Airlines (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Airlines is a board game released in 2016, designed by Naomi Robinson and Giota Vorgia. The game is published by Golden Egg Games and falls under the aviation/flight category. It is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes. The game features mechanisms such as hand management, modular board, network and route building, pick-up and deliver, and set collection.

Game Components of Airlines Europe

Map of Europe: The game board featuring various European cities.

Airplane Miniatures: 112 detailed airplane models.

Stock Cards: Representing shares in different airline companies.

Company Markers: For tracking progress on the score track.

Money: Used for expanding airlines and other actions.

Scoring Cards: Trigger scoring rounds.

Air Abacus Shares: Special shares that reward investors handsomely.

Share Track System: To track the value of airline companies.

How To Setup Airlines Europe

At the start, each player receives a hand of eight random shares of stock, selecting two to play face up in their portfolio. Three scoring cards are placed in the share deck, and five shares are laid out next to the deck. Company markers are positioned on the board and score track. Each player gets points based on their starting position, and play begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Actions:
– Expand airline(s) and draw a share of stock.
– Play shares of stock from hand to portfolio to receive money.
– Discard shares to add Air Abacus shares to hand.
– Take $8 million from the bank.

Scoring: Points are awarded during three scoring rounds based on the shares in players’ portfolios.

Airline Expansion: Players can expand any airline, increasing its value on the score track.

Air Abacus: Special shares that guarantee a good payout in each scoring round.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

**Airlines Europe** is highly interactive, requiring players to monitor other players’ moves to strategize effectively. Players must balance expanding airlines, acquiring shares, and timing their investments to maximize points. The game combines the fast-paced route-building of **Ticket to Ride** with the high-tension stock game mechanics of **Acquire**, making it engaging for both casual and hobby gamers.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: Encourages strategic thinking and player interaction.

Balanced Mechanics: Combines route-building and stock management seamlessly.

Replayability: Randomly determined scoring rounds and varied player strategies ensure different experiences each game.

Streamlined Design: Reduced playing time compared to its predecessors.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to multiple strategies and mechanics.

Luck Factor: Random draw of scoring cards and stock can influence game outcomes.

Initial Learning Curve: Requires understanding of stock and route-building mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Airlines Europe

**Airlines Europe** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of route-building and stock management. It suits both casual and experienced gamers, offering a engaging and challenging experience. The game’s balance between different mechanics makes it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate games that require strategic planning and adaptability.

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