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Maglev Metro (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Maglev Metro is a board game released in 2021 that revolves around building a futuristic transportation system using magnetic levitation technology. Designed by Alanna Kelsey and Ollin Timm, the game is published by Bézier Games and falls under the category of train-themed board games.

Game Components of Maglev Metro

  • Dual-sided gameboard** featuring maps of Manhattan and Berlin.
  • Clear acrylic rail tiles** that can be stacked on top of each other.
  • Thick cardboard station tiles**, 7 mm thick, which are unusually sturdy.
  • Metal train tokens** with translucent plastic parts, designed to hold wooden meeples.
  • Wooden passenger meeples** and robot meeples in different colors.
  • Bonus cards** for various achievements and additional scoring opportunities.

    How To Setup Maglev Metro

    To set up Maglev Metro, players start by placing the dual-sided gameboard featuring either the Manhattan or Berlin map. Each player selects a metal train token and places it at the starting station. The clear acrylic rail tiles, station tiles, and meeples are organized within reach. Players also receive a player board and initial robots. The game includes a bag with passenger meeples, which are drawn at the start of each turn. The setup is straightforward, preparing the game environment for efficient and strategic play.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile Placement: Players build track by placing clear acrylic tiles to connect stations.
  • Pick Up & Deliver: Transport passengers and robots to their destinations.
  • Engine Building: Upgrade player abilities by delivering robots to specific stations, which allows for additional actions and efficiency improvements.
  • Objective: The goal is to build an efficient rail system, transport passengers and robots, and score points by completing deliveries and unlocking bonuses on the player board.

    Player Experience

    Maglev Metro offers a dynamic and visually appealing experience. The game starts with each player having only two actions per turn, which can be expanded by delivering robots to specific stations. Players must balance building track, moving their train, picking up and dropping off passengers, and upgrading their abilities. The game features a unique mechanic where clear acrylic tiles can be stacked, allowing for complex and overlapping rail routes. The double-sided board provides variety, with the Manhattan map offering a special “Hub” tile that simplifies robot delivery compared to the Berlin map.

    Pros

  • High-quality components: The game includes thick station tiles, metal trains, and clear acrylic tiles, making it a visually stunning experience.
  • Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and the ability to customize the player board ensure a different game each time.
  • Scalable complexity: Suitable for different audiences, allowing for adjustments in complexity based on player preference.
  • Efficient gameplay: Snappy turns and a focus on efficiency make the game engaging and challenging.

    Cons

  • Slow start: The initial phases of the game can feel slow as players start with only two actions per turn.
  • Complex endgame scoring: The endgame resolution involves scoring multiple elements, which can be slightly complicated.
  • Solo variant limitations: The solo game can be punishing and less enjoyable compared to multiplayer.

    Personal Thoughts on Maglev Metro

    Maglev Metro is ideal for fans of strategy and train games who appreciate a blend of tile placement, pick up & deliver, and engine building mechanics. It offers a unique and visually appealing experience with high-quality components. While it may have a slow start, the game scales well with different player counts and provides a satisfying challenge in optimizing rail routes and upgrading abilities. For those who enjoy strategic planning and efficient gameplay, Maglev Metro is a standout in its genre.

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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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