SteamRollers (2015) Board Game

SteamRollers is a board game that was released in in 2015. It was designed by Mark Gerrits and published by Flatlined Games. The game combines dice rolling, network and route building, open drafting, paper-and-pencil, and pick-up and deliver mechanics. The game is set in the golden age of railroads, where players compete to build the most efficient railway network.

Game Components of SteamRollers

1 game box

1 game board

1 setup player aid

200 individual player maps (2 pads x 50 sheets)

50 wooden cubes

6 dice

1 rulesbook (available in French, Dutch, English, and German)

Pens or pencils (not included).

How To Setup SteamRollers

To set up SteamRollers, each player takes a personal player sheet and something to write with. The supply board is placed in the middle, divided into different colored districts, each with a city and a town. Goods (cubes) are randomly drawn from a bag and placed on the cities, with the number of goods equal to the player count plus two. Goods matching the district color are removed and replaced with a single black coal good (coal goods are part of an optional micro-expansion). Action, starting power, and order tiles are placed alongside the supply board, randomly selected to remain in the chosen orientation throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Drafting: Players take turns drafting dice from a common pool.

Build Railroads: Use dice to draw railroad tracks on personal maps, matching the district indicated by the chosen die.

Improve Engines: Cross off engine boxes corresponding to the chosen die to increase engine strength.

Take Action Tiles: Acquire action tiles that can be used to alter die results or gain advantages.

Deliver Goods: Deliver goods from one city to another, scoring points based on the number of stops and engine strength.

Trade Goods: Trade delivered goods for order tiles, using coal cubes as wild cards.

End Game: The game ends when three cities are empty of supply goods, and players score points for completed networks, engine upgrades, and action or order tiles held.

Player Experience

SteamRollers offers a dynamic and engaging experience with a good balance of options. Players must strategize between building extensive railroad networks, upgrading their engines, and delivering goods to maximize points. The randomness of the dice rolls is mitigated by the various ways to use the dice results, ensuring there’s always something to do. The game moves at a quick pace, allowing for swift decision-making without feeling overwhelmed.

Pros

High Replayability: Variable starting configurations ensure different games each time.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Fast-Paced: Typical game duration is about 30 minutes.

Addictive: The dice-based mechanics make it quite enjoyable and addictive.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game relies on dice rolls, which can introduce a significant luck element.

Limited Player Interaction: While there is some interaction through stealing action tiles, it is generally a solo-focused experience within a multi-player setting.

Personal Thoughts on SteamRollers

SteamRollers is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy train-themed board games. It’s a great choice for families or casual gamers looking for a quick, fun, and strategic experience. However, players seeking deep, complex gameplay or minimal luck elements might find it less appealing. Overall, SteamRollers strikes a good balance between strategy and luck, making it a delightful addition to any board game collection.

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