On the Underground (2006) Board Game

On the Underground is a board game released in 2006 that is all about building subway routes in London. Designed by Matthias Catrein, the game has players strategically placing tracks to connect different stations and passengers to their destinations.

Game Components of On the Underground

Enormous game board featuring a city’s underground map

Line colors (sticks) for each player to lay as track

Branch tokens to create forks in the lines

Traveler meeple

Location deck

Landmark tiles (in the Berlin version)

Tokens for scoring and tracking

How To Setup On the Underground

To set up the game, players place the large game board in the center of the table, each player receives a set of line colors (sticks) and a few tokens. The location deck is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. In versions like Berlin, landmark tiles are randomly scattered about the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Build the most successful underground lines to gain the most points.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players lay track using their line colors to create continuous paths.
– Branch tokens allow for creating forks in the lines.
– Each turn consists of four actions: laying track or collecting Branch tokens.
– The Traveler moves according to specific rules (least walking, fewest lines, and preferring certain destinations).
– Scoring points from the lines used by the Traveler and from specific locations on the board.
– In the Berlin version, players also aim to chain special locations and collect landmark tiles.

Player Experience

Playing On the Underground is an interactive and strategic experience. Players must anticipate the Traveler’s movements and lay their tracks accordingly to maximize their scores. The game requires a blend of tactical and strategic thinking, as players need to balance building their own lines with influencing the Traveler’s path. The game is simple enough for younger players but has depth for more experienced gamers.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: Players are constantly engaged in determining the Traveler’s path and adjusting their strategies.

Strategic Depth: The game offers multiple ways to score points, making it appealing to various play styles.

Family-Friendly: Simple enough for younger players to understand but complex enough for adults.

Replayability: Different city versions and random landmark tile placements ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Setup: The large board and numerous components can make setup time-consuming.

Group Collaboration: Some players might find the collective decision-making on the Traveler’s path intrusive or time-consuming.

Space Requirements: The enormous board requires a significant amount of table space.

Personal Thoughts on On the Underground

On the Underground is ideal for those who enjoy rail-themed games like Ticket to Ride but are looking for a unique twist. It’s perfect for families and casual gamers due to its accessibility, yet it also offers enough complexity for seasoned gamers. The game fosters a sense of community as players work together to determine the Traveler’s path, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.