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Orient Express (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Orient Express is a board game released in 2017, designed by James M. Davis and published by Rio Grande Games. The game is set in the early 20th century and is inspired by the famous luxury train route that connected Paris to Istanbul.

Game Components

  • Action Cards:** Two out of five interchangeable decks are used per game.
  • Train Cars:** Components for constructing and upgrading luxurious train cars.
  • Passenger Cards:** Representing high-value passengers.
  • Board:** Featuring a map for building rail networks.
  • Fame Points Tokens:** For scoring.
  • Module-Based Components:** Different game modules offering various challenges and thematic elements.

    How To Setup

    To set up the game, players first choose two of the five available action card decks, which ensures a unique experience each time. The board is set up with the rail network map, and each player selects their starting train car and passenger cards. The game modules, such as those involving catering to celebrities or solving a murder mystery, are added according to the players’ preferences.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card-Driven Play:** Players choose actions from a limited selection each round.
  • Building Rail Networks:** Extending and connecting rail lines to score fame points.
  • Constructing and Upgrading Train Cars:** Attracting elite clientele and scoring points.
  • Serving Passengers:** Fulfilling passenger needs to boost scores.
  • Game Objective:** The goal is to earn the most fame points by strategically building and managing the rail network, train cars, and passenger services.

    Player Experience

    Players are immersed in a competitive world of luxury rail travel, where strategic decisions and adaptability are key. The game offers high replayability due to the interchangeable action card decks and various game modules. It appeals to both casual gamers seeking a fun experience and more serious players looking for a complex challenge.

    Pros

  • High Replayability:** Unique setups with each playthrough.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple paths to victory.
  • Thematic Immersion:** Engaging and thematic gameplay.
  • Variable Setup:** Different game modules offer new challenges.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** Can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Playtime:** Games can last between 40 to 80 minutes, which may be too long for some players.
  • Learning Curve:** Requires time to understand all the mechanics and strategies.

    Personal Thoughts on Orient Express

    “First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!” is ideal for players who enjoy strategy, planning, and thematic gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate the golden age of railway travel and are looking for a game that offers both casual and complex challenges. This game is a great fit for fans of medium to heavy complexity games and those who value high replayability.

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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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