18USA (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

18USA is an economic strategy board game that was released in in 2017. Designed by Shawn Fox and Scott Petersen, this game is set in the United States during the 19th century, where players take on the role of railroad tycoons competing to build the most profitable railway network.

Game Components of 18USA

Game board: Features pre-game randomization for map setup.

Companies: Each company has its own dedicated box, as seen in new sets.

Stock certificates: For companies and private companies.

Train tiles and tokens: For tracking company progress and operations.

Rulebook: Includes instructions for setup and gameplay.

How To Setup 18USA

Setup involves randomizing the map to prevent repetitive board development. This includes randomly assigning revenue centers and starting company incentives. The game starts with an auction for private companies, which can significantly influence gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Pre-game randomization: Random map setup and private company auctions.

Stock management: Players manage stocks and company performances.

Train operations: Players operate trains to generate revenue.

Objective: The goal is to amass the most personal wealth by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Playing 18USA involves strategic planning and adaptability. Players must navigate the randomized map and leverage private companies to gain advantages. The game is highly interactive, with player actions influencing each other’s strategies.

Pros

High replayability: Randomized map and private company auctions ensure each game is unique.

Deep strategy: Players must balance short-term and long-term goals.

Interactive gameplay: Player actions significantly impact the game state.

Cons

Steep learning curve: Requires a good understanding of the 18xx game mechanics.

Dependent on 1817: Requires a copy of 1817 to play, which can be a barrier for new players.

Complex setup: The randomized setup can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on 18USA

18USA is ideal for experienced players of the 18xx series who enjoy complex strategic games with high replayability. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the depth and interactivity of railroad games. However, new players may find the game daunting due to its complexity and dependency on 1817.

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