Trains*

Trains is a strategic deck-building board game that combines railway development with elements of capitalist competition. Set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution and the subsequent railway boom, players take on the roles of capitalists managing private railway companies in Japan. The game offers a fascinating blend of historical railway development and modern strategic gameplay.

Gameplay Overview

• Deck-Building Mechanism: Players start with a basic set of cards, enhancing and expanding their deck as the game progresses.
• Railway Expansion Theme: Focus on building and managing railway networks across historical and modern Japanese landscapes.
• Strategic Card Play: Carefully choose and utilize cards to lay rails, build stations, and advance your railway empire.
• Points-Based Victory: Gain points through effective railway management to dominate the industry.

Special Features

• Two Editions with Different Settings: The 2012 OKAZU Brand edition is set in the 19th and 20th century, while the 2013 AEG/Pegasus edition features modern bullet and freight trains.
• Variable Maps: Gameplay involves maps of Osaka, Tokyo, and other locations, adding variability and replayability.
• Part of AEG's Destination Fun Series: Trains is the first title in this series, followed by Planes and Automobiles.

Expansion

• Trains: Rising Sun: An expansion that integrates with the base game, offering new challenges and components.

Conclusion

Trains is an excellent choice for players who enjoy deck-building games with a strong thematic foundation. Its unique combination of historical and modern railway development, coupled with strategic deck management, makes it a captivating experience for strategy game enthusiasts and train aficionados alike. The game's depth, replayability, and historical richness provide a compelling and enjoyable challenge.