Boxes (1889) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Boxes is a classic board game that was released in 1889 by designer Edouard Lucas. It is an abstract strategy game that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game involves strategic thinking and planning to outwit your opponent and claim victory.

Game Components

Board: A map of Shikoku with revenue centers and track spaces.

Track Tiles: Limited number of yellow, green, and brown tiles for network expansion.

Stock Certificates: Representing shares in various train companies.

Train Cards: Each with a specific number indicating the route length.

Private Companies: Each with a face value and special abilities.

Player Order Markers: For determining player order.

Auction Tokens: For bidding on private companies.

Money: ¥7,000 in total game money, with optional upgraded money cards.

Player Aids: Visual aids for tracking game phases and share prices.

How To Setup

Setup involves placing the private companies alphabetically near the board, distributing starting capital to each player (¥420 for 2-4 players, ¥390 for 5-6 players), and determining seating and start player through random player order markers. Each player chooses a color of auction tokens and receives the Priority Deal marker if they are the start player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock Rounds: Players buy and sell shares of corporations.

Operating Rounds: Players operate corporations by laying track, placing station tokens, buying trains, and running trains for revenue.

Track Upgrades: Yellow, green, and brown tiles are used in successive phases, with older tiles returned to the supply.

Train Management: Buying and using trains with specific route lengths.

Dividend Management: Paying out or withholding dividends to shareholders.

Objective: To become the wealthiest player by successfully managing and investing in railroad corporations.

Player Experience

**Shikoku 1889** is praised for its relative ease of learning but acknowledged as very hard to master. The game involves significant arithmetic and strategic planning, including timing the purchase and sale of shares, upgrading tracks, and managing train obsolescence. Players must balance personal finances with company finances, as there is a strict separation between the two. The game also features indirect player interaction, allowing players to influence the stock market and disrupt competitors’ strategies.

Pros

Teaching Tool: Excellent introduction to the *18xx* genre.

Clear Rules: Well-illustrated rulebook and helpful player aids.

Strategic Depth: Complex gameplay with multiple layers of strategy.

Engaging: Time flies quickly despite the game’s length.

Replayability: High due to different company dynamics and player interactions.

Cons

Math-Intensive: Constant arithmetic can be daunting.

Limited Tiles: Track tiles are scarce, requiring strategic upgrading.

Lengthy: Games can take several hours, with potential for early conclusion if one player is significantly ahead.

Complexity: While easier to learn than other *18xx* games, it still requires a significant understanding of economic and strategic mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Shikoku 1889

**Shikoku 1889** is ideal for players who enjoy economic simulation games and are looking to dive into the *18xx* genre. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic planning, arithmetic, and indirect player interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for players who are averse to complex rules or lengthy gameplay sessions. For new players, the game offers a variant that skips the private company draft, reducing initial complexity and playtime.

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