Ace of Aces: Handy Rotary Deluxe Edition (1986)

About this game

The Handy Rotary Deluxe edition was a revision of the original Handy Rotary Series game book set. The Deluxe Edition came in a bookcase style box rather than a slipcase. The game books use photographs of actual aircraft (the Fokker DrI and Sopwith Camel) to depict the view from your cockpit. The Deluxe Edition rules are printed in a separate rulebook rather than being squeezed into the game books as in prior editions. Three levels of complexity are offered: Introductory, Standard and Advanced. There are also rules for a Campaign game. Card stock game cards with aircraft silhouettes serve as play aids - these reflect the capabilities of different aircraft and aces who flew them.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.8/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.