Down in Flames: Locked-On (2018) Board Game

Down in Flames: Locked-On is a standalone game in the Down in Flames series, which is known for its focus on aerial combat during various historical conflicts. This particular installment centers around modern warfare, specifically the Vietnam War era. The game is designed by Dan Verssen Games (DVG), a well-respected company in the wargaming community.

Game Components of Down in Flames: Locked-On

98 Action cards: Drive the game, including tactics and determining missile or gun fire.

126 Aircraft cards: Representing 63 different jets, with two cards for each aircraft.

6 Campaign cards: Cover historical conflicts like the Korean War, 1973 Yom Kippur War, and 1982 Falklands War.

Aircraft Display Cards: Track missiles, altitude, relative range, counter measures, and afterburners.

Afterburner and Counter Measure counters: For managing special aircraft abilities.

10-sided die: Required for solitaire mode (not included in the game).

How To Setup Down in Flames: Locked-On

To set up the game, players first choose their aircraft and the campaign they wish to play. Each player receives the corresponding aircraft cards and any necessary counters for afterburners and counter measures. The action cards are shuffled and dealt according to the game’s rules. For solitaire mode, additional setup involves preparing the AI system using specific rules outlined in the solitaire booklet.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their deck of action cards to maneuver and engage enemies.

Solo / Solitaire Game: Includes a system for playing against an AI.

Trick-taking: Players use cards to counter each other’s maneuvers.

Objective: The goal is to get into position to launch missiles or achieve gun kills, epitomized by the phrases “Fox one” for radar-homing missiles or “Fox two” for heat-seekers.

Player Experience

Down in Flames: Locked-On offers a thrilling experience, especially for fans of aviation and dogfighting. The game emphasizes strategic card management, where players must predict and counter their opponents’ moves. The solitaire mode is well-designed, though it can be gamed to some extent by exploiting the AI’s card usage. The game’s campaigns, such as the 1973 Yom Kippur War, add a rich historical context and variety in aircraft choices.

Pros

Historical Depth: Covers conflicts from the Korean War to the Gulf War.

Variety of Aircraft: Includes numerous jet models with unique abilities.

Engaging Solitaire Mode: Offers a challenging and enjoyable solo experience.

Strategic Card Management: Encourages deep thinking and tactical play.

Fast-paced: Games are typically short, lasting 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Complexity in Range Mechanics: New players may find the range system challenging to understand initially.

Potential for AI Exploitation: Solitaire mode can be gamed by forcing the AI to expend its cards.

Limited Detailed Rules: Some aspects of the game are not thoroughly described.

Personal Thoughts on Down in Flames: Locked-On

Down in Flames: Locked-On is ideal for wargamers, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone interested in strategic card games. The game’s ability to cater to both solo and multi-player experiences makes it versatile and appealing to a wide range of players. While it may require some learning curve, especially with the new range mechanics and afterburners, the game’s overall design and execution make it a must-play for those who enjoy tactical and historically rich gaming experiences.

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