Luzon Rails (2021) Board Game

Luzon Rails is a board game released in 2021, designed by Tiffany Moon and Jessi Rael. It falls under the categories of Economic, Industry/Manufacturing, and Trains. The game is set in the Philippines, specifically on the island of Luzon, where players take on the role of investors looking to build rail networks and invest in various industries.

Game Components of Luzon Rails

Game board featuring the island of Luzon

Company shares

Track tokens

Development tokens

Action cards

Hexes representing different terrains and special locations (production cities, ports, developments, and Manila)

Player boards and markers

How To Setup Luzon Rails

To set up Luzon Rails, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of player markers and places them on their player board. The company shares are distributed, and each company is given a starting amount of track tokens and funds. Seven action cards are placed face-up at the bottom of the board, and each player draws two action cards to start. The rest of the components, such as development tokens and hexes, are prepared according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Cube Rails/Economic

Mechanics: Auction/Bidding, Hand Management, Area Control, Economic

Objective: To accumulate the most wealth by investing in and managing railway companies.

Actions: Players take turns playing action cards to perform actions such as laying tracks, developing hexes, auctioning shares, or giving government grants to railway companies.

Dividends: At the end of each round, companies pay dividends to shareholders.

End Conditions: The game ends after six rounds or when specific conditions are met (e.g., three companies with no shares remaining, less than three track tokens, or less than three development tokens).

Player Experience

Luzon Rails offers a dynamic and interactive experience, blending overall strategy with tactical decision-making. Players must adapt their strategies based on the action cards available and the moves of their opponents. The game features an auction mechanism where players bid for shares, influencing the initial placement of rail cubes and subsequent strategies. The use of action cards introduces an element of surprise, as players must choose between playing cards from their hand or using those available on the board. This mechanic promotes player interaction, bluffing, and table talk, making the game engaging and challenging.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The action card system and variable player powers create a unique experience each game.

High Player Interaction: Players must constantly gauge and respond to each other’s moves.

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it accessible to new players in the cube rails genre.

Strategic Depth: The game requires players to balance short-term and long-term strategies.

Cons

Randomness: The action card draw can introduce randomness, which some players might find frustrating.

Complexity: While the rules are easy to learn, mastering the game requires multiple plays and strategic adaptation.

Limited Tracks and Resources: The availability of tracks and development tokens can limit expansion, adding a layer of resource management challenge.

Personal Thoughts on Luzon Rails

Luzon Rails is ideal for those who enjoy strategic economic games with a strong social interaction element. It is a great entry-point for new players in the cube rails genre due to its easy-to-learn rules and fast gameplay. However, it also offers enough depth and complexity to appeal to experienced players looking for a game that requires adaptive strategies and tactical thinking. If you enjoy games like Irish Gauge or Ride The Rails but are looking for something with a unique twist, Luzon Rails is definitely worth considering.

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.