What is the Ticket to Ride Europe Board Game all about? In the world of tabletop board games, where creativity meets strategy, Ticket to Ride Europe is truly enjoyable as a railway themed game. Sounds a bit boring to those of you who aren’t trainspotters or train buffs etc., doesn’t it? But I can assure you it’s not. The sheer joy of completing a line and winning the game cannot be ignored. If you like to travel, this game is a lot of fun. It was designed by Alan R. Moon and published by Days of Wonder. The game invites players on a journey across the landscapes of old Europe. Whether you’re a seasoned board game player, or new to the tabletop scene, Ticket to Ride Europe offers an immersive and entertaining experience for all. I bought it for my 7 year old granddaughter’s birthday and she loves it. In fact, as a family, we all did, even my son-in-law who isn’t usually a board game fan. We’re working on him though. We’ll make board game lover out of him yet.
What’s All The Fuss About?
What’s the fuss, it’s just a game? In our house we love board games and get a bit excited when we find those we particularly love. Here is a bit of information about the game and a review of sorts to help you decide if this is for you.
What is the Game all about?
This board game adventure is a railway line board game where 2 to 5 players compete to build train routes connecting iconic cities across Europe. The game board depicts a map of Europe, which encompasses from Scotland down to Spain, across to Italy, up to Switzerland, down to Poland and Constantinople and the Mediterranean and everything in between.
The Objective of the Game
How to play the game and win is simple. Players accumulate points by claiming routes, completing destination tickets, and connecting distant cities with your colorful train carriages. Routes can be shorter simpler routes, or players can complete a long journey which consists of an unbroken train line spanning from one starting point in one place and country, across several countries and finishing at a different place and country. As players lay down their tracks, the game unfolds into a blend of strategy, resource management, and cunning tactics.
The Gameplay
Central to the gameplay are the destination tickets, each presenting a pair of European cities that players must connect to earn points. Will you venture from London to Istanbul, or perhaps from Paris to Moscow? Choosing the right routes becomes a delicate balance between ambition and practicality, as players must consider the length and feasibility of their journeys.
The Strategy
Strategic decisions abound as players compete for control over key routes and block their opponents’ progress. Do you risk expanding your network across the Alps, or focus on securing shorter, more manageable connections? Every move carries consequences, adding an element of tension and excitement to each turn.
What’s New Compared With the Original Ticket To Ride?
Ticket to Ride Europe also introduces new gameplay elements that enhance the experience. Ferries and tunnels add complexity to route-building, requiring players to adapt their strategies to overcome unique challenges. Stations offer a lifeline for players struggling to complete their routes, providing alternative ways to connect cities and stay in the game.
It’s Charm
What truly sets Ticket to Ride Europe apart is its accessibility and universal appeal. Its straightforward rules make it easy to learn, yet the depth of strategy ensures endless replay ability. Whether played with family, friends, or fellow enthusiasts, the game fosters friendly competition and memorable moments of joy and camaraderie.
The Artwork
Ticket to Ride Europe has stunning visual design and attention to detail. The game board reminds me of an old tea stained pirates map that we made for fun as kids, This is designed to give the impression of age. From the iconic London and Paris to the quaint villages of Bavaria, every location is authentic.
The Quality
Moreover, the quality of the components elevates the gaming experience. The meticulously crafted train carriages, the durable game board, and the beautifully illustrated destination and train tickets all contribute to the game’s immersive atmosphere. The cards are sturdy and colourful, the trains are easy to use and place
The Fun
Ticket to Ride Europe is more than just a board game; it’s a journey of discovery and adventure. Whether you’re charting a course through the picturesque countryside or racing against time to complete your routes, every moment is filled with excitement and anticipation. Partake in friendly banter between your fellow playmates, rejoice when you beat them to a route and block them, vie for the chance to place a station down securing your route. Be daring in the challenge to make it all the way through a tunnel by taking a chance on drawing the right number and colour of train cards to complete a transit.
Additional Information – Pros and Cons But Mostly Pros
- The game is a stand alone game and does not require the original Ticket to Ride game to play it.
- Player age recommendation is for 8+ however my granddaughter was 7 and was able to play and enjoy it.
- A game will take approximately between 30 – 60 minutes to play
- It takes only a few minutes to learn how to play
- Uses turn of the century names for the cities for the history buffs
- We are a homeschooling family so there is the added benefit of it’s educational value
- The board is large and the playing area needs a fairly large space so be aware you will need a dining table or play it on the floor
- The prices for this game vary a lot depending on where you buy it from. I found it on Amazon for $56.94 AUD on special or $67.49 AUD RRP when not on special.
- With Amazon, often you get free shipping too above a certain price.
- The game boasts a well deserved 5 star rating
Would I Recommend Ticket To Ride Europe?
What is the Ticket to Ride Europe board game if it’s not a great game? I think if you get the chance to play it you will agree with my own analysis of it and that it’s better than great, it’s really great. So I would highly recommend it as a must have game all the family can enjoy. It’s a timeless classic that continues to delight players over the world. It blends strategic play and depth in an immersive theme so whether it’s family or friends you are playing with, choose your destinations and take off on an unforgettable railway adventure across turn of the century Europe. Your ticket to ride awaits you!
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Warm Wishes
Ange
