TOKYO METRO (2018) Board Game

TOKYO METRO is a board game released in 2018, designed by Jordan Draper. It is set in the bustling city of Tokyo, and players take on the roles of investors looking to profit off the city’s expanding subway system. The game combines elements of economic strategy, territory building, and transportation management.

Game Components of TOKYO METRO

1 large fabric map and income track

90 mini-sized cards

4 large player aids

70 die-cut chits

24 wooden screen-printed resource discs

50 wooden player pieces

30 resin station pyramids

12 wooden train income markers

12 wooden screen-printed train cylinders.

How To Setup TOKYO METRO

Setup involves unfolding the main board and placing the Income Tracker next to it. Set the tiny Train Income Markers and Train Markers near the bottom or top of the board. Each player receives three player markers, their Stations, meeples, and 2000 Yen. Remaining tokens are placed into a supply. Players also place their action markers, with two below the Income Tracker for speculation and one on the Turn Order Track. The rest of the markers go into a supply.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Phase: Players move their meeples up to two squares orthogonally, or up to three squares with a bicycle. Actions include gaining Speed Tokens, using a Bike Token, building stations, and acquiring discounts or action cards.

Train Phase: Trains move 5 spaces plus any extra spaces from Speed Tokens. Players can ride trains if they own stock or pay 100 Yen to hop on. Trains passing through stations increase the station’s value and generate income.

Action Selection: Players bid for turn order and take actions such as building stations, investing in shares, getting bicycles, buying more workers, taking loans, and speculating on share values.

Game Objective: The objective is to accumulate the most money by developing railway lines, building stations, and strategically managing investments and speculations. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

TOKYO METRO is a heavy economic simulator that challenges players to balance physical movement on the map with investment strategies. The game is highly interactive, with significant player interaction through blocking, diluting company and share values, and entertaining table talk. While the game is straightforward to teach, it involves complex mechanics, especially during the train phase, which can be confusing to track.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: High level of player interaction and table talk.

Strategic Depth: Combines physical movement with economic management and investment strategies.

Thematic Integration: Unique blend of action placement and economic simulation set in the Tokyo Metro system.

Compact Design: Despite its complexity, the game comes in a compact and attractive package.

Cons

Fiddly Components: Some components, like the cardboard money, are too small and fiddly.

Complex Train Phase: Managing train movements and payouts can be confusing.

Mean Player Interaction: Some players may not enjoy the competitive and sometimes ruthless interactions.

Personal Thoughts on TOKYO METRO

TOKYO METRO is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy economic simulations and complex game mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic depth and interactive gameplay. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay, which averages around 120 minutes.

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