Once your bomber groups depart the UK and head toward their target using the planned route, that "watching a movie" experience that you talked about, is the game doing a superb job of letting the player experience what it's like to be the Wing Commander, anxiously monitoring the progress of his crews and planes, from back in the UK. As you said, very thematic and immersive!
I backed this on KS and already received it, but haven't played it yet. Your review makes me want to play it as soon as I can. I'm glad I already have this game. I watched a review of yours on the Dave Morris solo-role playing books, and I ended up buying the series! And, yes, I already have the other DVG flight "leader" games (still waiting for Huey Leader, tho). Great series.
I'm ordering hornet leader this weekend because I need a good solo game and it has really good reviews. after I've played through hornet leader, money permitting I may order other games from this series.
If you're going to own only one of the air leader series, or are looking for a good choice to start the series with, I would highly recommend Thunderbolt Apache Leader. It's an evolution of Hornet Leader and has some serious staying power.
bgm 1961 I know you wrote this a long time ago, but could you elaborate what you like about it? I played it three times and all those times the event cards made it so that after the first movement phase I had 0-1 sub left. I hadn't made Any decisions yet at that point except choosing my subs. Would love to hear a different perspective.
Hi Marco, At first, I kind of rejected this game... owning "B-17, Queen of the Skies"... but I'm beginning to warm up to this game... as a companion game. Thanks for the review.
good review but a question, i'm looking at getting a DVG leader game i need a good solo game what is the so called best one or at least the best for beginners
To anyone who has played this, according to BGG forums there are some errors in the components and the rule book also. I know that one of the creators is going to publish an official errata page and a rule book update (digitally) but have you encountered any errors, they don't spoil the game do they ? Also anyone know when this is available for retail in Europe ? DVG online could probably do it but there will be nasty import charges and mailing costs to Southern Europe no doubt.
Dave, the updated rule book (Version 2 DRAFT, soon to be final) is up and posted on the BGG site (mostly fills in missing rules not covered in original). There are some minor errors on cards and one counter that are in the errata section of the Version 2 rule book. Mostly Special Weapon cards, that do have a corresponding counter that is correct. The game is playable, and is being played.
Hi Dave, If you're based in Europe you can pick up B-17 Flying Fortress Leader from Board Games Extra for £60 plus postage: www.boardgameextras.co.uk/item.php?id=27593#.WQtLFbpFyoA. At time of writing they still have some in stock. If you have no luck with them, you could also try Second Chance Games: www.secondchancegames.com:7081/index.php/pre-orders or Board Game Guru: www.boardgameguru.co.uk/b-17-flying-fortress-leader-43487-p.asp. They're still on preorder at time of writing, but their stocks are due in this month. Marco, as always, great review by the way!
The game turns are too repetitive. The game gets boring real fast. And the AI determines what targets you must hit or risk a “dismal” rating. There is no strategic end game. All,of the “Leader” games follow this formula. It’s why I stay away from them.
Once your bomber groups depart the UK and head toward their target using the planned route, that "watching a movie" experience that you talked about, is the game doing a superb job of letting the player experience what it's like to be the Wing Commander, anxiously monitoring the progress of his crews and planes, from back in the UK. As you said, very thematic and immersive!
Your conclusions are very accurate. B-17 Leader is a brilliantly designed game.
Thanks for the review Marco. I'm still waiting for my ks copy and so much looking forward to try it out.
Such a valuable review
I backed this on KS and already received it, but haven't played it yet. Your review makes me want to play it as soon as I can. I'm glad I already have this game. I watched a review of yours on the Dave Morris solo-role playing books, and I ended up buying the series! And, yes, I already have the other DVG flight "leader" games (still waiting for Huey Leader, tho). Great series.
Just received the game. Thanks for the review. It gets me excited to play it. I won't play it until I get a few days off work 😀
Thanks for this review 😊
Another great review !
Hi Marco, love your reviews. What camera do you use when you show the board?
Really good game. I just bought 2 weeks ago, inmersive, Deep with a lot of narrative too. hoping an expansión. Tnx .
I'm ordering hornet leader this weekend because I need a good solo game and it has really good reviews. after I've played through hornet leader, money permitting I may order other games from this series.
update: hornet leader ordered, now we just need a naval combat game from DVG.
yup, but one in the cold war period :)
If you're going to own only one of the air leader series, or are looking for a good choice to start the series with, I would highly recommend Thunderbolt Apache Leader. It's an evolution of Hornet Leader and has some serious staying power.
Also, for players who are looking for a "different" leader game in the series, I highly recommend GATO Leader!
bgm 1961 I know you wrote this a long time ago, but could you elaborate what you like about it? I played it three times and all those times the event cards made it so that after the first movement phase I had 0-1 sub left. I hadn't made Any decisions yet at that point except choosing my subs. Would love to hear a different perspective.
Hi Marco,
At first, I kind of rejected this game... owning "B-17, Queen of the Skies"... but I'm beginning to warm up to this game... as a companion game. Thanks for the review.
Use the single bomber optional rule for RPG element
good review but a question, i'm looking at getting a DVG leader game i need a good solo game what is the so called best one or at least the best for beginners
muckleflugga games hornet leader
To anyone who has played this, according to BGG forums there are some errors in the components and the rule book also. I know that one of the creators is going to publish an official errata page and a rule book update (digitally) but have you encountered any errors, they don't spoil the game do they ? Also anyone know when this is available for retail in Europe ? DVG online could probably do it but there will be nasty import charges and mailing costs to Southern Europe no doubt.
Dave, the updated rule book (Version 2 DRAFT, soon to be final) is up and posted on the BGG site (mostly fills in missing rules not covered in original). There are some minor errors on cards and one counter that are in the errata section of the Version 2 rule book. Mostly Special Weapon cards, that do have a corresponding counter that is correct. The game is playable, and is being played.
Hi Dave,
If you're based in Europe you can pick up B-17 Flying Fortress Leader from Board Games Extra for £60 plus postage: www.boardgameextras.co.uk/item.php?id=27593#.WQtLFbpFyoA. At time of writing they still have some in stock.
If you have no luck with them, you could also try Second Chance Games: www.secondchancegames.com:7081/index.php/pre-orders or Board Game Guru: www.boardgameguru.co.uk/b-17-flying-fortress-leader-43487-p.asp. They're still on preorder at time of writing, but their stocks are due in this month.
Marco, as always, great review by the way!
thanks for that I took the plunge and ordered it. Very reasonably priced too.
Me too - I got mine from them today. They're very quick!
The revised rulebook is posted and is very well written!
I only received one ten sided die in the game, hard to set up, rulebook stinks, needs to be a better playthrough for the uboat mission
The game turns are too repetitive. The game gets boring real fast. And the AI determines what targets you must hit or risk a “dismal” rating. There is no strategic end game. All,of the “Leader” games follow this formula. It’s why I stay away from them.