Metro X (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Metro X is a number and puzzle board game designed by Hisashi Hayashi and published by OKAZU Brand in in 2018. The game combines elements of bingo, network and route building, paper-and-pencil, and simultaneous action selection. Players take on the role of urban planners trying to create the most efficient subway network in a bustling city.

Game Components of Metro X

6 double-sided player boards (featuring Metro City and Tube Town maps)

15 Transit cards (including number cards, skip cards, free cards, and transfer cards)

6 dry-erase markers

6 summary cards

Rules in Spanish and English

How To Setup Metro X

Setting up Metro X is straightforward. Players choose one side of the double-sided board, either Metro City or the slightly more challenging Tube Town. Each player receives a board and a dry-erase marker. The deck of Transit cards is shuffled, and the game is ready to begin. There is no complex setup, making it easy to get the game started quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drawing: Each turn, a player draws a card from the deck, and all players use the same card simultaneously.

Number Cards: Players write the number from the card in a train window and then fill in the corresponding number of stations on the chosen line, starting from the first empty station.

Skip Cards: Allow players to skip over filled stations and continue marking stations beyond them.

Free Cards: Permit players to mark any empty station on their board without restrictions.

Transfer Cards: Enable players to mark a station with a number equal to twice the number of lines intersecting at that station, which converts to victory points at the end.

Line Completion: Players earn higher points for being the first to complete a line and lower points for completing it later. The game ends when all train windows are filled, and points are tallied from completed lines and transfer stations. Players lose points for incomplete lines.

Player Experience

Metro X offers a engaging and strategic experience, despite its simple rules. Players must carefully plan their moves to maximize the use of the cards and the intersections of subway lines. The simultaneous play mechanism keeps the game brisk, although the main interaction is in the race to complete lines first. The game requires a balance between completing lines efficiently and making the most of transfer opportunities. It is equally enjoyable in solo and multiplayer modes, with the solo mode focusing on personal best scores.

Pros

Low Rules Overhead: Easy to teach and start playing within 5 minutes.

High-Impact Decisions: Meaningful planning and strategic thinking are required.

High-Quality Components: Gamewright’s version includes high-quality dry-erase boards.

Portability: The game is compact and easy to take on the go.

Variety: Two different maps offer unique challenges and strategies.

Cons

Limited Player Interaction: The main interaction is in the race to complete lines, which can sometimes lead to players peeking at each other’s boards.

Personal Thoughts on Metro X

Metro X is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy puzzle-like gameplay with strategic depth. It is suitable for players who appreciate low-complexity rules coupled with high-strategy gameplay. The game’s portability and quick playtime make it an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy transit-themed games or are looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master.

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