Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing (2010) Board Game

Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing is a card-based wargame that simulates aerial combat during World War II. Designed by Wan Chiu and published by Dan Verssen Games (DVG) in 2010, this game allows players to take on the roles of pilots commanding their squadrons in intense dogfights.

Game Components of Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing

126 Full Color Aircraft Cards

110 Full Color Action Cards

Full Color 24 Page Rulebook

Full Color Counter Sheet (176 – 5/8” counters)

6 Full Color Campaigns

Full Color Player Log Sheet

Light, Medium, and Heavy Bombers for historical campaign games.

How To Setup Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing

To set up the game, players select their aircraft based on specific criteria such as year and point total. Each plane has unique ratings including Performance, Horsepower, Bursts, Damage, and Airframe. Players also choose options for additional fighters and special pilots, which can be used once per campaign. The game includes a campaign score sheet that helps track turns and scoring.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Unique Action-Reaction Card Mechanic: Each card can be countered by specific other cards, listed at the bottom of every card.

Positioning System: Aircraft can be Advantaged, Tailing, Disadvantaged, or Tailed, affecting their ability to attack and bonus Bursts.

Altitude System: Aircraft draw cards when diving and discard cards when climbing.

Campaign Games: Include historical campaigns with bombers and interceptors; points are awarded for shot down and damaged planes, as well as successful bombing runs.

Objective: Earn more points than your opponent by downing aircraft and completing mission objectives.

Player Experience

The game is highly accessible, even for new players, especially in its simplest form with two fighters. The action cards are clear and leave little room for interpretation. Players are constantly torn between making the most of their turn and keeping enough cards to defend against their opponent. The game ramps up in complexity as players engage in campaign missions, introducing dilemmas such as deciding whether to gang up on one plane or protect bombers.

Pros

Clear Card Interactions: Cards specify exactly which cards they can react to, reducing ambiguity.

High Replayability: Multiple aircraft types, new campaigns, and varied card combinations ensure diverse gameplay experiences.

Historical Accuracy: Aircraft and campaigns are accurately simulated, appealing to history and aviation enthusiasts.

Simple to Learn: Basic gameplay is easy to grasp, with complexity added through campaign modes.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players find the components to be sub-standard.

Price: Originally retailed at $60, which some consider high for a card game, though it can often be found at discounts.

Rule Clarity: Some rules, especially for campaign modes, can be awkward to follow.

Personal Thoughts on Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing

This game is ideal for fans of WWII history, air combat enthusiasts, and those who enjoy tactical card games. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking high-quality components or a very complex ruleset, it offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master. At a discounted price, it becomes an excellent value for those interested in a novel and fun air combat simulation.

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