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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Wargaming => Topic started by: Nefaro on January 15, 2016, 06:50:16 PM

Title: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Nefaro on January 15, 2016, 06:50:16 PM
Ohhh shit.   :o

Another solitaire air war game just landed.  A P500 at GMT. 



(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmtgames.com%2Fsatr%2FSATRbanner3.jpg&hash=95f6b6ecd6678093a289c19b79536aea3a8f0d9c)



https://www.gmtgames.com/p-571-skies-above-the-reich.aspx



I'm sure this will hit the P500 mark in no time.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gmtgames.com%2Fsatr%2F1countersamples.jpg&hash=171b653fc7090d446563794053f4e2f8d0b1f7a5)






Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: mirth on January 15, 2016, 06:51:35 PM
Oh hell yes!
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Barthheart on January 15, 2016, 07:01:34 PM
Ooooooooooooo......  :D

Now, if only the Loonie would stop sinking I might be able to afford it......  :tickedoff:
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Staggerwing on January 15, 2016, 07:08:38 PM
Resistance... crumbling...
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 15, 2016, 07:13:08 PM
Play.....as the Germans???   I'm so confused.  How am I supposed to bomb Berlin?
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Nefaro on January 15, 2016, 07:19:17 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 15, 2016, 07:13:08 PM
Play.....as the Germans???   I'm so confused.  How am I supposed to bomb Berlin?


With this one?

http://www.legionwargames.com/legion_TFT.html


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legionwargames.com%2Fimages%2FTFT_cover_200.jpg&hash=1072d5dc12398ebfe9312465a8238e2a0a9da416)


"TARGET FOR TODAY is an advanced update of Glen Frank's classic game B17, QUEEN OF THE SKIES. Some familiarity with that game is assumed, but "TARGET FOR TODAY!" is a completely new  game—you do not need to own B-17, QUEEN OF THE SKIES to play it. New tables are included and the rules are organized according to the sequence of play in any typical mission."




Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 15, 2016, 07:24:23 PM
How am I supposed to bomb Berlin at night?  You know, like God and Harris intended.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Pinetree on January 15, 2016, 08:14:27 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 15, 2016, 07:24:23 PM
How am I supposed to bomb Berlin at night?  You know, like God and Harris intended.

Play it in the dark?
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 10, 2018, 07:24:13 AM
Apologies for the thread necro, but has anyone played Skies Above the Reich?  Was thinking about getting it, but wanted to see if anyone here had any thoughts on it first.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: ComradeP on July 10, 2018, 11:40:43 AM
My copy was, presumably, shipped last week and goes to a middleman first (Second Chance Games, through the Euro-friendly shipping option). I'm hoping it will be here later this month. I'll post some impressions when I get it.

I'm not sure if a VASSAL module is being worked on, I haven't checked any threads on the game over at CSW or elsewhere.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Nefaro on July 10, 2018, 03:11:08 PM
Quote from: Geezer on July 10, 2018, 07:24:13 AM
Apologies for the thread necro, but has anyone played Skies Above the Reich?  Was thinking about getting it, but wanted to see if anyone here had any thoughts on it first.  Thanks.

I had signed up for the P500 quite awhile back but, sadly, had to reverse that decision more recently due to it's arrival time coinciding with my move.   :pullhair:

I may pick it up at retail eventually.  So much stuff going on, however, I'm not sure when.  Plus I have a DVG Kickstarter showing up soon too.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 11, 2018, 11:19:05 AM
Quote from: ComradeP on July 10, 2018, 11:40:43 AM
My copy was, presumably, shipped last week and goes to a middleman first (Second Chance Games, through the Euro-friendly shipping option). I'm hoping it will be here later this month. I'll post some impressions when I get it.

I'm not sure if a VASSAL module is being worked on, I haven't checked any threads on the game over at CSW or elsewhere.

According to this thread, a VASSAL version is being built:  https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2020972/vassal-future

