Airlines Europe (2011) Board Game

Airlines Europe is a board game designed by Alan R. Moon and released in 2011 by ABACUSSPIELE. The game is set in the early days of aviation, where players take on the role of investors in airline companies, trying to expand their networks and make smart investments to earn the most points.

Game Components of Airlines Europe

1 game board with a map of Europe and a scoring track

112 share cards in various airline colors

112 airplanes in the colors of the airlines

20 company markers in the colors of the airlines

20 Air ABACUS share cards

84 victory tokens (1, 5, 10, and 50 points)

70 paper money totaling 150 million Euros

4 bonus connecting markers

3 scoring cards

Game summary rule booklet.

How To Setup Airlines Europe

To set up the game, place the game board in the middle of the table. Each player chooses a starting player who takes one victory point. Players draw 8 share cards from the share deck as their starting hand. The top-most 5 share cards are placed face up on the game board to form the stock market. Depending on the number of players, certain airlines and their components are removed from the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Stock Management: Players manage and trade share cards to invest in various airlines.

Route Licenses: Players acquire licenses to use routes on the map, which affect the scoring.

Victory Points: Players earn victory points based on the shares they hold in airlines when scoring rounds occur.

Cash Management: Players must manage their cash wisely to invest in airlines and acquire route licenses.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most victory points by strategically investing in airlines and managing route licenses.

Player Experience

In Airlines Europe, players take on the roles of courageous entrepreneurs establishing the first airlines in Europe. The game is characterized by its dynamic market and high stakes, attracting high-powered investors. Players must use their influence skillfully and manage their cash to turn their investments into the most profitable airlines. The game requires strategic thinking and a keen sense of market dynamics.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game offers a deep and engaging strategic experience.

Dynamic Market: The rapidly growing market and changing stock values keep players on their toes.

Replayability: The random setup and various airlines ensure high replayability.

Thematic Depth: The game’s theme of airline management is well-integrated into the mechanics.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be quite complex and time-consuming.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics challenging to grasp initially.

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can take up to 75 minutes to play, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Airlines Europe

Airlines Europe is ideal for players who enjoy economic and strategic games with a strong thematic focus. It is suitable for those who appreciate managing resources, trading, and strategic investing. The game is best for players aged 10 and above and supports 2-5 players. If you enjoy games that require careful planning and market manipulation, Airlines Europe is a great addition to your game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game experience.

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