Air Charter (1970) Board Game

Air Charter is a board game released in 1970 by Waddingtons, a well-known game manufacturer. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended player count of 3 to 4 for the best experience. It falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight and Transportation, and incorporates various game mechanisms such as Dice Rolling, Events, Pick-up and Deliver, Point to Point Movement, and Roll/Spin and Move.

Game Components of Air Charter

Playing Board: A map of Australasia and Southeast Asia with airfields connected by air lanes.

Aircraft: Four small plastic aircraft, each differentiated by color, with a peg for carrying freight tokens.

Fuel Gauges: Marked off in fuel units, each unit representing 70 gallons of aviation fuel.

Freight Tokens: Plastic pyramid shapes representing three types of freight: special foodstuffs (white), basic foodstuffs (white), and machinery (colored).

Incident Cards: Introduce random events affecting gameplay.

Paper Money: Used for transactions.

Airfields: Each with runways, a Control Area, and a warehouse for storing freight tokens.

How To Setup Air Charter

To set up the game, players first place the playing board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses an aircraft and places it at their designated home airfield (Manila, Makassar, Derby, or the Palau Islands). Players receive initial fuel and money. The freight tokens are distributed to the warehouses at the various airfields. The incident cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players: 2-4

Setup Time: 5-15 minutes

Playing Time: Approximately 1.5-3 hours

Game Mechanics: Dice rolling, card drawing, calculation, and resource management.

Objective: To compete for air freight business by transporting freight between airfields efficiently while managing fuel and resources.

Player Experience

Air Charter offers a unique blend of luck and strategy. The game has two modes: a shorter version for younger players and a more complex full game that involves deeper trading strategies. Players must navigate the challenges of air travel, including fuel management and unexpected incidents, to corner the air freight market.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The air cargo trading theme provides a unique and interesting setting.

Depth of Strategy: The full game mode offers complex trading strategies, appealing to experienced players.

Educational Value: Teaches calculation and resource management skills.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: The full game can last up to 3 hours, which may deter some players.

Complex Rules: The game has a learning curve, especially for the full game mode.

Personal Thoughts on Air Charter

Air Charter is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a blend of luck and resource management. It is particularly suited for those interested in aviation or logistics, as it simulates the challenges of air cargo trading. The game’s dual modes make it accessible to a wide range of players, from younger beginners to experienced gamers looking for a more complex challenge. However, its lengthy gameplay and complex rules may not appeal to all, especially those seeking quicker, more casual gaming experiences.

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