The Speed of Heat (1992) Board Game

The Speed of Heat is a war game that was released in 1992 by Clash of Arms Games. It is designed by J. D. Webster and features artwork by Rick Barber and Kim Gromoll. The game falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Korean War, Modern Warfare, Vietnam War, and Wargame. With a runtime of 150 minutes, it is designed for 2 players, but can be played with up to 3 or more players.

Game Components of The Speed of Heat

Rule Book: 72 pages, black and white, often spiral bound for convenience.

Scenario Booklet: Includes six training scenarios, four general scenarios, and sections on aircraft from the Korean War, Cold War years, and Vietnam War, totaling 50 scenarios.

Aircraft Data Cards: 20 double-sided cards detailing unique capabilities of each aircraft.

Counters: 240 one-half inch counters representing aircraft, with some players creating larger custom counters.

Geomorphic Map Sections: Six sections, each representing a hexagonal grid where each hex is one-third of a mile and each altitude level is 1000 feet.

Player Aids: Ten double-sided aids with charts and tables necessary for gameplay.

How To Setup The Speed of Heat

Setting up The Speed of Heat involves organizing the various components, including the rule book, scenario booklet, aircraft data cards, counters, and geomorphic map sections. The game originally came in a ziploc bag, but many players opt to create or use a custom box for better storage. The scenario booklet guides players through the setup process for each scenario, ensuring all necessary components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hexagon Grid: The game uses a hexagonal grid system to simulate airspace.

Variable Phase Order: The order of phases can vary, adding complexity and realism.

Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground Combat: Simulates various combat scenarios, including gun and rocket combat, missile combat, electronic warfare, and bombing.

Aircraft Flight Characteristics: Each aircraft has unique capabilities modeled after real-life counterparts.

Weather and Night Conditions: Factors in weather and night conditions to add realism.

Game Objective: To successfully complete missions and engage in combat effectively, either in air-to-air or air-to-ground scenarios.

Player Experience

The Speed of Heat offers a complex yet structured gameplay experience. While it is not as complex as some other air combat simulations like SPI’s Air War, it still requires a significant amount of strategy and understanding of air combat mechanics. The rules and scenarios are designed to acclimate players gradually, making it manageable for those new to air combat simulations. However, the solitary suitability is low due to the nature of air combat, though it can still be played solo with some adjustments.

Pros

Detailed Scenarios: Covers a wide range of historical scenarios from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Realistic Aircraft Models: Each aircraft has its unique capabilities based on real-life data.

Structured Rules: Helps players learn the game systematically.

High Replayability: With 50 scenarios, the game offers a lot of replay value.

Cons

Complexity: While not the most complex, it still requires a good understanding of air combat mechanics.

Solitary Suitability: Not ideal for solo play due to the nature of air combat.

Component Quality: Original counters and storage could be improved.

Personal Thoughts on The Speed of Heat

The Speed of Heat is tailored for enthusiasts of air combat simulations and historical military aviation. It is particularly suited for those interested in the Korean and Vietnam wars, offering a deep dive into the tactical aspects of air combat during these conflicts. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it is a gem for those who appreciate detailed and realistic simulations of air warfare.

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