Blue Max (1983) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blue Max is a classic board game that was released in in 1983. It is set during World War I and focuses on aviation battles between fighter planes. The game is designed by Phil Hall and John Harshman, and features artwork by Thierry Monter and Steve Venters. Blue Max is published by Diseños Orbitales and falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Wargame, and World War I.

Game Components of Blue Max

Map Boards: Two 17″x22″ paper map boards, one with a bird’s eye view of the French landscape and the other with a traditional sky blue background.

Aircraft Counters: 60 die-cut aircraft counters representing 17 different airplane types from 1914 to 1918.

Damage Markers: 36 die-cut damage markers and 30 other markers.

Maneuver Schedule Sheets: 18 two-sided maneuver schedule sheets showing possible maneuvers for each plane.

Combat Result Sheets: 4 combat result sheets.

Dice: Custom dice with blank, blue, and red sides for resolving combat.

Record Sheets: Pad of record sheets for tracking plane status and extra non-original record sheets.

How To Setup Blue Max

To set up Blue Max, players start by placing the map board on the table. Each player selects their aircraft counters and corresponding maneuver schedule sheets. Players also need to prepare the damage markers, combat result sheets, and record sheets. The game involves secret selection of maneuvers, so each player will have their own set of sheets to write down their actions before revealing them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players secretly choose their plane’s maneuvers, which are then revealed and resolved simultaneously.

Maneuver Charts: Each plane has its own maneuver chart showing the moves it can make and the direction it will face after the move.

Combat Resolution: Combat involves rolling custom dice, with the number and type of dice affected by factors like range, burst of gunfire, and plane stability. Damage is determined by drawing chits based on the dice results.

Game Objective: The objective is to shoot down enemy planes while managing fuel and avoiding damage to your own plane.

Player Experience

Playing Blue Max is an immersive experience that captures the intensity and tactical depth of WWI dogfighting. The game requires strategic planning as players need to anticipate and react to their opponents’ moves. The simultaneous action selection and dice-based combat resolution add an element of excitement and unpredictability. The game also includes optional rules, such as elevation and fuel management, which enhance the realism and challenge.

Pros

High Realism: Despite its simplicity, Blue Max offers a high level of realism in simulating aerial combat.

Engaging Mechanics: The game’s mechanics, including maneuver charts and custom dice, make for an engaging and thrilling experience.

Replay Value: The variety of possible maneuvers and combat outcomes ensures high replayability.

Historical Accuracy: The game accurately represents the types of planes and combat conditions of WWI.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components and rules.

Table Space: The game requires a significant amount of table space to accommodate the map boards and player sheets.

Rules Complexity: While the basics are simple, the full ruleset, including optional rules, can be complex and may require practice to master.

Personal Thoughts on Blue Max

Blue Max is ideal for fans of historical war games and aerial combat simulations. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy tactical games with a strong focus on strategy and realism. The game’s mechanics make it accessible to newer players, but its depth and complexity will also appeal to experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick, casual gaming experience due to its setup and rules complexity.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.