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Malcolm Green
Canada
Victoria
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When Bayernkini requested that I continue to expand Dire Heroes beyond the Gas Attack at Ypres, I was very skeptical. I had never intended anything other than a one off game and couldn't see how any other scenarios could fit. While the base ruleset makes use of a base Memoir '44 set, I simply couldn't see initially how to include elements like the elaborate trench systems that developed (without having to make tiles, no easy feat for the casual gamer!) or other elements beyond the scope of the original concept.
Playtesting of course, was a whole other issue! In Gas Attack, I had to tinker and play a lot to get it to work properly and yet be in accordance with the situation as it was. Hours were spent just making one scenario, my mind boggled at the thought of doing it again...many times over (for each scenario).
I was however intent on getting Gas Attack at Ypres to the cyberworld of Vassal where I could at least play a game or two easily (Dire Heroes lends itself extremely well to solo play) without having to tie up the game table. Being a graphics guy by trade, I also wanted it to look pleasing so I set about to make the basis of my intent.
I soon realized however, that I now had a tool that not only allowed me to make whatever terrain and units I needed, but also one that would do it quickly. Like the scenario editor for Memoir '44, Vassal provided the tools for quick and easy prototyping (well, relatively speaking, setting up the module took much longer than I thought it would and required some major assistance...Dr. Nostromo, thanks again very much for your dice roller!).
Now armed with the weapon needed to advance the front, Bayerkini and I have begun work on development. I could now set up a scenario, try it out. Tweak it. Re-try it. Then send it off for further testing. If I don't have terrain, I make it. If the scenario calls for special units, viola! Vassal has opened up limitless possibilities.
Of course I understand that this may take the game away from my original concept of playing using an existing framework...but that is truly yet to be determined. What's exciting is the possibilities!
Dire Heroes - Gas Attack at Ypres is now available as a Vassal Module.
Designed by Malcolm Green and published under Green Bear Games this Great War ruleset can be played with a standard Memoir '44 game.
(note; Memoir '44 is a registered trademark of Days of Wonder).
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