GrogHeads Forum

Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Wargaming => Topic started by: DicedT on February 14, 2017, 06:44:19 PM

Title: Air combat games
Post by: DicedT on February 14, 2017, 06:44:19 PM
What air combat boardgames came out in 2016, or are coming out now?

From what I can tell, board wargames on air combat nowadays are either from GMT, Legion Wargames and Dan Verssen. Am I missing any publishers?

Michael
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 14, 2017, 06:47:24 PM
For board games, I think that covers it.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 14, 2017, 07:07:14 PM
that might be it
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on February 15, 2017, 12:14:33 AM
From 2016?  Yes.

I also have one from Ad Astra (Birds Of Prey) and a Check Your 6 minis one, which are from around 2008-2010.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:18:57 AM
Wing Leader: Supremacy just came out from GMT. Great follow up to Wing Leader: Victories.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:18:57 AM
Wing Leaser: Supremacy


You can play it, but you don't get to keep it
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 15, 2017, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.

Do tell
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:50:49 AM
Quote from: mirth on February 15, 2017, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.

Do tell

Solo game.

https://store.lnlpublishing.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=249

Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:51:30 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:18:57 AM
Wing Leaser: Supremacy


You can play it, but you don't get to keep it

Eh? I bought so I get to keep it.  :P
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on February 15, 2017, 10:56:33 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2017, 09:41:17 AM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:18:57 AM
Wing Leaser: Supremacy


You can play it, but you don't get to keep it

;D

3-years.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2017, 11:25:26 AM
Quote from: mirth on February 15, 2017, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.

Do tell

It was on the table at Origins last year...
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Jack Nastyface on February 15, 2017, 03:07:55 PM
Isn't there a "german fighters versus bombing stream" game coming out soon, or is that also by GMT?  Can't remember the title.

EDIT...Skies Above the Reich.  Indeed a GMT title.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 15, 2017, 03:15:21 PM
GMT already has Bomber Command, Nightfighter and Enemy Coast Ahead

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-302-bomber-command.aspx

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-233-nightfighter.aspx

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-439-enemy-coast-ahead-the-dambuster-raid.aspx

The Doolittle Raid is on P500

https://www.gmtgames.com/p-567-enemy-coast-ahead-the-doolittle-raid.aspx

They have several other games as well. As far as air combat board games go, GMT probably has the most titles.

Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 15, 2017, 03:17:01 PM
Skies Above the Reich does look good. Damn you GMT!  :tickedoff:
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: DennisS on February 15, 2017, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:50:49 AM
Quote from: mirth on February 15, 2017, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.

Do tell

Solo game.

I just took a trip over to the LnL forums, and am a little disconcerted by what I found out. Games that were pre-ordered years ago that never materialized, with the new owner promising soon...for over a year.

I will wait on the sidelines for this one, for now. This IS in my sweet spot, and I hope the developer gets this completed reasonably soon.

https://store.lnlpublishing.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=249
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 15, 2017, 04:55:57 PM
Quote from: DennisS on February 15, 2017, 04:46:16 PM
Quote from: Barthheart on February 15, 2017, 09:50:49 AM
Quote from: mirth on February 15, 2017, 09:45:35 AM
Quote from: Capn Darwin on February 15, 2017, 09:33:23 AM
LnL has a WW2 8th air force bombing game that is out or out soon.

Do tell

Solo game.

I just took a trip over to the LnL forums, and am a little disconcerted by what I found out. Games that were pre-ordered years ago that never materialized, with the new owner promising soon...for over a year.

I will wait on the sidelines for this one, for now. This IS in my sweet spot, and I hope the developer gets this completed reasonably soon.

https://store.lnlpublishing.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=249 (https://store.lnlpublishing.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=249)

Interesting. Sounds like it is very close.

http://forums.lnlpublishing.com/threads/a-wing-and-a-prayer-bombing-the-reich.2745/page-2#comments (http://forums.lnlpublishing.com/threads/a-wing-and-a-prayer-bombing-the-reich.2745/page-2#comments)


Quote

    Yes it is completed and with the large order coming in.

