The American Aces: great aerial duels by Jim Hind and Eric Lawson
Designed by aviation wargame veterans Jim Hind and Eric Lawson, The American Aces is a tactical simulation published by 3W (World Wide Wargames) that captures aerial combat during the Great War and the 1920 Polish-Soviet War. Serving as a refined stand-alone evolution of Jim Hind's classic Aces High system, this release highlights American pursuit squadrons operating on the Western Front. Featuring box artwork by noted aviation painter Roy Grinnell, it provides an authentic simulation of vintage biplane combat. The game features:
- An extensive library of 58 individual aircraft data cards covering historical scouts, bombers, and observation planes.
- A robust scenario book featuring 40 historical engagements across Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
- The renowned Ace Movement mechanics, faithfully simulating kinetic energy and tight turning circles of early canvas warplanes.
The American Aces: tactical piloting and altitude management
Engagements require calculated flight planning to outmaneuver the enemy in open skies:
- Altitude and speed management: Players must conserve kinetic energy to execute steep dives, tight banking turns, or daring disengagement moves.
- Ace pilot expertise: Elite pilot ratings supply modifiers to marksmanship and situational awareness, reflecting skill gaps between novices and aces.
- Historical weapon realism: Firing arcs, machine gun jams, and the structural fragility of canvas airframes are fully integrated into combat resolution. Every turn captures the tension of swirling dogfights over the trenches through streamlined historical simulation.
The American Aces: victory conditions and historical scenarios
The scenario booklet provides a variety of historical engagements and customizable dogfights:
- Mission objectives: Victory is earned by downing enemy flight groups, safeguarding artillery observation balloons, or escorting reconnaissance flights.
- Aircraft preservation: Players must balance aggressive attack runs against the strategic need to guide surviving pilots safely back behind friendly lines. The American Aces is a premier collectible for military history buffs and wargamers seeking a focused, authentic air combat simulation for two players or solo play.
