Iberian Railways (2017) Board Game

Iberian Railways is a board game released in 2017 and designed by Todd Sanders. It falls under the economic and trains category, where players aim to build connections and earn end game bonuses through strategic decisions. The game is set in the Iberian Peninsula, known for its intricate railway systems and rich history of train travel.

Game Components of Iberian Railways

Game board depicting the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal)

Urban hexes (towns, minor cities, major cities, Lisbon, and Madrid)

Action spaces (start, expand, merge, purchase)

Cubes for railway construction

Business interest cards

Loan tokens

Player action markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Iberian Railways

To set up Iberian Railways, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects an action marker and places it on the “expand” action space. The business interest cards are distributed, with each minor and major city, as well as Lisbon and Madrid, having one card. Players start with no money and no income.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Network and Route Building: Players construct railways to connect urban hexes.

Income: Earned from connecting urban hexes.

Loans: Players can take loans to cover construction costs.

Hexagon Grid: The game board is divided into hexagonal spaces.

End Game Bonuses: Points awarded at the end of the game for various achievements.

Connections: Players connect urban hexes to build their railway network.

Game Objective

The objective is to build the most efficient and extensive railway network across the Iberian Peninsula. Players aim to maximize their income, connect key cities, and manage their loans effectively. The game ends when a player places their final cube on the board, and points are awarded for categories such as highest income, longest continuous run of track, most business interests, and most towns, minor cities, and major cities connected.

Player Experience

In Iberian Railways, 3 to 5 players engage in a competitive game of railway management, starting with nothing but the ability to take on debt to build their networks. The game requires strategic planning, as players must balance the need to expand their railways with the financial burden of taking loans. Each turn involves moving an action marker to a new action space and either taking that action or passing. The game’s dynamic nature, with increasing construction costs and interest payments, keeps players on their toes.

Pros

Economic Strategy: Deep economic and strategic gameplay.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable setup ensure high replayability.

Thematic Integration: The game theme is well-integrated with the mechanics.

Competitive: Encourages competition among players for various goals.

Cons

Complexity: While rated 2.6 out of 5 in complexity, it may still be challenging for new players to grasp.

Length: The game can take between 61-90 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Loan Management: The constant need to manage loans can be stressful and may deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Iberian Railways

Iberian Railways is ideal for fans of train-themed board games and those who enjoy economic and strategic gameplay. It is suited for players who appreciate the challenge of managing resources and debt while building an extensive network. The game’s thematic depth and the need for careful planning make it a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy games like other titles in the Winsome Rail Game Series. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those looking for a quick, light-hearted game.

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