Metro (1997) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Metro is a tile-laying board game designed by Dirk Henn and first released in in 1997. The game challenges players to build subway routes in a city while strategically blocking their opponents’ paths. With simple rules and a quick playtime, Metro has become a popular choice for families and casual gamers.

Game Components of Metro

Square tiles representing rail lines

Player markers

Destination cards

Scoring markers

How To Setup Metro

To set up Metro, players start by placing the central tile on the table, which serves as the starting point for the rail network. Each player chooses a set of markers and places them on designated starting points on the board. The remaining tiles are shuffled and drawn to create a draw pile. The objective is to connect the various destinations marked on the tiles to score points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns drawing and placing tiles to extend the rail lines.

Rail Line Building: Each tile must match the existing rail lines to create continuous routes.

Destination Connection: The goal is to connect destinations (marked on the tiles) to score points.

Scoring: Points are awarded for connecting destinations, with longer routes typically scoring more points.

Player Experience

Metro offers a simple yet engaging gameplay experience, making it accessible to young children while still providing a challenge for adults. The game promotes strategic thinking and planning as players need to anticipate and adapt to the evolving rail network. It is reminiscent of other tile-laying games like Streetcar, Tsuro, and Tantrix.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to join.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for a wide range of ages.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategic thinking.

Quick Games: Games are typically short, lasting around 30 minutes.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not be challenging enough for experienced gamers.

Luck of the Draw: Tile draw can significantly impact gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Metro

Metro is an excellent choice for families or casual gamers looking for a light, enjoyable game that still offers some strategic depth. It is particularly good for introducing younger players to the world of board games due to its straightforward mechanics and quick gameplay. However, experienced gamers may find it a bit too simplistic and lacking in complexity.

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