Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)So you're looking for a train game that's a step up from Ticket to Ride, without being too hardcore or complicated? Look no further: Railroad Tycoon is your game. It is one of the best games I've ever played, and one of my all-time favourite medium-weight games. One word of advice: the original Railroad Tycoon game from 2005 has since been improved and upgraded as a new edition, published under the name Railways of the World in 2009, and this new and improved edition is the one to get. It's the same game, but just has the benefit of some tweaks to the rules, as well as an additional map.
Both Railroad Tycoon and Railways of the World are fantastic. Don't make the mistake of thinking (as I first did after seeing photos of a massive board and incredible components) that this is just for middle-aged men who drive trains for a living and play with miniature railroads as a hobby, or that this is just for hardcore gamers who like complicated and heavy games, and that this game is not for you. Despite the glamorous and epic appearances, this is just another medium-weight game - only way better than most. The typical strategy gamer will find much to love about this series of games, not least that it is more thematic than many eurogames, and comes with gorgeous over-produced components, and offers substance beyond typical gateway games without taking on the complexity of heavy gamer's games.
So what's the appeal? First of all, Railroad Tycoon has an impressive pedigree, being the offspring of a Martin Wallace system that has proved most successful in Age of Steam, an ever-popular gamer's game from 2002. It was simplified for a wider audience as Railroad Tycoon in 2005, and then further refined as Railways of the World in 2009, receiving the benefit of further improvements in a 2010 reprint. Railroad Tycoon proved to be a big and popular hit, and still enjoys a very respectable reputation as one of the best in modern games.
The basic concept of the game is that players are railway executives, who borrow money to finance the building of their personal network of train tracks across a sprawling map, which they use to deliver goods to various cities, and thus increase their income and earn points. In the process, there are all kinds of short term and long term objectives, as well as steady interaction and competition to keep things interesting.
Most importantly, Railroad Tycoon is more friendly and accessible than the tougher experience offered by the original Age of Steam. Its strength lies in the theme, which is closely connected with the pick-up-and-deliver mechanic, and the economic system that is at the heart of the game. When combined with lavishly produced pieces, colourful components, and a game that is playable by the average gamer and can be completed in 2-3 hours, the Railways of the World system has generated some serious staying power and appeal.
Railroad Tycoon contains one map for the Eastern US, which is ideal for 4-6 players. The newer Railways of the World edition also includes a map for Mexico (ideal for 2-3 players) - although this latter map has been made available separately from the publisher Eagle Games as Railways of Mexico for Railroad Tycoon owners. Further expansion maps available separately usually only include a map and cards, so you will need the components of the base game to play them. In other words: this is the place to get started!
I love the theme, the components, the game-play, the depth, the interaction, the sense of building, the length, the replayability, the expansions, and the fun - it's obvious that there's a lot going for this great game! So if you find Age of Steam too tough, or Ticket to Ride too simple, as most gamers will, then Railroad Tycoon (aka Railways of the World) is for you, and can rightly be considered the ultimate and the quintessential train game for the typical modern gamer! With the benefit of multiple expansions that are now available, it's an outstanding and ideal medium-weight train game. - EndersGame @ BGG
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EAGLE GAMES Railroad Tycoon the board game
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