B-17: Queen of the Skies
Anecdote
A legendary solo design by Glenn Rahman for On Target Games, later published by Avalon Hill, B-17: Queen of the Skies puts the player in the role of a B-17 crew of the 8th Air Force operating from England in 1942–1945. The system combines mission management, dice rolls, and resolution tables in a narrative experience of remarkable intensity for its era. Each mission lasts approximately one to two hours, and replayability is sustained by a full campaign covering twenty-five missions. The learning curve is moderate, thanks to a clear booklet. Rahman drew on the works of Edward Jablonski, Roger Freeman, and crew memoirs to build a faithful simulation of daily life aboard an American bomber. The original components are understated but solidly produced, featuring a B-17 board and a large number of tables. B-17 inaugurated the genre of solo wargame with personal career progression, later continued by Patton's Best, The Hunters, and many others. The title enjoyed lasting success and stands in the pantheon of the solo genre. Its influence on the solo wargame with personal career progression is incalculable. The community remained loyal to the title for four decades, populating the internet with campaign narratives. No French translation exists, but the material is still sought after by collectors. B-17 also popularised the idea that a solo wargame could tell an entire aerial campaign at crew level. For aviation and solo gaming enthusiasts, it is an absolute classic. The title embodies the maturity of the American solo wargame tradition of the 1980s. It spawned a great many successors and imitators, including fan-made variants that remain active today. It is one of the most beloved solo wargames in the history of the hobby.
Popularity & reception
Awards — Charles S. Roberts Award - Best Solitaire Boardgame nomination (1981) · Origins Award - Hall of Fame
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