Railways of the World: The Card Game
- Designer James Eastham , Steve Ellis (II)
- Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games , Wargames Club Publishing
- Illustration Carey Grayson , David Oram
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In this card game adaptation of Railways of the World, players build routes with track and city cards to deliver goods. You upgrade your engines and expand your network to connect more cities. There are two rule sets: a family-friendly version and one for experienced players, creating dynamic gameplay focused on open drafting and strategic route building.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable for families and casual players aged 8 and up, this game fits well into a 60-minute play session. It is accessible without much prior experience but also appeals to fans of the original Railways of the World board game. The complexity is that of a family game with tactical elements from set collection and pick-up and deliver mechanics.
How It Works
Players take turns selecting cards from an open draft to build routes, cities, and upgrade engines. Set collection is used to gather cards needed to fulfill delivery contracts (pick-up and deliver). Connecting cities forms a growing rail network that increases carrying capacity. The goal is to score the most points through efficient route planning and card combinations.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Steve Ellis and James Eastham, this card game was nominated for the 2010 Golden Geek Best Card Game and Origins Awards Best Traditional Card Game. It is a card adaptation of the well-known Railways of the World board game series and stands out with its accessible open drafting mechanic.
Awards
2010
- 2010 Origins Awards Best Traditional Card Game — Nominated
Pro
- Accessible introduction to the Railways of the World series
- Two rule variants for families and experienced players
- Combination of open drafting, set collection and pick-up and deliver
- Nominated for Golden Geek and Origins Awards 2010
Contra
- Only for 2-4 players, not suited for large groups
- 60-minute playtime may be long for short breaks
- Complexity might be high for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the world of railway construction where players build tracks between cities and transport goods. It reflects the theme of expanding rail networks typical of the Railways of the World series.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Start with the family-friendly rules to get familiar with the mechanics before trying the more advanced version.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, the game is designed for 2 to 4 players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for an evening session.
What prior experience do I need?
It is a family game requiring no extensive prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its combination of open drafting with a train theme makes it a unique card version of Railways of the World.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it includes a family-friendly rule set and has a minimum age of 8.
What mechanic makes it special?
Open drafting combined with set collection and pick-up and deliver define the gameplay.
Fazit
Railways of the World: The Card Game is a recommended choice for families and train enthusiasts looking for a tactical card game with moderate playtime. Fans of the board game will find a compact and faster alternative here.
