Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987 (2019) Board Game

Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987 is a board game that simulates the hypothetical air conflict between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces during the Cold War era. Designed by a team of experienced designers and published by GMT Games, this game provides players with a strategic and immersive gaming experience set in the tense atmosphere of the 1980s.

Game Components of Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987

Maps: Two 22” x 34” map sheets depicting the central portion of the NATO front line, from the Rhine River to the Thuringia region of southwest East Germany, with a scale of approximately 2.5 nautical miles per hex.

Rulebooks: Three books – Rules of Play, Scenario Book, and Appendices Book. The Rulebook is sixty pages long with a five-page index.

Aircraft and AAA Cards: Available from Game Crafter for additional customization.

Units and Counters: Representing various aircraft, SAMs, AAA, radar units, and other air warfare assets.

How To Setup Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987

Setting up the game involves laying out the maps, organizing the rulebooks and scenario books, and preparing the aircraft and ground units. Players must generate raid forces, map targets and routes, determine aircraft loadouts, and place SAM, AAA, and radar units. The game scenarios are designed to introduce players to the rules gradually, starting with simpler scenarios and increasing in complexity.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Operational Level Air Warfare: Players manage large strike packages and numerous combat air patrols to strike enemy targets, protect ground troops, and secure air superiority.

Electronic Warfare: Conduct electronic warfare, detect and track enemy flights, and move and fight with own flights while potentially being attacked from the ground.

Chit-Draw System: Allows players to alternate moving one to five flights at a time.

Scenarios: Over 20 scenarios featuring day and night missions, including direct support for frontline ground troops and deep strikes behind enemy lines.

Player Experience

Playing **Red Storm** is a complex and immersive experience, especially for those interested in operational-level air warfare. The game demands meticulous planning, management of various air and ground assets, and strategic decision-making. The NATO player must leverage advanced technology to counter the sheer numbers of Warsaw Pact forces, while the Warsaw Pact player aims to overwhelm NATO through numerical superiority.

Pros

Highly Detailed and Realistic: The game includes advanced all-weather aircraft, long-range air-to-air missiles, precision bombs, and sophisticated electronic warfare assets.

Gradual Learning Curve: Scenarios are designed to introduce players to the rules step-by-step, making it easier to learn despite its high complexity.

Versatile Scenarios: Offers a range of mission types, from reconnaissance to nuclear strikes, and varying in size from short afternoon games to multi-day campaigns.

Cons

High Complexity: Rated 8 out of 9 for complexity, which can be daunting for new players.

Expensive: The game is pricey, with some players mentioning concerns about the cost.

Time-Consuming: Some scenarios can take several days to complete, requiring a significant time commitment.

Personal Thoughts on Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987

**Red Storm** is ideal for seasoned wargamers and those with a deep interest in air warfare tactics and strategies. It offers a rich, detailed, and highly realistic gaming experience that simulates the intricacies of an operational-level air war. However, due to its high complexity and time requirements, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to wargaming. For those willing to invest the time and effort, **Red Storm** provides an engaging and challenging experience that replicates the intensity of a hypothetical air war in central Germany during the late Cold War era.

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