Railways Express (2013) Board Game

Railways Express is a dice-based board game released in 2013 by designers Sean Brown, Carey Grayson, and Han Zou. Published by Eagle-Gryphon Games, this game falls under the categories of dice, racing, and trains. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 30-60 minutes and is suitable for players aged 7 and above.

Game Components of Railways Express

Game board featuring the USA, southern Canada, and northern Mexico

Player tokens and railroad lines designated by color

Dice for rolling

Track pieces for building railroad links

City cards

How To Setup Railways Express

To set up the game, each player chooses a railroad line designated by a specific color. The game board is placed in the middle of the playing area, and each player receives their respective tokens and track pieces. The objective cities for each player are identified, and the game is ready to begin once all players have their starting components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to determine the actions they can take.

Track Building: Players build track links to connect cities.

Racing: The game is a race to connect all four cities of the player’s color first.

Game Objective

Build track links to connect all four cities of your color before your opponents do.

Player Experience

In Railways Express, players engage in a lively and competitive race, navigating the map of North America to build railroad tracks. The game combines strategy with the unpredictability of dice rolls, making each turn exciting and challenging. Players need to balance their track-building efforts with the luck of the dice, adding a layer of suspense to the game.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of dice rolling and track building keeps the game dynamic.

Strategic Depth: Players need to strategize their track building efficiently.

Competitive Fun: Suitable for 2-4 players, making it a great game for small gatherings.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game is heavily influenced by dice rolls, which can be frustrating for some players.

Limited Complexity: It may not offer enough complexity for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Railways Express

Railways Express is ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is a great introduction to the Railways of the World system and provides a fun, competitive experience without being overly complex. However, experienced gamers might find it too light and dependent on luck. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those looking for a quick, entertaining game night.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.