18NL is a train-themed board game released in 1999, designed by Helmut Ohley and published by Marflow Games. It is a game that revolves around bidding, route building, stock holding, and tile placement. With a playing time of 180-360 minutes, it is recommended for players aged 14 and above.
Game Components of 18NL
Game Board: A map of the Netherlands with hexagonal spaces representing terrain and cities.Stock Certificates: Representing the various train companies and private companies.Train Tokens: Different types of trains with varying capacities and costs.Track Tiles: Hexagonal tiles used to build railroad tracks.Station Tokens: Tokens to mark the presence of train stations.Money and Dividend Tokens: Used to manage the financial aspects of the game.
How To Setup 18NL
Setting up 18NL involves several steps:
Place the game board in the middle of the playing area.Shuffle and distribute the stock certificates among the players.Each player chooses their initial private companies and places the corresponding tokens on the board.Determine the starting player, usually the player with the highest value private company.Distribute the initial funds to each player.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Stock Rounds: Players buy and sell stocks of various train companies.Operating Rounds: Players manage their companies by laying tracks, placing stations, operating trains, and managing finances.Train Management: Trains become obsolete and must be replaced with more advanced, expensive trains.Financial Management: Players must balance company expenses, dividends, and personal wealth.Objective: The game ends when the bank runs out of money or a player goes bankrupt. The player with the highest personal wealth wins.
Player Experience
Playing 18NL is a complex and engaging experience. It requires players to balance short-term needs with long-term strategies, managing both their personal wealth and the success of their train companies. The game demands a mix of economic acumen, strategic planning, and adaptability as the game environment changes with new train technologies and track layouts.
Pros
Deep Strategic Depth: Offers complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.Economic Realism: Simulates the economic challenges and opportunities of building railroad empires.High Replayability: Different combinations of private companies and train technologies ensure no two games are the same.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: The game’s complex rules and mechanics can be daunting for new players.Long Playtime: Games can extend over several hours, requiring a significant time commitment.High Complexity: May not be suitable for casual gamers due to its intricate gameplay mechanics.
Personal Thoughts on 18NL
18NL is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex economic and strategic gameplay. It is ideal for players who appreciate the nuances of stock trading, route building, and train management. Due to its complexity and long playtime, it may not be the best fit for new or casual gamers. However, for those who relish the challenge and depth of 18XX games, 18NL offers a rich and rewarding experience.
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