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Mini Express (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Mini Express is a board game that was released in 2021 and is designed by Mark Gerrits. It is set in the American West during the era of steam locomotives and railroads. Players take on the roles of investors and railroad tycoons, aiming to build profitable train routes and expand their rail network.

Game Components of Mini Express

  • Game board** featuring a map for railroad expansion
  • Player boards** for managing individual railroad companies
  • Track tiles** for laying down railroad routes
  • Share cards** representing ownership in different railroad companies
  • Cubes** used for resource management and tracking

    How To Setup Mini Express

    To set up Mini Express, each player chooses a player board and places it in front of them. The game board is laid out, and each player receives a set of starting share cards and cubes. Track tiles are shuffled and placed nearby. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the initial setup is completed.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category: Train game, Economic
  • Mechanics: Area Control, Resource Management, Route Building
  • Objective: Players manage four railroad companies, aiming to become the most influential railroad baron by laying tracks and acquiring shares.
  • Actions: Players have two main actions – take a share or lay track.
  • Designer: Moaideas Game Design

    Player Experience

    Mini Express offers an engaging and addictive gameplay experience with a simple yet strategic two-action loop. Players need to balance between expanding their railroad network and acquiring shares to maximize their influence. The game encourages strategic thinking and planning ahead, making it both challenging and rewarding.

    Pros

  • Simple to Learn: Minimal rules make it easy for new players to jump in.
  • Deep Strategy: Despite simple rules, the game offers significant strategic depth.
  • Quick Gameplay: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.
  • High Replayability: Different setups and player choices ensure varied gameplay each time.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players to be minimal.
  • Luck Element: The draw of track tiles and share cards can introduce an element of luck.

    Personal Thoughts on Mini Express

    Mini Express is perfect for fans of train games and those who enjoy strategic, yet streamlined, gameplay. It is an excellent choice for players looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s short playtime and high replayability make it a great addition to any board game collection. If you’re new to train games or looking for a more accessible entry into the genre, Mini Express is an excellent starting point.

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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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