Twisty Tracks (2023) Board Game

Twisty Tracks is a board game released in 2023, designed by Brigette Indelicato and published by Rio Grande Games. It falls under the puzzle and transportation categories, incorporating elements of trains and tile placement mechanics. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above, with a playing time of 15-30 minutes and accommodating 1-4 players.

Game Components of Twisty Tracks

Tiles: Used to build the train tracks.

Trains: Represented by wooden pieces.

Stations: Various points on the board where trains can stop to earn points.

Scoreboard: To track players’ points.

Score tokens: To mark points on the scoreboard.

How To Setup Twisty Tracks

To set up Twisty Tracks, each player starts with a frame that will contain their train tracks. The tile stack is prepared, and each player draws an initial tile to begin building their track. The stations and scoreboard are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to start once all players have their initial tiles and the scoreboard is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Laying: Players draw and place tiles to extend their train tracks.

Simultaneous Play: Players take turns simultaneously, drawing and placing tiles.

Train Movement: Players must move their trains through the tracks they build.

Station Scoring: The first players to reach valuable stations earn the most points; points depreciate as other players reach the same stations.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of the game, when all trains have stopped moving, wins.

Player Experience

Twisty Tracks offers a fun and breezy experience, making it accessible to non-gamers and children. The game is simple to teach and plays quickly, with each turn involving drawing a tile and placing it to extend the train track. The game scales well with different player counts, and the wooden trains add a visually appealing element. However, the scoreboard and scoring tokens could be improved in terms of quality and design.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy to teach to new players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and non-gamers.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, keeping the experience engaging.

Scalable: Works well with different player counts.

Visual Appeal: Wooden trains are a nice touch.

Cons

Lightweight: Some players find the game too light and lacking in complexity.

Basic Scoreboard: The scoreboard and scoring tokens could be of better quality.

Limited Interaction: Some players might find the game too reactionary and lacking in player interaction.

Personal Thoughts on Twisty Tracks

Twisty Tracks is ideal for those looking for a light, fun, and easy-to-learn board game. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone introduceing new players to board games. While it may not offer the depth and complexity that experienced gamers seek, it provides a delightful and chaotic experience that can put a smile on your face. If you enjoy games like Tsuro and are looking for something slightly more engaging, Twisty Tracks is a good choice. However, if you prefer more complex and strategic games, you might find Twisty Tracks a bit too simplistic.

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