First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class, Z-Man Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - Components. - Credit: Jimmydm90
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 — components - Credit: W Eric Martin
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class, Z-Man Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 — sample cards (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 - Credit: W Eric Martin
  1. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class, Z-Man Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  2. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - Components. - Credit: Jimmydm90
  3. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 — components - Credit: W Eric Martin
  4. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class, Z-Man Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  5. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 — sample cards (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
  6. First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - First Class: Unterwegs im Orient Express, Hans im Glück, 2016 - Credit: W Eric Martin

First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! Review

In our engaging romp through 'First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!', we've unraveled complex strategies, reveled in social interactions, and navigated the rewarding paths to victory. This is railroading fun at its strategic best.
  • Gameplay Complexity
  • Replayability
  • Social Interaction
  • Component Quality
4.1/5Overall Score

Detailed 'First Class' review: essential mechanics, compelling tactics, and vibrant social interactions validate this tabletop journey.

Specs
  • Number of players: 2-4
  • Playing Time: 40-80 minutes
  • Recommended player age: 10+
  • Game Type: Card Drafting & Tableau Building
  • Designer: Helmut Ohley
  • Complexity: Medium
  • Release Year: 2016
Pros
  • Strategic depth and complexity
  • Engaging social interaction
  • Elegant mechanics implementation
  • Dynamic gameplay experience
Cons
  • Steep learning curve
  • Long setup time
  • Limited replayability
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Overview

Embark with me as we delve into the exhilarating world of ‘First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!‘. This review will forge ahead through the dense thicket of strategic decision-making this game requires. With a conductor’s eye for detail and a gamer’s heart full of excitement, I’ll share my personal experiences. Ready your tickets; we’re about to depart on an adventure that promises to rethink what a train-themed board game can deliver!

How It Plays

Embarking on an exciting journey through ‘First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!’ takes players through historical railroads in enthralling card drafting and tableau-building adventure. The objective is simple on its facade yet complex in execution: craft the most prestigious train line and accumulate the highest wealth of prestige points. True to its name, it promises an experience rooted in strategic elegance and industrial opulence.

Setting up

Setting the scene involves players constructing train lines by selecting cards from various modules that serve as the groundwork. Modules vary each game, offering unique approaches and different combinations to explore while setting up the individual player’s gaming tableau.

Gameplay

As engineers of their railway domain, players take turns to draft train cards and route cards or upgrade their train to play. Methodical placement of cards on an ever-unfolding tableau juxtaposes immediate bonuses with long-term planning. Attaining the balance between expanding your rail network versus improving your trains determines the speed and efficacity of your gameplay.

Winning the game

The tracks to victory weave through collecting prestige points—a measure of wealth and achievement in the game. Points burgeon via expanding and upgrading carriages, completing long-distance routes, and engineering deft synergies between various card abilities. As the final card is played, players tally the points to declare the winner—the baron of the rails forging ahead of their competitors in First Class fashion.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!.

Strategic Depths Abound

Transitioning from the moment you open First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!, you’re greeted with a plethora of choices. Personally, I revel in the delicate balance between expanding my train line and optimizing my train cars. With each play, I discover innovative strategies, leading to richly rewarding sessions.

Masterful Modular Magic

One of the game’s shining achievements is its modular design. Initially, my playgroup was skeptical, but we found that each module seamlessly integrates, offering a fresh experience every time we play. This flexibility has kept the game frequently appearing on our table.

Engagement in Competition

Moving through the game rounds, negotiations and rivalries spark up naturally. There’s always that palpable tension, especially when competing for limited upgrades or certain bonuses, enhancing the overall game night experience.

In conclusion, if you’re yearning for sophisticated choices and a game that promotes spirited social interaction, I’d emphatically recommend First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!.

First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express! - Components. - Credit: Jimmydm90

Conclusion

In wrapping up this review of First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!, it’s clear that the game offers a nuanced mix of strategy, interactivity, and replayability. Throughout multiple sessions, the vibrancy of railroad empire building shines through, providing a gratifying journey for both casual gamers and veteran strategists. Whether you revel in optimizing complex networks or simply enjoy the rush of competing against other burgeoning magnates, this game promises an engaging experience. And so, with a heart full of adventure and a role full of entrepreneurial spirit, I wholeheartedly endorse setting sail with your ticket aboard this enthralling board game ride.

4.1/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.