Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.) (2016) Board Game

Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.) is a children’s adaptation of the popular board game Ticket to Ride. It was released in 2016 and designed by Cyrille Daujean and Jean-Baptiste Reynaud. The game is published by Days of Wonder and is suitable for players aged 6 and above. It falls under the categories of Children’s Game and Trains, featuring hand management, network and route building, and set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.)

Game board

80 plastic trains in 4 different colors

72 train cards

32 ticket cards

4 “East Coast Express” cards

1 rulebook

How To Setup Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.)

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Give each player 20 trains in the color of their choice.

Shuffle the train cards and deal 3 to each player.

Shuffle the ticket cards and deal 2 to each player.

Place the remaining train and ticket cards in separate draw piles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns drawing train cards and placing trains on the board to complete routes between cities. The objective of the game is to score points by completing destination tickets and connecting cities with your trains. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Pros:

Simple and easy-to-learn rules make it suitable for children.

Colorful and engaging components make the game visually appealing.

Encourages strategic thinking and planning routes.

Cons:

Limited replayability for more experienced gamers.

Luck of the draw with train cards can sometimes impact gameplay.

Can feel repetitive after multiple plays.

Personal Thoughts on Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.)

Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.) is a great introductory game for children who are new to board gaming. The game is well-designed with high-quality components that appeal to younger players. While the game may lack depth for more experienced gamers, it serves its purpose as a fun and engaging family game. The pricing and availability of both new and used copies make it accessible to a wide audience. Overall, Ticket to Ride: First Journey (U.S.) is worth considering for families with young children or those looking for a light and enjoyable gaming experience.

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