18Africa (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

18Africa is a board game released in 2014, designed by André R. Viana. It falls under the categories of Economic, Print & Play, and Trains. The game is suitable for 2 to 7 players, with a recommended age of 12 and above. The gameplay revolves around stock holding and tile placement mechanics, making it a strategic and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of 18Africa

Map: Representing the African continent

Stock certificates: For various railway corporations

Train cards: Indicating different train types and technologies

Money and dividend tokens: For financial transactions

Company charts and player boards: For tracking progress and resources

How To Setup 18Africa

Setting up **18Africa** involves laying out the map of Africa, distributing stock certificates, and preparing the train cards and money. Each player selects a starting portfolio of stocks and sets up their player board. The game requires careful arrangement of components to reflect the economic and geographical landscape of Africa.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock trading and investment: Players buy and sell shares in railway corporations.

Route building: Players build rail routes across the African map.

Train progression: Upgrading trains to more advanced types to increase efficiency.

Economic management: Managing finances to sustain operations.

Objective: To accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game through strategic investment and route building.

Player Experience

**18Africa** offers a complex and engaging experience, particularly for fans of economic and train-themed games. Players must balance short-term financial needs with long-term strategic goals, making it a challenging but rewarding game. The African setting adds a unique twist to the traditional 18xx formula.

Pros

Deep strategic gameplay: Requires careful planning and management.

Unique setting: The African continent offers a fresh backdrop for the 18xx mechanic.

Enhanced from 1829 Mainline: Streamlined rules to improve player experience.

Cons

Steep learning curve: Not suitable for casual or new board game players.

Complex rules: Can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with 18xx games.

Long gameplay: Typical sessions can last several hours.

Personal Thoughts on 18Africa

**18Africa** is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex economic simulations and train games. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate the 18xx series and are looking for a new challenge with a unique geographical setting. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its intricate mechanics and lengthy gameplay sessions.

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