# Railways of the World: Nippon Expansion

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2018
- **BGG Rating**: 7.7
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4+)
- **Duration**: 90-120 min
- **Weight**: 3.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Glenn Drover, Hisashi Hayashi, Martin Wallace
- **Publishers**: Eagle-Gryphon Games
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Trains
- **Mechanics**: Network and Route Building, Pick-up and Deliver

## Verdict
If you enjoy the route-building and money-management vibe of train games, the Nippon expansion for Railways of the World will blow you away! The Japan map presents quite the challenge.Unique Japan mapMountainous terrain challengesTense financial managementStrategic network buildingRequires base gameLimited map spaceTight competitionRECOMMENDED

## Description
Get ready to expand your railway horizons with the Nippon expansion for Railways of the World! This gem adds a brand-new map of Japan, crafted by the master Hisashi Hayashi, and throws you right into the Meiji era, a period of intense industrial growth in the country. As a visionary railroad tycoon, your mission is to chart routes, build tracks that cut through mountains and valleys, and optimize your train fleet to deliver valuable goods across the archipelago. But beware, Japan is a tight and mountainous place, and space to build your network is limited. Strategic planning is key: anticipate your rivals' moves, manage your money carefully to avoid drowning in bank debt, and remember that only the tracks you've personally laid are valid for trade. Whoever is cleverer and has the best-laid plans will build an unshakeable railway empire and become the richest baron in Japan! This expansion brings new challenges and a fascinating setting for those who already enjoy the Railways of the World series, requiring you to think twice before each move to dominate the Japanese terrain.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game Railways of the World to play this expansion?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you need to own the base game Railways of the World to use the Nippon map and components.

### How many players does this expansion support?
The Nippon expansion maintains the player count of the base game, which is for 2 to 4 players.

### Does the game become more complicated with this expansion?
The base game's complexity is already considered medium (3/5 on BGG). The expansion adds a map with unique challenges and a bit more strategic depth, but it doesn't drastically change the learning curve for those already familiar with the system.

### How long does a game with this expansion take?
Games typically last between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and their familiarity with the rules.

### What are the main new components?
The expansion includes a new board (Japan map), new operation cards, and components specific to this setting, along with pieces for building your railways.

### Is this expansion good for someone new to train games?
If the person has already played the base game Railways of the World and enjoyed it, then yes! For someone completely new to the series, it might be better to start with the base game before diving into the Nippon expansion.

### Is the Japan theme well-integrated into the mechanics?
Absolutely! The mountainous terrain and limited space of Japan translate directly into route-building challenges and fierce player competition, making the theme well-integrated with the gameplay.