Vassal

[GJK]

I sing the praise of this program on every wargame related forum that I visit - I enjoy it so much. For those that don't know, VASSAL is a java based (read, it will run on any computer basically) program that allows you to play boardgames live online vs others, or via Pbem by sending log files. It has built in tools that are pretty easy to learn for creating your own modules as well.

Note that VASSAL doesn't have an AI. It doesn't interpret the rules. You need to know the game that you're playing, but you don't need to set up your boardgame, you just play it on the computer - which has given me a chance to enjoy all these wonderful games again since I have no real way of setting one up here (and leaving it set up undisturbed).

More information about VASSAL can be found at http://www.vassalengine.org

I helped with the "Getting Started" wiki as well: Getting Started (http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/doku.php?id=getting_started:getting_started)

Here's a list of the modules that I've made, and some works in progress. Part of the fun for me is actually doing the artwork - either making it look exactly like the original game, or tweaking the graphics to my heart's content:


Carrier - VG (new graphics): http://www.garykrockover.com/uploads/Carrier-new-screenshot.jpg

Fortress Berlin (new counters): http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=180

Texas Revolution (Ming Enterprises): http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=188

The Mighty Endeavor (MMP/The Gamers): http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=190

Fire In The Sky - MMP: http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=197

No Better Place To Die; The Gamers/MMP: http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=222

Perryville (MMP/The Gamers): http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=226

Thunder at the Crossroads II; MMP/The Gamers: http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=230

In Their Quiet Fields II (MMP/The Gamers): http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=260

Europe Engulfed (GMT) (map only as a favor, I don't have this game): http://www.garykrockover.com/uploads/EE-Map.png

Ardennes '44: http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=313

End of the Iron Dream http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=349

NFL Strategy: http://www.vassalengine.org/community/index.php?option=com_vassal_modules&task=display&module_id=362

And just finished this map tonight, Fortress Europa with new graphics: http://www.garykrockover.com/uploads/EUROPA2.jpg

I hope to see some of you guys online playing some time!

[KG_Panzerschreck]

Ever since i first heard of this i have wanted to try it. I just dont have the time anymore. Im crunched to the max for "Online Gaming" time as it is and what little i get is devoted to the CM Series. Its such a shame, as i still have all my old Avalon Hill and Victory Games games.

My boardgaming time i get now is devoted to bringing my young Nephews into the word of Wargaming through Risk, Carrier Strike! and Axis and Allies D-Day and a few other titles.