Rio Grande Games Rails of New England Board Game | Strategy Railroad Building Game for Adults & Families | Perfect for Game Nights & Family Gatherings

I'm a long-time fan of the 18xx-series of games. Not that this is like that, but just so's you understand that I am a fan of complex railroad-themed games. The requirement is to build a business empire as you're building the transportation network (by buying depots in various towns and cities) to serve that empire. Each player represents a state in New England that is trying to develop into Massachusetts as well as linking with the greater world via New York City and/or Montreal. Additional income comes from earning state mail contracts, state subsidies and controlling specific tourist destinations. Your income is determined by having these routes, owning businesses in towns you have depots in (which usually increases if you've got a presence in the major exporting cities of Boston, NYC and Montreal) and, finally, the overall economic situation (Depression, Normal or Prosperity). Each turn, Events may occur that further affect income. Additionally, the game covers three phases that represent different advancing technological eras. At the end, the player with the most money - as determined by cash, business cost, route and subsidy value and the number of depots - wins.Actually, though the large number of pieces and components may intimidate you, the game play can be quickly and easily grasped. The game duration is rated for 3 hours. More will be required for new players or for players who tend to strategize slowly (there are a number of ways you can try to go with your strategy and tactics, so there is a bit of pausing and pondering). There is some degree of interaction with other players as most cities can only hold 2 depots, so it's first-come, first-served at certain gate-way locations.As it is, this games hits a number of sweet spots of mine, so though I've only played it twice, I really, really like it. My only problem is finding enough people interested in the kind of game who have the time available to play it.