18C2C: Continental Empires
- Designer Mark Frazier , Michael Calhoon , Mike Monical
- Publisher Designs In Creative Entertainment (DICE)
- Illustration Micah Hornung
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players alternate between stock rounds, buying and selling shares in up to 40 railroad companies, and operating rounds where corporations run routes on a large map covering the USA, Canada, and Mexico. A development round allows infrastructure building, while cities grow dynamically, creating new stock market tensions. The game features auction bidding, network and route building, and stock holding mechanics. Steam and diesel trains offer different route-building strategies.
Who Is This Game For?
Intended for experienced players aged 14 and up who enjoy complex economic simulations and lengthy gameplay sessions of up to 10 hours. This expert-level game requires patience and strategic thinking, with deep stock market and network-building mechanics.
How It Works
Gameplay alternates between auction-based stock rounds where players buy and sell company shares (Auction / Bidding, Stock Holding) and development and operating rounds involving tile placement to build and operate railroad networks on a large map (Network and Route Building, Tile Placement). Different train types influence route rules, with the goal to have the highest net worth in stocks and cash at game end.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Mark Frazier, Michael Calhoon, and Mike Monical, 18C2C extends the 18xx series with a large North American map and player-driven city development that varies per game. Unique features include reservation auctions and complex stock mechanics, making it a major addition to the 18xx family despite no awards to date.
Pro
- High strategic depth through stock market and route building
- Large North America map including USA, Canada, Mexico
- Complex mechanics such as Auction/Bidding and Stock Holding
- Different train types with unique route rules
Contra
- Very long playtime up to 600 minutes
- High complexity, not suitable for beginners
- Requires patience and experience with 18xx games
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in 19th century North America, featuring the USA, Canada, and Mexico. It simulates railroad construction and economic growth across a large regional map.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take your time to understand core mechanics like stock trading and route building before playing.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, 18C2C: Continental Empires is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game can last up to 600 minutes, so plan for a long gaming session.
What prior experience do I need?
This is an expert-level game requiring experience with complex economic and stock market mechanics.
How does this compare to similar games?
18C2C expands the 18xx series with a large North American setting and dynamic city development that varies each game.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is less suitable for families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Auction/Bidding, Stock Holding, and Network and Route Building with dynamic city growth stands out.
Fazit
18C2C: Continental Empires suits players seeking deep and extensive economic train games. With patience and prior experience, it offers a challenging large-scale railroad experience.
