First impression of the game
We (Dennis Wietstock) and I come from the Wings of Glory WW1 scene and recently discovered WoG WW2 for ourselves. Unfortunately, this game system is now getting on in years and the airplanes are hardly available for a reasonable price. So I looked around for an alternative and luckily came across Air Raid 36/46. So I bought it with Late Pledge. On Friday we had our first test games and I would like to make a comparison.
The Airplanes
WoG has ready-made plastic models on a scale of 1:144. These models are of excellent quality, stable and painted with attention to detail. There are matching models for various pilots, aces and different patterns. The big disadvantage is the price and availability. If an 0815 model costs about 15€, it can shoot up to 60€ per piece for rare ones. Bombers can cost 30-70€ 🙁
As you know, the Air Raid 36/46 models are made of metal on a scale of 1:200 and are of very good quality. The only disadvantage, if there is one, is that you have to paint them yourself. This has the advantage that you can customize them to your own wishes. In my opinion, the price is also good for the quality and you can quickly build up a small or larger fleet.
The Game
Both games are so-called beer & pretzel games, which means that the focus is on fun and the rules are easy to learn. In WoG, the airplanes are controlled with cards that have to be selected in advance for each round. Aircraft are always hit at the angle of fire and with the appropriate range, and damage is randomly drawn from cards. This means that battles can drag on and managing multiple aircraft is challenging. As you can only guess which maneuvers the other player will fly, it is difficult to plan your moves precisely.
In contrast, the game system in Air Raid 36/46 is much more active and you can react directly to the other player's movements. Initiative plays an extremely important role, with tailing (pursuit flight) gaining immense importance. Handling several aircraft at the same time is also no problem at all. The battles are entertaining and do not go on indefinitely.
What I'm not convinced of and why we haven't used it yet is the height rule. In my opinion, it doesn't make much sense as there are only 2 levels, low and high. Sure you have the advantage if you fly high, but as soon as 1 plane does this, all the others will also change level so as not to lose the ini, so they all fly high. Then I don't need the difference. In WoG the effects are much more serious, as there are several levels, which also makes the game more complicated. Since it's an optional rule anyway, you can leave it out. In any case, we were both very enthusiastic after our first games and are already looking forward to the next battles and I'm looking forward to the next Kickstarter with bombers.
Then I'll go for the Stukas and the new models.
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