Railway Rivals (1979) – Board Game Guys

Why is Railway Rivals Popular?

Railway Rivals is considered a classic and one of the first modern railroading games. It is popular among board game enthusiasts due to its simple mechanics and high player interaction. The game is also significant because it allows players to compare the results of their games with the way that real railways developed in a particular area.

Game Components of Railway Rivals

Board: Features a UK map on one side and a US map on the other.

Colored Marker Pens: Used to draw railway lines, which can be wiped off with a damp cloth after the game.

Tracks: Represented by the drawn lines on the hex-board.

Cities: Linked by the tracks to earn money.

Dice: Used for racing phases.

Money and Prize Tokens: For tracking earnings and prizes.

Additional Maps: Standalone maps published by the designer for added variety.

How To Setup Railway Rivals

Setting up Railway Rivals involves preparing the board with either the UK or US map side up. Players start by drawing tracks to connect cities, using the colored marker pens. The initial phase focuses on building the rail network and earning money by linking cities. Once a sufficient number of cities are connected, the game transitions to the racing phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Track Drawing: Players draw railway lines on the hex-board to connect cities.

City Linking: Earn money by linking cities with tracks.

Racing: Simple dice-rolling mechanism determines race outcomes, with prizes awarded to the top finishers.

Terrain Costs: Tracks crossing mountains or other challenging terrains incur additional costs but offer shorter routes.

Parallel Tracks: Players can run parallel lines at a cost or rent tracks from other players.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most money through track building, city linking, and winning races.

Player Experience

Playing Railway Rivals is an engaging and strategic experience. The game combines the creative aspect of drawing tracks with the competitive element of racing. Players must balance the costs of building tracks with the potential rewards of linking cities and winning races. The ability to rent tracks from other players adds a layer of negotiation and strategy.

Pros

Repeat Value: The game offers good repeat value with multiple maps and random city selections.

Strategic Depth: Combines track building, city linking, and racing for a well-rounded experience.

Interactive: Players can rent tracks from each other, adding a social element.

Variety: Standalone maps and different game scenarios keep the game fresh.

Cons

Outdated Mechanics: Some players might find the dice-rolling racing mechanism too simple.

Component Wear: The use of wipe-off marker pens may not be as durable as other components.

Personal Thoughts on Railway Rivals

Railway Rivals is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of strategic planning and competitive racing. It is particularly suited for those interested in historical or classic board games, as it was one of the first modern railroading games. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to a broad range of players, while its strategic depth ensures it remains engaging even for experienced gamers. Designed by David G. Watts, Railway Rivals is a unique blend of creativity and competition that continues to appeal to board game enthusiasts.

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