18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi (2020) Board Game

18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi’ is a board game that focuses on the economic and transportation aspects of the railroad industry in Mississippi. Designed by All-Aboard Games and released in 2020, this game allows 2 to 4 players to experience the challenges and strategies involved in building rail networks in the state.

Game Components of 18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi

Game board representing the American south in the mid-1800s

Five major railroad companies: Gulf, Mobile, and Ohio (GMO), Illinois Central (IC), Frisco, and two others

Private companies with unique powers

Hexagonal tiles for track placement

Train cards

Stock certificates

Money and tokens

How To Setup 18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi

Setup involves a simple private company draft where each player selects one private company in reverse player order and pays its face value to the bank. The game starts with a predictable and streamlined process, eliminating bidding or passing, which saves significant time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Private Company Draft: Players draft one private company each, simplifying the initial process.

Stock Rounds: Five Stock Rounds where players buy and sell stock in the various companies, followed by two Operating Rounds.

Operating Rounds: Players lay tracks, run routes, and manage their railroads.

Train Rush: Trains rust on a predetermined schedule, reducing unpredictability for new players.

Map Development: Players can lay two yellow tile tracks on the first turn, accelerating the game’s progression.

Objective: The goal is to maximize the total value of cash and equity holdings by efficiently operating railroads and managing stock market transactions.

Player Experience

**18MS** is designed to be the friendliest 18xx game, making it an excellent introduction to the series. The game features a small and uncomplicated map, a simplified train rush mechanism, and a predictable round structure. This makes it easier for new players to grasp the core mechanics without the overwhelming complexity of other 18xx games. Games typically last between 90 to 150 minutes, making it manageable even on weeknights.

Pros

Accessible: Simplified mechanics and a small map make it easy for new players to learn.

Predictable: The predetermined train rust schedule reduces stress and unpredictability.

Quick Setup: The streamlined private company draft saves time.

Friendly Timeframe: Games can be completed in under two hours, even with new players.

Educational: Great for teaching the basics of the 18xx system.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might be restrictive for larger groups.

Non-Representative Mechanics: The predetermined train rust schedule is not typical of other 18xx games, which may not fully prepare players for more complex versions.

Personal Thoughts on 18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi

**18MS** is ideal for those new to the 18xx series or looking for a more approachable introduction to railroad-themed board games. It balances simplicity with the core mechanics of the 18xx system, making it a great teaching tool. Experienced players might find it too simplified, but for beginners, it is an excellent stepping stone to more complex games in the series.

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