"What are the best/most playable jet-age rules out there?" Topic

I have a set of jet-age rules that I do like, and have been playing, but I have to be honest…as I get older, I really would like to cut out some of the extra charts and dice rolling and just get to the meat of the game…missile locks, shooting, and moving…without getting a headache reading all the fine print and doing a lot of extra dice rolling. A good friend of mine often says that you can cut out a lot of extra charts and rolls and still get to the meat of the game…and have more fun moving more and shooting more.

So I'm just wondering…is there anything out there like Wings of War for jets? I know, it's got to be more complicated just because…well, it's jets and not biplanes. I understand that; but surely there must be some rules around that let you do Arab-Israeli War to Vietnam, at least, without dehydrating my brain with excessive calculations.

Any suggestions from the crowd?

I've a fondness for FASA's "Top Gun" board game player with models on a hex cloth.

This thread from a while ago has other suggestions:
TMP link

I'm working on a set of rules called Danger Zone that seems to fit what you are describing. I've tried to keep it chart free for combat, and only have a chart so that you can keep maneuvers straight. It won't be done for some time, but PM me and I can send you my test rules to check out (though they only cover the 1950s at the moment). It's not Wings of War simple, but it's still pretty simple.

Well, Airwar 21 from Wessex games is pretty darned playable.

link

Some reviews.

link

link

I really like these sets based on the Mustangs! boardgame from Avalon Hill. Phantoms covers 1950 to present day.

link

Airwar:C21 fits the bill nicely.

I would also suggest Airwar:C21.

Wow! That overwhelming support for Airwar:C21 persuaded me to buy them immediately to try. I'm also going to check out the others listed. Thanks so much for the quick feedback; I can't wait to try these out!

Also a fan of Airwar: C21.

Want some fun? Have a great time with Marty Fenelon's Luftwaffe 1946.

Also take a look at Target Locked On! By Rory Crabb.

link

Has anyone ever done any expanded rules for FASA's Top Gun that anyone is aware of?

Jet combat rules at runtus.org for a one-on-one dogfight

Bandits 2 link
Wings of War link

I give Wings of War a slight edge as it deals with energy simply.

FWIW I don't find Check Your 6! Jet Age too cumbersome, but your mileage may vary.

CY6 scenario books seem to have stalled though? I was particularly looking forward to Iran-Iraq.

Don't get me wrong…I do like CY6. Good detail and flows pretty well, but my gaming buddies and I are dealing with the desire to play a fast paced, shoot-em-up jet game, on a weeknight with about three hours tops to play in, and we're all almost 60. Hard to remember a lot of rules, and so much fun to not have to keep asking "now what are my options again?" when trying to plot, or channel what altitude the opponent is at, etc.

FWIW, I did download and have played two games now of AW:C21 and I really like it. I'm going to try some other rules, but those are great for getting into a game quick.

So glad to see some good discussion come up on this topic!

Minis,

Have you seen my two batreps here on TMP? They are definitely fast paced, shoot'em up. I'm using the new rules "Lacquered Coffins," which are WWII but I've modified for jet dogfighting.

Full disclosure: I'm not looking for a simulation, I want something akin to Top Gun and Iron Eagle, so it's fast paced, simple, and quick. I've been running 4 vs 4 in about 90 minutes, with some of that time going to picture and note-taking. They work for me.

V/R,
Jack

>jgibbons, there is a board game called Check Six (NOT Check Your Six) that is a vast improvement over the basic Top Gun game. There used to be a Yahoo group for it, but I'm not sure it's still there. If you want to see it, I might be willing to email you a copy.

Phantoms has been our go to jet game for years.

I don't know about 'best' but certainly one of the most playable is trhe venerable 'Instant Thunder' set available free around the internet. A basic scenario can be over in an hour.

Still, I suppose I would say all this being the designer !

NL

I don't know about 'best' but certainly one of the most playable is trhe venerable 'Instant Thunder' set available free around the internet. A basic scenario can be over in an hour.

Still, I suppose I would say all this being the designer !

NL

Prologue after a long hiatus: I did indeed print the Airwar: C21 rules and have played probably half a dozen games with them. They are very easy to learn, provide lots of movement around the table (dogfighting!), usually pretty bloody, and just plain fun. The one gripe my group expresses is the lack of altitude; I for one don't mind, as I usually stink at flying games with altitude, and I don't stink at this one, so I'll stick with it. Anyone dealt with the altitude issue?

jgibbons- There was going to be a BIG advanced version of Top Gun called "Wings of Steel". It was an interesting design, but it never went into print. I've got one of the playtest copies, but it's kind of cumbersome. As for expanding and 'fixing' some of the problems in Top Gun, I did do a new, updated plane list. I'm going to have to dig that out and see if its worth bringing it up to date.