Ace of Aces, a World War One aerial combat game, entered the GAMA Adventure Gaming Hall of Fame in 1993. The game is absolutely unique, incorporating programmed, simultaneous movement and streamlined resolution of combat into a pair of books, one for each competitor. Although there are provisions for larger numbers, the game is perfect for two players. It is a remarkable example of a cohesive, innovative game design that accomplishes its goals and rewards the user with satisfying, exciting gameplay again and again. Aspiring game designers should definitely track down a copy of Ace of Aces. At least five versions are available, including three sets of WWI craft (each with differing flight characteristcs, all interchangeable) as well as WWII and modern versions. I have only played the WWI sets.
The game is fast and furious, requiring nothing beyond the two game books for basic play. Each page displays an illustration from the point of view of the pilot, with a series of maneuvers and associated page numbers across the bottom. Every turn, each pilot chooses a maneuver (my set has 26, including barrel rolls, wingovers and Immelmann turns), numbers are compared, and an identical resulting page is arrived at showing the new positions of the duelling planes. The object of the dogfight is, obviously, to get your plane into firing position, ideally at close range, from behind. With two skilled pilots, the jockeying for position and unexpected twists can be very satisfying.
Ace of Aces is over 20 years old, but well worth the trouble of looking for. A well-done discussion of the various versions can be found here.
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(Due to spamming, old forum discussions are no linked.)