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Downtown: Air War Over Hanoi, 1965-1972 (2004) Board Game

ByMichail

Downtown: Air War Over Hanoi, 1965-1972 is a board game that simulates the intense aerial combat over Hanoi during the Vietnam War. Players take on the roles of American pilots trying to strike at strategic targets while avoiding enemy anti-aircraft fire. The game captures the tension and challenges faced by both sides during this critical period in history.

Game Components of Downtown: Air War Over Hanoi, 1965-1972

  • 560 full-color die-cut counters**
  • One 22″x34″ full-color mapsheet**
  • ONLINE RESOURCES: Official Downtown Support Site, ERRATA, Updated Rulebook (2004), Updated Scenario Book (2004), VASSAL Module (3.07)

    How To Setup Downtown: Air War Over Hanoi, 1965-1972

    Setting up **Downtown** involves preparing the game board, which represents the skies above Hanoi and the Red River Valley. The U.S. player must assemble packages of 30-70+ Air Force or Navy aircraft, including bombers, fighters, defense suppression, jamming, and recon planes. The North Vietnamese player sets up concentrations of AAA, SAMs, and MiG fighters. Each scenario has specific setup instructions, including the placement of aircraft, SAM battalions, and AAA multi-battery concentrations.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Objective: The U.S. player aims to destroy ground targets, while the North Vietnamese player must disrupt and defend against these air attacks.
  • Mechanics:
  • Air Raid Planning: U.S. player plans and executes missions.
  • Air Defense: North Vietnamese player manages AAA, SAMs, and MiG interceptors.
  • Formation and Strike: U.S. aircraft formations and strike missions.
  • Defense and Countermeasures: North Vietnamese defense setup and countermeasures against U.S. jamming and SEAD operations.
  • Scenarios and Campaigns: Includes 16 raid scenarios, 3 multi-raid campaign games, and historical strike raids from Rolling Thunder and Linebacker operations.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Downtown** immerses players in the intense air battles of the Vietnam War. The U.S. player must navigate through dense SAM belts and AAA fire to reach their targets, while the North Vietnamese player sets up flak traps and SAM ambushes to defend their territory. The game features fast and accessible gameplay, despite its detailed mechanics, making it engaging for both historical enthusiasts and wargamers.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy: Detailed representation of air operations during the Vietnam War.
  • Variety in Scenarios: Multiple scenarios and campaigns offer replayability.
  • Awards and Recognition: Won two 2004 Charles S. Roberts awards for Best Modern Era Wargame and Best Graphics.
  • Extensive Components: Includes a wide range of aircraft types and detailed game mechanics.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Requires about an hour of prep time before each game.
  • Errata and Updates: Initial production errors required updated player aid cards and errata counters.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Detailed rules and scenarios may be overwhelming for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Downtown: Air War Over Hanoi, 1965-1972

    **Downtown** is ideal for wargamers and history enthusiasts who appreciate detailed simulations of historical conflicts. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it a favorite among those who enjoy strategic planning and tactical execution. However, due to its intricate setup and deep mechanics, it may not be the best fit for casual board game players.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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