Autobahn (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Autobahn is a board game designed by Javier González Cava and published by Alley Cat Games. Released in 2022, the game is set in the German autobahn system, where players take on the roles of logistics managers aiming to build the most efficient network of routes to deliver goods. With a mix of economic, industry, and transportation themes, Autobahn offers players a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Autobahn

Game board featuring the German motorway system

Player boards

Road tiles

Employee tokens

Gas station tokens

Bonus tiles

Development track tokens

Cash tokens

Cards aligned with seven different autobahn routes (each with a distinct color)

Delivery trucks

How To Setup Autobahn

To set up Autobahn, players begin by placing the game board, which represents the German motorway system. Each player receives a player board, a set of employee tokens, and a starting hand of cards. The road tiles, gas station tokens, and bonus tiles are placed within reach of all players. The Development track and administration board are also set up according to the instructions. Players start with a limited amount of cash and a few cards in their hand.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Eras: The game is played over three eras, each requiring a certain number of carrieways to be built.

Card Play: Players play one card from their hand per turn to take an action, such as building roads, moving delivery trucks, or collecting loans.

Road Building: Building roads and upgrading them to dual-carriage highways allows players to add employees to the construction committee boards.

Employee Promotion: Employees can be promoted to the administration board, which is crucial for scoring points.

Gas Stations: Players can place gas stations on built road sections, which provide bonuses when delivery trucks pass through.

Delivery: Moving delivery trucks to their destinations earns players bonuses and cash.

Scoring: Points are scored in five ways: having lots of cash, building gas stations, placing employees on autobahn construction boards, delivering to different cities, and crowding the lobby of the administration building.

Player Experience

Playing Autobahn involves strategic planning and timely execution. The game is highly interactive, with players constantly monitoring each other’s moves to capitalize on opportunities or block opponents. The tension arises from the limited real estate for gas stations and the need to time actions perfectly to maximize bonuses. The game requires a balance between building roads, promoting employees, and managing resources efficiently.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: High level of player interaction, making each game dynamic and engaging.

Strategic Depth: Multiple paths to score points, allowing various strategies.

Thematic Integration: The game theme is well-integrated into the mechanics, making it immersive.

Visible Scoring: All scoring paths are clear from the start, reducing end-game surprises.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.

Steep Learning Curve: The game has complex mechanics that may take several plays to fully understand.

Lengthy Playtime: Games can be quite long, especially for players who are new to the game.

Personal Thoughts on Autobahn

Autobahn is ideal for fans of Eurogames and economic strategy games. It is best suited for experienced gamers who enjoy complex gameplay and strategic planning. The game’s theme, while niche, is well-executed and adds a layer of realism to the gameplay. For those who enjoy games with high player interaction and strategic depth, Autobahn is a compelling choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, simple game.

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