Railway Rivals (1979) Board Game

Railway Rivals is a classic board game that was first released in in 1979. It was designed by Andrew Poole and David G. Watts, and has since gained a loyal following among board game enthusiasts. The game is set in the golden age of railroad expansion, where players compete to build the most profitable railway network across a map of Europe.

Game Components of Railway Rivals

Hex-board map

Dry-wipe pens for drawing railway lines

Random card draws for determining start and finish points

Train tokens

Payment tokens for using rivals’ lines

How To Setup Railway Rivals

To set up Railway Rivals, players begin by preparing the hex-board map. Each player uses dry-wipe pens to draw their own railway lines, connecting cities on the map. The game is divided into two phases: the first phase involves drawing the railway lines, while the second phase is the actual race. Start and finish points are determined by random card draws, adding an element of unpredictability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Map Drawing: Players draw railway lines on a hex-board to connect cities.

Route Building: Players strategize to create efficient routes.

Roll-and-move: The second phase involves a race where players move their trains along the drawn routes.

Payment System: Players can use their own lines for free but must pay to use rivals’ lines.

Game Objective

The objective is to win the race by reaching the finish point first, using a combination of luck and strategic route planning.

Player Experience

Playing Railway Rivals is a unique blend of strategy and luck. The game starts with a strategic phase where players meticulously plan and draw their railway lines, aiming to create the most efficient routes. The excitement escalates in the second phase as players engage in a roll-and-move race, where the nuances of their earlier planning come into play. The game requires a balance of forward thinking and adaptability, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with the map drawing and route building mechanics.

Unique Gameplay: The combination of map drawing and roll-and-move mechanics makes it stand out.

Interactive: Players must adapt to the routes drawn by their rivals, adding a social and competitive element.

Cons

Clunky Mechanics: Some players might find the gameplay a bit clunky, especially with the division into two distinct phases and some fiddly rules.

Luck Factor: The random card draws for start and finish points introduce an element of luck that may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Railway Rivals

Railway Rivals is ideal for players who appreciate a mix of strategy and interactive gameplay. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy map-building and route-planning games, as well as those looking for a game with a unique blend of mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with streamlined rules or those who are averse to elements of luck in their games. Despite its age, Railway Rivals remains a fascinating and engaging game that can offer a refreshing change from more modern board game designs.

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