    David

David Heath, Jan 31, 2017
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2017, 06:55:23 PM
He's got 20-odd games on the boat right now.  Just waiting for them to arrive.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on December 31, 2017, 02:24:14 PM
Noticed some YT vids for Birds Of Prey (http://www.airbattle.com/Birds_of_Prey/Products.html) have shown up.  Excellent.    :coolsmiley:   :arr:

1st in series:



And a tutorial series from a couple years ago:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fO76Kfw4EE&list=PL5sSFcYtqaBIklhN58lKh5VslJ8eTOWlP

Some brilliant game design in this.  I had forgotten I picked up the core game for awhile.  Happened upon it under a stack of games and pulled it out a few months ago.  It's back on the learnin' menu.

I've been curious as to how the automated Soviet opponent pilots/aircraft operate in the Fighter Sweep (http://www.airbattle.com/Birds_of_Prey/BoP_Fighter_Sweep.html) expansion.  It's definitely high on my wish list.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on January 09, 2018, 04:40:01 AM
This seems like a great game!
Its hard to obtain outside of the US it seems, however. :(

It seems like the main community is here:
https://groups.io/g/airbattle
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on January 09, 2018, 06:38:15 PM
Quote from: Yskonyn on January 09, 2018, 04:40:01 AM
This seems like a great game!
Its hard to obtain outside of the US it seems, however. :(

It seems like the main community is here:
https://groups.io/g/airbattle

The only place I found it, when I picked it up, was from their own site. *shrug*

Noble Knight tends to have just about everything at some point.  They have some Ad Astra stuff, but I don't know if they ship overseas either.

https://www.nobleknight.com/Product/2147606940/Birds-of-Prey-2nd-Printing

That's probably just the basic set, too.  I picked up a larger option that has more laminated PHADS (4 instead of 2 iirc), double the box minis, etc.  Wasn't cheap.


I also know that DriveThruRPG has the PDFs of some of their stuff.  Although they're still kinda pricey, and you'd still be missing out on the great bits like the angle blocks.  Along with having a LOT of printing to do.  :-\

But note that the PDF version apparently may not come with the Box Mini PDFs at all:  http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/165697/Birds-of-Prey-Complete-Bundle        Probably not a good option unless you already have aircraft minis, a big hex map to fit them, and optional tilt blocks.  Pricey PDF set that probably doesn't have the aircraft box minis (which look pretty good).
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on January 10, 2018, 01:11:06 AM
No worries, I got my paws on the Deluxe version! Should be here in the next 4 to 8 weeks.  :bd:
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: JudgeDredd on January 10, 2018, 01:48:15 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 09, 2018, 06:38:15 PM
Quote from: Yskonyn on January 09, 2018, 04:40:01 AM
This seems like a great game!
Its hard to obtain outside of the US it seems, however. :(

It seems like the main community is here:
https://groups.io/g/airbattle

The only place I found it, when I picked it up, was from their own site. *shrug*

Noble Knight tends to have just about everything at some point.  They have some Ad Astra stuff, but I don't know if they ship overseas either.

https://www.nobleknight.com/Product/2147606940/Birds-of-Prey-2nd-Printing

That's probably just the basic set, too.  I picked up a larger option that has more laminated PHADS (4 instead of 2 iirc), double the box minis, etc.  Wasn't cheap.


I also know that DriveThruRPG has the PDFs of some of their stuff.  Although they're still kinda pricey, and you'd still be missing out on the great bits like the angle blocks.  Along with having a LOT of printing to do.  :-\

But note that the PDF version apparently may not come with the Box Mini PDFs at all:  http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/165697/Birds-of-Prey-Complete-Bundle        Probably not a good option unless you already have aircraft minis, a big hex map to fit them, and optional tilt blocks.  Pricey PDF set that probably doesn't have the aircraft box minis (which look pretty good).
That's the second gaming site I've been "directed" to in as many days where there's not nearly enough information on the game being sold. I find some companies lack of proper use of the internet shameful. This is 2017 people. Not 1995  :idiot2: :knuppel2:
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on January 10, 2018, 11:42:43 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on January 10, 2018, 01:48:15 AM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 09, 2018, 06:38:15 PM

The only place I found it, when I picked it up, was from their own site. *shrug*

Noble Knight tends to have just about everything at some point.  They have some Ad Astra stuff, but I don't know if they ship overseas either.

https://www.nobleknight.com/Product/2147606940/Birds-of-Prey-2nd-Printing

That's probably just the basic set, too.  I picked up a larger option that has more laminated PHADS (4 instead of 2 iirc), double the box minis, etc.  Wasn't cheap.


