A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich (2016) Board Game

A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich is a board game that simulates the air war over Europe during World War II. Players take on the roles of bomber crew members as they conduct strategic bombing raids on Germany. The game captures the tension and excitement of these dangerous missions, where every decision can mean the difference between success and failure.

Game Components of A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich

Target Cards: Specify the city to bomb, required damage, minimum bombers needed, and fighter escort counters.

Formation Display Board: Shows the bomber formation, escorts, and crew markers.

Mission Map: Includes a time track for escorting fighters and area boxes for mission routes.

Aircraft Counters: One-inch square counters for B-17s and B-24s, with detailed graphics for damaged aircraft.

Crew Markers: Printed with pictures of real crews to enhance immersion.

Dice: Used for encounters, flak damage, and combat resolution.

Mission Assignment Cards: Detail target name, bomber and escort numbers, victory points, flak value, and target difficulty.

How To Setup A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich

Setup involves drawing a Target Card to assign the mission objectives, arranging the bomber formation on the Formation Display Board, and placing the mission markers on the Mission Map. The player must also assign escort fighters and set the time track for their limited range. The game mechanics are step-by-step, guided by a well-organized rulebook that minimizes page flipping.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mission Planning: Plan the route to the target, considering resistance and fighter escort range.

Formation Management: Manage the bomber formation, including positioning and crew assignments.

Encounter Rolls: Roll dice to determine events and combat outcomes in each mission box.

Flak Damage: Assess damage through multi-step dice rolls, considering flak accuracy and target density.

Combat Resolution: Resolve aerial combat between escorts and German interceptors using initiative modifiers and dice rolls.

Bombing Runs: Attempt to inflict required damage on the target, feeling the frustration or elation of success or failure.

Objective: Successfully complete bombing missions while ensuring the survival of your bomber squadron.

Player Experience

Playing **A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich** feels like commanding a real bomber squadron, with a strong emphasis on survival and mission success. The game captures the tension and realism of WWII bombing campaigns, from route planning to aerial combat. The use of crew markers with real crew pictures adds a personal touch, reminding players of the human cost of each mission.

Pros

Immersive Gameplay: Realistic mechanics and detailed components create a highly immersive experience.

Well-Organized Rulebook: Easy to follow step-by-step instructions.

High-Quality Components: Detailed aircraft counters and crew markers enhance the game.

Solo Play: Excellent for solo players, offering a satisfying and tense experience.

Historical Accuracy: Uses historically seeded Target Cards and realistic mission parameters.

Cons

Dice Rolling: While manageable, there is a significant amount of dice rolling involved.

Limited Multiplayer: The two-player module is less engaging for experienced wargamers.

Complexity in Flak Damage: Multi-step flak damage assessment can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on A Wing and a Prayer: Bombing the Reich

This game is ideal for fans of WWII air warfare and solo wargamers. It offers a deep and immersive experience, combining strategic planning with the unpredictability of combat. The game’s attention to detail and historical accuracy make it a labor of love for those who appreciate the intricacies of aerial warfare during WWII. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a complex multiplayer experience or those who prefer minimal dice rolling.

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