Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918 (1981) Board Game

Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918 is a board game released in 1981 by Excalibre Games, Inc. Designed by S. Craig Taylor, the game focuses on the aerial combat of World War I. Players take on the role of pilots controlling their planes in intense dogfights against opponents.

Game Components of Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918

Game board with a hexagon grid

Plane miniatures representing different aircraft

Action cards for each player

Damage counters

Rulebook

How To Setup Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918

Place the game board on a flat surface.

Each player selects a plane miniature and places it on the starting positions.

Shuffle the action cards and deal them to each player.

Place damage counters within reach.

Read through the rulebook to familiarize yourself with the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Wings, players take turns selecting actions simultaneously, trying to outmaneuver their opponents and score hits on enemy planes. The game uses an action queue system where players plan their moves ahead of time. The objective is to outsmart and outmaneuver your opponents to shoot down their planes and be the last one standing.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging gameplay with strategic depth

Realistic depiction of World War I aerial combat

Simultaneous action selection adds tension and unpredictability

Cons:

Steep learning curve for new players

Components may show signs of wear due to age

Limited replayability once familiar with strategies

Personal Thoughts on Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918

As a fan of aviation and war games, I found Wings to be a challenging and immersive experience. The game captures the intensity of aerial combat during World War I and requires players to think several steps ahead to outwit their opponents. The components, while showing signs of age, add to the game’s nostalgic charm. However, the learning curve may be a barrier for newcomers, and the limited replayability may deter long-term engagement. Overall, Wings: World War One Plane to Plane Combat 1916-1918 is worth your time if you enjoy historical wargames and are looking for a unique gaming experience. It may not be suitable for casual players or those seeking quick gameplay sessions.

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