Matrix Games

New Tactical World War II Board Game Nears Release

Matrix Games and Mark H. Walker (www.locknloadgame.com) are very pleased to announce that Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes is now available for a special pre-order price of $64.99 via the Matrix Games online store.

Printing is also about to begin on the first board war game to be published by Matrix Games, which with six mounted geomorphic mapboards and over 520 counters will be available online and through retail stores.

Mark Walker’s Lock ‘n Load:  Band of Heroes is a squad level board game that is easy to learn, fast to play and loaded with exciting scenarios.  The game features the 82^nd and 101^st Airborne divisions in multiple scenarios across Normandy in June of 1944.  If you don’t have a handy opponent, solitaire suitability is high with random scenario events and unfolding storylines.  In addition, Lock ‘n Load supports online play through free virtual board game utilities such as VASSAL, which allow you to play an opponent across the world without having to set up a single board or game piece, except online.

As with the first Lock ‘n Load in the series, each hex is 50 meters, turns are a few moments, counters represent squads, leaders, heroes, medics and even the occasional chaplain or scout.  In addition to their own firepower, squads employ machine guns and squad automatic weapons, including for the Americans the .30 Cal, the Browning Automatic Rifle and the bazooka; for the Germans the MG-34, MG-43, Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck.  Both sides are supported by tanks and assault guns, including Stuarts, StuGs, Shermans and an array of Panzers.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games said, “We have greatly enjoyed working with Mark Walker to bring Matrix's first board game to print.  We hope to have printed copies ready at Origins and look forward to all the fans that can meet us there at the end of June to play a few games and join in the excitement of this release.”

Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes includes sixteen scenarios which play to the game’s strong suit... story telling. We have the Medal of Honor battle (XYZ Complex)... where two paratroopers (later supported by a platoon) took down an entire German artillery battalion. The Alamo depicts the final battle in Saving Private Ryan, Flash... Thunder demonstrates the chaotic struggle of the first scattered paratroopers as Germans and Americans randomly appear, and still another (The Call of Duty) dishes up some tough choices for the commander of the 327th Glider Regiment.

New Game Features Include:

• Enhanced armor rules

• Simplified artillery rules

• Streamlined spotting routine

• Straightforward Assault Movement rules

The Game Box Includes:

• Six MOUNTED geomorphic maps

• 480+ beautiful four-color counters

• 16 Scenarios printed on quality card stock

• Rule and example of play book

• Player’s Aid charts

• 16 Colorful Skill Cards

• Two six-sided die.

   

Lock ‘n Load:  Band of Heroes is scheduled for a Summer release at the Origins 2005 Gaming Convention in Columbus, Ohio.  Mark H. Walker is scheduled to personally attend Origins and demo Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes to interested gamers.  For more information on Origins please visit www.originsgames.com. 

www.matrixgames.com and www.locknloadgame.com.

For more information about Lock ‘n Load:  Band of Heroes and other Matrix Games titles, or to pre-order Lock ‘n Load:  Band of Heroes, please visit

Distributors or retailers wishing to discuss ordering Lock ‘n Load: Band of Heroes should contact dealers@matrixgames.com.