Air Postal is a board game designed by Antoine Waterlot and published by Platypus Game. It was released in 2023 and falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Economic, and Transportation. The game is designed for 1-4 players with a recommended age of 14 and above.
Game Components of Air Postal
Game Board: Features WORLD and ATLANTIC maps in the core box, and AEROPOSTALE and AUSTRAL maps in the Ad Austral expansion.Aircraft: Includes outdated biplanes from the First World War, such as the Breguet XIV, and more advanced planes like the DH91, Douglas DC-3, and Macchi MC100.Pilots: 16 pilots in the core box, including Howard Hughes, Harriet Quimby, and Jean Mermoz.Tokens and Cards: GLORY POINTS tokens, “Glorious Death” tokens, “Reprimand” tokens, and various CITY cards and OBJECTIVE/OC cards.METEO Dice: Blue, green, white, and red dice in the core box, with an additional yellow die in the Ad Austral expansion.
How To Setup Air Postal
To set up Air Postal, players first lay out the game board, which includes the chosen map. Each player selects a pilot and an aircraft. The game includes card holders for HUB city cards, which help track players’ first landings and their choice of earning GLORY POINTS or MONEY. In single-player mode, the city cards are arranged in the order of the stops the SOLO plane will make to track its progression.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Building Postal Routes: Players aim to open the first air routes using outdated biplanes and progressively upgrade to more efficient aircraft.Technological Upgrades: As the game advances, players can upgrade their airplane technology, enabling longer and more challenging flights.Secret Objectives: Players work on secret objectives, adding a layer of strategy and surprise to the game.Crossing Challenges: Players can achieve significant milestones like crossing the Atlantic or the Andes, or circumnavigating the globe, earning them GLORY POINTS.Incidents and Crashes: Players must manage incidents and crashes, which can result in penalties or “Glorious Death” tokens affecting the final score.
Player Experience
Air Postal offers an immersive experience, evoking the inter-war spirit of pioneering aviation. Players navigate the challenges of early aviation, balancing the thrill of exploration with the risks of crashes and incidents. The game’s aesthetic, featuring vintage airplanes and historical pilots, adds to its charm and authenticity.
Pros
Historical Immersion: The game provides a rich historical context, allowing players to relive the adventures of famous pilots.Strategic Depth: Combines route-building, technological upgrades, and secret objectives for a engaging gameplay experience.Variety in Play: Supports solo, competitive, and potentially cooperative play modes.Detailed Components: Includes well-illustrated maps, tokens, and cards that enhance the game’s thematic appeal.
Cons
Complexity: The game can be complex, especially for new players, due to the multiple mechanics and rules.Length: Games can last up to 2 hours, which may deter players looking for shorter experiences.Learning Curve: Requires some time to understand the rules and setup, which might not be ideal for casual gamers.
Personal Thoughts on Air Postal
Air Postal is perfect for fans of historical and strategic board games, particularly those with an interest in aviation. It offers a unique blend of route-building, technological progression, and secret objectives that will appeal to players who enjoy games like Thurn und Taxis. While it may have a steep learning curve, the rewarding gameplay and immersive theme make it well worth the investment for serious gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking quick, light-hearted gaming experiences.
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