Wabash Cannonball (2007) Board Game

Wabash Cannonball is a board game that was released in 2007 by designer John Bohrer and published by Queen Games. The game is set in the post-Napoleonic era and focuses on economic and transportation themes, with players building railroads and investing in various routes.

Game Components of Wabash Cannonball

Game board featuring the Eastern US railroads

Railroad company tiles (The Pennsylvania, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Chesapeake & Ohio, and the New York Central)

City development tiles

Stock certificates

Player tokens and markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Wabash Cannonball

To set up Wabash Cannonball, first lay out the game board, which represents the Eastern United States. Each player selects a set of tokens and markers. The railroad company tiles and city development tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Stock certificates are distributed according to the rules outlined in the rulebook. Players then determine the starting player, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 3-6 players

Age Range: 14 and up

Playing Time: 30-60 minutes

Game Category: Train game, Economic game

Mechanics: Area Control, Stock Holding, Route Building

Objective: Players vie for dominance in creating the seminal railroads of the Eastern US. They expand railroads, develop cities along the right-of-way to increase railroad income, and invest in competing railroads to increase their wealth and stock value.

Player Experience

In Wabash Cannonball, players take on the roles of Robber Barons in 1830 America, competing to build and manage the most lucrative railroads. The game is devoid of luck or randomness, making it a pure strategy game where the shrewdest players come out on top. Players must balance expanding their railroads, developing cities, and strategically investing in other railroads to maximize their wealth.

Pros

Deep Strategy: No luck or randomness, making it a game of pure strategy.

Historical Theme: Players get to experience the historical context of building America’s early railroads.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory ensure high replayability.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines area control, stock holding, and route building for a rich gaming experience.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple layers of strategy.

Length: Games can take up to 60 minutes, which might not be suitable for all players.

Limited Accessibility: The game’s complexity and theme might not appeal to casual gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Wabash Cannonball

Wabash Cannonball is ideal for fans of economic and train-themed board games who enjoy deep strategic gameplay. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who appreciate games with no luck or randomness, allowing them to fully engage their strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best choice for new or casual gamers due to its complexity and lengthy gameplay.

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