"WW2 aerial rules" Topic

What game systems has the detail (or more?) than CY6 AND can handle more planes on the map?

Solo play
As much as I'd like detail I don't want too much at the expense of throwing down a game in an hour. I'd give up some detail to be able to play a game of 20+ planes in an hour or so.

Is there a board game that might lend itself to using mini's that plays with the above requirement?

I really like CY6, but it just can't handle that many planes for one person, well, it can but the game would take forever.

Thanks for any and all comments

Started off playing the Blue Sky series A LOT before switching to CY6!. It's great for large numbers of planes. You don't preplot movement (though you could), but movement order is regulated to some extent in a similar fashion to CY6! Combat is easier to figure. Haven't played it in a while so I can't go into too much detail at the moment.

I used to play Blue Sky series but I think that CY6 and Sturmovik have a better feel to them…

CY6 is a great game, no doubt, but it can't handle 20+ planes on the map especially if it's played solo.

I've played Blue Sky (BoB, Pacific, Russia, Europe and
the 8th AF Bombing Campaign) for years.

I've tried CY6 (to me it greatly resembles Air Force/
Dauntless, the old AH board game) and while it has
it's charm, it can't really handle large groups
of aircraft (Carrier vs. Carrier, the 'Blitz', 8th AF,
etc.)

Pretty much the same with Sturmovik.

From what I've read here and other online articles, it looks like Blue Sky is the way to go.

There are a couple board games that can handle larger conflicts, but they aren't cheap, hard to acquire and still can't handle larger games.

I even think I have those rules somewhere or have easy access to them

Late to the party, but I *think* the (now old) Avalon Hill boardgame Mustangs would probably also fit your requirements. It's been a loooooooong time since I played either Mustangs or a Blue Sky game, but I remember thinking they were roughly equivalent in pace and complexity, and I liked Mustangs just a bit more.

- Ix

Wasn't that made into a miniatures version too? I just found a website for "Mustangs" using minis.

Anyone use these before and have comments on it?

I've been using Mustangs with miniatures for years: it's my go to set.

However. I don't think it will meet your requirements.

Each aircraft model (counter) has its own data card with markers which facilitates fast play and makes the system so easy to get into. But, the amount of aircraft you require would be an enormous strain on that system not to mention the footprint required for the cards.

Thanks Joe

Think I'm going to stick with Blue Sky/Red Sun and the expansions.

I actually held onto a copy I had from years ago and I like the rules.

I think that's the way to go: we still use Squadrons (Blue Sky) system for large scenarios.

Look at Bag the Hun by Too Fat Lardies. Good system for handling lots of planes.

Warlord has a new game, Blood Red Skies, designed for squadrons but haven't seen it played in USA yet.

Have a look at Lacquered Coffins, it can handle up to 40 or 50 aircraft on the table. Covers ground attack and reconnaissance as well as the usual fighters and bombers.

There are a few images of it being played here:
link

Another vote for Bag the Hun.

Can BtH handle the same amount of planes on the table as Blue Skies?

And does the rule book have all the major aircraft used in WW2 or do you have to buy 5 separate books?