Ticket to Ride: New York (2018) Board Game

Ticket to Ride: New York is a standalone game in the popular Ticket to Ride series, designed by Alan R. Moon and published by Days of Wonder in in 2018. It is a shorter and more compact version of the original Ticket to Ride game, set in the bustling city of New York.

Game Components of Ticket to Ride: New York

1 board map of New York transportation network

60 plastic Taxis (15 in each color)

44 Transportation cards

18 Destination Ticket cards

1 rule leaflet

1 scorepad

1 pencil

How To Setup Ticket to Ride: New York

Setting up the game is straightforward. Players start by placing the board map of New York’s transportation network in the middle of the table. Each player selects 15 taxis of their chosen color. The Transportation cards and Destination Ticket cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player draws two Destination Ticket cards and must keep at least one. The rule leaflet and scorepad are also made available.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Train Route-Building Strategy Game

Mechanics: Route Building, Hand Management, Card Drafting

Objective: Players aim to complete Destination Tickets by connecting routes on the board using colored Transportation cards.

Player Actions:
– Draw two Transportation cards
– Draw new Destination Tickets
– Play Transportation cards to place taxis on the board

Scoring:
– Points for each completed route segment
– Points for completed Destination Tickets
– Bonus points for connecting to Tourist Attractions
– Penalty points for uncompleted Destination Tickets

Player Experience

Ticket to Ride: New York is designed to be fast-paced and accessible, making it an excellent introduction to the series for new players. The game’s smaller board and limited number of routes ensure quick gameplay, typically lasting 10-15 minutes. Players must strategize rapidly, as the game’s short duration and limited resources add a layer of tension. The inclusion of Tourist Attractions adds a thematic touch, rewarding players for visiting iconic New York City landmarks.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Games last only 10-15 minutes, making it a great filler game.

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay that can be learned in just three minutes.

Accessible: Suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.

Portable: The small board and compact components make it easy to travel with.

Affordable: Priced at $19.99, it’s an affordable addition to any gaming collection.

Cons

Limited Strategy: The reduced board size and fewer routes can lead to repetitive strategies over multiple plays.

Low Point Totals: Games can result in low point totals, especially if players fail to complete high-value Destination Tickets.

Limited Player Count: Supports only 2-4 players, which might be a disappointment for those used to playing with larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Ticket to Ride: New York

Ticket to Ride: New York is ideal for those looking for a quick, fun, and easy-to-teach board game. It’s perfect for introducing non-gamers to the world of board gaming or for experienced players seeking a swift and engaging experience. The game’s compact nature and fast gameplay make it a great option for families or for those with limited time. However, fans of the original Ticket to Ride might miss the deeper strategy and longer gameplay of the full versions. Nonetheless, it remains a delightful and thematic addition to the Ticket to Ride series.

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