Ace of Aces: Wingleader

About this board game

Ace of Aces: Wingleader is a two-player WWII fighter-combat game with an approximately 20-minute play time, released in 1988. It is another entry in the Ace of Aces series, focusing on aerial combat between a wide range of WWII-era fighters.

The original set models 24 fighters, including the Me-262 jet. Its illustrations feature the P-51D and FW-190A, while the aircraft cards represent planes from several different nations and aviation traditions.

The original aircraft card selection includes:

• ME-109E, ME-109F, and ME-262-A
• FW-190-A8, Spitfire 1, Hurricne 1, and Tempest 5
• MC-200 Saetta and MC 202 Folgore
• Ki-27 “Nate,” A6M2 Reisen “Zeke”/Zero, Ki-61 Hein “Tony,” Ki-84 Hayate “Frank,” and N1K1-j Shinden “George”
• F2A-3 Buffalo, P-40C Tomahawk, F4F-4 Wildcat, and F4U1 Corsair
• P38-J Lightning, P-47D Thunderbolt, and P-51D Mustang
• LaGG-3, MiG-3, and Yak-3

This roster gives Wingleader a broad aircraft lineup, bringing famous Allied, Axis, Italian, Japanese, and Soviet designs into one WWII-focused game. The inclusion of the Me-262 also highlights the period’s transition toward jet-powered fighter aircraft.

With its two-player format, short listed play time, and extensive selection of modeled fighters, Ace of Aces: Wingleader presents a focused way to explore WWII fighter combat through its original aircraft cards and distinctive aviation artwork.