Red Baron (1985)

About this game

Red Baron is a game of air warfare in World War I (1914-1918), based on designer Jim Hind's earlier Aces High game system. The game covers a variety of missions including photo recon, patrol, artillery spotting, balloon busting, trench strafing, bombing, and train busting. Data cards are included for 64 aircraft (some of which feature variant models on the same card). There are 12 scenarios. Red Baron represented an odd step in the history of the Aces High game system. Red Baron converts the game system to squares instead of hexes, as used in earlier and later editions of Aces High. In addition, Red Baron uses movement points that reflect 10 mph increments (down from 20) to further differentiate between aircraft. Published in The Wargamer Magazine number 48.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.2/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.