Continental Divide (2013) Board Game

Continental Divide is a board game released in 2013 that focuses on economic and transportation themes. Designed by Eric J. Carter, it allows 3-6 players to engage in a strategic gameplay experience centered around network and route building, as well as stock holding. The game is published by Eagle-Gryphon Games and Winsome Games, known for producing high-quality and engaging board games.

Game Components of Continental Divide

Game board featuring the western United States

Company and share certificates

Railroad tracks and infrastructure components

Player markers and capitalization tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Continental Divide

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding markers and tokens. The company and share certificates are distributed according to the game’s rules. Players then determine the initial share distributions and capitalizations of the railroad companies they will be managing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Network and Route Building: Players build railroad tracks across various terrains.

Stock Holding: Players invest in and manage shares of different railroad companies.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most victory points by expanding railroad companies across the country, rather than focusing solely on net worth.

Player Experience

Players embark on a strategic journey, founding and expanding railroad companies from the Mississippi River to the California coast. The game involves complex economic decisions, including determining share distributions, capitalization, and investing in various companies. The game’s setting, which includes crossing the Continental Divide, adds a historical and geographical flavor to the gameplay.

Pros

Deep Strategic Depth: Offers complex economic and network-building strategies.

Historical Context: Set in a significant period of American history, adding educational value.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varied player interactions ensure different experiences each play.

Cons

Long Playtime: The game takes approximately 120 minutes to complete.

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate mechanics.

Limited Randomness: While this can be a pro for some, it may lack the excitement of unpredictable elements for others.

Personal Thoughts on Continental Divide

Continental Divide is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those interested in railroad-themed games and historical settings. Given its complexity and lengthy playtime, it is not the best introduction for new players but offers a rich and engaging experience for those looking to delve into deeper strategic gameplay.

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