Railways of The World Board Game

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: Railways of the World is your game. It is one of the best games I've ever played, and one of my all-time favourite medium-weight games.

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 Railways of the World, 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, Railways of the World 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 as a result of some minor improvements was 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, so it's good to see it improved and updated in the newer Railways of the World.

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, Railways of the World 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.

Railways of the World contains two expansion maps, one for the Eastern US (ideal for 4-6 players), and one for Mexico (ideal for 2-3 players) - this latter map also made available independently 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 Railways of the World 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 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

I've grown up around Monopoly and Risk and other games that everyone has heard of. When I first played this game I was in awe of components and in shock of all the rules to know. But as I played it, it became very simple to understand the rules. Build your track through different cities (connections) and deliver goods cubes through the longest route to earn the highest points possible. The more points you have through the game the bigger your payout per turn. So you generate more and more money as the turns progress allowing you to build more expansive network. This game is the first true game to eliminate luck whereas Monopoly is left up the roll of the dice in this game you choose your fate and the only luck in this game is where the color goods cubes are randomly drawn at the beginning of the game. I have taught this game to over 20+ people and everyone has thoroughly enjoyed their experience. This game is one that new players will pick up on easily and experienced players will still feel challenged every time they play.

My oldest son is 9. Last year I dug up the discs for Railroad Tycoon on my PC for him to try and he loved it. This led me to this board game. He wants to play in constantly. He is learning US geography when we play the Eastern US map. He is learning about long term strategy as he tries to build the major lines. He now understands what a bond is! How many 9 year olds get that?

For those who are one the fence, I recommend biting the bullet and trying this game. It has replaced Settlers of Catan as the favorite boardgame in our house.