Games That Influenced Lock 'n Load

This blog post started as a reply to one of my friends, Brad Smith, who runs the successful Hexsides and Hand Grenades blog. Relax, the blog is about wargames, not killing people. Anyway, I thought these thoughts might be interesting to share, so here they are.
 
Brad asked "What were the Lock 'n Load game system's influences, and I answered.

Everything influenced Lock 'n Load. The event idea came from Battle Hymn, the opposed

die rolls from platoon, support weapons and such from ASL, and the Skill Cards from the perks in Fallout. At least those things were my inspiration. I do remember that I enjoyed the infantry combat in Fire Team, but the game also got so many things wrong. The art on the vehicles and choppers is horrendous, as is the choice of colors. Those type of mistakes spoil the suspension of disbelief for me.

On the other hand, many of the things in LnL were birthed from what I perceived as BAD ideas in ASL or other tactical games. For example, LnL has weapon teams because I think crews for ATGs are fiddly and stupid. LnL has different sized counters because I think Landships ruined itself with the tiny tank counters, and LnL stresses story and the individual because I don't think realism lies in gun calibers or armor slope, but rather the inherent chaos of battle, and the will of men to overcome it.
 
I don't use history books that much. Dozens of years ago I read history. Now I read Deadpool. He's much more interesting. I do my research by speaking with actual combat vets. I met a lot at the War College, and also because of my work since. They are the ones that tell me smoke is overrated (too confusing), and mortars are underrated (terrifying), and machine guns aren't  that bad in the hands of poorly trained troops, such as the Iraqis.

For you non-gamers, it's a boring post today. Sorry. On the other hand, I hope my gaming friends enjoy it. See you tomorrow.

PS. If you are interested in learning more about Lock 'n Load, and the other games published by Lock 'n Load Publishing, click here.