Railways of the World (2005) Board Game

Railways of the World is a board game that was released in 2005 by designers Glenn Drover and Martin Wallace. It is a train-themed game that incorporates elements of transportation and strategy. The game has gained popularity for its engaging gameplay and replay value, making it a favorite among board gamers.

Game Components of Railways of the World

Game board depicting the eastern United States

City tiles and goods cubes

Track tiles

Locomotive tiles

Railroad Operation cards

Tycoon cards (private Rail Baron goals)

Bonds (share certificates)

Banknotes

Score discs

Urbanization tokens

Empty City Markers (ECMs)

How To Setup Railways of the World

To set up the game, each city on the board is assigned a number of goods cubes based on its size. Players draw a Tycoon card, which outlines a specific task to complete by the end of the game for additional victory points. The market for Railroad Operation cards is set up near the board. Each player starts without money and can issue bonds to raise funds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Score the most victory points by delivering goods between cities using your railway links.

Gameplay Mechanics

Auction Phase: Players bid to determine the first player in each turn.

Player Actions: Each player takes three actions per turn, such as building track, urbanizing cities, upgrading locomotives, delivering goods cubes, or drawing Railroad Operation cards.

Income and Dividends: Players collect income based on delivered goods and pay dividends on issued bonds.

Building Track: Connect cities using track tiles, with costs based on terrain type.

Urbanization: Invest in small cities to enable them to receive specific types of goods.

Upgrading Locomotives: Improve locomotives to haul goods over longer distances.

Delivering Goods: Transport goods cubes from one city to another, scoring points for each link traversed.

Railroad Operations: Draw cards for various bonuses and milestones.

Player Experience

Players take on the role of pioneering railway company owners, navigating the challenges of building and managing a railway network. The game involves strategic bidding, track building, and resource management. The interaction with other players is significant, especially during the auction phase and when urbanizing cities, which can impact other players’ delivery routes.

Pros

Accessibility: Easier to teach and play compared to Age of Steam, with a more straightforward turn order system.

Flexibility: Players can build up to four pieces of track per turn, and locomotive upgrades are simpler.

Variety: Multiple ways to score points, including delivering goods, completing tasks on Railroad Operation cards, and fulfilling Tycoon card objectives.

Strategic Depth: Balanced mix of short-term and long-term strategies.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: The game typically takes around 120 minutes to complete.

Complexity: While more accessible than Age of Steam, it still requires a good understanding of game mechanics.

Financial Management: Issuing bonds can be risky, as they incur dividends that reduce final score.

Personal Thoughts on Railways of the World

Railways of the World is ideal for fans of railway-themed games and those who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a balance between accessibility and complexity. The game’s multiple paths to victory and the dynamic nature of the auction and urbanization mechanisms make it engaging for a variety of play styles. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its length and the need for strategic thinking.

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