Resistance is futile and I'm on the verge of pulling the trigger.  Waiting to hear back from Miniature Market on when they are getting copies.  If it's not "soon" I may just order direct from GMT.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 20, 2018, 09:07:56 AM
Review from The Players Aid.  A thumbs up.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g5LQnSTMPA
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 26, 2018, 10:34:28 AM
Skies Above the Reich arrived yesterday. Set it up and played a quick '42 practice mission. It was brutal. We jumped the bombers near the target with 4 experten Bf-109 pilots. The bombers had 5 little friends (Spitfires) who were there for the whole mission although none of them ever intercepted us. Our fighters made two passes through the bombers and scored one or maybe two hits, I can't recall now. Meanwhile they got shredded between our own flak and return fire. All four aircraft ended up in the Fate boxes, two with severe cockpit damage and two with severe wing damage. Both aircraft with cockpit damage crashed with one pilot KIA and the other wounded. Both aircraft with wing damage exploded with both pilots KIA. We scored 0 VP's. Welcome to war! LOL
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 26, 2018, 05:19:48 PM
Played another '42 mission today. Our 4 experten Bf-109's intercepted the bombers inbound to their target. Their little friends headed for home on turn 3 while we were climbing to make an oblique run out of the sun. I'll spare you most of the gory details. Our first pilot to attack crashed into a bomber which immediately disintegrated his aircraft while forcing the bomber to fall out of the formation. We inflicted 4 hits on another bomber but one of our fighters was forced to exit and head for home, lucky for him (!), while the other suffered severe cockpit damage. Our remaining fighter tried to attack two more times scoring no more hits and suffering a severe elevator hit on his last pass. No pilot was seen bailing from the fighter with the cockpit fire as it spiraled in. The fighter with the elevator damage crashed on landing and the pilot was killed. At least we scored 2 VP's for the fallen inbound bomber this time but lost 3 pilots KIA again. Ouch.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: ComradeP on July 30, 2018, 11:35:53 AM
My copy has arrived.

I've played one mission so far using Advanced Rules. No KIA's, but the only bomber that was destroyed fell out of formation pre-battle through damage sustained earlier with one of my pilots destroying it with his last burst before running out of ammunition.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on July 30, 2018, 01:37:59 PM
I've played three missions so far, all in '42, and had one with 1 KIA and the other two had 3 KIA's each!   :o
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: stolypin on July 30, 2018, 01:56:22 PM
It's now available from Noble Knight.

And Noble Knight now has my money.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 30, 2018, 03:06:29 PM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on January 15, 2016, 07:24:23 PM
How am I supposed to bomb Berlin at night?  You know, like God and Harris intended.

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-233-nightfighter.aspx
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Staggerwing on July 30, 2018, 07:24:24 PM
^ SDR already kicked my ass in a forum-based round of that game, a year or two/three back.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 30, 2018, 08:32:56 PM
Nah.  I  recall that you managed to knock down a bomber on the final turn of the game for the win in the first session and we quit the second one due to brain ouch.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 30, 2018, 08:40:27 PM
I am interested in this one.

https://www.compassgames.com/preorders/nightfighter-ace.html (https://www.compassgames.com/preorders/nightfighter-ace.html)
(https://www.compassgames.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/f/nf_box_front_5.png)



And I'll probably get this one as well even though I didn't care for Target for Today and sold it after a few play sessions.

(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38012384_10155785435450698_5375141404756410368_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=34ef1ce4a20d0cd01acc1494db93863b&oe=5C106E71)
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Staggerwing on July 30, 2018, 08:51:24 PM
Nightfighter Ace looks sweet. That 'Hunters' game system is cropping up in a few different solitaire games, even a WW1 Zeppelin based one (no idea why that one caught my eye, really...  :-")

Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Nefaro on July 31, 2018, 06:41:09 PM
Quote from: stolypin on July 30, 2018, 01:56:22 PM
It's now available from Noble Knight.

And Noble Knight now has my money.

I grabbed one from them a day or two ago.

Was beginning to worry that if I put it off too long, the whole print run would sell out before I did so.  Then I began thinking to myself, "but how frustrated will I be when GMT inevitably releases a Revised or 2nd Edition in another year and I probably haven't even scratched the surface by then?"   ??? :nerd:
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 31, 2018, 07:48:28 PM
I plunked about $90 on Target For Today last year, totally excited for the game. After all, I 'grew up' playing B-17: Queen of the Skies and absolutely loved that game.

But I was very disappointed in TfT.

While it is indeed B-17 QotS on steroids, it is like being on a roller coaster where you generate RNGs at certain points along the ride, which may or may not impact your bomber. You make very few impactful decisions throughout the process, actually. While there's a lot of meat to it, it's basically on rails, and therefore not nearly what I was hoping for.

Then again...I used to love that kind of thing. My tastes obviously shifted at some point.

I would LOVE to try Skies Above The Reich, though. That'll have to wait a while. I don't envision me buying any new games for a long time.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on August 01, 2018, 08:43:23 AM
Quote from: BanzaiCat on July 31, 2018, 07:48:28 PM
I plunked about $90 on Target For Today last year, totally excited for the game. ...

...You make very few impactful decisions throughout the process, actually. While there's a lot of meat to it, it's basically on rails, and therefore not nearly what I was hoping for....

