THE RULES:
SIMPLICITY: The key design goal for CY6-JA was to maximize pilot influence and historical accuracy while keeping the game relatively easy to play. All of the major game charts are on two sides of one 8-inch by 11-inch chart.
TURNS: Turns are plotted in advance (similar to the old Blue Max system), so large games are possible; at Cold Wars 2006, one game with 12 players and completed it in less than 2 hours.
PILOT SKILL: Four pilot skills are represented: Green (+0), Skilled (+1), Veteran (+2) and Ace (+3). Pilot skill is critical to success and is the most important aspect in the game; "It is the man, not the machine." –Chuck Yeager
SCALE: Any scale may be used. Playtested over three years with 1/600, 1/300, 1/200, 1/144, 1/100, and 1/72 scale aircraft.
WEAPONS: All modern weapons are included: Light and Heavy Machineguns, Low-Velocity Cannon, Modern Cannon, Heavy Cannon, Rotary Cannon, Infrared Missiles, Radar-guided Missiles, SAMs of all types, and Anti-aircraft Artillery.
AIRCRAFT: Statistics for more than 90 aircraft are included. Aircraft attributes include Maneuver, Speed, Agility, Climb/Dive rate, Acceleration, Robustness, Afterburners, Radar, Electronic Countermeasures, and Defensive Systems.
MOVEMENT:Movement is handled via hexes and maneuver charts illustrating possible maneuvers for each speed level.
SCENARIOS: 23 scenarios from several eras.
