18NL (1999) Board Game – Board Game Guys

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

Train tiles

Stock certificates

Money tokens

Player tokens

Rule book

How To Setup 18NL

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the train tiles and place them face down.

Distribute stock certificates and money tokens to each player.

Determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns bidding on train tiles, building routes, and investing in stocks to earn money. The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by the end of the game through strategic decision-making and efficient network building.

Player Experience

Pros

Engaging gameplay with a good mix of strategy and luck

Deep and immersive theme of trains and transportation

High replay value with different strategies to explore

Cons

Lengthy playing time may not appeal to all players

Steep learning curve for beginners

Limited player interaction in certain phases of the game

Personal Thoughts on 18NL

18NL is a well-designed game that offers a unique blend of mechanics in the train and transportation genre. While the game may be intimidating for newcomers, experienced players will appreciate the depth of strategy and decision-making involved. The build quality of the components is sturdy, and the artwork by Marflow Games adds to the overall thematic immersion.

In terms of pricing and availability, 18NL can be found both in the new and used board game markets. Alternatives to 18NL include other train-themed games such as Ticket to Ride and Railways of the World. Whether 18NL is worth your time depends on your preference for complex strategy games and your interest in trains and transportation. It is recommended for players who enjoy deep gameplay experiences and are willing to invest the time to master its mechanics. Conversely, those who prefer shorter, more casual games may want to skip 18NL.

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