Isle of Trains: All Aboard (2023) Board Game

Isle of Trains: All Aboard is a card game designed by Seth Jaffee and Dan Keltner, and published by Dranda Games. It is set to be released in 2023 and is suitable for 1-4 players with a playing time of approximately 45 minutes. The game falls under the categories of card game, trains, and transportation, featuring mechanics such as contracts, hand management, multi-use cards, open drafting, and set collection.

Game Components of Isle of Trains: All Aboard

Cards: Multi-use cards that can act as currency, cargo, buildings, or train cars.

Passengers: Color-coded passengers representing six regions on the island.

Train Engine and Cars: Initial train engine and upgradeable train cars.

Region Cards: Cards with primary and secondary contracts.

Building Cards: Provide end-game bonuses.

Caboose Cards: Offer ongoing passive benefits.

Screen Printed Meeples: Used for game tokens.

How To Setup Isle of Trains: All Aboard

To set up the game, each player starts with a train engine. The deck of cards is shuffled, and a face-up display is created. Passengers are placed in a red bag, and region cards are set aside. Each player draws a starting hand of cards, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Take Action: Take a card from the display or deck, or a passenger from the bag.

Build Action: Build or upgrade train cars by discarding cards.

Load Action: Load cargo or passengers onto your or an opponent’s train cars, triggering special abilities.

Delivery Action: Deliver passengers or cargo to regions, fulfilling contracts and gaining bonuses.

End Game Trigger: The game ends when specific contract conditions are met (e.g., delivering 3 passengers to a single location or completing initial contracts on region cards).

Player Experience

Players engage in a competitive yet strategic game where managing card resources and taking calculated actions are crucial. The game is surprisingly cutthroat, with players competing for region contracts and using opponents’ train cars to gain advantages. The multi-use card mechanic adds depth, but it also introduces challenges in card management and hand limits.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The game features interesting decisions and combos, especially with the Load action.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last less than an hour.

Visual Appeal: Vibrant colors, detailed train cars, and screen-printed meeples enhance the game’s aesthetic.

Competitive yet Social: Players interact through loading opponents’ train cars, adding a social element.

Cons

Card Management Challenges: Strict hand limits and high card costs for building and upgrading can be frustrating.

Limited Actions: Only two actions per turn, which can make building and upgrading difficult.

Resource Scarcity: Drawing the right cards can be inefficient, and filling opponents’ train cars may not always be an option.

Personal Thoughts on Isle of Trains: All Aboard

Isle of Trains: All Aboard is perfect for fans of engine-building games who appreciate strategic depth and social interaction. It’s ideal for players who enjoy managing resources and making tactical decisions within a short playtime. However, players who prefer more relaxed card management or additional actions per turn might find some mechanics restrictive. Overall, it’s a great addition to any collection for those who like a mix of strategy and quick gameplay.

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