Gulf, Mobile & Ohio

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio is a captivating game that takes you back to the 19th century, where you're a railroad tycoon building lines across the American South. It's the third entry in Winsome Games' Historic Railroads System, and it definitely builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors.

The game board is a beautiful map filled with iconic cities like Richmond, New Orleans, Memphis, and Savannah. The core gameplay revolves around chartering and expanding railroad lines, bidding on shares, and collecting dividends. While the mechanics are simple to grasp, the strategic decisions you make with each auction and expansion can lead to diverse and engaging gameplay.

The game's most unique aspect is the way railroad lines are built and expanded. You use cubes to represent your lines, and the color of the cube determines which railroad you're representing. The rules governing cube placement add a delightful layer of strategic depth, forcing you to carefully consider your moves to avoid blocking yourself or other players.

I particularly enjoyed the auction system. It's fast-paced and exciting, with players vying for control of valuable railroad shares. The dividends you receive for holding shares add another dimension to the game, encouraging players to build a diverse portfolio of railroads.

The game does take a bit of time to set up, with all those colorful cubes and shares, but the visual appeal and thematic immersion more than make up for it. While the game can be challenging, especially if you're new to railroad games, the rulebook is clear and concise.

Overall, I highly recommend Gulf, Mobile & Ohio to anyone looking for a stimulating and thematic board game. It's a great choice for experienced players who enjoy strategic decision-making and building a powerful railroad empire.