I also know that DriveThruRPG has the PDFs of some of their stuff.  Although they're still kinda pricey, and you'd still be missing out on the great bits like the angle blocks.  Along with having a LOT of printing to do.  :-\

But note that the PDF version apparently may not come with the Box Mini PDFs at all:  http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/165697/Birds-of-Prey-Complete-Bundle        Probably not a good option unless you already have aircraft minis, a big hex map to fit them, and optional tilt blocks.  Pricey PDF set that probably doesn't have the aircraft box minis (which look pretty good).
That's the second gaming site I've been "directed" to in as many days where there's not nearly enough information on the game being sold. I find some companies lack of proper use of the internet shameful. This is 2017 people. Not 1995  :idiot2: :knuppel2:


Which one?  Are you talking about Noble Knight?  Their site has always been a maze.  You have to do a search for what you're looking to find.  They have a ridiculously huge inventory, including a lot of old out-of-print stuff.  They actually improved their site a bit recently, but that's not saying a lot.  At least they have a working wishlist feature now.  ;D  That said, I've had great experiences when ordering unusual or hard to find stuff from them. 

If you require detailed info, I posted a link to the developer's page earlier in the thread.

Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Grimnirsson on January 11, 2018, 05:18:16 AM
WBY finally is out - we have been on the P500 list since 2010 and it's actually on the way now :)
Aces High by DVG was a disappointment for us, so we were hoping to get a new version of the classic DiF series some day and that day has arrived.  :bd:



(https://www.fantasywelt.de/bilder/produkte/gross/Wild-Blue-Yonder-Plane-vs-Plane-Air-Combat-1939-1945-Down-in-Flame-EN.jpg)
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on January 11, 2018, 12:33:48 PM
Quote from: Grimnirsson on January 11, 2018, 05:18:16 AM
WBY finally is out - we have been on the P500 list since 2010 and it's actually on the way now :)
Aces High by DVG was a disappointment for us, so we were hoping to get a new version of the classic DiF series some day and that day has arrived.  :bd:

DiF is a great card game, but I don't really know anyone nearby who would go head-to-head at it.  So I passed.  Rather wish DiF was given a new computer version for more online multi-player.  Enjoyed the old BF version quite a bit, although it had a turbulent life span.  :-\

However, I did back DVG's upcoming Down In Flames: Locked-On (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/11606594/down-in-flames-locked-on) for a couple extra reasons.  It has an additional solitaire rules, so it will actually get more steady use while in my collection, and has aircraft covering most of the jet age.   8)

I'd prefer they molded the solitaire bot's die-roll chart into a deck of cards, for faster use, but it's a start.  The players of older DiF sets are keen to get their own solitaire set; maybe they will make an expansion for them?
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on January 14, 2018, 10:30:35 AM
Wild Blue Yonder has a solitaire campaign according to the box, so surely there are rules included for solitaire play.
Also, DVG is working on solitaire rules for DiF Locked On which they hope will be integrated into the WW2 themed games as well.
If that is not enough I am sure the community will come up with solitaire play if what is included does not suffice.

In other words; I don't think solitaire play will be a problem with WBY.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on January 16, 2018, 06:35:20 AM
What's up with FedEx?
My Birds of Prey order from Noble Knight still resides in Newark according to Track and Trace, while my order from Ad Astra themselves (the magazines) via USPS has already made landfall here across the pond. Still, aparently they believe its more effective to ship via Warsaw and then to Holland, instead of just going to Amsterdam directly, but ok... at least its here-ish.  :idiot2:  :)
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: DennisS on February 10, 2018, 05:36:46 PM
OK folks...hook a brotha up here. I have a Jones for a solitaire air game. Which ones do you'all like, that are still available and in print?
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on February 11, 2018, 08:51:13 AM
Down in Flames has solitaire rules in pre-release status.

