Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

Horrible Guild, Albi, Angry Lion Games · Board game · 2018
1–6 · best 2 Solo 20–30 min Weight 1.5/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
How to Play Buy · from US$ 13.99
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

For those who enjoy an optimization and drawing challenge, Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a 'roll & write' that shines with its simplicity and strategic depth.

Highlights
  • Addictive roll & write mechanic
  • Expansions add great variety
  • Easy to learn, hard to master
  • Great for solo or group play
  • Fun indirect interaction
Keep in mind
  • Can have some dice luck
  • Theme might feel repetitive
  • Some may miss direct interaction
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our complete step-by-step rules guide.
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About the game
Hey board game enthusiasts! If you're into spatial puzzles with a dash of luck and a lot of optimization, Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is your next addiction. In this super accessible roll & write game, your goal is simple yet challenging: connect as many exits as possible on your individual board using train and road routes. Each round, a set of dice is rolled for all players, revealing the types of segments you can draw. The trick is that everyone uses the same dice results, but how you fit them onto your erasable map is what will set you apart from your friends. You need to be clever to create the best transport lines, connecting exits and scoring high at the end. But beware: incomplete routes cost points, so planning is key! Will you risk stretching that network to a distant exit or play it safe and start something easier to manage? The Deep Blue Edition comes with two awesome expansions, Rivers and Lakes, which add special dice and new rules to spice up your games. How about incorporating a river that can only be crossed at specific points or using lakes to connect your networks via ferry? These additions ensure that each game is unique and full of interesting decisions. The game supports 1 to 6 players, but if you combine more boxes, you can play with an even larger group. The only limit is the number of boards you have! Get your markers ready and let's build the biggest transport network!
Expansions
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 REC
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
5 REC
6 REC
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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: 7 x 7 Grids Components: Dice with Icons Components: Dry Erase Markers / Dry Erase Surfaces Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Google Play Digital Implementations: Steam
Publisher Horrible Guild, Albi, Angry Lion Games, asmodee, CMON Global Limited, Delta Vision Publishing
Designer Hjalmar Hach, Lorenzo Silva
Artist Marta Tranquilli
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition?
The base game supports 1 to 6 players, but if you have multiple copies of the game, you can combine components to play with up to 12 players or more, limited only by the number of boards you have.
What is the average playtime for a game?
A game of Railroad Ink is quite quick, usually taking between 20 to 30 minutes, making it perfect for multiple rounds or filling a short time slot.
Is it a complex game for beginners?
No, it has a very low complexity (BGG weight of 1.4686). The rules are super easy to learn, making it accessible for newcomers, but it offers enough depth to keep experienced players engaged.
What are the main components of the game?
The game comes with special dice showing different route segments, individual erasable boards, and dry-erase markers for drawing. The expansions include additional dice for rivers and lakes.
What's the difference between the Deep Blue Edition and the Blazing Red Edition?
Both editions are complete, standalone games. The main difference lies in the included expansions: the Deep Blue Edition features the Rivers and Lakes expansions, while the Blazing Red Edition comes with the Lava and Meteor expansions, each adding unique mechanics and challenges.
Is there any player interaction?
Interaction is indirect. Everyone uses the same dice results, but each player draws on their own board. The 'competition' comes from trying to optimize your routes better than others to achieve the highest score.
Is it good for solo play?
Yes, it's excellent for solo play! The solo mode is essentially the same game, where you try to beat your own high score, which is super satisfying for those who enjoy personal challenges.