Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy the thrill of tactical aerial combat and a highly interactive card game, Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing is a sure bet! Battles are fast, intense, and full of twists.
Highlights
- Dynamic aerial combat
- Addictive action-reaction system
- Many historical aircraft
- Fast and thrilling matches
Keep in mind
- Initial learning curve
- Card dependency
- Requires active opponent
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
Get ready to take off in Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing, the second standalone adventure in the Down in Flames series! If you enjoy the adrenaline of tactical aerial combat, this game is for you. Here, you and your partner (a Leader and your Wingman) jump into the cockpit to face enemy squadrons in breathtaking battles. The gameplay revolves around a brilliant action-reaction card system: every move you make can be countered by the opponent, creating an aerial duel of wits and cunning. Imagine the scene: "I hit you for 3 damage!" "Oh yeah? Then I do a barrel roll!" "And I follow you with a 'Yo-Yo'!". It's pure excitement! Each aircraft is faithfully represented with stats like Performance (hand limit), Horsepower (cards drawn per turn), Bursts (how many times you can fire), Damage, and Airframe (how much damage your plane can take). Combat positioning is crucial: being on an enemy's tail or having an advantage grants attack bonuses. And don't forget Altitude: diving gives you cards, but climbing requires you to discard them. With over 60 types of iconic aircraft from various nations and historical campaigns, such as North Africa or the Pacific, the game offers incredible immersion. It includes heavy bombers for strategic missions and a variety of agile fighters for intense duels. It's a robust card game with high-quality components and rules that, despite their tactical depth, are surprisingly accessible, ensuring quick and thrilling matches.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
OK
4
REC
5
OK
6
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
Loading playlist...
Where to Buy
Prices monitored daily
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change.
Alert enabled!
Join the BoardGamesBot deals group
Get the best board game deals every day — without message spam.
Join the WhatsApp groupGame details
Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Dan Verssen Games (DVG)
Designer
Dan Verssen
Artist
Wan Chiu
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
616owners
47wishlist
8want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Down in Flames: WWII-Guns Blazing?
The game is designed for 2 to 6 players, but it works best in 1v1 duels or team play.
How long does a game session take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting around 30 minutes, allowing for multiple plays in one session.
Is the game very complicated to learn?
The basic rules are accessible, but the tactical depth comes from card interactions and positioning. Your first game might require consulting the rulebook, but you'll get the hang of it quickly.
Do I need to play the other Down in Flames games to understand this one?
No, Guns Blazing is a standalone game. You can start with it without any issues, although it adds more aircraft and campaigns to the overall series experience.
What kind of components come in the game?
The game includes colorful action and aircraft cards, a rulebook, counters for the planes, and six different campaigns to play through.
Is this game for simulation fans or more arcade-style players?
It strikes a good balance. It simulates important aspects of aerial combat like positioning and aircraft stats, but with the agility and card-focused gameplay of a more direct game.
Other Games You'll Like
Based on mechanics and theme