Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a delightful roll-and-write game that has quickly become a favorite in our household. The premise is simple: you roll dice to determine what types of roads and railways you can draw on your erasable board, aiming to connect as many exits as possible. The more exits you connect, the more points you score, but incomplete routes cost you points, so planning is key!

What I love most about Railroad Ink is its accessibility. It's incredibly easy to learn, with rules that are intuitive and can be grasped in a matter of minutes. Even my 9-year-old nephew picked it up quickly. Despite its simplicity, the game offers surprising depth, with strategic decisions to be made on every turn. Will you play it safe and focus on connecting nearby exits, or take a risk and try to reach a more distant one?

The Deep Blue Edition includes the Rivers and Lakes expansions, which add a new layer of complexity and challenge to the game. The River route adds an interesting twist, while the Lakes allow you to connect your networks by ferry. These expansions really shake things up and make every game feel fresh and exciting. The game comes with dry-erase boards and markers, making it easy to play and replay, and it can accommodate up to six players.

Of course, no game is perfect. Some reviewers have commented on the quality of the dry-erase markers, which they found to be subpar. I haven't experienced any issues with mine, but it's worth noting. Also, while the game can be played with a large group, the simultaneous play mechanic makes it feel more like a solo game, where everyone is playing their own individual puzzle. If you're looking for a heavily interactive game, Railroad Ink might not be the best choice.

Overall, Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a fantastic addition to any board game collection. It's a quick, fun, and engaging game that's perfect for solo play or casual game nights with friends and family. The added challenge of the expansions makes it even more rewarding. I highly recommend it!