This also is one of AH's mail-order line, but differs from the other four in these respects: It is an all new game never before published by AH or anyone else; it comes in the bookcase format instead of the flat box, and it costs $10.00 instead of $8.00. Like 1776 and THIRD REICH, PL's bookcase box does not include the outer slip case. PL is PANZERBLITZ transfered to the Western Front.

In case there are any of you unfamiliar with PB, this means that PL is a tactical level (unit counters represent platoons) game of WW II combat. It does not simulate any one particular battle but includes 20 different scenarios simulating many different types of tactical situations typical of WW II on the Western Front. This can be done in one game because of the use of what is called a "geomorphic" mapboard. That is, the board comes in four 8"x22" sections (compared to only 3 sections in PB) which can be arranged in many different ways to provide different maps for different scenarios. In addition to the box and the board sections, you get a 36-page 8 1/2x11" booklet on slick paper containing the rules, designer's notes and campaign data; seven 8"x11" cards containing the scenarios and various charts; and two 9"x12" sheets of unit counters -- which are 5/8" square (like PB) instead of the normal 1/2".

While the game mechanics are basically those of PANZERBLITZ there are several changes and additions. Also the rules are better organized (just being in a booklet, instead of on one big sheet, helps a lot!). Because PL, like PB, simulates WWII warfare on a much smaller scale than do most conventional board games the play mechanics are almost entirely different.

Weapons, for instance,have a range of several hexes (varying according to the specific weapons used) and are of different types having different effects on different kinds of targets. In many ways PB and PL resemble wargaming with miniatures more than they do more "normal" board games. I'm not going to go into more detail on the basic PB/PL system since I'm sure the vast majority of you are already quite familiar with PB (and this article is getting to be rather long, and I'm-getting tired).

Some of the unique features of PANZER LEADER are: a new indirect fire procedure wherein, as in many WWII miniatures rules, the shells land on the turn after the target is chosen; each hex has a dot printed in its center for aid in determining line of sight (always done by use of a straight edge); units hiding in woods or town hexes can be spotted once they fire; the British "funny" tanks are covered (the Sherman Flail, Churchill Flamethrower and Valentine Bridgelayer); some scenarios include amphibious landings (one board section has a beach); observation aircraft, fighter bombers, and anti-aircraft defense are covered. Infantry may increase its speed by the use of quick-timing but runs a 50% chance of being dispersed; opportunity fire at units moving through an enemy's LOS; naval support fire; differentiation between AFVs that have turrets and those that don't; limiting the field of fire of towed artillery; the use of smoke shells.

In addition to the twenty scenarios (none of which use more than 3 of the 4 board sections) there is a Macro Game requiring two sets of mapboards and three sets of counters. It portrays a fictional, non-historical situation, with emphasis on playability, for (ideally) five players. It utilizes 6 board sections. And, of course, you can make up scenarios of your own. What's more, the PL and PB board sections are compatible and can be used together. Also, most of the unit counters are compatible.

Design credits are as follows: Historical Research and Situation Design, Dave Clark & Nick Smith; Rules Development & Expansion & Components Design. Randy Reed; Box Art, W. Scott Moores. The box art is, incidentally, almost exactly like PB except yellow replaces orange and Tiger Is replace JagdPanthers. PANZER LEADER is also available from PANZERFAUST. AH rates it Tournament IV, but rates PB as Tournament III. I don't see why they shouldn't be the same.

Complexity Level

Alexander the Great Intermediate II
Anzio Tournament II
Jutland Tournament II
Chancellorsville Intermediate III
Third Reich Tournament IV
Panzer Leader Tournament IV

More Six From Avalon Hill Game Profiles

Rise and Decline of the Third Reich
Chancellorsville
Anzio
Alexander the Great
Jutland
Panzer Leader