Unleashing Epic Battles: A Review of the Lesser Known Tabletop Wargames
Hidden Gems: Aeronef by Wessex Games

Tabletop wargame classics you may have missed.
So what is Aeronef?
Ah, AERONEF. For those not in the know (shame on you, you disgusting peasant), it’s one of the better Wessex Games’ contributions to the insanely niche world of tabletop wargaming. Specifically, it’s a game of Victorian-era aerial combat, featuring fantastical dirigibles, flying ships, and more stiff-upper-lip imperialism than you can shake a monocle at. If you’ve ever wanted to reenact War of the Worlds but with more steampunk and fewer actual aliens, this might be the game for you.
Or is it? Let’s dive in, shall we?
Engaging Pulp Aeronautical Warfare
aeronef's de riguer
The premise is classic pulp: fleets of aerial warships, powered by some mysterious McGuffin-esque technology, battle for dominance over the late 19th century skies. Think Jules Verne meets H.G. Wells, but with fewer thoughtful narratives about humanity’s place in the universe or not so subtle nods to cultural hegemony and more “<shakes fist> I shoot you with my dirigible’s massive cannon.”
It’s a premise that should thrill anyone with even a passing interest in alternate history, steampunk aesthetics, or the idea of blowing up a Prussian dreadnought in midair. And, to be fair, it delivers that in spades—though whether it delivers much more is another matter.

Component Quality
what's In the game?
If you’ve played any naval wargame in the last 30 years, AERONEF will feel oddly familiar. Yes, I’m in my 50s, and yes I realize that some people who read my blog according to the Gods at Google are much younger, but I like the way that line sounds. Movement, firing arcs, and armor values are all here, albeit with a sky-high twist. Ships—sorry, “nefs”—float gracefully (or not so gracefully) across the tabletop, their performance dictated by a fairly straightforward set of mechanics.
The core gameplay is easy to grasp, which is either a blessing or a curse depending on your tastes. Remember, this is an old school wargame representing an even older school time period and genre kids. On the one hand, it’s refreshingly accessible compared to the Byzantine rulebooks that wargamers seem to fetishize <glowers at certain Nottingham based bastards>.
On the other hand, veterans might find it a touch… simplistic. Managing altitude, for instance, is disappointingly rudimentary. By that, I mean to say THEY DON’T HAVE ANY. This is a game focused on fun and easy to learn without obsessive little details and charts. Don’t expect complex aerial maneuvers or much realism. It’s not “Top Gun: Victorian Edition.” Of course, the rules are straightforward and flexible enough for you to house rule as much or little as you want to scratch your cruchiness itch.
Combat, meanwhile, is resolved with the time-honored tradition of chucking dice at the table and hoping for the best. It’s suitably random, which can lead to some hilariously cinematic moments. It’s RASH or Roll A Six to Hit. That said, the randomness might irritate players who prefer their wargames to reward cunning strategy over sheer luck. Long time readers of my blog know that I am a person who loves randomness in wargames since it helps bring the fog of war to the table.
Strategic Depth
Components & Prep

Here’s where things get… divisive. AERONEF is unapologetically old-school, which is a polite way of saying that the production values are minimal. If you want glossy pictures and extensive lore, fuck off right back to 40K. The game doesn’t come with any miniatures; instead, you’re expected to provide your own. This might be a dealbreaker for those used to glossy, pre-packaged modern games.
For the hobbyist, however, it’s a golden opportunity. Building and painting your own fleet of flying warships is a joy—assuming you enjoy that sort of thing. For others, the idea of cobbling together airships out of random bits of plastic might feel more like homework. You would be totally wrong of course. This is actually a huge advantage as you aren’t locked in to buying one manufacturers minis. I personally have ‘Nef from Irregular Miniatures as well as Brigade Miniatures and some 3d printed stuff.
The rulebook, while functional, isn’t exactly a visual feast. It’s black-and-white, filled with dense text and sparse illustrations. There’s a certain charm to its no-nonsense presentation, but it’s not going to win any awards for aesthetics.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay
When it works, AERONEF is an absolute freaking blast. There’s something inherently thrilling about commanding a fleet of fantastical warships, weaving between clouds, and trading broadsides with enemy vessels. The game shines in multiplayer scenarios, where the chaotic interplay of multiple fleets can lead to wildly entertaining outcomes.
That said, the game’s simplicity can sometimes leave it feeling… flat. (I hear the kids love dimensionality jokes) Once you’ve played a few battles, the lack of depth starts to show. Without the layers of complexity found in other wargames, AERONEF struggles to maintain long-term interest for hardcore grognards. It’s fun in short bursts, but you might find yourself yearning for something meatier after a while. There are a bazillion different rulesets out there, so if you like it but want more without doing the house rule route, Bing is your friend.
The Well you can keep coming back to
REplayability & Modularity
To its credit, AERONEF is a highly flexible system. The rules are modular, allowing players to tweak or expand them as they see fit. Want to add custom ships, experimental weapons, or bizarre weather effects? Go for it. This adaptability is a big part of the game’s charm and ensures that no two battles are ever quite the same. It’s also a great convention demo game since it’s easy to pick up and you can get incredibly creative. Plus, a table of ‘Nef is absolutely stunning.

Final Thoughts
Why aeronef is must play
AERONEF is a charming, if somewhat dated, entry in the wargaming world. Its simplicity and open-ended nature make it a great pick for casual players or those looking to dip their toes into aerial combat. However, it’s unlikely to satisfy hyper competitive rules lawyers who demand intricate mechanics and strategic depth.
For all its flaws, AERONEF has a certain scrappy appeal. It’s not the most polished or complex game out there, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s about imagination, camaraderie, and the simple joy of pretending your cardboard airship just rammed an enemy dreadnought out of the sky.
So, should you play it? If you love steampunk, alternate history, or the idea of dirigible warfare, absolutely. Just don’t expect it to replace your all-time favorite wargame. After all, not every game needs to be a heavyweight contender—sometimes, it’s enough to just fly high and enjoy the view.
Join the Discussion!
Have you tried this tabletop wargame yet? We’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies! Share your experiences and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the comments below. If you haven’t played it yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and explore the thrilling world of strategic battles.