Railways of the World
- Designer Glenn Drover , Martin Wallace
- Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games , Winsome Games , Edge Entertainment
- Illustration Kurt Miller , Paul Niemeyer , David Oram
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You manage a pioneering railway company in 19th century America, building tracks and connecting cities to expand your network. Use action points to build, transport goods, and generate income while managing loans. Your goal is to create the most profitable railway empire with strategic planning and end game bonuses rewarding efficient connections.
Who Is This Game For?
Railways of the World targets experienced strategy gamers who enjoy economic management. With a playtime around 120 minutes, it requires patience and planning skills. Prior experience with worker placement or economic mechanics is helpful but not mandatory. It is less suitable for families with younger children.
How It Works
Each turn, you spend action points to build routes or move trains on a hexagon grid. You manage income and loans to finance expansions. Connections between cities allow goods transport, and end game bonuses reward efficient networks. The objective is to develop the most valuable railway company through strategic resource management.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace and Glenn Drover, Railways of the World is a streamlined version of Wallace's Age of Steam. It was nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2005 and the International Gamers Awards in 2006. Part of the Railways of the World series, it combines economic mechanics with strategic route building.
Awards
2006
2006
- 2006 Juego del Año — Finalist
- 2005 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep strategy with action points and loan mechanics
- Historical theme with real railway connections
- Solo play possible through expansions
- Nominated for multiple awards including Meeples Choice Award 2005
Contra
- Long playtime around 120 minutes requires patience
- Not suitable for children under 10
- Complex rules can be challenging for beginners
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the 1830s eastern United States and Mexico, players experience the early steam locomotive era and build historic railway networks.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus first on building a stable track network and generating income before taking loans or making risky investments.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
The base game supports 2 to 6 players and does not include an official solo mode, but expansions may add solo options.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, plus setup time should be considered.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with strategy and economic mechanics helps, but the game is accessible to experienced hobby gamers.
How does this compare to similar games?
Railways of the World is a simplified version of Martin Wallace's Age of Steam, featuring improved accessibility and components.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for older children and adults rather than as a family game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of action points, loan management, and end game bonuses offers diverse strategic choices.
Fazit
Railways of the World is a recommended game for strategy enthusiasts who appreciate railway and economic simulations and are ready for a longer gaming session.
