Northern Pacific
Northern Pacific review
I recently picked up a copy of Northern Pacific, and I have to say, I'm quite impressed. This game is incredibly simple to learn, with a play time of about twenty minutes, which is perfect for a quick game session. I really appreciate that the game is luck-free, and the focus is entirely on strategic placement and planning. The board itself is a nice, thick material, and the investment cubes are well-made. The map is interesting, and the game mechanics are surprisingly engaging.
One of the things I really like about this game is the potential for "take-that" moments. The game isn't cutthroat, but there are definitely opportunities to outsmart your opponents and make sure the train doesn't go through their cities! This element of strategy makes the game more exciting and keeps you on your toes.
I've played this game with both adults and children, and everyone has enjoyed it. It's a great game for teaching strategic thinking and planning, and the fast pace keeps everyone engaged. If you're looking for a light but satisfying game that you can play with a variety of people, I would highly recommend Northern Pacific.