Ace of Aces

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the 1987 flight-simulation game, see Ace of Aces (computer game)

Ace of Aces is a two-player combat picture book game designed by Alfred Leonardi and first published in 1980 by Nova Game Designs. In 1981, Ace of Aces won the Charles Roberts/Origins Gamers choice of 1980.

1 Gameplay
2 Expansions
3 Other games
4 External links

[edit] Gameplay

Each set includes a pair of small books, one for each player (generally marked 'German' and 'Allied'). These are like gamebooks in that instead of reading through them, a person is 'at' one particular page, and the book represents a World War I fighter. Each player turns to the same page number in his book; the illustration on that page shows the view from the cockpit of his airplane, looking at the opponent. Along the bottom of the page is series of maneuvers that can be performed, with page numbers listed under them (while the page numbers are different with each page, the maneuvers are constant).

Each player selects a maneuver. Both players then announce the corresponding numbers. Each player turns to the page number announced by the opponent, looks up his own maneuver there, and turns to the page number listed under it. After both players have done this, they are on the same (new) page, looking at new views of each other. The process is repeated until one player has maneuvered his opponent into the sights of his guns and can shoot him down.

The maneuvers in both books are the same, with each set representing a range of aircraft with similar handling characteristics. Different sets are completely compatible with each other and can be used together, as long as opposing books are selected.

[edit] Expansions

Handy Rotary Series (1980)
Powerhouse Series (1981)
Flying Machines (1983)
Balloon Buster (1985)
Handy Rotary Deluxe Edition (1986)
Wingleader (1988)
Jet Eagles (1990)

[edit] Other games

Ace of Aces was the first game of this type, but others were done later. Bounty Hunter used much the same format for an old west gunfight (only one set was released, Shootout at the Saloon). Dragonriders of Pern used the Ace of Aces format in a contest to stop threadfall. Alfred Leonardi also designed the Lost Worlds combat book game system which is sometimes mistakenly described as using the Ace of Aces system.