Today we’re diving into Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West. This is a reimagining of the beloved Ticket to Ride franchise, now presented as an immersive legacy adventure. Set against the backdrop of the American West, Days of Wonder has combined classic route-building gameplay with a dynamic narrative campaign that unfolds over 12 captivating plays. So, let’s break it down—what it is, what’s good, what’s bad, & if you should pick it up. Let’s get into it.
What It Is
Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West is a legacy board game designed for 2 to 5 players, recommended for ages 10 & up. Each session typically lasts between 45 to 90 minutes. The game retains the classic Ticket to Ride mechanics of drawing & playing colored train cards to secure routes on a map, but adds an evolving narrative & a dynamic board that transforms as players progress through the campaign.
The core gameplay involves building train routes across a detailed map of the American West, with new elements & rules introduced through legacy components. Players start with a basic setup & gradually unlock new regions, routes, & objectives, all while managing a new primary resource: money. The evolving map & legacy features ensure that no two campaigns are identical, making each session a unique adventure.
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Gameplay Overview
In Ticket to Ride: Legacy – Legends of the West, players take on the role of ambitious railroad company owners expanding their networks across America, from the East Coast to the West Coast. The game builds on the classic Ticket to Ride formula with a campaign spanning 12 connected games. As you progress, you’ll make permanent changes to the board, rules, and cards, shaping your railroad legacy. It’s recommended to play with the same group throughout the campaign since choices will impact the unfolding story.
At the start of the campaign, players open the game box, revealing several components to organize. This includes a story deck that will guide players through the narrative, train cards, tickets, and events that shape gameplay. Special dividers are used to organize different decks, and players are instructed not to shuffle certain cards until told to do so by the game. Additionally, players will find company bonus cards, bank slips, and postcards, all neatly organized to help guide the experience. Frontier and Conduct boxes, alongside player-specific company boxes, remain unopened until specific instructions are provided during the campaign.
Each player selects a company box representing their train color, and records their name on the box for the duration of the campaign. Inside the box, players will manage an “office” and a “vault,” storing items they collect throughout the campaign. These items, including bonus cards, are placed in front of the player, and a Caboose card is randomly assigned to one player. The game board is constructed by assembling five map pieces into a board that may expand over time. The game also provides a set of coins for players to manage their wealth, and each player starts with five dollars in coins, with future opportunities to earn more through gameplay.
Setup continues with the preparation of the train deck and ticket cards. Players are dealt four train cards and a set number of tickets based on the player count. Train cards include locomotives, which act as wild cards, and players may also draw from a face-up row or the top of the deck during gameplay. Special newspaper cards in the deck trigger unique effects when drawn, keeping players engaged with unexpected events. After players select their tickets, they must complete routes shown on the cards by the end of the game, or risk losing money. Some tickets and elements are reserved for future games, creating a sense of mystery as the campaign progresses.
Gameplay proceeds with players taking turns completing one of three possible actions: claiming routes, drawing train cards, or completing tickets. To claim a route, players must play a set of train cards matching the color and number of spaces between two cities. Locomotives can be used as wild cards to substitute any color, while gray routes allow players to claim them with any set of matching trains. Routes connecting cities cannot be claimed partially; they must be completed in one turn, and once a route is claimed, no other player can take it unless there are multiple routes between the cities.
Players gain two dollars from the supply when they claim a route matching their train’s color, adding an additional layer of strategy. Large cities marked with special icons provide a bonus card draw when connected to a route. The second action players can take on their turn is drawing train cards. Players can take two cards per turn from the face-up row or draw blindly from the deck. However, if a player draws a face-up locomotive card on their first draw, they do not get to draw a second card. Alternatively, if they draw a locomotive from the top of the deck, they can still draw another card since the draw was hidden from other players.
The final action players can take is completing their tickets by connecting routes between cities, fulfilling objectives laid out on their tickets. At the end of the game, players tally their money based on the routes they’ve claimed and tickets they’ve completed. The player with the most money wins the game, but since this is a campaign, the ultimate goal is to accumulate the most money across all 12 games to become the overall winner. As the campaign progresses, additional rules and objectives will be introduced, keeping the experience fresh and evolving throughout the series of games.
