Trains
- Designer Hisashi Hayashi
- Publisher OKAZU Brand , Alderac Entertainment Group , Filosofia Éditions , Game Harbor , Japon Brand
- Illustration Ryo Nyamo
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Trains, you act as a capitalist managing private railway companies in 19th and 20th century Japan. You start with a small deck and expand it to build routes and stations across cities like Osaka and Tokyo. The game involves hand management and strategic network building to grow your railway empire. Effective card purchasing and usage are key to scoring the most points and dominating the railroads.
Who Is This Game For?
Trains is suited for gamers aged 12 and up who enjoy strategic card games with moderate playtime. With about 45 minutes per game, it's ideal for players looking for a focused experience. Basic familiarity with deck building and hand management mechanics is beneficial.
How It Works
The core mechanics combine deck, bag, and pool building with hand management. Players buy cards to improve their decks, then use those cards to build railway lines and place stations. Network and route building on the map enhance players' positions as they strive to score points through efficient management.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Hisashi Hayashi, Trains won the 2014 Origins Award for Best Board Game and the UK Games Expo Best Strategic Card Game. Part of AEG's 'Destination Fun' series, it uniquely blends deck building with network building in a historical Japanese railway theme. It also integrates with 'Trains: Rising Sun' for extended play.
Awards
2014
2013
- 2014 Origins Awards Best Board Game — Winner
- 2012 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combination of deck building, hand management, and network building
- Historical Japanese railway theme
- Moderate playtime around 45 minutes
- Winner of Origins Award 2014 and UK Games Expo 2014
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Requires some experience with card game mechanics
- Not suitable for children under 12
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in late 19th and early 20th century Japan during the industrial revolution, Trains captures the rise of private railway companies merging into larger corporations.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on gradually improving your deck and learning card synergies to build an effective strategy.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Trains is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games typically last about 45 minutes, suitable for a short to medium session.
What prior experience do I need?
Some familiarity with deck building and strategic card games helps but is not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Trains uniquely combines deck building with network and route building in a historical Japanese setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and age recommendation of 12+, it's better suited for families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its blend of deck, bag, and pool building with hand management and network building defines the gameplay.
Fazit
Trains is recommended for fans of strategic card games with a railway theme and moderate duration. Newcomers to deck building might face a learning curve but will find rewarding depth.
