# Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987 ## General Info - **Year Published**: 2019 - **BGG Rating**: 8.3 - **BGG Rank**: #6447 - **Players**: 1-2 (Best with: 2) - **Duration**: 120-720 min - **Weight**: 4.42 / 5 - **Designers**: Douglas Bush, Lee Brimmicombe-Wood - **Artists**: Antonis Karidis, Charles Kibler, Dariusz Buraczewski, Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan - **Publishers**: GMT Games - **Categories**: Aviation / Flight, Modern Warfare, Wargame - **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Simulation ## Verdict If you're a fan of tactical wargames and complex air simulations, Red Storm is a true feast! This game throws you headfirst into a hypothetical Cold War scenario, where every strategic decision in the air and on the ground can change the course of the conflict. Get ready for hours of planning and intense combat, with an immersion that only a game of this caliber can offer. It's like being in command of a real air force, with all the tension and glory that entails.Deep air simulationDetailed strategic planningWide variety of aircraftVaried and immersive scenariosRobust solo modeSteep learning curveLong game durationHigh rules complexityHIGHLY RECOMMENDED ## Description Red Storm: The Air War Over Central Germany, 1987 is the sequel to the acclaimed Downtown, a wargame that simulates a hypothetical air war scenario in Central Germany during May and June 1987. This standalone game uses the Downtown system to immerse players in an operational air battle where control of airspace and destruction of enemy targets are crucial. Both sides, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, feature state-of-the-art aircraft, long-range missiles, precision bombs, sophisticated electronic warfare systems, and dense air defense networks, including surface-to-air missiles and radar-guided artillery. The game features a vast array of aircraft from the United States, United Kingdom, West Germany, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Soviet Union, and East Germany. As the NATO player, you face numerical disadvantage but compensate with technological superiority and more experienced pilots. Your mission is to challenge Warsaw Pact air forces and hit ground targets on the front line and in the rear. As the Warsaw Pact player, your challenge is to use your numerous but less flexible forces to overwhelm NATO in the air and on the ground, while supporting advancing ground troops. Both sides need to manage their complex air defense networks, which include overlapping layers of SAMs and AAA. Units represent flights of 1 to 4 aircraft, each with specific roles such as bombing, combat air patrol, escort, or jamming support. The game includes over 50 aircraft types, from '3rd Generation' workhorses like the F-4E Phantom II and MiG-23 Flogger, to advanced '4th Generation' fighters like the F-15 Eagle, Tornado, and MiG-29 Fulcrum. Ground units include troop concentrations, SAMs, and AAA. The SAM network is more numerous and dangerous than ever, with low-altitude SAMs like the Rapier and Chaparral, and medium/high-altitude SAMs like the Patriot and SA-12. Two 22” x 34” maps depict the rugged terrain of the NATO front, from the Rhine river to Thuringia, at a scale of approximately 2.5 nautical miles per hex. The front line moves as Warsaw Pact forces advance. The game system requires detailed prior planning for both air and ground forces, including raid generation, route planning, and aircraft loadouts. Strategic placement of SAM, AAA, and radar units is crucial, considering terrain and weather. During the game, players alternate through phases of electronic warfare, enemy flight detection, movement, and combat. The heart of the game is the movement phase, with a chit-draw system that allows players to alternate moving one to five flights at a time. With over 20 scenarios, ranging from day and night operational missions to ground support operations and deep strikes behind enemy lines, Red Storm offers everything from quick afternoon games to campaigns that can last for days, including reconnaissance missions, airborne drops, helicopter assaults, special forces insertions, cruise missile strikes, and even nuclear weapon delivery. ## FAQ ### What is the average playtime for Red Storm? Playtime varies widely, from 120 minutes for smaller scenarios up to an impressive 720 minutes (12 hours!) for the most epic and complete scenarios. Get ready for a strategic marathon! ### How many players does Red Storm support? Red Storm is designed for 1 to 2 players. Perfect for an intense duel against a friend or for an immersive solo experience where you command one side against the system. ### Is it a complex game for wargame beginners? With a BGG weight of 4.4231/5, Red Storm is considered a highly complex game. The learning curve is steep, so it's more suitable for experienced wargamers or those willing to invest time to master its detailed rules. ### What are the main components of the game? You'll find two large 22” x 34” maps, 1,260 die-cut counters, one Rules Booklet, one Scenario Booklet, one Appendices Booklet, five Full-Color Player Aid Cards, three Full-Color Aircraft Data Cards, two 10-sided dice, and NATO and Warsaw Pact log sheets. ### Does Red Storm have a solo mode? Yes, it features a robust solo mode! You can control one of the factions, and the system manages the opposing side, allowing you to enjoy the game's complexity and depth even without an opponent. ### Who is this game most recommended for? It is highly recommended for wargame fans looking for a deep and detailed air simulation, with a focus on operational strategy and military planning. If you enjoy the Downtown series or modern warfare games with high historical fidelity, this one is for you! ## Price Comparison ### Best International Offers - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 63.52 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=2204154&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 67.06 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6723195&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 77.37 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3438461&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 79.00 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4916766&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 86.95 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6911127&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 89.87 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3923168&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 119.08 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=4082304&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com) - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/28687/red-storm-the-air-war-over-central-germany-1987?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com