Colt Express: Bandits – Ghost

Ludonaute · Board game · 2018
2–5 · best 3 30–60 min Weight 2.0/5
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love battling an AI‑controlled villain and the wild chaos of Colt Express, Ghost will win you over.

Highlights
  • extra tension with bot
  • thematic new cards
  • temporary cooperation
Keep in mind
  • can be frustrating when Ghost wins
  • requires base game
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Colt Express: Bandits – Ghost is the sixth and spookiest Bandits expansion, pitting players against a villain controlled by the game itself. The setting remains the classic steam‑train heist, but this time the antagonist is the ghostly bandit Ghost, who dreams of snatching the precious suitcase containing a treasure. Each round, Ghost programs his moves in an action queue – he always moves closer to the suitcase, uses his Fire and Punch that hit every possible target (including the daring Belle), and at the right moment executes the Heist action to grab the suitcase. If Ghost ends the game with the suitcase, he wins outright, regardless of the loot other bandits have collected. Consequently, players must temporarily cooperate to stop the phantom while still competing to be the richest outlaw at the end. The familiar action‑queue mechanic gains a new twist: you must track Ghost’s position, remember which cards have been played, and plan your own robberies without being blindsided. Hand management stays vital – deciding whether to attack, move, or block Ghost can swing the outcome. The expansion adds new components such as Ghost‑specific cards, a special suitcase marker, and themed miniatures. Playtime ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, suitable for 2–5 players who already know the base game rules. Complexity remains light (weight 2/5), but the AI‑controlled “bot” introduces a tension level that appeals to both newcomers and veterans seeking a fresh challenge. In short, Ghost delivers a fun story, new tactics, and the feeling of truly battling a computer‑controlled opponent while preserving the chaotic charm that made Colt Express a hit.

Expansion for

Published additional content

1 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Colt Express Mechanism: Artificial Player
Publisher Ludonaute
Designer Christophe Raimbault
Artist Jordi Valbuena

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,908owners
71wishlist
19want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can join?
2 to 5 players, using the same board as the base game.
What is the typical playing time?
Between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on player count and familiarity.
Do I need the original Colt Express?
Yes, the expansion requires the base game to function.
How complex is the expansion?
It retains a light weight of 2/5, easy for newcomers to pick up.
What components are included?
Ghost‑specific cards, a special suitcase marker, themed miniatures, and supporting tokens.
Do I have to remember played cards?
Yes, the Memory mechanic means you must track Ghost’s and other bandits’ actions.
Who can win the game?
Either the Ghost, controlled by the game, or the human bandit who ends with the most loot if Ghost fails to get the suitcase.