1882: Assiniboia (2019) Board Game

1882: Assiniboia is a board game that takes place during the late 19th century in Canada. Players take on the roles of investors in the Canadian Pacific Railway, competing to build rail networks and earn the most profit. The game is designed by Marc Voyer and was released in 2019, featuring economic, train, and transportation themes.

Game Components of 1882: Assiniboia

Map: Depicts western Canada with specific regions and challenges like rivers and the Northwest Rebellion zone.

Companies: Seven companies in total, with only five potentially floating during the game.

Trains: Fewer 3, 4, and 5 trains compared to 1830.

Tiles: A tight tile roster with limited options, making track laying challenging.

Private Companies: Include the Trestle Bridge Company and other private companies that offer unique benefits and challenges.

Neutral Tokens: Impact gameplay significantly, especially the Saskatchewan Central (SC) company.

Money: Players start with $1,800, significantly less than the $2,400 in 1830.

How To Setup 1882: Assiniboia

Setup involves distributing the initial capital of $1,800 among players, which is insufficient for all players to float their own companies immediately. Only one or two companies can be started in the first round. Players must place their home tokens on the map, and private companies are distributed. The Saskatchewan Central company starts on any non-reserved spot, and its home token can replace a neutral token.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Collaboration: Players often need to collaborate to float public companies due to low starting capital.

Train Rush: A brutal train rush occurs once 3-trains become available, leading to potential bankruptcies.

Track Laying: Players lay tracks on the map, with costs associated with laying tiles and crossing rivers.

Revenue: Additional revenue options include fishing exits, Northwest Rebellion zone bonuses, and river crossings via the Trestle Bridge Company.

Objective: To accumulate wealth by successfully operating and managing railroad companies.

Player Experience

**1882: Assiniboia** is known for its harsh and cutthroat gameplay, making it appealing to those who enjoy aggressive and strategic games. The game is shorter than 1830 but still packed with complexities. Players must be cautious about timing their moves, especially when laying tracks in the Northwest Rebellion zone, which can be lucrative but also risky due to the potential removal of tracks.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a high level of strategic complexity and player interaction.

Aggressive Gameplay: Suitable for players who enjoy a fast-paced and competitive environment.

Unique Mechanics: The private companies and neutral tokens add a layer of variability and challenge.

Geographic Theme: Set in western Canada, providing a distinct historical and geographical context.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Not ideal for beginners due to the complex rules and mechanics.

Limited Tiles: The tight tile roster can make track laying very challenging.

Bankruptcy Risk: The brutal train rush can lead to frequent bankruptcies, which may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on 1882: Assiniboia

**1882: Assiniboia** is best suited for experienced players of the 18xx series or those who are familiar with heavy, complex board games. It offers a shorter yet intense experience compared to 1830, making it a great option for those who want a quick, aggressive game with sharp strategic edges. However, it is not recommended for beginners due to its complexity and steep learning curve.

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