| | | | | | | |

Stop the Train! (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Stop the Train! is a board game that was released in 2021 and is designed for 4-6 players. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, deduction, spies/secret agents, and trains, making it a unique and engaging experience for players who enjoy these themes. With a playtime of 20-30 minutes and an age recommendation of 11+, Stop the Train! offers a quick and fun gaming experience for both casual and experienced players.

Game Components of Stop the Train!

  • Game Board:** Represents the train track with movement spaces and key landmarks like bridges and viaducts.
  • Effect Cards:** Used to increase, decrease, or keep constant the train’s speed.
  • Intervention Cards:** Allow players to alter the game flow or temporarily change the rules.
  • Character Cards:** Each player has a unique character with specific objectives and abilities.
  • Speedometer:** Tracks the train’s current speed.
  • Freight Train (Optional):** Adds an additional challenge to the game by forcing the train to maintain a certain speed.

    How To Setup Stop the Train!

    To set up the game, each player selects a character and receives their respective character card and intervention cards. The game board is laid out, and the effect card deck is shuffled. Each player draws a set of intervention cards at the start. The train’s starting speed is set, and the game begins with the first player drawing three effect cards.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Objective

  • Primary Mission:** Identify and eject the Saboteur to stop the train before it reaches Paris.
  • Secondary Mission:** Each player has a character-specific objective.

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Card Drafting:** Players draw effect cards, secretly discard one, and pass the remaining cards to the next player.
  • Speed Adjustment:** The train’s speed is adjusted based on the played effect cards.
  • Train Movement:** The train moves along the track based on its current speed.
  • Emergency Meetings:** Players can hold meetings at specific locations (like bridges) to discuss and vote on ejecting a player suspected of being the Saboteur.
  • Intervention Cards:** Players can use these cards to manipulate the game state, such as preventing a player from being ejected or altering votes.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Stop the Train** is an immersive experience, especially for fans of social deduction games. The game’s theme, set in the 1940s with a runaway train, creates a tense and thrilling atmosphere. Players must navigate the challenges of identifying the Saboteur while managing their own character objectives. The intervention cards add a layer of unpredictability, leading to dramatic turns and intense player interactions.

    Pros

  • Immersive Theme:** The game’s setting and storyline are highly engaging.
  • Character Variety:** Multiple characters offer different play experiences each time.
  • Social Deduction:** Encourages bluffing and strategic teamwork.
  • Dynamic Gameplay:** Intervention cards create unpredictability and excitement.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** While the game is generally easy to learn, the complexity of character objectives and intervention cards can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Table Space:** The game requires a significant amount of table space.
  • Replayability:** While the game has high replayability due to character variations, some players might find certain scenarios repetitive.

    Personal Thoughts on Stop the Train!

    **Stop the Train** is ideal for those who enjoy social deduction games, bluffing, and semi-cooperative gameplay. It is a great entry-level game for new players in the board game hobby, as it introduces complex mechanics in a relatively straightforward manner. However, experienced players will also find it engaging due to the depth of character objectives and the strategic use of intervention cards. The game’s ability to balance cooperation and competition makes it a fun and dynamic addition to any game night.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *