Railway Rivals
- Designer David G. Watts
- Publisher Fairmount Gaming Simulations Co. , Games Workshop Ltd. , Rostherne Games
- Illustration Andrew Poole , David G. Watts
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Railway Rivals, players draw railway lines on a hex board to connect cities and earn money. After building tracks, players race using dice rolls, with prizes for first and second place. Routes over mountains cost more but are shorter. Players can build parallel tracks or rent others’ tracks during races. The game features UK and US maps that present different strategic challenges.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for ages 10 and up, Railway Rivals is a medium-weight game for 2 to 6 players, lasting about 90 minutes. It appeals to players who enjoy strategic planning and racing with a railway theme. Prior experience with board games is helpful but not required.
How It Works
The core mechanic is Line Drawing: players draw their rail lines directly on the board with erasable markers. The game cycles between building tracks, earning money for connected cities, and racing with dice rolls. Track costs depend on terrain, such as mountains. Players may build parallel routes at extra costs or rent other players’ tracks, adding tactical depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by David G. Watts, Railway Rivals is considered one of the first modern railway games. Its distinctive Line Drawing mechanic with erasable markers and two different maps set it apart. It belongs to the Railway Rivals family, known for varied standalone maps. No awards are listed, but its historical importance is recognized.
Awards
1984
Pro
- Combination of track building and racing adds variety
- Unique Line Drawing mechanic with erasable markers
- Two distinct maps offering different challenges
- Supports 2-6 players with strategic depth
Contra
- No solo mode, requires at least 2 players
- 90-minute duration might be long for casual gamers
- Some complexity may require learning time for younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game’s theme centers on building and operating railways on maps of the UK and the USA.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on building efficient routes first and watch other players’ lines carefully.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Railway Rivals is not designed for solo play and requires at least two players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 90 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Classified as a medium-weight game, basic board game experience and strategic thinking help.
How does this compare to similar games?
Railway Rivals is unique due to its Line Drawing mechanic and combination of track building with racing on two distinct maps.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 and medium complexity, it's better suited for families with older or experienced players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Line Drawing mechanic, where players draw tracks directly on the board, is the key unique feature.
Fazit
Railway Rivals is recommended for players who enjoy classic railway building combined with racing elements. With a 90-minute playtime, it offers varied challenges through different maps.
