Streamlined Board Game: Orient Express

The growing European railroad boom has enticed you to be a part of it. Across the continent, rails are needed to connect disparate regions for both business and recreational purposes. As your lines cover more ground, it is likely that the very governments you have chosen to support will covet them. Ultimately, they will nationalize your work. Victory will belong to those most capable of merging private and public demands. You may become the Mogul that creates the Orient Express, but eventually, all of your hard work will become the property of the people.

This game, which is a sequel to 20th Century Limited, is highly flexible, allowing players to decide which regions to build in and which ones to connect. It can be enjoyed by 2-5 players, with a playing time of 45-90 minutes.

The game's premise puts you at the forefront of the burgeoning European railroad industry. Your task is to strategically expand your network of rails, connecting distant areas for commercial and leisure purposes. However, as your influence grows, you must navigate the complex dynamics between private enterprise and public interests.

The flexibility of the game allows players to tailor their approach, focusing on building in specific regions or aiming to create comprehensive continental connections. This freedom of choice adds depth to the gameplay, as players must balance their personal ambitions with the ever-changing landscape of government involvement and national priorities.

As the game progresses, you may find yourself in the position of the Mogul, responsible for the creation of the iconic Orient Express. This prestigious achievement, however, is not the ultimate goal, as the game's narrative suggests that even the most successful private ventures will eventually be subsumed by the public domain.

The game's design reflects the historical realities of the railroad industry's evolution, where private enterprises often yielded to the growing influence of national governments. Players must thus navigate this delicate balance, strategizing to maximize their own gains while anticipating the inevitable nationalization of their hard-won accomplishments.

Whether you choose to focus on regional dominance or strive for continental connectivity, the game's flexible structure ensures an engaging and thought-provoking experience. As you compete with fellow players, you'll be confronted with the inherent tensions between private and public interests, ultimately determining the path to victory.

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