Biplane Barmy Refueled fulfills its promise. It is a fast furious game of air combat in the First World War. It is NOT a simulation. If you want to model the differences in firepower between a Lewwis gun, twin spandaus, or the SE5 with a vickers and a Lewis, this game will leave you unfulfilled.....IF you want a game that can provide great competition and excitement in ten minute doses, without a pile of rules and equipment, step right up.
The basic rules are, well, basic:! Select a manuever(shown on charts) in secret, reveal it at the same time as your opponent, move your plane counters or models on the hex grid, then if in range and proper angle, fire your guns. Damage is simple and almost elegant.
The advanced rules add altitude, variable sturdiness of planes, speed and agility. a two plane game swill still come in at about fifteen minutes.
The rulebbook is easily readable, has some good info on different planes, for those who seek more variety, some good "missions", and as a bonus, a glossary of WW1 slang.
The counters are very nicely done, and print beautifully. Charts are well laid out. There are two nicely drawn hexagonal maps that can be printed off and assembled.
nothing else is required except some d6 and d20 dice, and a pecil for marking advanced rule damage.
I really like this game. It provides the same level of excitement and guesswork that made "ace of Aces" so much fun, and palys even faster. Highly recommended.
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