Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy strategic duels with a touch of history and engineering, 1987 Channel Tunnel is a dig worth taking! The 'stealing' actions mechanic is a standout feature.
Highlights
- Clever strategic duel
- Innovative 'towers' mechanic
- Engaging engineering theme
- Constant tactical decisions
- Direct player interaction
Keep in mind
- Two-player only
- Can be a bit abstract
- Initial learning curve
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Embark on a historical and engineering journey with 1987 Channel Tunnel, a two-player game that puts you in command of one of the teams responsible for one of the greatest feats of the 20th century: the construction of the Channel Tunnel. Forget the historical rivalries between Britain and France for a moment and focus on cooperation (and competition!) to unite the two nations beneath the waves. You and your opponent, one representing the British team and the other the French, will have the mission to lead your workers, advance technological development, and secure the necessary funding for your boring machines to meet in the heart of the tunnel. But it's not just about digging! Each action you take involves playing colored discs from a tower to occupy a space. The trick is that this space becomes unavailable to your rival... unless they play a taller tower, with more discs, to 'steal' the action! It's a strategic race where positioning and the number of discs matter. The game progresses in rounds until the meeting point in the middle of the tunnel is reached. Final scoring is determined by progress on technology tracks, the cards you've accumulated, and, of course, the precision of your excavation – nobody wants a crooked tunnel, right? Get ready to manage your resources, bluff with your discs, and be the most efficient chief engineer in this underground race.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Looping Games, Origames
Designer
Isra C., Shei S.
Artist
Pedro Soto
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,854owners
360wishlist
70want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play 1987 Channel Tunnel?
This game is exclusively designed for two players, making it perfect for a head-to-head strategic duel.
What is the average playtime for a game session?
A game typically lasts around 45 minutes. It's a game that fits well into shorter sessions but offers plenty of depth.
Is it a complex game to learn?
It has a medium complexity (BGG weight of 2.68/5). The basic rules are straightforward, but the strategy of managing your discs and 'stealing' actions requires some practice to master.
What makes 1987 Channel Tunnel different from other worker placement games?
The big innovation is the 'disc towers' mechanic. You don't just occupy an action space; you can be 'booted out' if your opponent plays more discs, creating a very interesting betting and bluffing dynamic.
Is the game language dependent?
No, the game has minimal language dependency. The components are mostly symbolic, and the rules are easy to understand, making it accessible to players of different languages.
Who is this game recommended for?
It's highly recommended for fans of two-player games who enjoy strategy, resource management, and direct interaction. If you appreciate a historical engineering theme, that's a bonus!
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with a main board, colored discs for players (which form the 'towers'), technology and funding cards, and markers for the progress tracks.
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