1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Board Game

1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies is a board game that takes players back to the 19th century, where they can experience the economic and transportation challenges of that time. The game is set in Italy and focuses on building routes, investing in stocks, and managing resources to create a successful transportation network.

Game Components of 1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Board Game

Map: Depicts the island of Sicily with a mountainous interior and major cities around the coastline.

Corporations: Six corporations available to float in a strict order determined randomly before each game.

Stock Market Chart: No par prices; all purchases and sales are made at the current price listed.

Tokens: Each corporation comes with three tokens that must be purchased upfront using company funds.

Trains: Train upgrades trigger significant events, such as the eruption of Mt. Etna.

Track Tiles: Semi-restrictive track upgrades requiring new track or city value increases.

How To Setup 1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Board Game

Setup involves preparing the map of Sicily, shuffling and placing the corporation cards in a random order, and distributing initial funds. Each player selects a starting position and prepares for the auction phase. The game starts with the floating of the first corporation, where players must purchase the President’s Share and up to two additional shares in a single block.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Floating Corporations: Players float corporations in a predetermined order, purchasing initial shares and tokens.

Stock Market: Players buy and sell shares at current market prices, with no par prices.

Route Building: Players build railroad tracks, adhering to semi-restrictive track upgrade rules.

Train Upgrades: Upgrading trains can trigger events like the eruption of Mt. Etna.

Game End: The game ends when the bank runs out of money or when any corporation reaches the highest value on the stock market chart.

Objective: The goal is to outlast other players by managing finances and railroad operations efficiently while navigating the challenges of the game world.

Player Experience

Playing **1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies** is a complex and strategic experience. Players must navigate the financial intricacies of floating corporations, managing stock investments, and building railroad routes. The game is known for its high financial stakes, where everything is expensive and players need to find ways to generate income to survive. The eruption of Mt. Etna adds an element of unpredictability, making the game challenging and engaging.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Theme: Set in a unique historical context, adding a layer of thematic depth.

High Replayability: Random corporation order and variable events ensure different experiences each game.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction through auctions and stock market transactions.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Complex rules and mechanics can be daunting for new players.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy due to the intricate nature of the game.

Expensive Components: Initial setup and token purchases are costly for corporations.

Personal Thoughts on 1849: Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Board Game

This game is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and train-themed games. It requires a significant amount of strategic thinking and financial management, making it less suitable for casual or new players. The game’s complexity and historical setting make it a great addition to any serious board game collection, but it may not be the best choice for a family game night or a beginner’s introduction to board games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.