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Horseless Carriage (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Horseless Carriage is a board game designed by Jan Lipiński and published in in 2023. Set in the early 20th century, players take on the role of entrepreneurs in the burgeoning automobile industry, striving to build successful car companies and outmaneuver their competitors.

Game Components of Horseless Carriage

  • Nearly 500 wooden pieces
  • 629 cardboard pieces from 19 sheets of punchboard
  • 92 cards
  • Factory boards
  • Mainline tiles (car production ports)
  • Car parts tiles (doors, brakes, engines, radiators, paint job)
  • Spec indicator tiles
  • Dealership tiles
  • Planning tiles
  • Research tiles
  • Market windows (flimsy plastic frames)
  • Tech markers and tracks

    How To Setup Horseless Carriage

    Setting up **Horseless Carriage** involves preparing numerous components. Players need to open zip-lock bags, pour various tiles into bowls, and stack cardboard tiles next to the board. The setup is relatively quick but requires a large table to accommodate all the components and the 3 to 5 players. The game board and player boards are organized, and initial demand dimensions, player turn order, and buyer positions are determined during setup.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Tile Placement:** Players build their factory floors by placing tiles orthogonally to mainlines.
  • Research:** Advancing markers on tech tracks to access new features and technologies.
  • Player Order:** Strategic turn order management, with early players gaining tech advantages and late players getting sales priority.
  • Market Management:** Selling cars by placing market windows to corner market segments.
  • Punch Clock Mechanic:** A game-ending mechanism that ticks down based on player actions.

    Game Objective:

  • The objective is to be the richest player by successfully producing and selling cars that meet market demands while outcompeting other players.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Horseless Carriage** is a complex and rewarding experience. The game requires careful planning and strategic decision-making, particularly in the factory-building phase. Players must navigate limited factory space, manage research and technology advancements, and adapt to changing market demands. The game can be brutal, with small mistakes having significant long-term consequences, but it offers a deeply satisfying experience for those who invest the time and effort.

    Pros

  • Rich Strategy:** Deep strategic layers with interlocking mechanics.
  • High Replayability:** Complex gameplay with multiple paths to success.
  • Premium Components:** High-quality components, although some are fiddly.
  • Player Interaction:** Acute awareness of opponents’ actions is crucial for success.
  • Thematic Depth:** Immersive theme that captures the early days of the automobile industry.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Steep learning curve; not suitable for new players.
  • Fiddly Components:** Flimsy market window frames and numerous small pieces.
  • Long Playtime:** Games can last 180-240 minutes.
  • Limited Player Count:** No option for 1-2 players.
  • Table Space:** Requires a large table to set up and play.

    Personal Thoughts on Horseless Carriage

    **Horseless Carriage** is for hardcore gamers who enjoy heavy, complex strategy games. It is ideal for dedicated groups willing to invest the time and effort to understand and master its mechanisms. The game is not for beginners or those who prefer lighter, more straightforward games. For fans of Splotter Spellen and games like **Food Chain Magnate** or **A Feast for Odin**, **Horseless Carriage** offers a challenging and rewarding experience that will appeal to those who love intricate game design and strategic depth.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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