18 Los Angeles (2020) Board Game

18 Los Angeles is a board game released in 2020, designed by Seahorse Laser And Design. It falls under the categories of Economic, Trains, and Transportation, with gameplay revolving around auction/bidding, network and route building, stock holding, and tile placement mechanics. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with a recommended player count of 4 for the best experience. The average runtime for a game of 18 Los Angeles is between 180-240 minutes.

Game Components of 18 Los Angeles

Game board depicting the Los Angeles area

Stock certificates for various railroad companies

Train cards and locomotive tokens

Money and dividend tokens

Company charters and other miscellaneous components

How To Setup 18 Los Angeles

To set up the game, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Shuffle and deal the stock certificates to the players according to the game’s rules. Each player selects a starting portfolio of stocks. Place the train cards and locomotive tokens within reach of all players. Determine the starting player, usually through an auction or random draw. Ensure each player has a set amount of money and any other necessary tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock Holding: Players buy and sell stocks in railroad companies.

Route Building: Companies build railroad routes on the board.

Auction/Bidding: Players participate in auctions to acquire stocks and train cards.

Objective: The goal is to accrue the most wealth by the end of the game through stock ownership, dividend payments, and the success of the railroad companies.

Player Experience

Playing 18 Los Angeles involves strategic planning and economic management. Players must balance their stock portfolios, manage company finances, and make tactical decisions about when to buy, sell, or trade stocks and train cards. The game requires a deep understanding of the 18xx series mechanics and can be quite complex, making it more suitable for experienced players.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

Replayability: Different player interactions and auction outcomes ensure high replayability.

Historical Theme: Set in the historical context of railroad development in Los Angeles.

Player Interaction: Significant player interaction through auctions and stock trading.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to intricate rules and strategies.

Length: Games can be quite long, often taking several hours to complete.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires a good understanding of the 18xx series mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on 18 Los Angeles

18 Los Angeles is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and train-themed games. It is particularly suited for those familiar with the 18xx series, as it builds upon the complex mechanics and strategies of these games. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your strategic thinking and offers a historical twist, 18 Los Angeles is an excellent choice. However, new players may find the complexity and length of the game daunting.

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