Aviation Tycoon (2017) Board Game

Aviation Tycoon is a board game released in 2017 by Mr. B Games. The game is set in the aviation industry, where players take on the role of aviation tycoons competing to build successful airlines. With a mix of commodity speculation and variable player powers, Aviation Tycoon offers a unique gameplay experience in the economic simulation genre.

Game Components of Aviation Tycoon

Game board featuring the USA aviation market

Share cards for four major airlines

Passenger tokens

Airline operation tokens

Money and scoring tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Aviation Tycoon

To set up the game, each player chooses an investor token and places it on the starting space on the board. Each player receives a set amount of money and a few share cards. The passenger tokens are placed on various airports across the board, and the airline operation tokens are set aside to be used during gameplay. The game board is laid out with the USA map, showing various routes and airports.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Economic, Stock Holding

Number of Players: 2-5

Age Range: 14+

Mechanics: Stock Holding, Route Building, Pick-up and Delivery

Objective: Players aim to amass the most money by investing in and assisting four major airlines in moving passengers across the USA.

Gameplay: Players pick up passengers and deliver them to their destinations using the airlines they have invested in. Shares of airlines can generate income if the airline successfully transports passengers.

Player Experience

In Aviation Tycoon, players experience a blend of strategic investment and tactical route management. The game has a simplicity reminiscent of Ticket to Ride but incorporates a share system similar to Acquire or 18xx games. Players must balance their investments across different airlines and manage the movement of passengers to maximize their earnings.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines stock holding and route building for a unique gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Requires players to think about long-term investments and short-term passenger movements.

Interactive: Players’ actions can impact each other’s earnings through the share system.

Educational: Teaches about the basics of stock holding and market dynamics.

Cons

Complex Rules: May take some time to learn and understand all the mechanics.

Lengthy Games: Games can be lengthy, especially with more players.

Luck Factor: Passenger distribution and airline operations can introduce a degree of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Aviation Tycoon

Aviation Tycoon is ideal for players who enjoy economic and strategic games with a twist of luck. It is suitable for those familiar with games like Ticket to Ride and Acquire, as it combines elements of both. The game is not recommended for casual gamers looking for a quick, simple experience but is perfect for enthusiasts of deeper, more complex board games.

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