The Components
The components of Legends of the West are a highlight, featuring a beautifully illustrated board that captures the rugged beauty of the American West. The train cars & player tokens are sturdy & visually appealing, representing different railroad companies vying for dominance. Legacy components like sealed envelopes & stickers add an air of mystery & excitement, enhancing the immersive experience as players alter the game board & components throughout the campaign.
The Good
One of the standout features of Legends of the West is its exceptional replayability. The legacy format ensures that no two campaigns are the same, with the game board, rules, & objectives evolving based on player choices. This dynamic nature provides a unique experience each time you play, with new challenges & surprises awaiting in every scenario.
The game’s modular elements & variable setup options further enhance its longevity. Players can customize their experience with different route cards, bonus tiles, & special abilities, ensuring that no two games are identical. Even after completing the initial campaign, players can start a new journey with fresh challenges, making it a worthwhile investment for board game enthusiasts.
The thematic integration of historical elements adds depth to the gameplay. Scenarios inspired by events like the Gold Rush or the Transcontinental Railroad enhance the immersion, allowing players to experience the broader narrative of westward expansion while strategizing their route-building efforts.
The Bad
Despite its many strengths, Legends of the West is not without its drawbacks. One issue is the potential for repetitiveness; while the legacy format introduces new elements, the core mechanics remain relatively consistent throughout the campaign. Some players might find that the game starts to feel repetitive after multiple plays, particularly if they prefer a more varied gameplay experience.
Another consideration is the cost & complexity of expansions. The game’s legacy components, while adding depth & excitement, can also be overwhelming for some players. The need for additional expansions to keep the game fresh may be seen as an extra expense, & the sheer volume of content can make it challenging to fully grasp all the rules & mechanics.
Additionally, the game’s design may not cater to everyone’s tastes. Those who are not fans of legacy or campaign-driven games might find the evolving narrative less engaging. The focus on money management & dynamic board changes might not appeal to players who prefer a more static & straightforward gameplay experience.
The Verdict
So, should you buy Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West? If you’re a fan of legacy games & enjoy the Ticket to Ride series, this is a must-have. The game successfully blends classic route-building mechanics with an immersive narrative & dynamic board evolution. It’s a captivating journey through the American West, offering both familiar gameplay & innovative new twists.
For those new to legacy games or seeking a different type of board game experience, Legends of the West provides a unique & engaging adventure. While it might not be the ideal choice for everyone, particularly those who prefer more static gameplay, it offers a rich & rewarding experience for those who enjoy evolving narratives & strategic depth.
Final Thoughts
After diving into the depths of Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West, I can confidently assert that this game is a true achievement in the realm of legacy board gaming. From the first moment of unboxing to ͏the final thrilling completion, it delivers an experience that transcends mere gameplay͏—it’s ͏an adventure filled with wonder & awe.
At ͏its core, Legends of the West stays true to the beloved Ticket to Ride formula, offering familiar mechanics & gameplay. However, what sets it apart is the͏ ingenious͏ infusion of legacy ͏elements, which breathe new life into every͏ session. The sheer volume of components justifies its price point, making each playthrough feel like a journey worth embarking upon.
For both seasoned legacy gamers & Ticket to Ride enthusiasts alike, this is an experience not ͏to be missed. While͏ it may stick to the rails in terms of innovation, it excels in providing a consistently engaging & joyous ride. The perfect blend of competition & cooperation ensures that every game͏ is a thrill, with players constantly ͏seeking new strategies & opportunities to emerge victorious͏.
͏In a ͏landscape where many legacy games push boundaries & redefine the genre, Ticket to Ride: Legends of the West stands͏ out as a testament͏ ͏to the power of a well-crafted, ͏immersive experience. It͏ captures the excitement of discovery akin to͏ Christmas͏ morning, ͏enticing players to delve deeper into its ͏rich tapestry of challenges & surprises.
Ultimately, I applaud the dedication & creativity of its designers, ͏who have crafted a masterpiece that celebrates both͏ the legacy format and ͏the timeless appeal of Ticket to Ride. A͏s someone who has been enchanted by this railroad adventure, I eagerly anticipate seeing others embark on͏ their own unforgettable journey through the Wild West.
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