Switch & Signal (2020) Board Game

Switch & Signal is a board game published by KOSMOS in in 2020. Designed by David Thompson, this game puts players in the role of railway dispatchers working together to ensure trains reach their destinations safely and on time. With a focus on cooperative gameplay and strategic thinking, Switch & Signal offers a unique and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Switch & Signal

Double-sided game board featuring Central Europe and North America

Plastic trains with goods cubes

Custom dice for each train type

Action cards (signal, switch, and train movement cards)

Departure cards

Time tokens

City tiles and variants

Rulebook

How To Setup Switch & Signal

Setting up **Switch & Signal** is straightforward and quick. The game comes with a colorful and succinct rulebook that spans only 8 pages, including helpful setup pictures. Players start by placing the game board, either the Europe or North America side, and setting up the initial trains and goods. Each player receives a hand of action cards, and the departure cards are shuffled and placed within reach. The custom dice and time tokens are also distributed according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to deliver goods by train to port cities.

Action Cards: Players use cards to move trains, turn signal lights to green, and switch tracks.

Custom Dice: Dice rolls determine how far each train moves.

Departure Cards: These cards introduce new trains and move existing ones on the board.

Time Tokens: Players lose time tokens when trains are blocked, which can shorten the game.

Objective: Deliver all goods to the port cities before running out of time.

Player Experience

Playing **Switch & Signal** involves strategic planning and coordination among players. The game starts simple but quickly escalates as more trains are introduced, requiring players to juggle spatial information, probabilities of train movement, and card types. The dice rolls add an element of randomness, making the game feel like herding wilful toddlers rather than conducting obedient machines. Games tend to be close, with the outcome often decided in the final turns.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules allow players to jump right into the action.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last about 45 minutes.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and coordination.

Customizable Difficulty: Variants and adjustable time deck allow for varying levels of challenge.

Thematic: The game is intuitively thematic, making it enjoyable for train enthusiasts.

Cons

Lack of Challenge: Some players find the game too easy after a few plays.

No Solo Mode: Officially does not include a solo mode, though it can be played two-handed as a workaround.

Anti-Climactic Ending: The final result is often known a couple of turns in advance, which can make the ending feel less exciting.

Personal Thoughts on Switch & Signal

**Switch & Signal** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those who enjoy light, cooperative games. It’s perfect for train enthusiasts who appreciate a game that is thematic yet simple to learn. While it may not offer the same level of complexity as other cooperative games, it provides an enjoyable and quick gaming experience that keeps players engaged and working together. This game is a great addition to any collection, especially for those looking for a cooperative game that is easy to teach and fun to play.

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