Circus Train (Second Edition)

Ever imagined running a traveling circus by rail across the U.S. during the Prohibition era? In Circus Train (Second Edition), you step into the shoes of an ambitious entrepreneur attempting to put on the most magnificent show the country has ever seen. Forget the easy life: this game is a strategic race where every decision matters, from hiring talented performers left stranded by defunct circuses to carefully managing your payroll. If a performer starts costing more than they bring in, you have the controversial option of 'red lighting' them—essentially kicking them off the train without a second thought.

The game's core revolves around clever hand management as you control your train's movement across the American Northeast. Each turn represents one week, and over the course of a six-month season, you must balance the logistics of supplies—including the high costs of transporting big cats and elephants—and even the procurement of alcohol, especially when crossing into Canada where the prohibition wasn't an issue. Inspired by the vibrant and sometimes gritty atmosphere of the novel 'Water for Elephants', the game blends economic management with a dash of corporate ruthlessness.

This second edition is the ultimate package, combining the base game with its first expansion. Beyond a refreshed visual design that brings a much-needed facelift, the biggest change is the scalability: you can now play with up to five people, which drastically alters the interaction and competition for talent and routes. The addition of new Event cards introduces an extra layer of unpredictability, ensuring that no two seasons feel exactly the same. Whether you are a natural strategist who loves optimizing routes or someone who enjoys a tight theme with 'catch the leader' mechanics to keep the competition fierce until the very end, Circus Train offers a mid-weight experience that challenges your ability to be the greatest show on Earth without driving your circus into bankruptcy.