My first AH game. I enjoyed playing Luftwaffe. Still have the game I got back in 1980 from my parents. Have not played it in years. Back when, my Best Friend and high school buddy played it with me a few times. These AH games are cool and fun but not many people want to play them. I would play Luftwaffe vs. Myself a few times. It was still fun, playing both sides.
I think I watched one of your videos, or was in one of your live shows, where you talked about that. I will be looking at my France 1940 soon on the channel (fun game too). I talk a little about that game here: ua-cam.com/video/vlTf3cwf9TI/v-deo.html
Nice coverage! Would hope that you might look into reviewing the *update* for this game. In 2007, Joe Miranda (of S&T fame), with Lou Zocchi's permission, revised and updated the _Luftwaffe_ game; adding more units, rebalancing the scenarios, modifying the map, and revising certain rules. The biggest visible change was the dropping of the circular counters for classic square ones .The new _Luftwaffe_ was published by Decision Games.
@@NerdWorkshop1 Although both games were not much different (nor better/worse off than each other - notably, towards the discursive rules/procedures-of-play [among others]), it would be great to see a comparitive review/analysis of both these rather unnerving - if not downright _frustratingly _*_unrealizable[!]_* - versions ... Looking forward to it!
Luftwaffe was one of my first games. It is a good but flawed classic. Recently, I bought an unpunched 1971 slipcase to replace my long lost copy. The box top chart can get worn by repeated opening and closing, so use it with care. I also have a 1970 PanzerBlitz slipcase too. It is interesting to see the game extras of slipcase and plastic dice tray that AH had before the Oil Crisis and 70s inflation. My older brother had the early 70s slipcase wonders while I got the later plain versions after 1975. I am still looking to switch out my plain Richthofen's War for a slipcase version.
That is very true David, the printing of the combat table on the box cover is not the best thing. I also purchased another PanzerBlitz with a slip cover box. Thanks for watching.
Great review of this old classic! ... Yeah, it's been years since I've last played this, but despite not being what I'd call a great game (highly abstracted and therefore, considerably unrealistic, given the [limited] parameters of quarterly-play involved), still, I can recall having fond (if not slightly vague) memories of the varying levels of play (such as the particular optional variant where the German-player gets early use of swarms of the vaunted Me 262), even if it meant play-balance often favored the American-player in the end. Having played *Decision Games* [2007] version of _Luftwaffe_ - though not offering much different than *Avalon Hill* 's original (disappointedly so!) - I must confess that either game (namely, *Decision Games* take on their much flawed *Advanced Game* [or rather, simulation] version), is a rather unrealizable scenario in what an air-war campaign should represent (on a gaming perspective). I think it would be very difficult (for any designer) to not only convincingly construct such in a realizable (playable) format, but as well, simultaneously offering scope and dimension towards negating abstract envisioned elements within the limits of time and spatial boundaries towards actual play. And as such, this is what the gamer (unrealized or not) 'experiences' within a [three-month] quarterly-play time-frame in _Luftwaffe;_ i.e. several dozen units [unrealistically] facing-off against one-another at once (just to name off one such instance), which - however one appeals to that [abstract] picture, as exciting as it may [initially] appear - in my view, doesn't quite come across as being faithfully true (regardless of playability's, or simplicity's sake) to what actually occurred over the skies over Nazi-held Germany. However one views/plays either version of _Luftwaffe,_ I believe the game deserves at least some merit as a wargame classic in its own, if not flawed, historicity, despite its vain attempt to strategize a [playable] platform within an untenable dimensional perspective ... Just be 'smugly content' on losing (not too badly) - at least fifty percent of the time - being the German-player in most scenarios.
They do have a solo game play, you just need to make out a number of different bomb raids and then pick one after you set up for the Luftwaffe. Not the best solo bot, but it does offer some variety.
Apple stock?!? ...you forget; we did not have Apple back when you played this by mail! :) Seriously! lol :) Great game and great to see someone that remembers how pbm was done "back in the day".
Very true GrumblingGrognard, I was trying to think of something that people today would know. I think I used TWA airlines once, they are long gone. Most of my playing was by mail. It was fun.
Wow that is way more than I paid for it. Much cheaper here: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3646/luftwaffe-game-aerial-combat-over-germany-1943-45/marketplace/geekmarket. Like new $35
My first AH game. I enjoyed playing Luftwaffe. Still have the game I got back in 1980 from my parents. Have not played it in years. Back when, my Best Friend and high school buddy played it with me a few times.
These AH games are cool and fun but not many people want to play them. I would play Luftwaffe vs. Myself a few times. It was still fun, playing both sides.
I agree with you Digbyodel, I like the old Avalon Hill games. This is just something about them that never gets old. Thanks for watching.
My first wargame, together with France 1940. Nice vid!
