1870: Railroading Across the Trans Mississippi from 1870

I've been a fan of 18xx games for years, and 1870: Railroading Across the Trans Mississippi is definitely a standout in the genre. It takes the classic 1829 mechanics and expands upon them with some truly clever additions. The stock manipulation aspect is particularly well-done, and it's one of the things that makes this game so engaging.

The map itself is a bit abstract, but it works well for the game. It's large enough to accommodate all the different companies, and the track tiles add a nice touch of visual interest. I also really like the way the private companies work. They add a lot of depth and strategy to the game, and they can really make or break your game.

The game is definitely on the longer side, but I find that to be a good thing. It gives you plenty of time to develop your strategies and make some serious money. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding 18xx experience, 1870 is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned, finding a copy might be a bit of a challenge.