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rating
Ludopedia
7.0
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Wargame and military history buffs will love Zero! for its immersive Pacific Theater aerial combat. Down in Flames delivers again with engaging mechanics and historical depth.
Highlights
- Intense, strategic dogfights
- High-quality cards and components
- Varied campaigns and replayability
- Compatible with other series volumes
Keep in mind
- Complex for wargame newcomers
- Campaign setup can be time-consuming
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Zero!: The Rise and Fall of The Imperial Japanese Air Force is the third installment in the Down in Flames series, transporting players to the Pacific Theater of Operations during WWII. Relive the intense aerial combat of the war's first six months, pitting the might of Imperial Japan against the surprised Allied forces. Command iconic fighters and bombers like the A6M2 Zero, F4F Wildcat, and P-40 Tomahawk in epic battles over Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Malaya, and more. The game introduces Carrier Campaigns, where you decide whether to go all-in for a decisive strike or hold your forces in reserve. With colorful cards, detailed counters, and updated rules, Zero! delivers a rich, immersive experience whether you're a series veteran or a newcomer. Everything you need is in the box—no prior volumes required—though they're fully compatible if you want to expand your battles further.
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
REC
4
REC
5
OK
6
REC
7
OK
8
REC
9
OK
10
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
GMT Games
Designer
Dan Verssen
Artist
Mark Simonitch, Mike Lemick, Rodger B. MacGowan
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,353owners
76wishlist
16want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need other games in the series to play Zero!?
No, everything you need is in the box. But other volumes are compatible if you want to expand further.
How many players can join?
2 to 10, but it works best with 2 to 4 players per match.
What's the average playtime?
About 60 minutes, but campaigns can take longer depending on the scenario.
Is it hard to learn?
If you have wargame experience, you'll pick it up fast. Beginners might need a few games to get comfortable.
What are the component highlights?
The colorful cards and detailed aircraft and ace counters are the big standouts.
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