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Airlines (1998) Board Game

ByMichail

Airlines is a board game that was released in 1998 and designed by Brian L. Knipple and Brien J. Miller. The game falls under the categories of Aviation/Flight, Card Game, and Economic, and is known for its strategic gameplay and hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Airlines

  • Game board featuring a map of Europe
  • 112 airplanes in various colors representing different airlines
  • 20 company markers in the colors of the airlines
  • 20 share cards for each airline
  • 84 victory tokens (1, 5, 10, and 50 points)
  • 70 paper money totaling 150 million Euro
  • 4 bonus connecting markers
  • Scoring track and stock market components
  • Home airport and route license markers

    How To Setup Airlines

    To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the table. Each player takes a game summary and places a company marker on the home airport of their chosen airline. Shuffle the share cards of the participating airlines, drawing the top 5 cards to form the stock market. Each player draws 8 share cards from the deck as their starting hand.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Stock Market Management:** Players manage shares of different airlines.
  • Route Building:** Acquire route licenses to connect cities.
  • Scoring:** Score victory points based on the performance of the airlines in which you hold shares.
  • Objective:** The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by strategically investing in and managing airline shares and routes.

    Player Experience

    In Airlines, players engage in a dynamic game of economic strategy and route management. The game requires careful planning and adaptability as players navigate the stock market and expand their airline routes. The interaction between players is significant, as each player’s decisions can impact the overall performance of the airlines.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.
  • Replayability:** High replay value due to variable setup and player interactions.
  • Thematic Integration:** The theme of airline management is well-integrated into the gameplay mechanics.
  • Social Interaction:** Encourages strategic thinking and player engagement.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous components and rules.
  • Length:** Games can be quite long, especially with more players.
  • Luck Factor:** The draw of share cards can introduce an element of luck that may affect strategy.

    Personal Thoughts on Airlines

    Airlines is a game that is best suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic and strategy games. It offers a challenging and engaging experience that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. While it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complexity, it is an excellent choice for those who enjoy intricate gameplay and thematic depth.

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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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