I looked at Target for Today, A Wing and a Prayer, and Skies Above the Reich when deciding on my next game purchase.  A Wing and a Prayer looked good but I already had B-17 Flying Fortress Leader and they looked similar enough that I passed on that one.  My thoughts on TfT mirror yours posted above.  It's more of a story simulator than a game.  There did not look to be very many meaningful decisions at all.  Once you climbed into the bomber you were pretty much along for the ride.  Nothing wrong with that but it wasn't what I was looking for either.  SAtR allows for many decisions throughout the game and has some depth to it even though you can pretty much start playing right out of the box and referring to the rules as you go.  It's definitely a keeper for me.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: BanzaiCat on August 01, 2018, 09:02:25 AM
Quote from: Geezer on August 01, 2018, 08:43:23 AM
Once you climbed into the bomber you were pretty much along for the ride.  Nothing wrong with that but it wasn't what I was looking for either.

I'm glad I'm not the only one. You mentioning it being a 'story generator' is a good perspective on the game, though it's like a Choose Your Own Adventure book where, instead of making decisions as to what direction the story goes in, you roll a die and turn to the indicated page. Sure, you can decide to take your bomber out of formation if you want, or move crew around to replace those injured or killed, but otherwise you are indeed just along for the ride.


Quote from: Geezer on August 01, 2018, 08:43:23 AM
SAtR allows for many decisions throughout the game and has some depth to it even though you can pretty much start playing right out of the box and referring to the rules as you go.  It's definitely a keeper for me.

More and more, this is the kind of game I seek. Too often I've bought games that are meh. Or I buy 'em because they're highly rated and look awesome, and then they sit there, and then I end up trying to sell them. The next game purchase I make will be in many months and will be something along these lines.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: ComradeP on August 22, 2018, 02:01:34 AM
The expansion/sequel to Skies Above the Reich, working title Storm Above the Reich featuring Fw190's, new maps and expanded mechanics is now on P500.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on August 22, 2018, 06:21:48 AM
Thanks for the heads up comrade.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: JasonPratt on August 22, 2018, 06:31:31 AM
For those who don't know, ComradeP has an AAR of SAtR going here on the forum: http://grogheads.com/forums/index.php?topic=22749.0
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: DennisS on October 02, 2018, 04:14:23 PM
I can personally vouch for Night Fighter Ace, from Compass Games. TERRIFIC gameplay, and the developer has been extremely active on Facebook. Very pleased with the game. The individual missions play very fast, and there is a very nice RPG component to levelling up your pilot, with prestige granted for all number of things. This enables you to "purchase" better aircraft, and to better replace your radio operator or rear gunner if they get their heads shot off.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: stolypin on October 03, 2018, 08:15:25 AM
Quote from: DennisS on October 02, 2018, 04:14:23 PM
I can personally vouch for Night Fighter Ace, from Compass Games. TERRIFIC gameplay, and the developer has been extremely active on Facebook. Very pleased with the game. The individual missions play very fast, and there is a very nice RPG component to levelling up your pilot, with prestige granted for all number of things. This enables you to "purchase" better aircraft, and to better replace your radio operator or rear gunner if they get their heads shot off.

I bought Night Fighter Ace and Skies Above the Reich at about the same time and opted to play NFA first.  I've enjoyed it so much that I haven't gotten to SAtR yet. 
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: DennisS on October 03, 2018, 01:04:08 PM
Quote from: stolypin on October 03, 2018, 08:15:25 AM
Quote from: DennisS on October 02, 2018, 04:14:23 PM
I can personally vouch for Night Fighter Ace, from Compass Games. TERRIFIC gameplay, and the developer has been extremely active on Facebook. Very pleased with the game. The individual missions play very fast, and there is a very nice RPG component to levelling up your pilot, with prestige granted for all number of things. This enables you to "purchase" better aircraft, and to better replace your radio operator or rear gunner if they get their heads shot off.

I bought Night Fighter Ace and Skies Above the Reich at about the same time and opted to play NFA first.  I've enjoyed it so much that I haven't gotten to SAtR yet.

I am in my fourth campaign, about 200 sorties total. Averaging about 0.8 kills per sortie.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: DennisS on October 30, 2018, 09:30:48 PM
Stop me...SATR is on sale, 40% off, at a local game store here in the St. Louis area. I am fully retired, and on social security..and I promised the missus that I would have a budget.

Problem is, I have 168 hours a week, minus about 56 for sleep, and another 10 for personal needs to game. This gives me around about 100 hours a week for gaming.

I'm using it. Heh heh heh.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Barthheart on October 31, 2018, 05:46:43 AM
BUY IT!
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Crossroads on October 31, 2018, 09:09:15 AM
Quote from: DennisS on October 30, 2018, 09:30:48 PM
Stop me...SATR is on sale, 40% off, at a local game store here in the St. Louis area. I am fully retired, and on social security..and I promised the missus that I would have a budget.

Quote from: Barthheart on October 31, 2018, 05:46:43 AM
BUY IT!
+1

40% off is a really good price so if you want it go for it! Regarding the bolded part, you can always say it came from next year's budget  :bd:
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Geezer on October 31, 2018, 10:26:24 AM
Having a budget and not exceeding it are two entirely different promises!   >:D
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: ComradeP on October 31, 2018, 01:36:45 PM
I can certainly recommend it!

