"Developer Diary: Solitaire AoS game, "A Glorious Chance"" Topic

Anyone interested in AoS, particularly naval War of 1812, may find it interesting to follow my developer diary on Boardgamegeek: boardgamegeek.com/blog/4397 This game is designed to generate scenarios that you can play with your favorite tactical naval miniatures or boardgame. But, it's also a self-contained solitaire game that can be enjoyed in its own right. It's going to be a Vassal module initially, but I may also do a PnP version at some point for those who really have to have a physical game. Suggestions and feedback are welcome!

Really nice – I enjoyed reading the background as well as the AARs.

Thanks! The play tests have been exciting so far. A Glorious Chance will bring out the gambler in you. Lots of risk/reward dilemmas, and it's always suspenseful to flip the Target Cards each tun to see where Yeo will strike next. The AI British squadron seems hard to catch, often avoids battle when I want to fight, but then it suddenly appears in force where I didn't expect it and shows its teeth.

Keeping the fog of war present in a solo game is I think key to making it a real game. I don't have a lot of free time but I'd love to playtest for you, if you'd like more eyes on this.

Sure! Are you willing to use Vassal? I just have to solo it a few more times to make sure the systems and mechanics all work together smoothly enough. On each playthrough, I tweak a rule here and there, or think of some improvement. I'll know it's ready for someone else to playtest once I've gotten through some games where I didn't feel I needed to make those adustments. But then I have to make the Vassal playtest module -- right now I have a lot of prototype artwork done, as you saw in the blog. But I have to put my handwritten cards into proper form. Plus, I've never made a Vassal module before, so I'll be going step-by-step with Joel Toppen's Youtube series, "Vassal modules 101." The FOW aspect is the best part of the game, and I've been happy with it from the very beginning. On this playthrough, I'm focusing on best ways to integrate my random events deck into the game. I want the events to add just enough additional randomness and historical chrome, without feeling too arbitrary or unfair to the player. I also don't want the events to throw the game too far off balance toward one side or the other. One important purpose of the events is to impose some risks on the U.S. human player every time he or she sends those unstable converted laker schooners out into the open lake. Without that, the game gives the U.S. squadron too much of an advantage due to the higher number of vessels. The events also include real aspects of the historical campaign like sickness, gales, even lightning strikes. Note: The initial game I send out to playtest will be the self-contained strategic game. It won't include the Maneuver Level for miniatures yet. I plan to finish developing that while the strategic level is being playtested.

Absolutely – I love Vassal. I've tried to make some modules for my own use – it's a very sophisticated app! Count me in, when you're ready for a test I'll definitely give it my best/try to break it (that's really what we want after all isn't it?! lol)

kfg1961 (and any others interested in playtesting)
The rules are now posted for download here:

link

Please read the rules first, and see if this solitaire game hits your happy zone.

Please contact me if you want the Vassal playtest module, which will be available in the next 24-48 hours.

I would be interested to make a test on Vassal. Your work seems impressive.

What a cool idea. I'll definitely give these rules a read.

Anyone who wants to playtest should PM me on BGG or Consimworld.
Thanks for the interest!

Got them – I'll get started.