Blue Max

Diseños Orbitales, Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games), Oriflam · Board game · 1983
9.3 Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 2–6 · best 4, 6 60 min Weight 2.3/5
Buy · from US$ 17.42
9.3 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A classic aerial combat experience that turns every flight into a survival story.

Highlights
  • Pilot career progression
  • Realistic combat simulation
  • High tension every turn
  • Large-scale dogfights
Keep in mind
  • Requires careful rule attention
  • Needs paper and pencil
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

Strap in and grab your goggles, because the skies of WWI are about to get chaotic! In Blue Max, you take command of a biplane and dive straight into the heart of aerial dogfights. The real magic lies in its campaign system: you aren't just playing a single match, but building a pilot's legacy. If your aviator survives a skirmish, they return to the next mission with increased skill, and you can even access more advanced aircraft as the war progresses.

The flight mechanics are detailed and demand focus. Each plane comes with its own maneuver sheet, and you'll need to carefully manage what your aircraft can actually pull off. Be careful not to repeat certain aggressive maneuvers back-to-back, or your plane might stall and lose control! Combat is intense and revolves heavily around positioning. If you manage to get on an enemy's tail, you gain the advantage, but watch out—their rear gunner might be aiming right at you.

The damage system is a highlight of the experience. After rolling the dice, you'll see if the hit was minor or if the engine has burst into flames. Damage is applied to specific components like wings, tail, or engine, and can lead to anything from a minor setback to a fatal crash. It's a high-stakes game where managing fuel and ensuring pilot survival is just as crucial as the combat itself. With the ability to deploy dozens of planes on the map at once, Blue Max delivers a large-scale aerial combat experience that is pure adrenaline for fans of historical simulations.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

2 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–6 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: France Country: Germany Digital Implementations: VASSAL Occupation: Aviator Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players
Publisher Diseños Orbitales, Game Designers' Workshop (GDW Games), Oriflam, Stratelibri
Designer John Harshman, Phil Hall
Artist Joe DeMarco, Steve Venters, Thierry Monter

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,416owners
190wishlist
43want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How complex is the game?
It is a medium-to-high complexity game, requiring attention to maneuver and damage tables.
Can I play solo?
Yes, the game supports solo play or against system-controlled opponents.
Is the game very long?
A standard match lasts about 60 minutes, but the campaign can extend the experience.
Do I need miniatures?
The game can be played with cardboard counters or miniatures for a more immersive feel.
What makes the campaign mode special?
It allows your pilot to gain experience and unlocks better aircraft as you progress.

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