Irish Gauge

Irish Gauge is a fantastic entry point into the world of 18xx-style train games. While it simplifies some of the complexities of its more involved brethren, it still manages to capture the thrill of strategic stock management and railway expansion. I was initially drawn to the game because of its accessible price point and shorter play time, making it a great choice for both new and experienced gamers.

The game's core mechanics are fairly straightforward. You can buy shares of companies, build track, upgrade towns, or call for dividends. The dividends are based on how many cities/towns you connect to and how many shares you own, creating a dynamic system of strategic choices. It's a wonderfully engaging blend of auctioning, stock manipulation, and resource management.

The game's production quality is truly impressive. The artwork is stunning, the components are high quality, and the whole experience is very satisfying. The game's design also allows for some interesting social dynamics. The semi-cooperative nature of the game, where players can share ownership of companies, creates exciting opportunities for both collaboration and sabotage.

While some reviewers found the game a bit abstract or lacking in depth, I found the strategic decisions and the opportunity for unexpected turns to be quite compelling. It's a game that encourages you to think ahead, predict your opponents' moves, and capitalize on opportunities. I wouldn't call it a deep 18xx experience, but it is a remarkably well-designed and fun game in its own right.

If you're looking for an engaging and relatively quick-playing train game with a solid dose of strategy, I highly recommend giving Irish Gauge a try. It's a game that's easy to learn, but hard to master, offering plenty of replayability and excitement for players of all levels.