Brass: Lancashire

Brass: Lancashire is a fantastic economic strategy game that captures the excitement of the industrial revolution. You take on the role of a cotton entrepreneur in Lancashire, building your industries, establishing your network, and capitalizing on demand for iron, coal, and cotton. The game is split into two phases: the canal phase and the rail phase, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

I was initially intimidated by the sheer number of components and rules, but the game is actually quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. The rulebook is comprehensive but a tutorial video might be helpful for those new to euro games. The game's mechanics are engaging, forcing you to carefully consider when to build, develop, sell, and take loans, all while trying to manage your limited resources. The turn order mechanism is a clever addition that adds another layer of strategic depth, as players going later in the order can often capitalize on the actions of those who went before them.

The game's production quality is top-notch. The board and components are visually appealing, and the artwork really brings the industrial revolution to life. The game also includes a two-player rule variant, which is a great addition for those who don't have a large group to play with. Overall, I highly recommend Brass: Lancashire to anyone looking for a challenging, strategic, and rewarding board game experience. It's one that I keep coming back to!