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Trans-Siberian Railroad (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

The Trans-Siberian Railroad board game, released in 2015, is designed by Todd Sanders and published by Rio Grande Games and Winsome Games. It falls under the economic and trains category, featuring auction, bidding, income, network and route building, stock holding, and victory points as a resource.

Game Components of Trans-Siberian Railroad

  • Game board featuring a map of Russia with pre-printed railroad links
  • Four railroad companies (Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow)
  • Stock certificates for each company
  • Money
  • Timing token and track
  • Income markers
  • Nationalization value token
  • Link tiles with varying values

    How To Setup Trans-Siberian Railroad

    To set up the game, players begin by auctioning off one share of each of the four railroad companies. The winner of each auction chooses an unoccupied link from Moscow to another city, setting the initial income for that railroad based on the link’s value. Each player starts with some capital, and the game is ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Buy Stock:** Players can buy one or two shares in different companies, adding money to the railroad’s treasury.
  • Build Links:** Players can build one, two, or an external link for a public railroad, provided they hold at least as many shares as any other player. Building links increases the railroad’s income and stock value.
  • Pass:** Players can choose to pass, moving the timing token.
  • Dividends:** When the timing token reaches the end of the track, railroads pay dividends to shareholders.
  • Nationalization:** Railroads with stock values below the nationalization value are nationalized, with final dividends paid before removing shares from the game.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most money by holding valuable stocks and earning dividends, while avoiding nationalization.

    Player Experience

    Trans-Siberian Railroad offers a dynamic and challenging experience where players must balance stock ownership, link building, and avoiding the Tsar’s nationalization. The game requires strategic planning and adaptability, as players navigate the complexities of building a transcontinental railroad. The game’s pace can be brisk, with decisions having immediate and long-term consequences.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Combines auctions, stock holding, and route building for a rich strategic experience.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Constantly changing circumstances due to nationalization and dividend payouts keep the game engaging.
  • Player Interaction:** Players must consider each other’s moves and stock holdings to make optimal decisions.
  • Historical Theme:** Immersive setting based on the real-life construction of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** While the complexity is rated at 2.9, the game’s mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Length:** The game can last between 45-90 minutes, which might be too long for some players.
  • Replay Value:** Some players find the game peaks early and can become repetitive after several plays.

    Personal Thoughts on Trans-Siberian Railroad

    Trans-Siberian Railroad is ideal for fans of economic and train-themed games who appreciate strategic depth and dynamic gameplay. It’s best suited for players who enjoy complex decision-making and the challenges of managing resources and risk. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a light, quick game or those who prefer more straightforward mechanics. For players who enjoy the thrill of being on the brink of disaster and the satisfaction of strategic triumphs, Trans-Siberian Railroad is a compelling choice.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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