid contributors. Right level of detail, not boring. 2) If one wanted to get in ground floor on LNL Tactical to play solo, what would be like the best "starting" package(s) to get into the game? Thanks!
They have a starter set: store.lnlpublishing.com/lock-n-load-tactical-series/lock-n-load-tactical-starter-kit which is obviously out of stock, but it's a great way, with the new rules, to see if it's something you want to dive into. But If you do, honestly, just pick a topic/theme you like and dive on in. Maybe try best possible move for solo, and then get the Solo mod if it's something you want to commit to.
I'd never played a hexes and counters war game and i bought Heroes of the Pacific and did fine. Heroes of the Pacific or Heroes of the Falklands would be my recommendation mainly because they are the cheapest of the core modules -$65 Which one you get depends on what you're looking for - Pacific is WWII era combat and Falklands is modern era (where you get into playing with jets and techier weaponry) It took me about a week to get comfortable with all the rules and getting the modifiers down. I read the rule book through twice (esp the first 40 pages)... and then used the BoardGameGeek boards (fantastic community btw questions answered usually within a few hours) and youtube playthroughs for rule clarification the solo module is $70... i would hold off on that until you know if you enjoy war gaming or if you even need it. i do fine without it.
I would suggest Lock n Load. I've played CoH, it's a great game, but LnL has multiple eras, theaters, firefight generators and large hex maps (available separately) for each module, and TONS of scenarios. And...the Solo system featured in this vid that can be used with *any* scenario. There is actually a pretty good computer version of the game, released through Matrix Games, as well.
Just a thought, but as it sounds pretty generic, would it be possible use the solo system in L&L with CoH? I'm already considering CoH and purchasing some L&L X-Maps to use with it. Or will that not work?
CoH uses specifically designed scenarios for their own system. In the Solo module, there are 10 scenarios, and those use specific CoH boards. I believe Academy games doesn't recommend using the AI on scenarios not specifically designed for it, but I suppose you could try. I don't know if they've put out additional scenarios yet. Either way, using LnL X-maps would not work for CoH...not as designed, at any rate.
I find the aids and rulebook deluxes complicate a not especially difficult game. Cognitive overload at all the colours, diagrams etc. I stuck to the basic rulebook.
Once you have played the solo system a couple of time you won't need to keep dipping into the flow charts so much. I'm thinking of using L'n'L solo with Compass games Paths to Hell.
@@jamesgraham5717 if I was any good at video I would do a how to vid. I have also used the cards to solo play a old school tactical. I simply pull a card & follow the instruction orders down the list. it helps break that dual personality that we solo players get into.
Honestly, I don't feel like that's the case. The rules haven't changed that much from the old 40 page WWII rules book. They just combined the extra rules from the Modern set and then inserted so many diagrams and examples. The font size is huge (unlike ASL) so really it's not nearly as many rules as you might think. I might be wrong though, as it's a great system and there's a lot of titles so it might be a deeper rabbit hole than I think.
Is the current rule book really 250 pages?!? I don't know how they ever managed to bloat it to that size, but you could easily and happily play the game with the version 2.0 rules, which were about 25 pages. Honestly, this is one of the simpler tactical games out there. Other than checking the module specific rules (depending on which module you're playing), I don't think I've actually looked at the since version 3.
ho...lee...sheeeeeeeet. Well, like I said...you sure as hell don't need all that to play the game. Version 3.1 of the rules that shipped with Forgotten Heroes v2 are less than 30, with the helicopter rules and examples of play.
I played this solo system, and I have very mixed feelings about it. Because is for all their games is not working very well. Better with infantry units and I guess Second War content. With tanks/vehicles is a mess. And you can download smaller charts, this from a box are just too big.
I don’t like solo systems that attempt to micromanage everything. A narrative system is much more realistic and engaging. A cross between rpgs and matrix game arguments.
@@robertcleary702 @Robert Cleary He's talking about games like AH's B17 Queen of the Skies. They aren't games, because there are few if any meaningful decisions. They are as much a game as the card game 'solitaire' is a game. You're along for the ride, for the narrative, for the RPG spectrum of fun. Personally I don't enjoy either type of solo game. I do a lot of solo gaming, but almost exclusively 2 player games, played solo. They are a magnitude better in research, design, and development. Fields of Fire is a good solo game, if one insists on a true solitaire experience.
While I prefer games that are specifically designed for solo play, I can still have fun playing a 2-person game solo by simply playing both sides to the best of my ability. It makes me wonder whether a solo module like this is really worth the time and trouble to learn and implement. It strikes me that when you add this module to the already lengthy 5.0 rules, the complexity approaches that of Fields of Fire.
I do a lot of "me vs me" gaming, in LnL, CoH, etc. I've only used this solo system a couple of times, it *does* provide a different experience, and I think it's worth it. I popped the charts on my iPad, which makes things much easier than rifling through the physical charts. I'm sure that after playing a half dozen games with it, I'll have the charts 95% memorized. I'm gonna have to check out the 5.0 rules...I can't for the life of me think why they need that big of a rule book for what started out as a very light rules overhead game. The latest modules I bought were Heroes of the Motherland & the Africa one, and those shipped with the 4.1 rules, which were about 55 pages (not counting the examples of play) of big type and lots of diagrams.
