Chicago & NorthWestern
Rio Grande Games, Winsome Games · Board game · 2016
3–5 · best 4
60 min
Weight 3.1/5
Buy · from US$ 28.99
—
rating
Ludopedia
6.9
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
If you enjoy train and economic games where interaction leans more towards speculation than cooperation, Chicago & NorthWestern is a perfect fit. It's a quick and straightforward strategic challenge!
Highlights
- Sharp economic strategy
- Intense player interaction
- Addictive railroad expansion
- Impactful decisions every turn
- Quick and to the point
Keep in mind
- Not for cooperative players
- Can be unforgiving for beginners
- Total focus on wealth accumulation
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Ready to feel like a 19th-century railroad magnate? In Chicago & NorthWestern, you and your friends will dive into the American Midwest, controlling the explosive expansion of railroads. Forget friendship; here, it's all about money and self-interest! The game puts you in the shoes of a robber baron (in a good way, of course!) seeking to exploit the region, expanding rail lines from Chicago to the Rocky Mountains. Each round, your clever decisions and sharp execution are crucial. The dividends you accumulate are the fuel for continued growth, and alliances between shareholders can shift at any moment, always with an eye on the ultimate goal: accumulating more and more wealth. Don't expect a cuddly game; Chicago & NorthWestern is about pure economic strategy, where the player with the most money at the end of the game takes the victory. Prepare for tense negotiations and plenty of stock market speculation, all within about an hour of gameplay.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
5
REC
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Rio Grande Games, Winsome Games
Designer
John Bohrer
Artist
Todd Sanders
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
355owners
63wishlist
22want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Chicago & NorthWestern?
A game of Chicago & NorthWestern typically lasts around 60 minutes, making it a relatively quick game for the strategic depth it offers.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 3 to 5 players, which ensures good market dynamics and interaction among participants.
Is it a complex game? What's the difficulty level?
With a BGG weight of 3.08/5, it's considered a medium-to-heavy difficulty game. It's not a light eurogame, but also not an extreme 'brain burner.' It requires strategic thinking and familiarity with economic mechanics.
What are the main components of the game?
The game typically includes a board representing the American Midwest map, wooden cubes to represent stocks/companies, money tokens, and cards for managing railroads and the stock market.
Is Chicago & NorthWestern beginner-friendly?
Not really! The game itself suggests it's 'not a friendly game.' It rewards players who understand economic mechanics well and are willing to be a bit 'ruthless' to accumulate wealth. Beginners might face a steeper learning curve.
What is the ultimate goal to win the game?
The objective is straightforward: be the player with the most money at the end of the game. All your expansion, investment, and speculation actions should aim to increase your fortune.
Is there any language dependency to play?
There is no significant language dependency. The components are mostly iconic and numerical, and the rules, once learned, do not require constant text reading during gameplay.
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