Even in this age of routine air travel-and with commercial space travel perhaps an imminent realitys-railroads still hold a certain magical appeal among hobbyists and game players. From model trains to online simulation games, hobbyists young and hold continue to be fascinated by all aspects of the history and operation of railways and the technology of trains.
Here are 12 excellent card and board games, several of which focus on the business aspect of railroads.
Ticket to Ride
One of the most popular of all games, Ticket to Ride, along with its related expansions and follow-ups, is an absolutely top-notch game. It can be played in less than an hour and provides a lot of depth without being complicated. Players compete to build railroad lines across the United States, trying to connect specific cities while preventing other players from reaching their goals. Winning requires a variety of smart strategic and tactical choices, giving Ticket to Ride considerable replay value. This is a terrific family strategy game.
For 2 to 5 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Alan R. Moon, published by Days of Wonder.
In this railroad board game, players are challenged to build their own efficient railroad networks in the setting of early 20th century Germany. Doing so costs a lot of money, thus intelligent borrowing is one of the keys to victory. Interest on the borrowed bonds comes due at the end of each turn, and players who can't afford the interest payments lose cash.
Volldampf is a cousin of Age of Steam and Steam, and was winner of the 2002 International Gamers Award. A young children's version, Volldampf Voruus!, is also available.
Games A-Train 8: صورة: http://i33.tinypic.com/181z07.jpg ---اقتباس--- Platform: PC Category: Strategy http://url4.eu/1ilgb
— plapl Tue Mar 09 11:24:34 +0000 2010
For 2 to 6 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Martin Wallace, published by Winsome Games / TM Spiele.
Freight Train
Make sure you have a large table before starting Freight Train, as the trains tend to get pretty long. The game's objective is to run and organize your own freight yard. You earn points for building trains with the same cars, or for a train in which every car is different. At the beginning of the game, having cars in your holding yard is good; by the end of the game, it's bad.
Freight Train is the winner of 1994's Fairplay À la carte award.
For 2 to 5 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Alan R. Moon, originally published by Mayfair Games.
1830: Railroads and Robber Barons
This game, in which players try to earn money by buying and selling stock in various railroad companies, is much more focused on the stock elements than on the railroad theme. 1830: Railroads and Robber Barons features what has been described as "an extremely vicious robber baron oriented stock market."
This is one of the longer games to play, often taking from three to six hours to complete.
For 2 to 6 players, ages 14 and up. Designed by Francis Tresham, published by Avalon Hill.