Next Station: Tokyo (2023) Board Game

Next Station: Tokyo is a city-building board game set in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Designed by Matthew Dunstan and published by Blue Orange, this game challenges players to build a network of train lines and connections throughout the city.

Game Components of Next Station: Tokyo

1 pad with maps of Tokyo

4 different colored pencils (purple, blue, pink, and brown)

11 Station cards: 6 Street cards (pink background) and 5 Subway cards (green and yellow background)

5 Shared Objective cards

8 Special Station cards: 4 Symbol cards and 4 Effect cards.

How To Setup Next Station: Tokyo

Setting up **Next Station: Tokyo** is incredibly easy. Start by shuffling the deck of Station cards, pulling out a blank Tokyo Metro area map, and arranging your four colored pencils. Each map includes the green Central Loop Line and several possible stations identified by geometric shapes. The corresponding color on the map indicates the starting point for each route.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Flip-and-write

Route building

Solo or multi-player (players play in parallel)

Game Objective

Connect to the green Central Loop Line

Optimize interchanges and collect Tourist Stamps across the city

Draw subway lines on your map based on the revealed Station cards

Avoid drawing lines across other lines; lines can meet and continue through stations

Score points based on the number of regions and maximum stations in each region

Earn bonus points for creating multi-line stations and connecting to the Central Loop Line.

Player Experience

**Next Station: Tokyo** offers a engaging and challenging experience, particularly for those who enjoy puzzles and urban planning. The game requires strategic thinking as players must adapt their plans based on the cards drawn. Each turn involves making decisions that balance short-term goals with long-term strategies, such as maximizing the number of regions covered and creating high-scoring interchange stations. The game is highly portable and can be played in small spaces, making it ideal for travel or quick game sessions.

Pros

Easy to learn and play

Plays equally well at all player counts, including solo

Highly portable and can be played in small spaces

Encourages strategic thinking and puzzle-solving

Additional modules available to increase difficulty

Suitable for families and adults.

Cons

Yellow district lines can be hard to see

Counting scores can be tricky due to the shapes of the districts

Potential for negative points if certain goals are not met.

Personal Thoughts on Next Station: Tokyo

**Next Station: Tokyo** is perfect for individuals and families who enjoy low-interaction, brain-teasing games. It is an excellent choice for those who appreciate urban planning and the challenge of optimizing routes. The game’s portability and quick gameplay make it an ideal addition to any game collection, especially for those who enjoy games like **Next Station: London** or other flip-and-write titles. It’s a great way to rediscover your inner child and have fun strategizing and planning, whether you’re playing solo or with others.

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