Skies Above the Reich: Game Review

I visited East Berlin on July 4th 1985 as part...

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Super psyched you put out a full review on this one, been waiting to hear your final thoughts for a while.

I realized I provided very little content in my last post---so repo, one question I do have about the game is if the planes distinguish themselves from one another. It's ok if resolution is a little random if the choices you make in the points buy phase actually matter to the ultimate outcome of the mission. Did you get that sense? Or are the squadron purchases pretty interchangeable relative to the randomness of outcomes?

Thank you for taking the time to review this, and your approach is refreshing. I think I may take a swing at this a Vassal.

How long is a typical session?

And as an aside, do you play games like this on the road? If so where do you set up?

The type of planes do matter. For example a BF 110 has a modifier that increases the leathality level to any space in the formation. The higher the level the more deadly it is. However, it is better at delivering bombs. It is worse at surviving dogfights.

Different planes can also carry different attachments or different numbers of them.

The only really interchangable planes are the BF109 and the FW190. In fact the sequel Storm Above the Reich has the FW as your primary aircraft.

A single mission can certainly be run in under an hour. But a lot depends on how many turns you get (random) and how many planes you have (rerandomish).
I've played 4 missions in an evening easily.

Oh and I'm driving local now, though 3rd shift, so I'm home every morning.

There is a Tabletop Simulator module for the game to play in a mobile fashion.

I will now need to grab a copy of the game after reading the review.

Bit concerned that Cthulhu doesn't make an appearance but seems like fun. I think (but not sure) that Hunters etc is bit too 'roll on this chart and then this chart' ooh I'm damaged. BGGers seem to think this is narrative play (which it absolutely isn't). I may well be tempted to buy this.

PS It's a bit nippy in Kuwait at the moment, 10C this morning . I had to put a coat on...Warming up soon though.

I put this game well above Hunters or B17. While there are still some charts, there are far more decision points.

I should also mention that, in line with GMTs current philosophy, this game's production quality is tops. Using blocks instead of counters for the airplanes is utterly unnecessary but I'd be lying if I didn't admit it makes the game more enjoyable. The formation boards are fully mounted and warp free.

The rule book is also stellar. Designed that you can read along as you play through your first game with nice examples.

The play aids are also good. The sequence of play is nice because by each step has an abbreviated description of what to do and also notes a page reference in the rule book for the full description. That is immensely useful.

Also, Andy, it was -6 degrees F last night at work. That's -21 degrees C.

I've enjoyed Silent Victory (The Hunters sequel) but I'll admit that it suffers from "best practices" play. A good game to play through once and gift to a friend.

This one sounds like there's more surprises hiding in the box.

repoman wrote: Also, Andy, it was -6 degrees F last night at work. That's -21 degrees C.

I know, I was trolling you with resounding success.

Repo's repost of this review on BGG had a classic god tier BGG reply that made me laugh out loud. The guy who didn't read past sentence three and the furiously clicked reply: www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/2142442/ski...ve-reich-game-review

Ha! Made me laugh as well, if a bit ruefully.

At least the next poster let him know that he had made an ass out of himself.

Cool review. I could use a good solo game. I just came to say that every time I read one of these front page reviews and see the real name associated with someone I have only known for years through their site name, and a photo, it kind of freaks me out a little. "Oh yeah, these are real people"