First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! (2016) Board Game

First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! is a board game designed by Helmut Ohley and published by Hans im Glück in in 2016. The game is set in the luxurious Orient Express train, where players act as wealthy travelers trying to build the most prestigious train cars and complete routes to earn points. With a mix of open drafting, set collection, and variable set-up mechanics, First Class offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

Game board featuring the Orient Express route

Passenger and celebrity cards

Locomotive and wagon tiles

Destination and action cards

Money and resource tokens

Player boards and markers

Murderer and detective mechanics.

How To Setup First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which depicts the route of the Orient Express. Each player chooses a player board and places their markers on the starting positions. The locomotive and wagon tiles are arranged according to the game’s instructions. Passenger, celebrity, destination, and action cards are shuffled and dealt out. Players also receive initial resources and money. The game is ready to start once all components are distributed and the board is fully set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Route Building: Players build and manage the route of the Orient Express.

Resource Management: Managing money and resources to complete actions.

Social Interaction: Interacting with passengers and celebrities to gain benefits.

Murder Mystery: Dealing with murderers and detectives adds a twist to the game.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by transporting passengers, completing destinations, and managing resources efficiently.

Player Experience

Playing **First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express** is an engaging experience that combines strategic planning with thematic elements. Players must navigate the complexities of managing a train route while dealing with the intrigue of passengers and potential murderers on board. The game requires a balance of resource management and social interaction, making each game session unique and challenging.

Pros

Thematic Immersion: The game offers a rich and immersive theme of the golden age of railway travel.

Complexity: It provides a good level of complexity for strategy enthusiasts.

Replayability: The inclusion of various mechanics ensures high replayability.

Social Interaction: Players interact with each other and the game components in a meaningful way.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game has a moderate to high learning curve due to its multiple mechanics.

Length: Games can be quite long, which may not suit all players.

Complex Setup: The setup process can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

**First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for fans of train-themed games and those who appreciate a mix of resource management and social interaction. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy diving into detailed and engaging board games.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.