Wing Leader: Victories 1940-1942

I recently picked up Wing Leader: Victories 1940-1942, and I have to say, it's a really fascinating and engaging game. The side-scrolling perspective with altitude being clearly visible really brings a new dimension to aerial combat. It's like you're actually in the cockpit, trying to outmaneuver your enemies. The game focuses on large-scale air battles, and the scenarios for the Battle of Britain, Malta, Coral Sea, Midway, North Africa, and Stalingrad are particularly well done.

The game itself is fairly complex, and you'll definitely need to refer to the rulebook often, especially when you're first learning how to play. However, the rules are well-written and relatively easy to understand once you get the hang of them. The components are also very high quality, especially the game cards, which are printed on thick cardboard. The map is not mounted, which was a bit of a surprise, but it's still printed on decent quality paper.

One thing I found interesting is that this game isn't just about individual aircraft. It's more about the overall strategy of air combat, taking into account things like air defense systems, doctrine, and leadership quality. This makes it a much more strategic and engaging game than your typical dogfighting game.

Some reviewers have mentioned issues with the game box and missing pieces. I haven't had any problems myself, but I can see how these would be frustrating. I also agree that the game isn't for everyone. It's definitely more of a military simulation than a casual game, and it might be too complex for younger players or those who aren't interested in the specifics of World War II air combat.

Overall, I'm very happy with Wing Leader: Victories 1940-1942. It's a well-made game with a unique perspective on aerial combat. If you're a fan of war games and are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, I highly recommend checking it out.