Battle over Britain (2013) – Board Game Guys

Battle Over Britain

“Battle Over Britain” is a two-player board wargame that simulates air combat in the skies of Britain during August and September 1940, known as the Battle of Britain. The game was published by the SPI subsidiary of TSR in 1983 and later republished by PSC Games in 2017 as “Battle of Britain”. The game can be played on three levels: strategic game (15 hours), full campaign (several days), and tactical combat game (several hours).

Background

In July 1940, Germany began aerial attacks on British airfields, cities, and infrastructure in an attempt to gain air superiority in advance of an amphibious invasion (Operation Sealion). The Germans were not able to gain air superiority due to the efforts of The Few, and by the fall of 1940, Hitler had turned his attention to an invasion of the Soviet Union.

Game Components of Battle over Britain

Main Board: A large, six-leaf fold-out board that is clear, detailed, and attractive.

Flight Dashboards: Separate boards for each of the four British and three German squadron groups.

Production Board: A board that demonstrates British production capability, which is reduced by German bombing.

Aircraft Cards: Small, rectangular cards featuring aeroplanes, with each flight having its own color-coded deck.

Dice: Used for various combat and mission outcomes.

Squadron Group Cards: Cards that represent German and British squadron groups, with differences in how damaged planes are handled.

How To Setup Battle over Britain

Setting up the game involves placing the main board, which includes the British and German squadron group dashboards and the production board. Each flight dashboard is populated with aircraft cards, with six planes dealt to each German flight and three to each British flight. The number of flights per squadron group varies between two to four.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Flight Composition: Players have little control over the planes in each flight, adding an element of unpredictability.

Combat Resolution: Combat outcomes are determined by dice rolls, reflecting the combined strength of the planes in a flight.

Intercept Missions: British players can perform intercept missions when German planes reach their radar line.

Dogfights: Engagements that require different dice rolls based on the types of planes involved.

Anti-Aircraft Fire: Additional combat scenario affecting German bombing runs.

Production Track: British production capability is reduced by successful German bombing missions.

Objective: The German player aims to weaken British air defenses and production, while the British player seeks to defend against German air assaults.

Player Experience

**Battle over Britain** offers a fast-paced and exciting experience, with a unique twist where players must make the best use of the planes they are dealt. The game is on the lighter side of wargaming complexity, making it accessible but still engaging. The use of dice rolls adds an element of luck and unpredictability, allowing for surprising outcomes such as a lone bomber breaking through British defenses.

Pros

Authentic Theme: The game feels like an authentic recreation of the Battle of Britain.

Visual Appeal: The large, detailed board and color-coded cards enhance the game’s table presence.

Unpredictability: The random composition of flights and dice rolls create exciting and unpredictable battles.

Balanced Mechanics: Different planes have strengths and weaknesses, requiring strategic use.

Cons

Luck Factor: The heavy use of dice rolls can make the game feel less strategic at times.

Complexity: While on the lighter side, the game still involves several rules and mechanics to manage.

Personal Thoughts on Battle over Britain

**Battle over Britain** is ideal for those who enjoy historical wargames and are looking for a game that balances strategy with luck. It is particularly suitable for fans of WWII aviation and tactical combat. The game’s design makes it appealing to both casual and experienced wargamers, though it may not be the best fit for those seeking extremely complex or deeply strategic gameplay.

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