Terrible Swift Swordfish (2012) Board Game

Terrible Swift Swordfish is a board game released in 2012, designed by Mark Mahaffey. It falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Wargame, and World War II simulation. The game focuses on the aerial battles of World War II, specifically involving aircraft carriers and their fighter planes.

Game Components of Terrible Swift Swordfish

Game Map: A paper map depicting the harbor of Taranto.

Counters: Representing Italian ships, Fairey Swordfish planes, flares, and markers for damaged and crippled ships.

Rules: A two-page rulebook.

Mission Log Sheet: For tracking progress, with permission to photocopy for personal use.

Dice: Used for resolving combat and other actions.

Chits: Employed in the chit-pull system to manage game events.

How To Setup Terrible Swift Swordfish

To set up the game, you need to lay out the map of the Taranto harbor, place the Italian ship counters according to the historical setup, and organize your Fairey Swordfish planes into the first and second wave formations. The rules provide a clear, step-by-step guide on how to arrange these components to recreate the historical scenario of Operation Judgement.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Chit-Pull System: Manages the sequence of events and enemy responses.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving combat, navigation, and other mission critical actions.

Simulation: The game simulates the real-world attack on the Regia Marina by the Royal Navy’s Fairey Swordfish aircraft.

Objective: The player’s goal is to successfully execute the attack on the Italian fleet, aiming to do better than the historical outcome.

Player Experience

Playing Terrible Swift Swordfish offers a unique and historically accurate solo gaming experience. The game delves into a lesser-known aspect of World War II, the Battle of Taranto, also known as Operation Judgement. Players take on the role of commanding the Fairey Swordfish aircraft, navigating through the challenges of the real-world attack, including deploying torpedoes, bombs, and flares to achieve their objectives.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is meticulously designed to replicate the historical events of the Battle of Taranto.

Educational Value: Players learn about a significant but lesser-known event in World War II.

Simple Setup: The rules are concise, making it easy to learn and start playing.

Immersive Experience: The chit-pull system and dice rolling mechanics create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Cons

Limited Recognition: The game is not widely known, which may limit community support and resources.

Complexity: While the rules are simple, the game mechanics can be complex, especially for new players.

User Rating: The game has a mixed user rating, with some players finding it less engaging.

Personal Thoughts on Terrible Swift Swordfish

Terrible Swift Swordfish is ideal for history buffs and fans of solitaire wargames who are looking to explore a unique aspect of World War II. The game’s focus on historical accuracy and immersive gameplay makes it a compelling choice for those interested in aviation and naval warfare. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly interactive or multiplayer experiences.

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.