Heroes of the Bitter Harvest | Wargame Unboxing | Lock 'N Load Tactical | WW2 Board Game LNLT

[@keithtalbot9504]

The picture is the designer of Bitter harvest, good guy !

[@ThymeKeeper]

He is also known as the Original Grognard on KZbin.

[@keithtalbot9504]

@@ThymeKeeper yes, the OG

[@ZillaBlitz]

I pieced together that he was the designer because there is a leader counter in the game with his name, but I didn't realize he was the Original Grognard on YT. I have become study, thanks!

[@thecustardprophet8434]

That's so cool that they have two sizes of each map. Really nice touch.

[@ZillaBlitz]

The big maps are delicious! :)

[@carlosavena6376]

Nice nice nice!!!! unfortunately here in Argentina these kind of games as hard to come by but fortunately I found it on Steam and it's already downloading! Happy to follow your channel. Best channel in KZbin by far :-)

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, it's definitely nice that the system exists in both digital and tabletop form! I hope you enjoy the game, and thanks for the kind words about the channel. Much appreciated. :)

[@Steelwhip2001]

excellent as always Mike! And if you have any questions on it please feel free to reach out!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Thank you, Devin! I'm looking forward to playing, and will reach out if I have questions, thank you for the offer. :)

[@Steelwhip2001]

@@ZillaBlitz and the reason the solo system looks so familiar to you..is that Sean-who designed Point Blank and its solo system, also designed the solo system for LnLT =)

[@ZillaBlitz]

@@Steelwhip2001 Aha! Thanks! That makes perfect sense. I was looking it over and thinking, "This is exactly the type of thinking that's baked into the Point Blank system." That explains it! :)

[@Steelwhip2001]

@@ZillaBlitz he wrote the solo system for LnLT first.t.hen just applied it with some changes as needed to PB =)

[@ZillaBlitz]

@@Steelwhip2001 Ah, yes, that makes sense, thanks. ~ By the way, I'm doing an Enemy at the Gates unboxing next. Should be posted later tonight or tomorrow. :)

[@8ofcups763]

You were right about the red background Soviet infantry units. They have the Guards badge in the upper left corner.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Oh, nice! Thanks! Unboxings are sometimes tricky because I realize I have questions about things right in the middle of shooting the video. Much appreciated. :)

[@coyi51]

Looks a good game and system, yet another game for the wish list. its rather expensive and has many additions as well. Maybe one day. Excellent unboxing.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Thanks, coyi! I'm looking forward to getting started with this one, as it seems like it's got all the latest things in the box, and the addition of the RPG, solo rules, and battle generator seems to give it good depth.

[@robertmoffitt1336]

My starting point to exploring the LnL Tactical system was their North African module. The 4X maps are terrific.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice! Yes, big thumbs up on the 4x maps. I can see them just making everything more fun to manage.

[@Kili121416]

Just trying to play my first game in the system now. Prepared my own Play Aids summarising the rules to assist.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Very nice! Did you start with a scenario or make up your own?

[@Kili121416]

@@ZillaBlitz Have a number of modules so I chose the first scenario of Heroes of the Nam. Does not really introduce many Modern Rules. Will stick with. as you suggested, pure Infantry next. Note to self, remember to spot !!!

[@ZillaBlitz]

@@Kili121416 I should probably clarify that I'd go with Infantry + Leaders. Leaders are key. Then I'd add support weapons quickly after that. :)

[@Kili121416]

@@ZillaBlitz Yep, Leaders & SWs (DFT only) are a must from the beginning

[@8ofcups763]

Mercy that looks like a LOT of work!!!!

[@ZillaBlitz]

😀 ~ Definitely not something you pick up on a whim, for sure. I actually like learning these things, but the biggest thing to realize with a system like this is that you learn the rules once, and then you can play any of the dozens and dozens of modules that are out there without really any additional rules to learn. So there are games on North Africa, Vietnam, the Falklands, Normandy, etc., that use the same system of rules. In essence, it's kind of a "Pay Up Front" type of learning experience. :)

[@SoloBattles]

Love the look and layout. I think the smaller maps would also be ideal for larger area/smaller piece density scenarios. Great for scenarios with more maneuvering. The bonus for having the separate player aid sheets is that one player could have the rule book, and the other the sheets, so both could have handy references right in front of them. Read a book called "Where the Iron Crosses Grow" about the desperate fighting in the Crimea. Bitter Harvest seems like an allusion! Great review, I really appreciate the insets!

[@ZillaBlitz]

Sometimes I've felt that tactical systems can get congested while playing, so I think I'll really like the 4x maps. Just seems like it gives the game a more expansive feel and ease of play. Looking forward to digging in. :)

[@nordicmaelstrom4714]

Why does the German guy look like Mark McGwire?

[@ZillaBlitz]

That's the designer. I think it's widely said that Mark McGwire looks like Devin Heinle, not the other way around. ;)

[@danepatterson8107]

Totally

[@Stumptonian1]

On my radar, but I have to slow down for a bit. Just got Panzer and The France 1940 Expansion. Also have Conflict of Heroes: Awakening the Bear, so probably at least a year before I can head this way. I will be interested in playthroughs.

[@ZillaBlitz]

That's a nice menu of upcoming games you've got there! I keep saying it, but it's such an amazing time for historical gaming. We are so fortunate to have so many great options. :)

[@Solkills]

As always, good unboxing review :) Unfortunatly, I have to pass on this game.. you already got me to buy La Primogenita from your previous unboxing video :p Keep the good work, nearly 10k subscribers incoming ! :o

[@ZillaBlitz]

Nice! How are you liking La Primogenita? I've seen some really good things about it and am looking forward to getting some gameplay on the channel as soon as I play through some of the games in front of it. And thanks, 10k still a good bit away, but not so incredibly far that I haven't noticed. Just trying to enjoy the journey. :)

[@Solkills]

@@ZillaBlitz I've just started to learn the rules but so far it's not hard to understand. Looking forward for your gameplay videos !

