Author Topic: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?  (Read 596 times)

Offline Simaril

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Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« on: February 02, 2009, 05:13:13 PM »
Looking for a game that models the kinds of management decisions made by an air group commander -- deciding on day to day targets, asset allocation, resource management, coordination between units (bombers/escorts), and so forth. So, NOT a air combat simulation, but a strategy game that takes on the fight in the air.

Past examples might be Carriers at War (a little more tactical than operational, but not an air combat sim); and I think there was an operational Battle of Britain one about ten years ago.

Any suggestions welcome, especially if they're from folks who've actually tried the games in question.
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Offline Blooz

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Offline EagleEyes

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2009, 11:02:57 PM »
Old School would try Mig Alley, if you can find a copy! However its a mix of strategy and air combat sim!


Overall a very good game!
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Offline -tronski-

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2009, 05:57:35 AM »
Defending the Reich

http://www.hpssims.com/Pages/products/defreich/defreich.htm

Somewhat similar but older

Talonsoft had two games once apon a time: Battle of Britain, and its sequel 12 O’Clock High: Bombing the Reich. I still play Bombing the Reich from time to time...I started the full campaign a long time ago as the Allied commander which runs in at about 700 turns. Each turn is a day and you control the various Allied airforces from Fighter command, Bomber command, 2nd TAC, 8th Airforce etc or the Luftwaffe fighter forces. You assign missions from tactical attacks against German V weapon sites, radar sites, airfields to Military units, from strategic operations like area bombing and variety of targets (a/c parts engines & assemply lines, chemical, rubber factories, synthetic fuel plants, railways etc etc). You have to use recce missions to scout targets - and then assign units to attack them (with escorts if required). You can move units to new airfields, change aircraft (ie. I've converted all my 15th Airforce b-17 bomber units to B-24's to free up the B-17s for the 8th Airforce, and have finished moving the 9th Airforce onto the continent after resting and refitting to new B-26G's after a couple of bad ops lead to some bad casualties. The Germans can also convert units to new aircraft, setup intercept settings (ie. Have your Doras gain height bounce escorts first, and your 109G-6/R6's go straight for bombers), move AAA/balloons and units. You can setup your industry to build certain components needed for specific aircraft or AAA, like drop the amount of production of Daimler engines, 109 Parts  and increase the production of BMW engines, 190 parts and convert 109 assembly factories to build FW190's. Of course the lack of Daimler engines not only effects 109 assembly but also Bf-110's and changes take months in game time to become effective taking a toll on the replacement of aircraft. You can also convert Luftwaffe units to carry more cannon/armour or WGR rockets (Fw190A's become Fw190A-8/R8's) - or drop those conversions.


Its an old game and does show some of its age, and is not entirely flaw free (like you can't transfer allied units between commands) - and once you've completed your planning as the Allied commander - mission cycles can take a while, but it can be rewarding if you have the patience.




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Offline Urchin

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2009, 02:56:34 PM »
In theory, that game is being remade. 

Should be out sometime this century, I think. 

You can go to the matrix games website for more information.

Offline Chalenge

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2009, 03:22:38 PM »
Im not sure if this is the same BOB: BOB II I got a free copy with something I bought but I cant remember what.
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Offline 33Vortex

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2009, 03:48:00 PM »
If you want operational level WW2 era Army warfare, check out HPS Simulations and the Panzer Campaigns series.

http://www.hpssims.com/

They do have operational level air warfare sims as well. 'War over the Middle East' being the most recent title.

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Offline Gh0stFT

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2009, 03:49:58 PM »
Not exscatly what u are searching for but maybe u like this turn-based air combat game called: Achtung Spitfire.
I still play it form time to time, here are some Infos and screenshots:

http://www.geocities.com/favouritegames/Achtung_Spitfire.html

Btw. u can download the game for free.
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Offline Simaril

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2009, 12:36:12 PM »
Wow. Some great leads here, guys. Thanks! Thought old games were lost forever -- "abandonware" opens new vistas! (Pun intended)

Getting some long lost wargame yearnings, and looking forward to checking these out!
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Offline 33Vortex

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Re: Anybody refer me to an *Operational* level air combat game?
« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2009, 01:13:22 PM »
There is a huge wargaming club at www.theblitz.org for various strategy games.

This is a great ladder for the HPS Sims among others. I play Panzer Campaigns (PzC) there, having a blast. If you want a detailed operational level game there really isn't anything that can match the PzC sims in historical accuracy and detail. All their titles come with a editor too so you can easily create your own scenarios or modify historical ones should you find inaccuracies. It is a constant work in progress to keep scenarios up to date with the most recent research on these battles and the community is fantastic in this regard. Also the players are mature, no teenagers around they don't have the patience to play games like these, making for a very friendly and easy going community.

 :salute

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