Traintopia Game Review

Co-founder of Pixar and president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Edwin Catmull, said, “Driving the train doesn’t set its course. The real job is laying the track.” In this game, players take on the responsibility of doing just that. They will build an extensive network of rails, stations, and sites to see along the way. The goal is to connect, but more importantly, connect with a purpose and to provide value. A lesson we can all benefit from, both at and away from the gaming table. Continue reading

Yardmaster Express Game Review

Anyone who has worked on the railroad will tell you that it’s not how long your train is, but what you are hauling that counts. In this game, players will be making a train of the same length, but it’s how the railcars are coupled that will make the difference. The player who can build a train on the line that has the most of a common good will become the master of the rails! Continue reading

Yardmaster Game Review

Who among us has not seen a train roaring down the rails or heard the lonesome whistle of the engine calling at night? Trains are everywhere, but we seldom take the time to consider how they prepare for their trip. In this game, players will be working to load their trains with valuable cargo. Until the engines roll away, all efforts will result in zero profit. Continue reading

Trainmaker Game Review (prepublished version)

The most fundamental concept of economics is supply and demand. One group has goods to sell and the other group has money to burn. What’s missing is the middleman who makes certain the supply reaches those who demand it. That’s where you come in. You have the money and the means to build a railroad empire. With luck and determination, you could make history. Continue reading

Railroads Game Review

Supply and demand is an easy concept to grasp. If a person wants something, they are willing to pay for it. Being profitable is the real trick. To be successful, you must keep track of trends and anticipate wants and needs. If you do it right, you can make a lot of money. Do it wrong and you can lose everything. In this game, knowing your market is the key to success! All aboard the money train! Continue reading