Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition (2018) Board Game

Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition is a standalone roll-and-write game that was released in 2018 by Horrible Guild. It is part of the Railroad Ink series, designed by Hjalmar Hach and Lorenzo Silva. In this edition, players must draw routes on their boards to connect exits and score points. The game features a fiery red theme and adds new gameplay elements to the original game.

Game Components of Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition

6 erasable boards

4 route dice

2 lava dice (for the volcano expansion)

2 meteor dice (for the meteor expansion)

6 dry-erase markers

1 rulebook

Stations and overpasses for connecting and crossing routes.

How To Setup Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition

To set up the game, each player receives an erasable board and a dry-erase marker. The route dice are placed in the middle of the table. The game includes optional expansions, such as the lava and meteor dice, which can be added based on player preference. Players start with a blank board, ready to draw routes as determined by the dice rolls.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Roll-and-Write Mechanics: Players roll the route dice to determine the available road and railway segments.

Simultaneous Play: All players draw the routes on their boards simultaneously based on the dice rolls.

Objective: The goal is to connect as many exits on the board as possible.

Scoring: Points are awarded for connecting exits, having long interconnected routes, and routes through the center of the board. Penalties are given for incomplete routes.

Expansions: The Blazing Red Edition includes lava and meteor expansions, which introduce challenges like volcanic eruptions and meteor strikes that players must manage while building their routes.

Player Experience

Players experience a meditative and satisfying game environment where they draw roads and rails on their boards, trying to optimize their route network. The game is relatively quick, lasting about 20-30 minutes, and is suitable for ages 8 and up. It supports 1-6 players, and combining multiple boxes allows for up to 12 players. The gameplay can be prone to analysis paralysis, especially for players who like to plan carefully.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

High Replayability: The dice rolls and expansions ensure each game is different.

Quick Playtime: Games are short, making it a great filler game.

Color Blind Friendly: The game is designed to be color blindness accessible.

Cons

Random Chance Over Strategy: High-scoring routes can often depend on luck rather than planning.

Fine Motor Requirements: Players need to draw precisely on the board, which can be challenging for those with fine motor control issues.

Expansions Feel Gimmicky: Some players find the expansions, especially in the Blazing Red Edition, to be confusing and not particularly satisfying.

Personal Thoughts on Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition

**Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition** is ideal for those who enjoy casual, roll-and-write games with a touch of puzzle-solving. It’s perfect for families or casual game nights due to its simplicity and short playtime. However, players seeking deep strategy or thematic realism might find it lacking. The game’s unique expansions add a fun twist, but they may not appeal to everyone. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those looking for a light, enjoyable experience.

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