If you enjoy economic games with a dash of speculation and plenty of network building, 18MS is a treat! It's an 18xx title that delivers the complexity and depth fans expect, but with an interesting regional map. The experience is that of a true railroad tycoon, where every financial and strategic decision on the board weighs heavily in your quest for the greatest net worth.
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Highlights
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Deep economic strategy
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Satisfying network building
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Engaging stock management
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Immersive railway theme
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Impactful financial decisions
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Keep in mind
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Steep learning curve
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Can be lengthy
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Indirect interaction
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a journey of tracks and financial speculation with 18MS: The Railroads Come to Mississippi! This is a game from the acclaimed 18xx series, taking you to the heart of the southern United States, covering Mississippi, Alabama, and neighboring regions. Here, your mission is to become the wealthiest railroad tycoon by investing heavily in train companies and orchestrating their operations. The game is divided into cycles of Stock Rounds and Operating Rounds, creating a dynamic rhythm of investment and development. In Stock Rounds, the market is your playground: buy and sell shares of various railroad companies, trying to anticipate your opponents' moves and maximize your portfolio. With each decision, you shape the future of the companies and, consequently, your own net worth. Next come the Operating Rounds, where the action truly happens on the board. The companies you control (or have invested in) take center stage, laying tracks to expand their networks, establishing stations at strategic points, and, of course, buying and operating trains to generate revenue. The interaction between financial management and physical expansion is what makes 18MS so captivating. Your final net worth, which determines the winner, is the sum of your cash holdings and the value of all the stocks you own. It's a race against time and your rivals to see who can dominate the railroad market and come out on top!
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Gallery
Box and component photos
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The objective is to become the player with the highest net worth at the end of the game, combining your cash on hand with the value of the railroad company stocks you own.
How many players can participate and what is the average duration? expand_more
18MS is ideal for 2 to 4 players, and a game typically lasts between 90 and 150 minutes. Prepare for an intense strategy session!
Is it a complex game for beginners? expand_more
Yes, like most games in the 18xx series, 18MS has a considerable learning curve. It is recommended for players with experience in heavier economic and strategy games.
What are the main game mechanics? expand_more
The core mechanics include network and route building, stock holding, and tile placement (for tracks and stations). It's a blend of financial management and infrastructure development.
What are Stock Rounds and Operating Rounds? expand_more
Stock Rounds are where players buy and sell company shares. Operating Rounds are when the companies (controlled by players) build tracks, place stations, and operate trains to generate revenue.
Is the game solely focused on economics or is there board interaction? expand_more
It has a strong economic focus with stock management, but board interaction is crucial. Building tracks and placing stations directly affect companies' ability to profit and compete for routes.
