Flying Fortresses - B-17 Missions over Europe
by
Worthington Publishing
The B-17 Flying Fortress is the poster boy of the American bomber campaign over Germany. However, the B-24 Liberator is my favorite of the two. I have seen both of them up close and personal, and the B-24 looks like a newer design. The B-17 was first flown in 1935. So, it is pretty amazing that this plane's design lasted throughout World War II. The B-24 was first flown in 1939. The Liberator could carry a larger payload over longer distances. About 6,000 more Liberators than Fortresses were built. The loss rates of the two aircraft over Europe were about equal. Still, the B-17 is what comes to everyone's mind. The only time World War II videos or history articles really mention the Liberator is when discussing the airstrikes on Ploesti, Romania. That is enough about the two bombers. The B-17 rolls forward to take center stage in this game. Let us take a look at what Worthington Publishing has to say about the game:
 |
| Map courtesy of Worthington Publishing |
"Flying Fortresses: B-17 Missions Over Europe puts you and your friends in the cockpit of legendary B-17 Flying Fortress bombers during World War II.
Flying Fortresses delivers the tension, strategy, and camaraderie of WWII bomber missions in a fast-playing, replayable board game. Whether you’re a history buff, a wargame enthusiast, or just looking for a unique cooperative challenge, this game lets you write your own chapter in the story of the Flying Fortress.
Together or solo, you’ll guide your crews through deadly skies filled with flak, fighters, and chance events as you try to deliver your bombs on target—and bring your men home. **There are tournament rules that can increase the number of planes in the missions allowing for more than 3 players.
 |
| Mission Booklet courtesy of Worthington Publishing |
This board game features a rich, multiplayer campaign on a large hard mounted game board, individual hard mounted player mats for each player, player aids for each player, log book, and components, and scenarios that bring each mission to life for 1 to 3 players. Add the double sized neoprene game board to enhance the multiplayer experience and give that war room feel! (Hang it on the wall when not in play!)
A key element in the game system is the establishment of AIR ZONES. Each Air Zone has an UNKNOWN mix of German Fighters with different planes and capabilities. While your B-17 is in each Air Zone the German fighters will be pursuing your plane. If they intercept you dogfights occur between your B-17 gunners and the German fighters.
The fixed German air defenses for Europe are shown on the game board map but each mission has other mobile defenses and hazards that are unknown until they are flown over by your B-17.
B-17 fuel consumption is also tied to how many Air Zones you must or choose to fly through and how often you encounter German fighters.
Will your crew make it home—or be lost to history?
 |
| Counters courtesy of Worthington Publishing |
Gameplay Highlights
1–3 Players – Fly solo or as part of a squadron. Work together to survive or see who can score the most medals and mission success.
Dynamic AI BOT – Axis defenses are automated, keeping you on your toes with unpredictable flak, fighters, weather, and hazards.
Fighters are placed face down on the board according to the scenario setup. As your Flying Fortress (referred to as “your Fort”) enters an Air Zone, defined as any space within the white grid, those fighters are flipped face up. Based on a die roll, some may become activated and are then able to move according to their rules.
Tactical Choices – Plan your route, manage altitude, and position your gunners to survive relentless opposition.
Historical Immersion – Each mission echoes the real challenges faced by Allied crews in the 1943–45 bombing campaigns over Europe.
Plus, play in "Character Mode" and increase the proficiency of your crew as they fly multiple missions. Each successful mission you complete your gunners will increase their aim and the flyboys will become even better at avoiding the hazards of the air."
 |
| Player Mat courtesy of Worthington Publishing |
The map is mounted, as many are now, and measures 17" x 22". It is not that large compared with many others, but its size works well for its intended functionality. Looked at by itself, it seems kind of a plain Jane. However, since this is an abstract air warfare game, it does not really need to be a piece of artwork. As long as the board matches reality in terms of the locations of cities, etc., it is fulfilling its job.
