Historical Modules III

The differences between the original Vroenhoven and the newer Facing the Blitz are essentially cosmetic and there is no real reason for owners of the original version to purchase the newer version.  The product is available both with and without the map (which has only minor, basically cosmetic changes).  Most of the counters included are basically duplicates of existing German and Allied Minor MMC counters, leaders, or SW.  There is a new squad type introduced, the German 7-5-8 squad.  This squad is one of two types of squads representing the German parachutists, along with the 5-4-8.  The rationale for the 7-5-8 squad is that it represents parachutist squads with inherent LMG, while the 5-4-8 represents those without one (which is odd in itself, since in ASL even the 4-6-7 squad is assumed to include an inherent LMG).  If this weren't enough, the Fallschirmjäger are also Assault Engineers and Sappers, are Stealthy, have Assault Fire and Spraying Fire, have a 9 broken morale, can initiate Hand to Hand CC, can guard extra prisoners, and can Self-Rally.  In other words, they are totally ridiculous "supermen"--one of the most egregious instances of supermanning in the history of ASL.  A few 5/8" counters include a few Gliders and a smattering of other units.

The module was designed by long-time tactical gamer Pedro Ramis (who has essentially moved over to the ATS system) and depicts the German airborne assault to take a bridge over the Albert Canal at Vroenhoven on May 10, 1940.  The six scenarios are mostly small in size (two medium-sized scenarios are included).  Some are basically too small to be fun or interesting, such as VHN3 (End of Command), which features 8 German squads attacking two Belgian squads and a crew (with no SWs).  There is really only one interesting scenario, VHN1 (Winged Devils), which is of interest primarily because it is a relatively rare Glider Landing scenario.

Since its release, this mini-module has been largely ignored by the ASL community and probably justifiably so.  It is probably of interest only to completists, airborne fanatiques, and people dying to play Belgian scenarios.

There is one additional issue--its cost.  This product lists at $49.95.  When one realizes that it was originally included as a throwaway extra for a magazine, the huge cost of this product is clearly ridiculous.  Critical Hit is asking people to pay $50 for a tiny map and six measly scenarios?  This is essentially price-gouging.