18Mag: Hungarian Railway History (2021) Board Game

18Mag: Hungarian Railway History is a board game that delves into the economic and strategic aspects of Hungary’s railway history. Designed by Leonhard “Lonny” Orgler and published by Lonny Games in 2021, the game offers players the opportunity to immerse themselves in the development of railway networks in Hungary.

Game Components of 18Mag: Hungarian Railway History

Game board featuring Hungary

Minor company cards

Major corporation shares

Track tiles

Train tokens

Forint (currency) tokens

Dividend tokens

Player boards

How To Setup 18Mag: Hungarian Railway History

Setup involves drafting minor companies and major corporation shares. Players start with zero cash and are assigned minor companies with a two-train limit. Major corporation shares are randomly valued at the beginning, and each major has unique benefits tied to the players’ actions, such as running routes through specific terrains or purchasing trains.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Network and Route Building: Players lay and upgrade tracks to connect cities and towns.

Stock Holding: Players buy and manage shares in major corporations, which grow in value based on their actions.

Tile Placement: Players place track tiles to expand their rail network.

Objective: The goal is to end the game with the most cash, primarily through the income generated by minor companies and dividend payments from major corporations.

Player Experience

Playing **18Mag: Hungarian Railway History** is a unique experience within the 18xx series. The game stands out for its focus on minor companies, which are the primary revenue generators throughout the game. Players must balance investing in major corporations, which influence the game environment, with operating their minor companies efficiently. The game has a solo mode, a rare feature in the 18xx series, and supports 1-6 players.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Introduces new twists to the traditional 18xx system, such as the focus on minor companies and dynamic share values.

Solo Mode: Offers a solo gameplay experience, which is uncommon in 18xx games.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and management of resources and shares.

Historical Context: Set in the historical backdrop of Hungarian railways, adding a layer of thematic authenticity.

Cons

Complexity: Can be challenging for new players to the 18xx series due to its unique mechanics and rules.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 120-240 minutes, which may deter some players.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires a good understanding of economic and train game mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on 18Mag: Hungarian Railway History

**18Mag: Hungarian Railway History** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts, particularly those familiar with the 18xx series. It offers a fresh take on traditional train games with its innovative mechanics and solo mode. However, it may not be the best introduction for newcomers to the genre due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay. For those looking to dive deeper into economic and train-themed games, this is a satisfying and challenging addition to their collection.

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