The rulebook is a paltry 12 pages long. This is not a knock on it, but more of a backhanded compliment. Worthington Publishing is known for making highly playable games that come with a minimal learning curve. The rulebook itself is full color and is in two columns of text. Even given its brevity, the rulebook includes a large amount of play examples and visual aids. Next up is the mission booklet. This is eight pages long and comes with three different missions on each page. Each page has a full-color map to show you how to set up the board for each of those three missions.
 |
| The Map setup for another foray into the unfriendly skies |
The game comes with three different player aids. The first is a set of three mounted player mats, each featuring a top-down view of a B-17. The picture has boxes that show the crew and gun areas, along with the wings, tail, and rudder, etc. These will be used for damage during your mission. You also get three card-stock sheets that have a picture of the cockpit dials at the top of the sheet. The bottom of the sheet has the different tables that you will need for your playthroughs. A logbook is included to keep track of your crew and everything else pertinent to each mission. This comes with 24 sheets and has room for three mission write-ups on each one. As an added bonus, on the back of the logbook is an 11" x 8 1/2" picture by Keith Ferris called Fortresses Engaged. This makes a wonderful addition to your gaming room wall. The game also comes with a large amount of counters that will be set up on the map or used during your flight to keep track of things. The counters with writing are all large and easily readable. A word of warning about the counters: they do try to remove themselves from the cardboard sprue at the slightest touch or gust of air. There will be no need to hack at them with a set of garden shears to remove them from their appointed places. They also come pre-rounded for those who care about that.
All of the components are up to the usual high standards of Worthington Publishing games. They are not delicate works of art; rather, they are designed for functionality and are strong enough to stand up to years of play. The game also comes with a plastic insert to hold all of the counters. This is definitely a plus and something that some game companies are unfortunately moving away from.
 |
| Keith Ferris artwork |
The next part of the agenda is naturally, 'How Does It Play?' It depends on what you are looking for in the game. If you are looking for a board game simulation of flying a B-17 across Europe, then you are looking in the wrong place. If, however, you are looking for a lighter game that is easy to learn and has simple mechanics, then this is right up your alley. The game has just enough chrome and is grounded in history to the right degree to make a grognard like me happy. It also is easy enough to learn and play to make it a gateway game that encourages a friend to go as broke as you are by buying games. Most mechanics in the game are based on dice rolls, so luck does have a large part in the game. However, if you do get somewhat unlucky, that is where using your noggin comes into play.
While the game does have rules that allow the player to run multiple missions and gain experience that can be used for perks, such as fuel, ammo, and lucky charms, the main focus of the game is on the single missions. Now, the one thing you must be aware of is that in each bombing raid there is no turning back. These are do-or-die missions. You would need a deeper game with more of a role-playing element than this one. You cannot just turn back home and take a hit on your earned points. Once the Fortress is in the air, you are committed to going to the target and back, regardless of the damage. Conversely, the damage done to your Fortress does accumulate, but it does not slow your movement or affect your ability to defend yourself. Everything is based on total accumulated damage. You will crash if you run out of fuel, your crew is wounded, or you take too much damage. There is a line in western France that separates safety from the Danger Zone. If you crash east of the line, your game is over, and your crew is interned. However, if you crash west of the line, you make a die roll to see which crew members can continue.
 |
| Rulebook |
The game comes with a solo version. In a bit of a change-up compared with most games, you can play cooperatively with up to three players. Each player will fly their own Fortress and face the music over the skies above Europe. I do not think I have seen a co-op wargame in a while, or ever, actually. I mean, there are larger ones that you can separate into teams. I just do not remember one with this mechanic.
So, I give a hearty thumbs-up to this endeavor by Worthington Publishing. Does it go as deep as I might have liked? No. However, it never advertised itself as anything other than a fun, quick game with a lot of history thrown in. Please remember that I am taking a look at this game, not at a game I have envisioned in my own mind. I think some of us forget that at times. Thank you, Worthington Publishing, for helping me have some fun.
The next review I do from Worthington Publishing will be one of these two:
Robert Peterson
Flying Fortresses - B-17 Mission over Europe
I have done a good number of reviews of Worthington Publishing's games. Rather than list them all just use the search function on our main page:
0 comments :