Brass: Lancashire*

Brass: Lancashire is a compelling economic strategy game set during the industrial revolution in Lancashire. The game chronicles the story of competing cotton entrepreneurs and requires players to develop, build, and expand their industries and networks to capitalize on the growing demand for iron, coal, and cotton.

Gameplay Overview

• Theme: Industrial revolution in Lancashire, focusing on the cotton industry.
• Game Phases: Played over two halves - the canal phase and the rail phase.
• Victory Points (VPs): Earned through canals, rails, and established industry tiles.
• Player Actions: Each player gets two actions per turn, which can include:
  1. Building an industry tile.
  2. Constructing a rail or canal.
  3. Developing an industry.
  4. Selling cotton.
  5. Taking a loan.
• Turn Order Mechanism: Determined by the amount of money spent in the previous turn.
• Scoring Rounds: Occur at the end of the canal phase and the rail phase.
• Card Limitations: Cards restrict building locations but can be used for various actions.
• Resource Management: Shared resources, leading to strategic utilization and competition.

Special Features and Changes in the 2018 Edition

• Artwork and Components: Updated and enhanced in the new edition.
• Virtual Link Rules: Optional in this edition, affecting Birkenhead.
• Three-Player Game Adjustments: Shortened game phases and tuned deck for consistency.
• Two-Player Rules: Introduced for a balanced experience without an alternate board.
• Cotton Mill Scoring: Adjusted for better balance and gameplay.

Conclusion

Brass: Lancashire offers a deep, strategic gameplay experience, balancing resource management, industry development, and strategic planning. The game's theme effectively immerses players in the historical context of the industrial revolution, making it a top choice for those who enjoy economic strategy games with a historical backdrop. The 2018 edition enhances this experience with its refined rules and improved components, ensuring a more engaging and visually appealing gameplay.