London’s Burning (1995) Board Game

London’s Burning is a historical wargame set during World War II that was released in in 1995. Designed by Rick Gondeck, Charles Kibler, Kurt Miller, and Mark Simonitch, this game focuses on the Battle of Britain and the intense aerial combat that took place over London during the war. Players take on the roles of British or German pilots as they engage in dogfights in the skies above the city.

Game Components of London’s Burning

Game board

RAF and Luftwaffe aircraft counters

Weather and air raid trackers

Mission cards

Combat resolution tables

Rulebook

How To Setup London’s Burning

To set up the game, players must first lay out the game board, which represents the airspace over Britain. Next, they need to organize the RAF and Luftwaffe aircraft counters, weather trackers, and mission cards according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. The setup involves placing the RAF squadrons at their designated airfields and preparing the Luftwaffe air raids.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Solo Play: The game is designed for one player.

Historical Simulation: It simulates the real events of the Battle of Britain.

Resource Management: Players manage RAF squadrons, fuel, and airfield resources.

Combat Resolution: Combat is resolved using tables and dice rolls.

Weather and Air Raid Management: Players must handle changing weather conditions and incoming Luftwaffe air raids.

Objective: The player’s goal is to defend Britain against the Luftwaffe, ensuring the RAF remains operational and capable of defending the skies.

Player Experience

Playing **London’s Burning** offers a deeply immersive and strategic experience. The game demands careful planning and resource management, as players must balance defending key targets with the need to conserve RAF forces. The dynamic weather and air raid systems add a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: Provides a realistic portrayal of the Battle of Britain.

Immersive Experience: Engaging solo gameplay with complex decision-making.

High Replayability: Variable weather and mission scenarios ensure different experiences each time.

Educational Value: Offers insights into historical air combat strategies.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed mechanics.

Solo Only: Limited to single-player gameplay.

Component Management: Managing numerous counters and cards can be cumbersome.

Personal Thoughts on London’s Burning

**London’s Burning** is ideal for fans of historical war games and those interested in solo gameplay experiences. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. While it may not appeal to those seeking multiplayer interactions, it stands out as one of the most multifaceted and imaginative game designs in wargaming history, making it a great addition to any serious wargamer’s collection.

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