I think it's worth it, but I can see why others might not. I'm not using the 5.0 rules...haven't even looked at them. The reason why I like LnL is that's its quick, easy, and I already know how to play it :). I'm using what amounts to version 3.1 of the rules, which work fine. I would be surprised if the version of 5.x that actually ships with the games is 250 pages.
These flowcharts aren't much different from your thought process when playing both sides solo. I see no reason to spend extra time constantly flipping & checking cards & flowcharts. If two or more "enemy" actions look equally promising roll a die to choose one...
I've seen playthroughs of the solo module with Gimpy. To me all I really saw was a bunch of moves where the AI said what unit would go next, then the player had to use their best judgement on how to move the units. In the end it looked like they were playing against themselves. You basically went through this crazy flowchart just to have the player decide what to do. Game is soloable without the module. Maybe one day I'll get it.
Thank you for the review of the Solo System. It was a daunting task to align an AI with all 400+ scenarios available in the LnL Tac game system. The question on if you have to interrupt the AI to fix a decision has been debated greatly. There are many posts both pro and con... I won't go into details but I can say that the AI will NOT play like you but it will be competitive. Thank you Players Aid!!
I tried my best to leave the AI alone to it's own devices (you know, how it was designed to function) even when it seemed flat ridiculous. Usually it created unique and interesting situations, which is all that I am looking for in a solo AI! Thanks so much for your hard work.
Good video as always. This solo system seems like a lot of work.
Great stream .
Thanks,waiting for my copy along with heroes of the nam and x maps.👍
There are some 8.5x11 versions of the flowcharts which you can print-out and laminate (on LnL site or BGG or both) which saves table space.
And pop on an iPad...works great. Also, there is an portable decision tool program for pc. (Don't know if there's an app version; would be awesome if there was).
The LnLT Rules are available as a free download. You will also find smaller LnLT Solo Cards and other free resources.
Link: - forums.lnlpublishing.com/resources/
Thanks for the great review! I have a question for you. I am on the hunt for a similar system for OST (Old School Tactical). I have noted that both LNL and OST are very similar when it comes to counters and map boards. Would you say that this solo system for LNL could be adapted for OST? Thanks!
1) Love your videos from all Players Aid contributors. Right level of detail, not boring.
2) If one wanted to get in ground floor on LNL Tactical to play solo, what would be like the best "starting" package(s) to get into the game?
Thanks!
They have a starter set: store.lnlpublishing.com/lock-n-load-tactical-series/lock-n-load-tactical-starter-kit which is obviously out of stock, but it's a great way, with the new rules, to see if it's something you want to dive into. But If you do, honestly, just pick a topic/theme you like and dive on in. Maybe try best possible move for solo, and then get the Solo mod if it's something you want to commit to.
I'd never played a hexes and counters war game and i bought Heroes of the Pacific and did fine.
Heroes of the Pacific or Heroes of the Falklands would be my recommendation mainly because they are the cheapest of the core modules -$65
Which one you get depends on what you're looking for - Pacific is WWII era combat and Falklands is modern era (where you get into playing with jets and techier weaponry)
It took me about a week to get comfortable with all the rules and getting the modifiers down. I read the rule book through twice (esp the first 40 pages)... and then used the BoardGameGeek boards (fantastic community btw questions answered usually within a few hours) and youtube playthroughs for rule clarification
the solo module is $70... i would hold off on that until you know if you enjoy war gaming or if you even need it. i do fine without it.
I know this is a little late, but can you tell me what you are using over your map and player aids? Is it plastic? Thanks!
I bought a poster frame from walmart and it's the plastic sheet from that. Very cheap, does decently.
@@ThePlayersAid Thank you! Your videos are awesome :)
Didn't CofH licence out their solo system to L&L, who basically tweaked it?
Excellent review- I'm still undecided which tactical system to go for...
Yes they did, which is something Uwe is very proud of.
I would suggest Lock n Load. I've played CoH, it's a great game, but LnL has multiple eras, theaters, firefight generators and large hex maps (available separately) for each module, and TONS of scenarios. And...the Solo system featured in this vid that can be used with *any* scenario. There is actually a pretty good computer version of the game, released through Matrix Games, as well.
Just a thought, but as it sounds pretty generic, would it be possible use the solo system in L&L with CoH? I'm already considering CoH and purchasing some L&L X-Maps to use with it. Or will that not work?
CoH uses specifically designed scenarios for their own system. In the Solo module, there are 10 scenarios, and those use specific CoH boards. I believe Academy games doesn't recommend using the AI on scenarios not specifically designed for it, but I suppose you could try. I don't know if they've put out additional scenarios yet. Either way, using LnL X-maps would not work for CoH...not as designed, at any rate.
I find the aids and rulebook deluxes complicate a not especially difficult game. Cognitive overload at all the colours, diagrams etc. I stuck to the basic rulebook.
