Ticket to Ride: Germany (2017) Board Game

Ticket to Ride: Germany is a standalone board game in the popular Ticket to Ride series. It was released in 2017 and designed by Alan R. Moon. In this version of the game, players will be building train routes across Germany to earn points and complete destination tickets.

Game Components of Ticket to Ride: Germany

1 board map of Germany

225 Colored Train Cars

110 Train Car Cards

89 Destination Ticket Cards

1 Bonus Card

60 Passenger Meeples

1 Cloth Bag

5 Scoring Markers

1 Rules Booklet.

How To Setup Ticket to Ride: Germany

To set up the game, players start by placing the board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of colored train cars and places the remaining cars within reach of all players. The Destination Ticket Cards are shuffled and each player draws a set number of tickets. The Train Car Cards are also shuffled and placed within reach. Passenger Meeples are placed in each city on the board. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the players understand their Destination Tickets.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Build Rail Network: Players build their own rail network by claiming routes on the map using Train Car Cards.

Destination Tickets: Players aim to complete Destination Tickets by connecting the cities listed on these tickets.

Passenger Meeples: Players can collect Passenger Meeples from cities they connect, which can score additional points at the end of the game.

Short and Long Routes: The game includes short and long Destination Tickets, allowing players to choose their strategy.

End-Game Bonuses: Points are awarded for completed Destination Tickets, with a bonus for the player who completes the most tickets.

Player Experience

Ticket to Ride: Germany offers a delightful blend of strategy and simplicity, making it accessible to both new and experienced players. The game introduces a new passengers rule that adds a fresh layer of strategy, encouraging players to collect Passenger Meeples to score extra points. The game’s setting in turn-of-the-century Germany adds a charming historical touch, and the beautifully illustrated board enhances the overall experience. Players must balance completing their Destination Tickets with outwitting their opponents and securing valuable Passenger Meeples.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game can be learned in just 5 minutes.

High Replayability: New challenges and strategic opportunities keep the game engaging over multiple plays.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8+, making it a great game for families.

Beautiful Illustrations: The board and components are beautifully illustrated, adding to the game’s charm.

Strategic Depth: The passenger meeples and short/long Destination Tickets introduce new strategic elements without adding complexity.

Cons

Limited Use of Triple Routes: In three-player games, only one player can use the triple routes on the left side of the board, which can be restrictive.

Simplified from Märklin: Some players might find the game less complex and interesting compared to the original Märklin edition.

Personal Thoughts on Ticket to Ride: Germany

Ticket to Ride: Germany is an excellent addition to the series, particularly for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and historical context. It is ideal for families and casual gamers who want a game that is easy to learn but still offers depth. For experienced gamers, the new mechanics and settings provide a fresh take on the classic Ticket to Ride formula. If you’re looking for a standalone Ticket to Ride game or want to explore a different map without the need for the original base game, Ticket to Ride: Germany is a great choice.

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