18AL (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

18AL is a board game designed by Mark Derrick, John David Galt, and Cory Williamson and was first released in in 1999. It falls under the categories of Economic, Print & Play, Trains, and Transportation, with gameplay mechanics including Auction/Bidding, Investment, Network and Route Building, and Stock Holding. The game is best played with 3-4 players and has a runtime of approximately 180 minutes.

Game Components of 18AL

Game board

Stock certificates

Train cards

Company charts

Money and other financial tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup 18AL

Setting up 18AL involves preparing the game board, distributing the initial stock and money, and organizing the train cards and company charts. Players start by selecting their initial stocks and placing their markers on the board according to the rules. The game requires careful preparation to ensure all components are in place before the first round begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Auction/Bidding: Players bid on stocks and trains to expand their railroad companies.

Resource Management: Managing finances and resources to build and operate railroads.

Economic Strategy: Focusing on long-term economic growth and profitability.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game through wise investment and management of railroad companies.

Player Experience

18AL is designed to be a more accessible and shorter version of the traditional 18xx games, making it a great introduction for beginners. Players will experience the core mechanics of the 18xx series without the lengthy gameplay. The game encourages strategic thinking, risk management, and economic planning.

Pros

Accessible Length: Shorter gameplay compared to other 18xx games.

Simple Rules: Designed for beginners, making it easier to learn.

Free Availability: Available as a free print-and-play game.

Economic Depth: Still offers a rich economic strategy experience.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May lack the depth and complexity of longer 18xx games.

Print-and-Play: Requires preparation and printing of the game components.

Personal Thoughts on 18AL

18AL is ideal for those new to the 18xx series or looking for a shorter, more manageable economic game. It is a great teaching tool to introduce players to the mechanics of railroad company management and economic strategy. While it may not offer the full complexity of longer games in the series, it provides a solid foundation and an enjoyable experience for both beginners and experienced players.

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