Rail Pass (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Rail Pass is a fast-paced, real-time board game that was released in 2019 by designers Michael Christopher and Andrew White. The game is published by Mercury Games and is suitable for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 13 and above. Rail Pass falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity, Party Game, Puzzle, Real-time, and Trains, making it a versatile and engaging game for a wide range of players.

Game Components of Rail Pass

City boards

Blocked connection tiles

3D cardboard bridge and tunnels

Trains (short silver and long gold)

Engineer tokens

Cubes representing goods

Arrows for navigation

Timer (not included with the game)

How To Setup Rail Pass

To set up Rail Pass, players start by choosing one of the various setups from the instruction book, which provides different layouts based on the number of players. The six city boards are placed on the table and connected using open, blocked, tunnel, or bridge paths. Each city board receives twenty cubes of different colors, which are randomly dropped into the shipping yard area. Each city gets two trains and three engineers, with one engineer placed in each train and the third on the hotel space. Arrows of different colors, except the city’s color, are placed on the city boards to indicate the quickest routes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-time gameplay: Players act simultaneously within a time limit (10 minutes for two players, decreasing by one minute per additional player).

Pick-up and deliver: Load cubes into trains and deliver them to matching colored cities.

Train management: Load, swap, and move trains between cities, ensuring engineers are not too far from their home city.

Navigation: Use arrows to determine the quickest routes.

Physical interaction: Pass trains through tunnels or along bridges, and ensure trains are not left on the table.

Objective: Deliver as many goods as possible within the time limit while avoiding mistakes that result in negative points.

Player Experience

Playing Rail Pass is a frenetic and interactive experience, requiring swift decision-making and coordination among players. The game demands attention to detail, especially regarding the engineers’ travel limitations and the physical handling of trains. The timer adds a layer of urgency, making each move crucial.

Pros

Engaging real-time gameplay: Encourages quick thinking and teamwork.

Interactive components: The use of 3D bridges and tunnels adds a unique physical element.

Colorful and engaging visuals: The game components are visually appealing and help in navigating the game.

Cons

High complexity: The game requires careful setup and attention to multiple rules.

Physical demands: Players must handle trains carefully to avoid “train wrecks.”

Time pressure: The timer can create stress, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Rail Pass

Rail Pass is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games with a high level of interaction and physical engagement. It is best suited for those who can manage complex rules and appreciate the urgency of real-time gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a relaxed or casual gaming experience. The game’s unique mechanics and components make it a standout in the pick-up and deliver genre, but it requires a dedicated and coordinated team to achieve success.

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