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Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain is a board game that focuses on the iconic air battles that took place during World War II. The game allows players to take on the roles of pilots in control of fighter planes as they engage in dogfights over the skies of Britain. With a strong emphasis on historical accuracy, players can experience the intensity and strategy of air combat during this crucial period in history.

Game Components of Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain

  • 12 colored plastic fighter aircraft: 6 Supermarine Spitfire MKII and 6 Messerschmitt Bf109-E.
  • 12 clear plastic Advantage flying bases**.
  • 10 combat dice**.
  • 12 Pilot Skill level discs**.
  • 3 Gaming booklets: Rules, Expanded rules, and Scenarios.
  • 45 action cards: Including ace skills, theatre cards, and doctrine cards.
  • 38 markers: Boom tokens, Zoom tokens, High Cover tokens, and Clouds/Air defence balloons clusters.
  • Tools: Movement template, rangefinder, and navigation caliper.
  • 3 Blenheim IV / Dornier Do17 Z2 bombers counters**.
  • 2 Quick Reference sheets**.

    How To Setup Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain

    To set up the game, players need to assemble the aircraft on their respective flying bases, which have the capability to tilt front and back. Each player selects their aircraft and corresponding pilot skill discs. The game area typically spans a 4 x 4′ space, though it can be scaled up. Players distribute the necessary cards, dice, and markers according to the scenario being played. The rules and expanded rules booklets provide detailed setup instructions, including the placement of clouds, air defence balloons, and other scenic elements.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Dynamic ‘Advantage’ system: Allows for fast-paced dogfights.
  • Card-based traits, doctrines, and skills: Enhance aircraft capabilities and pilot abilities.
  • Combat dice: Used to resolve combat.
  • Game Objective: Wear down the enemy squadron by accumulating boom tokens, which represent damage. The game ends when one side’s boom tokens exceed the number of remaining planes in their squadron.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain** is an immersive experience that puts you in the cockpit of iconic WWII fighter planes. The fast-paced gameplay, combined with the strategic use of cards and dice, makes each dogfight thrilling. The game’s design allows for quick matches, with basic rules enabling games to be finished in 10-15 minutes, while full rules games take about 45 minutes. The inclusion of historical scenarios and theatre cards adds depth and variety to the gameplay.

    Pros

  • Fast-paced gameplay: Quick and engaging matches.
  • Strategic depth: Use of cards and doctrines adds complexity.
  • Historical accuracy: Based on real WWII air battles.
  • Scalability: Can be played with different numbers of aircraft and players.
  • Easy to learn: Basic rules are straightforward, with expanded rules adding more depth.

    Cons

  • Complexity for new players: Full rules can be overwhelming.
  • Limited initial aircraft selection: More aircraft types available through expansions.
  • No included terrain mat: Players need to set up their own terrain.

    Personal Thoughts on Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain

    **Blood Red Skies: Battle of Britain** is ideal for fans of World War II history and air combat enthusiasts. It offers a unique blend of strategy and action, making it appealing to both new players and seasoned tabletop gamers. The game’s expandability with additional aircraft, cards, and rules ensures it remains engaging over multiple play sessions. If you enjoy tactical gameplay and the historical context of WWII air battles, this game is definitely worth considering.

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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