1880: China (2010) Board Game

1880: China is a board game released in 2010 by designer Sofia Zhong. It falls under the categories of Economic and Trains, and features gameplay centered around auction/bidding, network and route building, stock holding, and tile placement mechanics.

Game Components of 1880: China

Board

Tiles

Player tokens

Stock cards

Money tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup 1880: China

Place the board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the tiles and place them face down.

Each player receives a set of player tokens and starting money.

Shuffle the stock cards and place them within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take on the roles of investors in late 19th century China, aiming to build railway networks, acquire company shares, and amass wealth. The game progresses through rounds of auctions, where players bid for various assets to further their economic endeavors. The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic depth with multiple gameplay mechanics.

Engaging auction and stock holding elements.

Thematic immersion in historical setting.

Cons:

Lengthy runtime of up to 300 minutes.

Steep learning curve for new players.

Personal Thoughts on 1880: China

1880: China offers a rich and immersive gaming experience for fans of economic and train-themed board games. The game’s components are well-designed, and the mechanics provide a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience. While the lengthy runtime may deter some players, those willing to invest the time will find a rewarding and strategic game to enjoy. The pricing and availability of the game, both new and used, should be considered for those interested in adding it to their collection. Alternatives and similar games should also be explored to determine if 1880: China is the right fit. Overall, for fans of complex strategy games and economic simulations, 1880: China is definitely worth your time, but may not be for everyone.

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