Trains cover
2012BGG rank #817

Trains

by Hisashi Hayashi · OKAZU Brand

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Players2–4
Time45m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age12+

About the game

What is Trains?

In the 19th century, shortly after the industrial revolution, railways quickly spread over the world. Japan, importing Western culture and eager to become one of the Grand Nations, saw the birth of many private railway companies and entered the Golden Age of railways. Eventually, as a result of the actions of powerful people and capitalists, many of these smaller companies gradually merged into larger ones. In Trains, the players are such capitalists, managing private railways companies and striving to become bigger and better than the competition. The game takes place during the 19th and 20th century in the 2012 OKAZU Brand edition, whereas the 2013 AEG/Pegasus edition is set in modern times, with bullet trains, freight trains and more. You will start with a small set of cards, but by building a more effective deck throughout the game, you will be able to place stations and lay rails over the maps of Osaka, Tokyo or other locations. The trick is to purchase the cards you want to use, then use them as effectively as possible. Gain enough points from your railways and you will ultimately manage the most powerful railroads in modern Japan! Trains is the first title in AEG's Destination Fun series! Continue your travels in the acclaimed Planes and Automobiles board games. Integrates with Trains: Rising Sun

How it plays

Mechanics

Deck, Bag, and Pool BuildingHand ManagementNetwork and Route Building

On the shelf

Categories

Card GameTerritory BuildingTrainsTransportation

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Trains?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?