18Africa
- Designer Jeff Edmunds (II)
- Publisher (Web published)
- Illustration André R. Viana
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set on the African continent, 18Africa is an 18xx game inspired by 1829 Mainline. Players engage in a mix of stock trading and railway building, with 17 companies available but only 9 randomly chosen each game for variety. The game reduces luck through auctions for concessions and a variable financial market. Gameplay alternates between stock rounds and operating rounds where companies run their routes.
Who Is This Game For?
18Africa targets experienced gamers who enjoy complex economic games. With a playtime of about 240 minutes, it suits extended game nights. Prior knowledge of 18xx games and stock mechanics is recommended. It's not designed as a family game and is suitable for ages 12 and up.
How It Works
Players buy shares in companies (Stock Holding) and lay track tiles (Tile Placement) to build railway networks across Africa. The game cycles through stock rounds and operating rounds where companies operate trains. Auctions for concessions occur before the second stock round, adding strategic depth. A variable financial market dynamically affects company values throughout the game.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Jeff Edmunds (II), 18Africa belongs to the 18xx series and uses the African continent as its setting. It builds on 1829 Mainline but introduces auctions and a variable financial market to reduce luck. The random selection of nine companies from seventeen ensures each game is unique.
Pro
- Complex blend of stock holding and tile placement
- Variable financial market creates dynamic gameplay
- Random company selection enhances replayability
- Part of the established 18xx series with unique setting
Contra
- Long playtime around 240 minutes requires patience
- High complexity, not suitable for beginners
- Recommended for ages 12 and up, limiting family appeal
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game focuses on building railways across Africa, combining economic strategy with historical railway themes. The African continent forms the game world.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand the mechanics before playing and focus on balancing stock trading with track building.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 18Africa is designed for 2 to 7 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The game lasts about 240 minutes, so plan for an extended gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with complex economic games and preferably the 18xx series is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
18Africa is based on 1829 Mainline but reduces luck through auctions and a variable financial market.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it's better suited for experienced players rather than families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of stock holding and tile placement with a variable financial market makes 18Africa unique.
Fazit
18Africa is a demanding economic game for 2 to 7 players, requiring strategic stock and network management. It is ideal for fans of the 18xx series who enjoy lengthy, complex sessions.
