Let’s Make a Bus Route (2018) Board Game

Let’s Make a Bus Route is a board game released in 2018 by Saashi & Saashi. Designed by Saashi and beautifully illustrated by Takako Takarai, this game falls under the transportation category and offers a unique gameplay experience centered around building bus routes.

Game Components of Let’s Make a Bus Route

Game board featuring a map of Kyoto

Player tokens and bus route markers

Passenger cards representing different types of passengers

Route cards for plotting ideal bus routes

Dice (for the dice game variant)

How To Setup Let’s Make a Bus Route

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which displays a map of Kyoto. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point on the board. Passenger cards are shuffled and distributed, and route cards are prepared according to the number of players. The game is ready to start once all components are in place and players understand their objectives.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Route-building, Area Control

Mechanics: Route Building, Area Control, Pick-up and Deliver

Objective: Players aim to create the most efficient bus routes to pick up and drop off passengers, earning points for successful deliveries.

Gameplay: Players plot their bus routes on the map, trying to outmaneuver their opponents while ensuring they cover the most profitable routes.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of strategic planning and competitive tension as they navigate the streets of Kyoto. The game requires careful consideration of which routes to prioritize and how to optimize passenger pickups and drop-offs. This blend of strategy and competition makes the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a good balance of strategy and competitiveness.

Thematic Engagement: The setting in Kyoto and the role of bus drivers add a unique and engaging theme.

Replayability: Multiple route options and random passenger placements ensure high replayability.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may need some time to understand the optimal strategies.

Complexity: While not overly complex, the game requires attention to detail and planning.

Personal Thoughts on Let’s Make a Bus Route

Let’s Make a Bus Route is ideal for fans of route-building and area control games, particularly those who enjoy games like Ticket to Ride. It is suitable for players who appreciate strategic planning and competitive gameplay. The game’s unique setting and mechanics make it a refreshing addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers looking for a quick, simple game, as it requires some strategic thinking and planning.

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