RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 (2009) Board Game

RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 is a board game that simulates the air battles fought between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the German Luftwaffe during the summer of

The Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in World War II, as the RAF successfully defended British airspace against German bombing raids, preventing a German invasion of Britain.

Game Components of RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940

One double-sided 22×34 inch mounted game board

176 5/8-inch die-cut counters

165 Cards

5 player aid & display cards

3 Rules booklets

2 six-sided dice

Storage bags

A German Planning Board (a paper booklet)

Various charts and tables.

How To Setup RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940

To set up the game, players must first choose one of the three game modes: playing as the RAF solo against the system-run Germans, playing as the Germans solo against the system-run RAF, or a two-player game. For the solo games, players set up their respective forces on the board. For the German solo game, this involves placing Me-109 gruppen into the Hunt Box, bombers into the Bomber Box, Me-110 gruppen into the Close Escort Box, and adjusting the Channel Patrol based on the number of bombers. The British Raid Response is then determined through a detection result and a Raid Response Priority Chart.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Modes: Solo play as RAF or Luftwaffe, and two-player mode.

Resource Management: Manage aircraft points and Experienced Pilot Points to make good on losses.

Raid Planning: Schedule raids and assign missions to bombers and fighters.

RAF Response: The game system controls RAF responses based on detection results and priority charts.

Victory Conditions: Win by achieving a certain range of Victory Points (+35 to -35), reflecting the success or failure of the Luftwaffe in weakening the RAF.

Historical Features: Includes German high command priorities, close escort, free hunt, Channel Patrol, Jabos, day and night bombing, radar, Observer Corps, weather, ULTRA intercepts, squadron patrols, altitude advantage, ace squadrons, and flak.

Player Experience

Playing RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 is an immersive experience that deeply simulates the historical context of the Battle of Britain. Players must strategically manage resources, plan raids, and respond to enemy actions. The game’s mechanics, such as the Raid Response Priority Chart and the Force card system, create a dynamic and challenging environment that mimics the unpredictability of real-world air warfare. The game can be played in various scenarios, from a single day to the full campaign, which can take up to 12 hours to complete.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is praised for its historical accuracy and detailed simulation.

Multiple Game Modes: Offers solo and two-player options, catering to different player preferences.

Deep Strategy: Requires careful resource management and strategic planning.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game’s mechanics ensure no two playthroughs are the same.

Immersive Experience: Players feel engaged in the historic air campaign.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has detailed and sometimes fiddly rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: The full campaign can be very time-consuming, taking up to 12 hours to complete.

Component Management: Managing the numerous counters, cards, and charts can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940

RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in the intricacies of air warfare during World War II. It is a game that rewards strategic thinking and careful resource management. While it may be complex and time-consuming, the depth and historical fidelity make it a compelling choice for serious gamers and history enthusiasts. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy playtime.

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