My AAR's a dud for now, but I'll get back to the game soon. I wanted to check out some of the new mechanics, which will feature prominently in the second title of the series, introduced in the post-production document, but my 1942 campaign games went poorly this time around.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 31, 2018, 04:20:23 PM
Mine arrived this morning.  I spent about an hour misaligning stickers on wooden blocks. 

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1967/45604726602_709988ac5f_b.jpg)
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Staggerwing on October 31, 2018, 06:23:49 PM
Hey, how's Corsair Leader? I recently saw an unboxing video on it. Looked interesting.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: DennisS on October 31, 2018, 09:05:19 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 31, 2018, 06:23:49 PM
Hey, how's Corsair Leader? I recently saw an unboxing video on it. Looked interesting.

Corsair Leader is excellent. As good as Hornet Leader, which is also excellent.

Personal preference for me places Thunderbolt/Apache Leader at the top of the "Leader" board..but Corsair Leader is getting very fine reviews.

Oh...I pulled the trigger on Skies Above the Reich. I will fire that puppy up tomorrow, after I watch all the YouTube videos on it I can find.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on October 31, 2018, 11:07:24 PM
Quote from: Staggerwing on October 31, 2018, 06:23:49 PM
Hey, how's Corsair Leader? I recently saw an unboxing video on it. Looked interesting.

Not sure.  I just got it yesterday along with SATR.  I really like B-17 Leader so hopefully this one is good too.  Reviews seem very positive so far.  The only real complaints I've seen so far are either concerned with printing errors and typos or claims that the game is too easy. 
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: ArizonaTank on November 01, 2018, 12:51:57 AM
Quote from: DennisS on October 30, 2018, 09:30:48 PM
Stop me...SATR is on sale, 40% off, at a local game store here in the St. Louis area. I am fully retired, and on social security..and I promised the missus that I would have a budget.

Problem is, I have 168 hours a week, minus about 56 for sleep, and another 10 for personal needs to game. This gives me around about 100 hours a week for gaming.

I'm using it. Heh heh heh.

Lucky man! I am about 7-10 years away from that myself.

A little off-topic, but one way to stay on your board gaming budget is to get into a game exchange. I can personally recommend "Wargamer Pay it Forward" on Facebook. Basically, somebody puts up a game to give away. Folks interested request "dibs". The owner uses some random means to select the winner from the "dibs". The winner then must put up for give away, a game of equal value. It is all on your honor basis...but it works, and folks are pretty honest.  I also see a bunch of newer stuff come up.

The link is:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/wargamerpayitforward/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wargamerpayitforward/)
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: stolypin on November 01, 2018, 12:02:16 PM
Quote from: DennisS on October 30, 2018, 09:30:48 PM
Stop me...SATR is on sale, 40% off, at a local game store here in the St. Louis area. I am fully retired, and on social security..and I promised the missus that I would have a budget.

Problem is, I have 168 hours a week, minus about 56 for sleep, and another 10 for personal needs to game. This gives me around about 100 hours a week for gaming.

I'm using it. Heh heh heh.

{{{{{{{ RAGING JEALOUSY }}}}}}}}
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: DennisS on November 02, 2018, 08:18:43 PM
Quote from: stolypin on November 01, 2018, 12:02:16 PM
Quote from: DennisS on October 30, 2018, 09:30:48 PM
Stop me...SATR is on sale, 40% off, at a local game store here in the St. Louis area. I am fully retired, and on social security..and I promised the missus that I would have a budget.

Problem is, I have 168 hours a week, minus about 56 for sleep, and another 10 for personal needs to game. This gives me around about 100 hours a week for gaming.

I'm using it. Heh heh heh.

{{{{{{{ RAGING JEALOUSY }}}}}}}}

I get up in the morning, get the chores done, and confer with the missus where we're going to do lunch. Play from 8 to about 11, back home at 12:30 or so, play til dinner. Play after dinner, if we don't have plans. Easy 12 hours a day. I have about a hundred board games, 270+ steam games, and perhaps thirty non-steam games.

My biggest problem is figuring out what to play. Currently, it's Bowl Bound, Skies Above the Reich, New Star Manager (soccer game), and World of Warcraft.
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: Barthheart on November 03, 2018, 05:29:43 AM
Quote from: stolypin on November 01, 2018, 12:02:16 PM
{{{{{{{ RAGING JEALOUSY }}}}}}}}

QFT!
Title: Re: Skies Above The Reich
Post by: demjansk1942 on December 02, 2018, 07:13:31 AM
I have. This game, but still wrapped brand new, can't help it, computer games get in the way.

Is it easy to play for a newbie in this type of solitaire play?