Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual (2016) Board Game

Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual is a tabletop wargame designed by Andrew G. Nelson and released in in 2016. It is set in the World War II era and focuses on simulating aerial combat between aircraft. The game is designed for two players and offers a strategic and immersive experience for fans of aviation and wargaming.

Game Components of Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual

Ruleset: A comprehensive manual compiling all the rules from individual aircraft sets into one volume of “master rules”.

Aircraft Cards: Each set includes cards specific to different aircraft, detailing their capabilities and rules.

Game Mechanics: Includes rules for flight, combat, tail gunners and turrets, bombing, dive bombing, strafing, and ship movement and combat.

How To Setup Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual

To set up the game, players need to familiarize themselves with the rules outlined in the Flight Operations Manual. This involves understanding the specific capabilities and limitations of each aircraft, as well as the general rules governing flight and combat. Players then select their aircraft and any additional components such as tail gunners or turrets. The setup also includes determining the mission objectives and the initial positions of the aircraft.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Aerial Combat: Players engage in dogfights, using maneuver cards to simulate the movement and actions of their aircraft.

Mission Objectives: Can include bombing, dive bombing, strafing, or escort missions.

Ship Movement and Combat: Rules for engaging naval targets.

Game Objective: To complete mission objectives while defeating or evading enemy aircraft.

Player Experience

Table Air Combat offers a detailed and immersive experience for players interested in historical aerial combat. The game requires strategic thinking and a good understanding of the rules and capabilities of the aircraft involved. It is designed for 2 players and takes between 30 to 90 minutes to play.

Pros

Detailed Ruleset: Provides a comprehensive and realistic simulation of aerial combat.

Variety of Missions: Offers different mission types such as bombing, strafing, and dogfighting.

Historical Accuracy: Designed to reflect the capabilities and limitations of historical aircraft.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its detailed rules.

Time Requirement: Games can take up to 90 minutes to complete.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 2 players.

Personal Thoughts on Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual

Table Air Combat: Flight Operations Manual is ideal for enthusiasts of historical military aviation and those who enjoy detailed, strategic wargames. The game’s complexity and historical accuracy make it a great choice for players looking for a deep and immersive gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking quick, simple gameplay.

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.