Shikoku 1889 cover
2004BGG rank #726

Shikoku 1889

by Yasutaka Ikeda · Deep Thought Games, LLC

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Players2–6
Time180–240m
ComplexityMedium-Heavy
Age14+

About the game

What is Shikoku 1889?

1889, an 18xx game in the series originated by Francis Tresham's 1829, is set in Shikoku Japan. The rules are similar to 1830: Railways & Robber Barons on a smaller and terrain-heavy map. In 1889, 2-6 players will use money to purchase shares in railroad companies during Share Dealing Rounds. Between subsequent Share Dealing Rounds, railroad corporations then conduct operations on the game board, with the decisions being made by the player who is the major share holder. The game simulates the progression of railroad development during an historic period on Shikoku. Old trains become obsolete while the revenue earnings from cities grows over time. Players will try to purchase the most profitable shares at the right times of the game to maximize earnings in dividends and stock value gains. In the end, the player with the highest value of personal cash and held stocks is the winner. The game was originally available in kit form from Wild Heaven, and is now also being published by Grand Trunk Games.

How it plays

Mechanics

Auction / BiddingHexagon GridMarketNetwork and Route BuildingOwnershipStock HoldingTile PlacementVictory Points as a Resource

On the shelf

Categories

EconomicTrainsTransportation

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Shikoku 1889?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?