Free Ride (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Free Ride is a board game released in 2021, designed by Friedemann Friese and published by 2F-Spiele. The game falls into the categories of Trains, Transportation, and Travel, and it is suitable for players aged 10 and above. With a playtime of 50-90 minutes and accommodating 1-5 players, Free Ride offers an engaging experience focused on building connections, fulfilling contracts, and strategic movement planning.

Game Components of Free Ride

Game board featuring Europe

9 city mats with coins

“I,” “II,” and “III” route card decks

Train player mats and locomotives

Train ownership markers

Coins

Rail tokens

How To Setup Free Ride

To set up the game, place the board in the center of the table and supply each of the 9 cities around the periphery with 2 coins. Shuffle the “I” route card deck and deal out 3 columns of 3 cards. Set aside the “II” and “III” decks. Each player takes a train player mat, a locomotive, train ownership markers, and starts with 6 coins. Determine the start player and ensure the display has 6 travel routes to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Prologue: Players choose initial travel routes, setting their starting location and destination.

Main Game: Players take turns choosing one of three actions:
– Build Rails: Construct railway lines.
– Ride the Train: Move the train up to 2 cities along finished railway lines. Using an opponent’s line costs a coin but makes the line state-owned thereafter.
– Take Rail Tokens: Acquire tokens for future builds.

Finish: When the third deck of route cards is depleted, players can continue taking the same actions or withdraw their train from the board, earning a bonus coin for completing the last route.

Player Experience

In Free Ride, players balance building their own railway lines with navigating the existing network to visit as many cities as possible. The game starts slowly, with players focusing on their initial routes, and escalates as players compete to grab desirable tickets and use each other’s tracks strategically.

Pros

Engaging Network Building: Players build and expand railway lines across Europe.

Strategic Depth: Combines route completion with network creation, offering multiple paths to victory.

Interactive Gameplay: Players can use each other’s tracks, adding a social element.

Gradual Complexity: The game starts simple and becomes more complex as it progresses.

Cons

Complex Rules: Despite simple core mechanics, the game has a deviously complicated overall structure.

Lengthy Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming, especially with multiple players.

Resource Management: Managing coins and rail tokens can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Free Ride

Free Ride is ideal for fans of strategic board games who enjoy network-building and route optimization. It’s a game that appeals to players who like to plan ahead but also adapt to changing circumstances. While it may be challenging for new players due to its complex rules, experienced gamers will find it rewarding and engaging.

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