Thunderbolt: Apache Leader

Still learning the game but not as difficult getting into it as I thought. Quality of materials are good. Great presentation. As I roll through more scenarios I will update but for now the game is one that draws you back in.

If you've ever fantasized about commanding a fighter squadron, and are looking for a solo tactical strategy game, this is worth checking out. I haven't played any other DVG Leader series, but based on my experience with this, I may have to look into the others. While you could set up a quick mission to destroy a batallion, the rules are focused on playing through a campaign. There are quite a few combinations of campaign and situation cards, which can range from s handful of missions to more than a dozen depending on your goals and the campaign timeframe (as few as a couple days, or as much as a week). At the start of a campaign, you purchase your aircraft among a combination of jets and helicopters. Then you choose pilots for your aircraft and set their experience levels. Throughout the campaign, your pilots will gain experience points to level up, but also stress points, which reduce their effectiveness, or even render them unfit for missions. In addition, your aircraft will take damage that carries over from mission to mission if unrepaired. If you're looking for something you can play a quick game every now and then, this probably isn't a good choice. This is the sort of game you either devote a whole day to or leave out for weeks at a time.

One of the best in the leader series.

This was my first DVG game i ever purchased. There's alot going on in this game. It can be confusing for first time war gamer like me but after 2-3 rounds its super easy to start again! Read the rule book and watch youtube which really speeds up on how to play. Other than that its an amazing experience and challenging every time i play :)

This was my first DVG game i ever purchased. There's alot going on in this game. It can be confusing for first time war gamer like me but after 2-3 rounds its super easy to start again! Read the rule book and watch youtube which really speeds up on how to play. Other than that its an amazing experience and challenging every time i play :)

Love this game. It is just as much about the planning for the operations as flying them, so take note of expecting that if you are considering it. There is something almost cinematic about the actual playing of the game. A fast F16 making passes over the battlefield. The beast of an A10 and it's cannons. AH-64 swooping in and hovering. AC-130 gunship banking to the left and unleashing. Buy this.

Love this game. It is just as much about the planning for the operations as flying them, so take note of expecting that if you are considering it. There is something almost cinematic about the actual playing of the game. A fast F16 making passes over the battlefield. The beast of an A10 and it's cannons. AH-64 swooping in and hovering. AC-130 gunship banking to the left and unleashing. Buy this.