18West: Rails to the Pacific (2007)

About this game

18West is an 18xx design by David G. D. Hecht, published in October 2007 by Deep Thought Games. 18West incorporates a variety of mechanisms into the 18xx framework, including three different types of companies (Granger roads, land grant and public) and subsidized track laying. Mergers are also involved, in which public companies can acquire Granger roads.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 4.0/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 14 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.