Once you have played the solo system a couple of time you won't need to keep dipping into the flow charts so much. I'm thinking of using L'n'L solo with Compass games Paths to Hell.
Let me know how that works out, I wouldn't mind trying it out myself.
@@jamesgraham5717 if I was any good at video I would do a how to vid. I have also used the cards to solo play a old school tactical. I simply pull a card & follow the instruction orders down the list. it helps break that dual personality that we solo players get into.
I thought GMT Coin series flwo charts and non player gameplay was work :-)
These sound great, but I worry (based upon the 250 page rulebook, certainly) that LNL is another "lifestyle" game ala ASL... Is this not the case?
Honestly, I don't feel like that's the case. The rules haven't changed that much from the old 40 page WWII rules book. They just combined the extra rules from the Modern set and then inserted so many diagrams and examples. The font size is huge (unlike ASL) so really it's not nearly as many rules as you might think. I might be wrong though, as it's a great system and there's a lot of titles so it might be a deeper rabbit hole than I think.
Thanks! Keep on making the vids and just bein' you. ;-)
Is the current rule book really 250 pages?!? I don't know how they ever managed to bloat it to that size, but you could easily and happily play the game with the version 2.0 rules, which were about 25 pages. Honestly, this is one of the simpler tactical games out there. Other than checking the module specific rules (depending on which module you're playing), I don't think I've actually looked at the since version 3.
275 according to the LNL site...
ho...lee...sheeeeeeeet. Well, like I said...you sure as hell don't need all that to play the game. Version 3.1 of the rules that shipped with Forgotten Heroes v2 are less than 30, with the helicopter rules and examples of play.
I played this solo system, and I have very mixed feelings about it. Because is for all their games is not working very well. Better with infantry units and I guess Second War content. With tanks/vehicles is a mess. And you can download smaller charts, this from a box are just too big.
I don’t like solo systems that attempt to micromanage everything. A narrative system is much more realistic and engaging. A cross between rpgs and matrix game arguments.
John Lenin do you play these type of hybrid games? (RPG/Narrative Matrix)
@@robertcleary702 @Robert Cleary He's talking about games like AH's B17 Queen of the Skies. They aren't games, because there are few if any meaningful decisions. They are as much a game as the card game 'solitaire' is a game. You're along for the ride, for the narrative, for the RPG spectrum of fun. Personally I don't enjoy either type of solo game. I do a lot of solo gaming, but almost exclusively 2 player games, played solo. They are a magnitude better in research, design, and development. Fields of Fire is a good solo game, if one insists on a true solitaire experience.
While I prefer games that are specifically designed for solo play, I can still have fun playing a 2-person game solo by simply playing both sides to the best of my ability. It makes me wonder whether a solo module like this is really worth the time and trouble to learn and implement. It strikes me that when you add this module to the already lengthy 5.0 rules, the complexity approaches that of Fields of Fire.
I do a lot of "me vs me" gaming, in LnL, CoH, etc. I've only used this solo system a couple of times, it *does* provide a different experience, and I think it's worth it. I popped the charts on my iPad, which makes things much easier than rifling through the physical charts. I'm sure that after playing a half dozen games with it, I'll have the charts 95% memorized. I'm gonna have to check out the 5.0 rules...I can't for the life of me think why they need that big of a rule book for what started out as a very light rules overhead game. The latest modules I bought were Heroes of the Motherland & the Africa one, and those shipped with the 4.1 rules, which were about 55 pages (not counting the examples of play) of big type and lots of diagrams.
I think it's worth it, but I can see why others might not. I'm not using the 5.0 rules...haven't even looked at them. The reason why I like LnL is that's its quick, easy, and I already know how to play it :). I'm using what amounts to version 3.1 of the rules, which work fine. I would be surprised if the version of 5.x that actually ships with the games is 250 pages.
These flowcharts aren't much different from your thought process when playing both sides solo. I see no reason to spend extra time constantly flipping & checking cards & flowcharts. If two or more "enemy" actions look equally promising roll a die to choose one...
I've seen playthroughs of the solo module with Gimpy.
To me all I really saw was a bunch of moves where the AI said what unit would go next, then the player had to use their best judgement on how to move the units. In the end it looked like they were playing against themselves. You basically went through this crazy flowchart just to have the player decide what to do.
Game is soloable without the module. Maybe one day I'll get it.
@@geoman1420 Flowcharts are not much different from actual thinking human players? lol lol lol :D
The Lock and Load series seems pretty interesting and diverse, but the artwork closeups of the faces with crazy eyes distracts me greatly.
I understand the concern, but during play I've never noticed it. Hopefully that's now not something that I can unsee..
Not available in Canada. They should have it as an app. We are in the 21st century, and most people have a computer.
The digital is launching in April
Should rename it Flowchart the Game? Have you ever wanted to spend hours reading flowcharts? Nothing immerses me into the theme quite like flowcharts.
Is this a stand alone?
Or does one need other LNL stuff?
You need their other stuff. This is a generic bolt-on solo mod for any and all of their LNL tactical titles.
$70 for a deck of cards and some flow charts...yikes. feels more like $40-$50 to me.