Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition (2018) Board Game

Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a standalone expansion of the popular roll-and-write game Railroad Ink. Released in 2018 by Horrible Guild, this edition adds a new deep blue color scheme and some additional gameplay elements to the original game. Designed by Hjalmar Hach and Lorenzo Silva, with artwork by Marta Tranquilli, this game has been well-received by players looking for a strategic and engaging board game experience.

Game Components of Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

6 Boards

4 Route dice

2 River dice

2 Lake dice

6 Markers

1 Rulebook

Special route shapes on the top of each player board.

How To Setup Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

Setting up the game is blissfully easy. Each player receives a dry-erase board and a set of markers. The dice are placed in the middle of the table. Players start their network from one or more of the 12 nodes (represented by red arrows) on the outside of their play area. No complex setup is required, making it quick and straightforward to begin playing.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling Dice: Each round, four white route dice are rolled, determining the available road and railway routes.

Drawing Routes: Players simultaneously draw the routes on their boards based on the dice results.

Connecting Exits: The goal is to connect as many exits on the board as possible. More connected exits mean more points.

Using Special Routes: Players can use special route shapes on their boards to help connect loose ends, but only one per round and no more than three per game.

Rivers and Lakes Expansions: Optional expansions include Rivers and Lakes, which introduce new challenges like creating the longest river or connecting routes over lakes.

Scoring: Points are awarded for connected exits, longest highway and railway, and central spaces filled. Incomplete routes result in point deductions.

Player Experience

Playing **Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition** is a fun and engaging experience. The game is highly accessible, making it perfect for gamers of all skill levels. The roll-and-write mechanic ensures everyone is playing simultaneously, reducing downtime. The addition of rivers and lakes adds a fresh layer of complexity and strategy, but these expansions are optional, allowing players to choose their level of challenge. The game’s calm and whimsical nature makes it an excellent choice for a quick, enjoyable game night.

Pros

High Replay Value: The variability in dice rolls ensures each game is unique.

Quick Setup and Playtime: Games typically last between 20-30 minutes.

Accessible: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Scalable: Supports 1-6 players, and can be combined with other editions for larger groups.

Engaging Artwork: The art is pleasant and whimsical, especially in the Deep Blue Edition.

Cons

Marker Quality: The dry-erase markers can be problematic, as they may not wipe clean properly and can leave eraser debris behind.

Limited Solo Mode: The solo mode is not well-defined and lacks challenges or achievements.

Personal Thoughts on Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

**Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition** is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, yet engaging board game. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy puzzle games. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it a great addition to any game collection. While the expansions add interesting twists, the base game is strong enough to stand on its own, making it a versatile and enjoyable experience for all players.

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