[@ZillaBlitz]

@@Solkills I really like the idea of the orders system in the game, very curious to see how it plays out.

[@markward1803]

Love this system definitely when using the 4kXmaps they look awesome and make play much easier as you don’t need to stack counters. Got this on its way but have heroes of the falklands and Day of heroes. Start with small scenarios and build up, looks like a lot of rules but you will quickly get a grip. This and ASL are my go to tactical systems

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, I think my first step is to enjoy exploring this system, and then I'd like to explore some ASL too. Comparing the two systems would be fun to do, but I feel like I have a good ways to travel before I'd be ready to do that. :)

[@charlescleary71]

Seems like a very interesting tactical system. Looking forward to some gameplay video and maybe some comparisons to the ASL system.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Yes, I think my first step is to get comfortable with LnL, and enjoy the exploration there. Then I definitely want to dig into ASL some too. It'd be fun at some point in the future to do a comparison of the two systems, for sure, but I feel like I have a good ways to travel before I'd be at that point. :)

[@ThymeKeeper]

I really want to get into this, but the digital version didn't hold my hand enough. I think I need it in print. I need to get the core rulebook and a module and just dive in

[@ZillaBlitz]

Interesting, I picked up the core Steam module during a sale a while back, but haven't explored it yet. I was thinking to start with tabletop and then go into the digital version to see if I could identify mistakes I'm making, as digital versions often help with that.

[@ThymeKeeper]

@@ZillaBlitz That makes sense. A good digital version can really help. It was certainly the case for me with Root and Gloomhaven.

[@ZillaBlitz]

@@ThymeKeeper Yes, I've been waiting for Gloomhaven to go on a steeper discount so I can finally figure out how incorrectly I move or don't move enemies. :)

[@timd4524]

The hill looks manufactured differently from others I've seen. They're usually stacked cardboard. That looks molded or something. Is it different, like not cardboard? This game is interesting but I've been getting dragged into their Panzer Grenadier.

[@ZillaBlitz]

I probably should have mentioned that, but it feels like stacked and pressed cardboard, yes. I'm not familiar with Panzer Grenadier yet, so many good things to play. :)

[@timd4524]

@@ZillaBlitz I think the hill is a nice change up for once.

[@davidheath802]

The hills are double thick counter board. Take two of the normal LnLT counters on top of each other. This should make it much more durable then simple cardstock.

[@dogtags2010]

I've backed this on kickstarter. I'm really excited. Only issue for me is the amount of time it's taking to get it to backers. Especially considering they have been giving out copies for reviews, taking the games to conventions. They clearly have the stock so they need To start sending them out to backers.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Hopefully it gets out soon!

[@davidheath802]

Hi @dogtags we always have two cases (8 games in this case) sent to the office for a final check and a few of those go to reviewers. This really helps us make sure nothing missing or misprinted before the games are place on a cargo ship.

[@leroymcgee6803]

Is this game actually out now - or is it still in pre-order?

[@ZillaBlitz]

Sorry, I don't know the release schedule. It's still on pre-order in the site.

[@davidheath802]

The game is in late pledge now. The games are on a boat heading to the US.

[@HerschelSarnoff]

Digital games are so much easier to setup and play

[@ZillaBlitz]

I definitely agree with this, but I can say that re-engaging with tabletop games the past 2 years has been the best thing I've done for my strategy and wargaming hobby. I love getting away from screens, and the tactile nature of the games, and the feel of the pieces, just has been marvelous for my mental well being. So yes, I agree, and yes, I think tabletop brings its own strengths that I really enjoy too. I like both. :)

[@Eurodance_Groove]

It seems I lost it: may you tell me if this box is a stand alone / already playable game by itself; or you have to buy the core box before being able to play this one? And why they duplicated each map of the game itself? It has 2 scales of playability? Is the army points for each unit system used in the make your own scenario system or part of the game, similar to those army point systems we saw in games like warhammer 40000 or heroes of nornandie ?

[@ZillaBlitz]

Happy to help. - Yes, this is stand alone, everything you need is inside. :) - The larger maps are useful if you have the space for them, because the hexes are less crowded and you don't have to stack units as much. You can use whatever version of the map you like, the gameplay is the same. :) - I'm not 100% familiar with how Warhammer or Heroes of Normandie work, but most of these systems are the same. You decide before you play how many points each side will get to spend, and then you "buy" units up to that amount. Hope this helps!

[@anab0lic]

Does all of this come in the retail version or is some of this stuff kickstarter exclusive?

[@ZillaBlitz]

Sorry, but I don't know. It was all inside the box I got but I don't know to what degree future versions might change. I'd recommend reaching out directly to Lock 'N Load to be sure. :)

[@lastburning]

LnL games are expensive. The X-Maps cost 30€ a piece. The games are *at least* 80€ and contain a few counters, small one-sided paper maps and usually outdated, obsolete player aids and rulebook. You have to buy the up-to-date, full rulebook separately and it's expensive. You got that inside the box though. Maybe a Kickstarter thing. There's not even cards for the leader abilities inside the box. I like the system fine. It's just so expensive compared to its contents.

[@ZillaBlitz]

Thanks for sharing your thought, Heikai! :)

[@Krystofer-Robin]

The only expensive board game is the one you buy and put on a shelf to collect dust, never played.

[@danepatterson8107]

If it's tactical but it's not ASL, it's CRAP! 😜

[@ZillaBlitz]

Haha! :)