RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 (2013 Edition)

A second printing of John Butterfield's award winning RAF update in which players can solo as the British or the Germans or can play head-to-head.

France has fallen. England stands alone against the might of a triumphant Germany, defended only by the Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons of the Royal Air Force. Hitler orders his mighty Luftwaffe to destroy the RAF in preparation for Operation Sealion—the invasion of England. German fighters and bombers fill the English skies and the RAF responds.

Now you command the RAF or the Luftwaffe in history’s greatest air campaign—the Battle of Britain. Improving on his award winning solitaire classic, designer John Butterfield ramps up the historical accuracy, tension and play options with three complete games.

• RAF: Lion puts you in control of British Fighter Command, responding to German raids. The game’s unique card system generates targets and forces, which may remain hidden until after you commit your squadrons. Your foe is no mindless system: the Luftwaffe has priorities and a strategy. Scenarios range from one raid day, taking an hour to complete, to the full campaign, playable in 12 hours.
• RAF: Eagle puts you in control of the Luftwaffe forces raiding England. You schedule raids and assign missions to your bombers and fighters, attempting to deliver the knockout blow. Can you take out the British radar system and cripple their aircraft production? The game controls the RAF response to your strategies. How does a foe so close to defeat keep coming back?
• RAF: 2-Player pits you against a live opponent, one controlling Fighter Command and the other the raiding Luftwaffe forces. Historical features include: German high command priorities, close escort, free hunt, the Channel Patrol, Jabos, day and night bombing, radar, the Observer Corps, weather, ULTRA intercepts, squadron patrols, “big wings,” altitude advantage, ace squadrons and flak.

Components: 176 Die cut counters, 165 Cards, 2 34” x 22” Maps, Rule booklets, Player Aid cards & display, 2 Dice, Storage bags

Players: 1-2
Suggested Ages: 14 and up