Panzer Blitz: Hill of Death

[Whiterook]

Panzerblitz Hill of Death



Ahhhhh, the re-emergence of a classic! I hadn't been on MultimanPublishing's site in awhile MultimanPublishing.com, and I probably wouldn't have noticed this game if PatM hadn't mentioned it in the Discussions area....thanks mate!


The new game sells for $38 USD, which is a very good price! PatM purchased the game, I believe, so he'll have to fill us all in on the details of what the game really looks like, and more importantly, how it plays. Maybe even some pics...

The site says the following can be found in the Panzerblitz Hill of Death game for scenarios:

• First Crack 8 turns, whole map

• Launch of Jupiter 10 turns, corner of map

• End of Juniper 7 turns, small portion of map

• Take the Hill 7 turns, center of map

• Overlooking Maltot 10 turns, pretty large, 1/3 of map

• Twilight at Maltot 11 turns, 1/3 of map

• No Happy Rest 7 turns, small portion of map

• Pierced and Bloody 6 turns, small portion of map, quick game

For those unfamiliar with MultimanPublishing (MMP)....they are the company created by ex-Red Sox Pitcher Curt Schilling .....who are the folks carrying on the Advanced Squad Leader mantle, and I am glad to see them branching out. I own several of their products, and I can say first hand that they produce absolutely fabulous stuff. I am really excited about seeing Hill of Death hit the market, and I do believe it will be entering my collection very soon! If I were at Origins Game Fair this year (right nowm as a matter of fact!), I'd very likely be travelling home with it, as MMP have a booth there every year!

From the MultimanPublishing web site:
In the words of a Senior German Officer "He who holds Hill 112, holds Normandy."

Join the epic battle for this key feature and the control of Normandy. Take command of infantry and armor to control key terrain features on Hill 112 and the surrounding countryside. This epic battle waged for over 4 weeks with the hill and surrounding objectives changing hands several times. Can you take and hold this vital piece of high ground the key to Normandy?

Panzerblitz Hill of Death is a historical module simulating the battles in Normandy for Hill 112. This is not the Panzerblitz of the 70's, but rather a modernized system based upon Panzerblitz and Panzer Leader which uses many of the core concepts while removing some of the gameyness of the original system.

Panzerblitz Hill of Death uses a single 22"x32" mapsheet which is based upon historical maps of the period. The hex scale is 250 yards/hex. Beautifully detailed, yet totally functional for the game, the maps reflect the battlefield as it actually was - no generic terrain for these battles. 8 scenarios are included in the game, varying in size from small to large so that gamers will be able to enjoy Panzerblitz Hill of Death whether they have a whole Saturday of gaming lined up or an hour before its time to put the kids down for the night.

Contents:

One mapsheet (Take a Look!)


One 16-page rulebook
Three countersheets (two full sheets, one half sheet)
1 player aid card
4 Scenario Cards
2 dice

Sounds like a winner!

--Whiterook, FMCAMS

[Whiterook]

Here's some pictures from the INternet, to tempt you! The first picture is of the paper map.....



One enterprising Gamer mounted a mapsheet in what looks to be a poster frame, which we've talked about in the past....a great idea, really!





I've never been a huge fan of chart tables on the mapsheet/board itself, but it is fairly common practice in 'The Biz'.

[Whiterook]

Here's a comparison of the old game on the left, and the new one on the right. I really like that they kept the general style of the old to new. The graphics on the new version is a little more detailed, especially the dust cloud (which is cool) and the tank details; and they even kept the lettering te same, which is a big KUDOS, IMHO.



Next up is a comparison of the old counter of a Pz. IV (on the left) and the new version (on the right. Note that it appears they kept the same 'system' for combat data, though slightly different in strength. The bar across the top with the unit designation actually adds to the visual appeal vs. the old (blander) style. I like the addition of the Nationality symbol....it makes a nice appeal to the looks of the counter. The biggest difference, however, is the silhouette....the detail on it brings it up to par of many of the current games out there with colorful and vivid graphics. The last point I'll make is, look at the coloration in the print quality......no longer pixelated or grainy; it is much more smoothly printed, and well, sexier....let's all just admit it, shant we?!?



Some full sheets unpunched........

[Freightshaker]

WOW!! That definitely isn't like the old Panzer Blitz/Leader on my shelf. I think the wife would kill me if I started up another hobby...

[Whiterook]

Ahhhhh, but think what fun you'd have before the frying pan makes final contact!!!

[Freightshaker]

Ahhhhh, but think what fun you'd have before the frying pan makes final contact!!!

Always lookin' at the bright side aren't ya?