SNCF: France & Germany
- Designer John Bohrer
- Publisher Competo / Marektoy , Queen Games , Rio Grande Games , Winsome Games
- Illustration Todd Sanders , Oliver Schlemmer
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In SNCF, you build a stock portfolio by collecting locomotives representing different railway companies and increasing their value. On a hex-based map of France, you connect cities to boost company worth. Players trade locomotives to influence stock prices. The game ends when Marseille is reached or only one company remains active.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets enthusiasts aged 8 and up who enjoy economic strategy games with a short playtime. With about 30 minutes per round, it's suited for quick gaming sessions. Prior experience with network or stock mechanics is helpful but not required.
How It Works
Each player holds a portfolio of locomotives representing shares of different companies. On your turn, you can either increase a company's value by placing locomotives from the pool on the map or trade locomotives between your portfolio and the pool. Company values depend on connected cities. The goal is to have the highest total value at the end. Key mechanics include Chaining, Network and Route Building, and Stock Holding.
What Makes It Special
Designed by John Bohrer, the game won the 2011 Golden Geek Award for Best Abstract Board Game. Part of the Cube Rails series, it uniquely combines stock trading with network expansion. The use of Hidden Victory Points and Connections sets it apart in train-themed economic games.
Awards
2011
- 2012 Årets Spill Best Family Game — Nominated
- 2012 Guldbrikken Best Adult Game — Nominated
- 2012 Vuoden Peli Adult Game of the Year — Winner
Pro
- Short 30-minute playtime
- Combination of stock trading and network building
- Winner of the 2011 Golden Geek Award
- Simple rules with strategic depth
Contra
- Requires minimum 3 players
- Maximum of 6 players
- Less suitable for families with younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set on a map of France featuring cities and rural hexes. The theme centers on building company value through railway connections.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on strategically expanding connections on the map and balancing your stock portfolio.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, the game is designed for 3 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game typically lasts about 30 minutes, allowing for quick sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic understanding of economic and network mechanics is helpful but not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
SNCF uniquely combines stock holding with network and route building within the train genre.
Is this suitable for families?
Better suited for older children and adults due to its strategic demands.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Stock Holding, Network and Route Building, and Hidden Victory Points is key.
Fazit
SNCF: France & Germany suits players looking for a fast-paced economic strategy game with a train theme. It offers quick rounds but requires some affinity for stock and network mechanics.
