Thunderbolt / Apache Leader Review

[@marcowargamer]

I never had such a barrier, and I recommend simply trying one of these games, you may see from yourself that solitaire games can work extremely well. After all the AI has been created by a person, the designer, so it isn't all that different from, say, playing by mail. The person is not physically there, but his decisions still affect the game

[@breakupgamingsociety2170]

Funny you mention sanity. This past winter was tough emotionally. So I finally spread this out on the table and learned it. What a thrill. Running constant missions kept me immersed and delighted until March got here.

[@marcowargamer]

HL:CAO is simpler to learn, so it can be a better intro to the system - but I do recommend to try TAL right after!

[@jpro8908]

Wow! After getting back into the hobby and only a year in I must confess that this game has sat on my shelf for nearly the entire year. Shame on me! I dusted it off this week and lo and behold one of my favorite game reviewers loves it! I must table it now and clear the runway asap!

[@Mark-jagger]

Hi Marco, 9 years later, I’m wondering where this game ranks for you now? Does it still hold up? I ask as somebody who has just ordered the game, regardless, based on your review and Liz from Beyond Solitaire. I’m just interested in hearing your feeling on the game now. As an aside, if you have any other recommendations for either solo or two player wargames for an experienced board gamer but relatively newly interested in wargames? I come from good stock as my dad was a huge wargamer in the 80’s, playing all manner of wargames. Had a massive sand table (12’x5’5”) to build the terrain and play on with his group in Wallasey, UK. I was likely a disappointment back then as, although I played D&D, board games etc. with him, I had no interest and never played wargames. I find myself many years later with more interest in the genre, especially WW2, and I hope that my dad is looking down from above with interest in my belated pursuits. Also picked up Field Commander Napoleon recently. Napoleonics was one of his favourites. Anyway, I’ve always respected and enjoyed your videos and would love to hear your thoughts on TAL and any other recommendations for me. Thanks, Mark Hunter Red Deer Alberta

[@timg7954]

Bah - u got me again Just preordered the reprint from Nws online Thanks for your reviews

[@alveq]

Was waiting for your review before deciding between this and HLCAO. I think I will get both now!

[@SallianceMedia]

To get this game to Australia, it would cost $106 delivered from NWS online. The cheapest I've seen is at the local Milsims store in Melbourne for $95 + $7 delivered. Basically, if you're Australian - you pay big ;(

[@joker718]

Also I wish there were some more Mission Event Cards. It just got me wondering when you said about having a hard time finding flaws in the game, I seem to have been picking up this little annoyances as I played. But in the end it's still one of the best solitaire games and will probably become my favourite Leader game, with Hornet Leader being very close behind.

[@Dell999950]

Got to agree with your end statement Marco-TAL is simply an excellent game! -Almost laughed out loud when I read in the rule book re Bullet holes.Next time a pilot flies the aircraft he suffers 1 stress. 'So chief, will this airctaft hold up, with all the damage on it.' 'Yes sir , those large holes are just cosmetic, I'm sure the actual airframe will hold together, but better take this sticky tape with you, just in case!'

[@bosefasaurus]

Question: if I was wanting to get either Hornet Leader: CAO or Thunderbolt Apache Leader, which one would be the best to pick up first?

[@Tordan69]

Thanks for the tip about NWS, good intel!

[@brianhansen5446]

Great review. Very informative, I have mine set up now.

[@joker718]

This time I didn't even wait for your review - I just knew :) BTW, I was wandering, don't you think that there should be a bit more possible weapons with the cost of 0? One time I simply didn't want to take more than 1SO worth of weapons as the Battalion seemed quite easy but I didn't actually have an option after running out of LAU-68s and BGM-71s (I had Ah-1s and AH-64s) and had to leave 3 or 4 WP without any weapons, which seemed odd to me. Also two pilots for F-16 mean there's no choice.

[@scottkirby1971]

You can find it cheaper. Try looking at NWS Online, I've used them a number of times and am in fact awaiting my copy from them to arrive here in the tropics.

[@marcowargamer]

Excellent choice!

[@madyoss]

Check out Assault Horizon OST - Rebirth Good sountrack to play this game to. Any Ace Combat sountrack works for air leader series.

[@digiconda]

Marco - I've never played a solitaire wargame, though I've tossed the idea around for some time now. A repetitive thought I've had in reaction to my desire is that it will not be as fun as having a live opponent on the other end - enter TAL and my experience with other DVG products. Earlier reviews and your review make this seem like the one I ought to try...ah but that reaction again - no live opponent. Have you always played solitaire games or did you have to overcome a barrier as well? How?

[@Tordan69]

Sorry, at $90 before transport and the olde Swedish taxes (add 25%) plus a fee for the enjoyment of paying those taxes it´s just to expensive for me. I have Hornet Leader: CAO and love it so I´m a bit sad about the price level that DVG set in many of their games. Be well!

[@warloc66]

Hey Marco, any chance you'll do a mission video like you did with Hornet Leader?

[@rbaynosa]

is this still your favorite modern jet age game? does it play well as a co-op?

[@j3errym]

I have the original(have all the GMT DV designs) and I am wondering if I should buy the New TAL or Phantom leader deluxe

[@Usfourcases]

Pretty luke-warm review, Marco... Maybe I should hold off ;-)

[@usapatriot4163]

So, bottom line Marco, did you like it or not? ;) lol Guess I better my copy before it goes out of print!

[@Viewfromtheturret]

Great review.

[@ScottLynck]

Wow! I guess he really liked this game! I guess I’ll have to look for it!

[@davidlhsl]

Great review. You just sold the game. :)

[@antytrend]

well, i do want a solid solo.

[@ObKling]

I'm starting to think you're on DVG's payroll. If not, you should be. I'm probably not the only one who has ordered games based on your reviews. In my case, it was FC: Napoleon.

[@Logicfray]

marco will you be at gen con?

[@Logicfray]

couldnt tell by the review if you liked this one, you should speak more clearly on this, but I guess I'll get this game anyways. ; P

[@aeneas2467]

ordered

[@rindaleo]

get it from NWS online.. cheaper =D

[@nynphose]

The new artwork just doesn't do it for me, otherwise it's a really fun game.

[@DavidChachere]

Marco, buddy, tell me you're not using a yogurt container for your chip-draw. You've got too much class for that. Pimp it out, my brother. You're worth it.