B-17: Queen of the Skies (1981)

B-17, Queen of the Skies

B-17, Queen of the Skies is a solitaire board wargame published by On Target Games in 1981 that simulates flight missions in a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress bomber during World War II. The game was later bought by Avalon Hill, who published it in 1983 with new cover art and a new map by Joe DeMarco. The game is designed to allow players to experience the tension and excitement of being on a bombing mission during World War II.

Why is B-17, Queen of the Skies Popular?

B-17, Queen of the Skies is considered a classic solitaire wargame and is highly regarded by many gamers. It is significant because it was one of the first games to simulate the experience of being a bomber crew member during World War II. The game is also notable for its innovative use of narrative elements, which help to immerse players in the game world.

Game Components of B-17: Queen of the Skies

Game Boards: A bi-fold game board showing an aerial view of the B-17, a strategic map of northern Europe divided into zones, and a crew placement board.

Charts and Tables: Various tables and charts to determine enemy fighter appearances, damage, and other mission parameters.

Counters: 88 counters representing crew members, damage, and other game elements.

German Fighter Cards: 16 cards representing different German fighter aircraft.

Mission Charts: A pad of mission tracking sheets.

Log Sheet: To track the bomber’s 25 mission career.

How To Setup B-17: Queen of the Skies

To set up the game, start by placing the ten crew counters on the crew placement board in their respective positions. The player then determines the mission target using the target chart, which is modified for earlier missions to avoid overly difficult scenarios. The strategic map is used to track the movement of the B-17 through different zones, each zone potentially introducing new challenges such as enemy fighters, flak, or bad weather. The game boards and charts are laid out to manage the crew, aircraft systems, and mission progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Random Enemy Appearance: Die rolls and game tables determine the appearance, type, and position of enemy fighters.

Damage and Combat: Charts are used to determine if hits are made, where the damage is located, and how serious the damage is.

Mission Parameters: Game tables and die rolls determine the bomber’s target, formation position, weather, flak, and German fighter opposition.

Crew Management: Players allocate defensive fire from multiple weapons positions and manage crew members who can be wounded or killed.

Objective: The player must survive German fighter attacks, drop the bomb load on the selected target, and return home safely. The ultimate goal is to complete all 25 missions with the same bomber and crew.

Player Experience

Playing **B-17: Queen of the Skies** is an immersive experience, especially for those interested in historical aviation and WWII. The game starts with relatively easy missions and gradually becomes more challenging as the player progresses. Each mission is unique due to the random elements, making the game highly replayable. The mechanics, though reliant on charts and tables, flow well once understood, providing a sense of tension and urgency as the player navigates through enemy defenses.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately recreates the challenges faced by B-17 crews during WWII.

Replayability: The random elements ensure no two missions are the same.

Solitaire Friendly: Designed primarily for solo play, making it a great option for those who enjoy solo gaming.

Educational: Provides a good understanding of the tactics and challenges of aerial combat during WWII.

Cons

Chart-Heavy Mechanics: The extensive use of charts and tables can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: While individual missions are generally less than an hour, completing all 25 missions requires a significant time investment.

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it difficult to find a copy.

Personal Thoughts on B-17: Queen of the Skies

**B-17: Queen of the Skies** is ideal for history buffs, wargame enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a challenging yet rewarding solo gaming experience. It offers a unique blend of strategy and historical simulation that keeps players engaged and invested in the mission’s outcome. Despite its complexity and the need to manage numerous charts and tables, the game is well-designed for solitaire play and provides hours of exciting and educational gameplay. If you can find a copy, it is definitely worth adding to your collection.

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