Credit Mobilier (2005) Board Game

Credit Mobilier is a board game that was released in 2005 and designed by Marcel-André Casasola Merkle. It falls under the economic and trains categories, with gameplay focused on dice rolling, network and route building, pick-up and deliver, and stock holding mechanisms. The game is designed for 2-5 players and has a runtime of around 60 minutes. Players aged 13 and above can enjoy this strategic game where they compete to build a successful railway network.

Game Components of Credit Mobilier

Game board depicting the transcontinental railroad

Railway tracks

Goods tokens

Share certificates

Player markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Credit Mobilier

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of player markers and places them on the starting positions on the board. The railway tracks, goods tokens, and share certificates are distributed according to the rules. Players are also given a starting amount of money and shares in the railways and Credit Mobilier.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Track Building: Players construct railway tracks westward.

Good Movement: Players move goods along the built tracks.

Share Trading: Players invest in and trade shares of the railways and Credit Mobilier.

Speculation: Players engage in speculative buying and selling of shares.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most wealth by constructing tracks, moving goods, and strategically buying and selling shares.

Player Experience

Playing Credit Mobilier involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players must balance the immediate needs of building tracks and moving goods with the long-term goal of accumulating wealth through share trading. The game requires a mix of short-term and long-term thinking, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Historical Context: The game is set in the interesting historical backdrop of the transcontinental railroad.

Strategic Depth: It offers a rich mix of track building, goods movement, and share trading.

Player Interaction: Players can influence each other’s strategies through share trading.

Variety: Each game can be different due to the speculative nature of share trading.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players due to the multiple mechanics involved.

Length: While it typically lasts about an hour, some games can drag on if players are very strategic.

Luck Element: There is a degree of luck involved in the share trading and track building.

Personal Thoughts on Credit Mobilier

Credit Mobilier is ideal for players who enjoy complex strategic games with historical themes. It is particularly suited for those interested in railroad games and speculative trading. If you enjoy games that require a mix of short-term and long-term planning, and don’t mind a bit of complexity, Credit Mobilier is a great choice. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players looking for a quick, simple game.

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