Flying Fortress (1969)
“Flying Fortress I & II”
“Flying Fortress I & II” refers to two different board games: “B-17, Queen of the Skies” and “B-17 Flying Fortress Leader.” Both games are related to World War II and involve flight missions in a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress bomber.
B-17, Queen of the Skies
Published by On Target Games in 1981, this solitaire board wargame simulates flight missions in a B-17F Flying Fortress bomber during World War II. The game was later modified and republished by Avalon Hill in 1983.
B-17 Flying Fortress Leader
This game is part of a series of “Leader” games, where players take on the role of a strategic commander in charge of a division of Bombers flying missions over Germany between 1942-1944. The game was released by DVG and has received positive reviews for its theme and mechanics.
Why is Flying Fortress I & II Popular?
These games are popular and significant for several reasons:
- Historical Theme: Both games capture the theme of World War II and the experience of flying bomber missions over Germany, providing an immersive and educational experience for players.
Solitaire Gameplay: The games are designed as solitaire experiences, allowing players to engage in realistic flight missions without the need for multiple players.
High-Quality Components: The games feature high-quality components, such as sturdy gameboards, beautiful illustrations, and well-designed counters and cards.
Engaging Mechanics: The games offer engaging mechanics that connect with the theme, such as allocating defensive fire from multiple weapons positions on the bomber and planning missions based on historical events.
Game Components of Flying Fortress I & II
B-17, Queen of the Skies
- Game board
Strategic map of northern Europe
Crew placement board
Various tables and charts
88 counters
16 German fighter cards
Pad of mission charts
B-17 Flying Fortress Leader
- Gameboard
Strategic map of northern Europe
Crew placement board
Various tables and charts
88 counters
16 German fighter cards
Pad of mission charts
Game Setup of Flying Fortress I & II
B-17, Queen of the Skies
Set up the game board and strategic map according to the mission scenario. Place the B-17F counters on the game board. Determine mission targets, opposition fighters, and flak using random determination.
B-17 Flying Fortress Leader
Set up the game board and strategic map according to the mission scenario. Place the B-17F counters on the game board. Determine mission targets, opposition fighters, and flak using random determination.
Gameplay Mechanics of Flying Fortress I & II
B-17, Queen of the Skies
Players control a B-17 bomber on missions over Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands between November 1942 and May 1943. Mission targets, opposition fighters, and flak are determined randomly, as is damage done to the B-17. Players allocate defensive fire from the multiple weapons positions on the bomber.
B-17 Flying Fortress Leader
Players take on the role of a strategic commander in charge of a division of Bombers flying missions over Germany between 1942-1944. The game offers a more in-depth experience, with players planning missions based on historical events and allocating resources to different aspects of the bomber.
Game Objective of Flying Fortress I & II
B-17, Queen of the Skies
The objective is to successfully complete missions and return to base without being shot down or damaged beyond repair.
B-17 Flying Fortress Leader
The objective is to complete missions and achieve victory points based on the player’s performance during the mission.
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