VASL User's Guide - Introduction


Introduction to VASL

VASL is a computerized interface for playing Avalon Hill's board game "Advanced Squad Leader" (ASL) over the Internet. One of the most frustrating aspects of ASL (besides its complexity) is the occasional difficulty players encounter in finding opponents to play against. VASL aspires to be one simple thing: a way for ASL players worldwide to play more often and more easily. In short, VASL has everything you need to play ASL with anybody anywhere on the planet! Connect to the server and look around for a game, or drop in and watch others play. It's a club for those without a club, and it's free.

To achieve this VASL combines two things: an onscreen playing area, and an on-line gaming club. VASL mimics as closely as possible the experience of moving counters on a board with another person across the table. Unlike games played over Internet chat sites (IRQ's), you are able to see and manipulate both the maps and counters on the VASL screen and transmit this information instantaneously to your opponent. VASL's chat and game room features allow you to view other games being played, share information, chat, compete in online tournaments, and even post items or game requests on the VASL Message Board. A VASL server is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, to anyone on the planet that has Internet access, and wishes to play a game.

VASL is an amazing example of the cross platform power of the Java programming language. Because VASL is written in Java, any computer system that can handle the Java language (Click here for a listing) can run VASL and use it to play games with other players, regardless of the computer system they are using.

Though there is no charge for personal use of VASL, you may not distribute VASL, in exchange for any sort of fee, without the expressed written consent of Rodney Kinney. If you become so enamored with the program (which you will) that you feel a donation of some sort is in order you may send it to:

Rodney Kinney
4053 149th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA  98006


Include your email address and you will receive instructions on how to disable the "friendly reminder" screen. You may also pay by credit card through PayPal by making a payment to rodneykinney@comcast.net. PayPal is the easiest option for international donors as well.

VASL is not a complete product by itself. You must own Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) in order to play. VASL does NOT incorporate the rules, scenarios, or components necessary for playing ASL. It is simply an interface, it is not the game. For more information about ASL visit Multiman Publishing.

Who to Thank for VASL

Programmed by: Rodney Kinney

Contributors:
Counter Graphics by Carl Fung and Klaus Fischer
Map Board Artwork by the VASL Map Cabal.
Special recognition to Tom Repetti, Carl Pfeiffer, Gordon Molek and Tim Fachko.
User's Guide by Louis Manios and David Lake
Original Web Design by Lake WebWorks
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