Isle of Trains (2014) Board Game

Isle of Trains is a card game released in 2014 by Dice Hate Me Games. Designed by Seth Jaffee and Dan Keltner, this game combines elements of strategy and resource management with a train theme. Players compete to build the most efficient train routes and deliver goods to earn points.

Game Components of Isle of Trains: All Aboard

Cards: Train engines, train cars, goods (ore, oil, crates, passengers), and station cards.

Meeples: Screen-printed meeples for player tokens.

Train Car Cards: Each with special abilities and load capacities.

Station Cards: For end-game scoring and contract fulfillment.

How To Setup Isle of Trains: All Aboard

To set up the game, each player starts with a train engine card. The market and deck are prepared with the necessary cards. Station cards are placed within reach of all players, and each player begins with a hand of cards. The game is ready to start once all players have their initial hand and the first player is determined.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Contracts: Players fulfill contracts by delivering goods and passengers to stations.

Hand Management: Players must manage their hand carefully due to a strict 5-card limit.

Card Drafting: Players draw cards from the market or deck.

Set Collection: Collecting specific goods and passengers to fulfill station contracts.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by delivering goods, passengers, and fulfilling station contracts.

Player Experience

In **Isle of Trains: All Aboard**, players engage in a competitive race to earn points. Each turn, players can build train cars, load goods, deliver goods and passengers, and take cards from the market or deck. The game features versatile cards that can be used for multiple purposes, such as building, loading goods, or triggering special abilities on opponents’ trains. However, the strict hand limit and the need to discard cards to build new train cars can make resource management challenging.

Pros

Versatile Cards: Each card has multiple uses, adding depth to the game.

Special Abilities: Loading goods onto opponents’ trains triggers special abilities, adding a strategic layer.

Solo Mode: The game includes a solo mode with various challenges and variations.

Attractive Design: Vibrant colors, screen-printed meeples, and detailed train cars enhance the game’s appeal.

Cons

Hand Limit: The strict 5-card hand limit can make building and planning difficult.

Card Availability: Drawing the right cards can be inefficient, especially if opponents’ train cars are full.

End Game Trigger: The game ends quickly, making it challenging to complete secondary objectives.

Personal Thoughts on Isle of Trains: All Aboard

**Isle of Trains: All Aboard** is ideal for fans of card games and train-themed games who enjoy strategic resource management and competitive gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who like versatile card mechanics and the challenge of managing limited resources. However, players who prefer more relaxed resource management or longer gameplay might find the strict hand limit and quick game end frustrating. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy strategic, fast-paced games.

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