Wing Leader (GMT Games) is suitable for solo play

IAF Leader (or other Leader games by Dan Verssen) are a solid choice.


For me, the absolute winner of air combat games, however, is Birds of Prey by Ad Astra Games. It's very detailed and pretty technical, but I do not know of a system that models dogfighting after the merge more realistically.
It might very well still not be what you're after though.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Nefaro on February 12, 2018, 04:06:16 PM
Quote from: DennisS on February 10, 2018, 05:36:46 PM
OK folks...hook a brotha up here. I have a Jones for a solitaire air game. Which ones do you'all like, that are still available and in print?

Quote from: Yskonyn on February 11, 2018, 08:51:13 AM

For me, the absolute winner of air combat games, however, is Birds of Prey by Ad Astra Games. It's very detailed and pretty technical, but I do not know of a system that models dogfighting after the merge more realistically.
It might very well still not be what you're after though.


The Fighter Sweep expansion also introduces a bot system (SOAR) for true solitaire play.  Supposedly uses Soviet doctrine for a few specific Soviet types to fly against.

Not sure how well it does, as there may be some question regarding it's capability in the vertical, but it's nice to have a solo option.  I plan to eventually pick it up - maybe sometime this year.

BoP is an unusual system, so the initial learning curve may be slow going.  Likely a second time over when using the SOAR rules since those are also different than the regular BoP rules.  There is a fair bit of calculation required for running BoP, with assistance of nomograhps which make it much easier, but it still makes the turns take some time.

http://www.airbattle.com/Birds_of_Prey/Products.html


Also: 
DVG's Down In Flames: Lock-On, the first of the series to include solitaire rules, is currently being sent to the printers.  Should be arriving in a couple/three months.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/11606594/down-in-flames-locked-on


There aren't a lot of air combat games, on the individual aircraft & maneuver level, that offer true solitaire gameplay.  Most of them you'll have to run both sides.

There are a number of air warfare games which provide solitaire.  These are the ones focused on larger scale group strategies, resource management, planning, etc.   Such as the DVG "Leader" series, RAF, and the upcoming Red Storm from GMT.  You're not going to be doing combat maneuvers, but doing more group management & strategy with these types.

All the games referenced by various people are good options.  Just depends on what scale you want to operate, and whether you're okay with making some decisions for both sides or require dedicated solo rules.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: mirth on February 12, 2018, 04:17:06 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 12, 2018, 04:06:16 PM
BoP is an unusual system, so the initial learning curve may be slow going.  Likely a second time over when using the SOAR rules since those are also different than the regular BoP rules.  There is a fair bit of calculation required for running BoP, with assistance of nomograhps which make it much easier, but it still makes the turns take some time.

This.

In no way is it a knock on BoP. I own the base game. I have played it cons. It is a great game, but it is not simple or easy to learn.
Title: Re: Air combat games
Post by: Yskonyn on February 13, 2018, 03:49:48 AM
Quote from: mirth on February 12, 2018, 04:17:06 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on February 12, 2018, 04:06:16 PM
BoP is an unusual system, so the initial learning curve may be slow going.  Likely a second time over when using the SOAR rules since those are also different than the regular BoP rules.  There is a fair bit of calculation required for running BoP, with assistance of nomograhps which make it much easier, but it still makes the turns take some time.

This.

In no way is it a knock on BoP. I own the base game. I have played it cons. It is a great game, but it is not simple or easy to learn.

No, this is true. Its a complex game. It models energy management and aerodynamics asno other game does.
Or at least it looks to be so when you open the box and see the nomographs and the data cards!
But, while I agree the initial learning curve is steep, plotting your moves follows the same steps every time, so you will develop routine and cut down on processing time quite a bit after a while.

Also, the community is very helpful. Actually there is a learning game being setup as we speak. Might be a good time to check in on the groups.io/airbattle site!