I think I watched one of your videos, or was in one of your live shows, where you talked about that. I will be looking at my France 1940 soon on the channel (fun game too). I talk a little about that game here: ua-cam.com/video/vlTf3cwf9TI/v-deo.html
yeah..me too..plus 1776
Good score with the slip case. Both mine are regular boxes
Yes and I only paid $32 for it ($16.00 over what I paid for my new copy back in '78). Not counting shipping. :)
Nice coverage! Would hope that you might look into reviewing the *update* for this game. In 2007, Joe Miranda (of S&T fame), with Lou Zocchi's permission, revised and updated the _Luftwaffe_ game; adding more units, rebalancing the scenarios, modifying the map, and revising certain rules. The biggest visible change was the dropping of the circular counters for classic square ones .The new _Luftwaffe_ was published by Decision Games.
Thanks for the info D Phalanx. I will have to check into that game. Maybe get it and do a comparison on the channel.
@@NerdWorkshop1 Although both games were not much different (nor better/worse off than each other - notably, towards the discursive rules/procedures-of-play [among others]), it would be great to see a comparitive review/analysis of both these rather unnerving - if not downright _frustratingly _*_unrealizable[!]_* - versions ... Looking forward to it!
Still have my copy from last century, us another that was in a game bundle.
Nice, I had to rebuy mine. But at least it is now in the collection.
Luftwaffe was one of my first games. It is a good but flawed classic. Recently, I bought an unpunched 1971 slipcase to replace my long lost copy. The box top chart can get worn by repeated opening and closing, so use it with care. I also have a 1970 PanzerBlitz slipcase too. It is interesting to see the game extras of slipcase and plastic dice tray that AH had before the Oil Crisis and 70s inflation. My older brother had the early 70s slipcase wonders while I got the later plain versions after 1975. I am still looking to switch out my plain Richthofen's War for a slipcase version.
That is very true David, the printing of the combat table on the box cover is not the best thing. I also purchased another PanzerBlitz with a slip cover box. Thanks for watching.
This brings back many memories. Thank you for showcasing it. =)
My pleasure! Thanks for watching Hissy Cat!
nice memories there, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching.
My first wargame!
one of my first ones too. I always like WWII aircraft.
Great review of this old classic! ... Yeah, it's been years since I've last played this, but despite not being what I'd call a great game (highly abstracted and therefore, considerably unrealistic, given the [limited] parameters of quarterly-play involved), still, I can recall having fond (if not slightly vague) memories of the varying levels of play (such as the particular optional variant where the German-player gets early use of swarms of the vaunted Me 262), even if it meant play-balance often favored the American-player in the end.
Having played *Decision Games* [2007] version of _Luftwaffe_ - though not offering much different than *Avalon Hill* 's original (disappointedly so!) - I must confess that either game (namely, *Decision Games* take on their much flawed *Advanced Game* [or rather, simulation] version), is a rather unrealizable scenario in what an air-war campaign should represent (on a gaming perspective). I think it would be very difficult (for any designer) to not only convincingly construct such in a realizable (playable) format, but as well, simultaneously offering scope and dimension towards negating abstract envisioned elements within the limits of time and spatial boundaries towards actual play.
And as such, this is what the gamer (unrealized or not) 'experiences' within a [three-month] quarterly-play time-frame in _Luftwaffe;_ i.e. several dozen units [unrealistically] facing-off against one-another at once (just to name off one such instance), which - however one appeals to that [abstract] picture, as exciting as it may [initially] appear - in my view, doesn't quite come across as being faithfully true (regardless of playability's, or simplicity's sake) to what actually occurred over the skies over Nazi-held Germany.
However one views/plays either version of _Luftwaffe,_ I believe the game deserves at least some merit as a wargame classic in its own, if not flawed, historicity, despite its vain attempt to strategize a [playable] platform within an untenable dimensional perspective ... Just be 'smugly content' on losing (not too badly) - at least fifty percent of the time - being the German-player in most scenarios.
I always liked this game, but I have a fondness for WWII and WWI aircraft.
i have 2 versions of this..shame i cant solo it
They do have a solo game play, you just need to make out a number of different bomb raids and then pick one after you set up for the Luftwaffe. Not the best solo bot, but it does offer some variety.
Apple stock?!? ...you forget; we did not have Apple back when you played this by mail! :) Seriously! lol :) Great game and great to see someone that remembers how pbm was done "back in the day".
Very true GrumblingGrognard, I was trying to think of something that people today would know. I think I used TWA airlines once, they are long gone. Most of my playing was by mail. It was fun.
Just checked - 16 dollars in 1971 is 118 dollars in todays money. So not so cheap;).
Wow that is way more than I paid for it. Much cheaper here: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3646/luftwaffe-game-aerial-combat-over-germany-1943-45/marketplace/geekmarket. Like new $35
Great box shame the game wasn't as good.
Compared to the games out today, I agree. But back in 1971, this game was cool and fun.