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Shikoku 1889 box art
Rich game profile

Shikoku 1889

1889, an 18xx game in the series originated by Francis Tresham's 1829, is set in Shikoku Japan. The rules are similar to 1830: Railways & Robber Barons on a smaller and terrain-heavy map. In 1889, 2-6 players will use money to purchase shares in railroad companies during Share De...

Players

2-6

Time

90-210

Age

14+

Weight

3.87

Rating

7.98

Should this hit the table?

Quick read before the metadata.

Moderate level of direct and strategic confrontation with high interaction frequency, but low emphasis on cooperation.

Teach 2.9

Teaching signal

Replay 4.1

High replayability

Interaction 3.8

Highly interactive

Scaling 4.0

Scales well

Strategy 4.5

Deep strategy

Control 3.5

More strategic control

Table feel

Moderate level of direct and strategic confrontation with high interaction frequency, but low emphasis on cooperation.

Replay value

Shikoku 1889 has a high replayability score due to its high variability gameboard, strategic depth, and scalability. The game offers different experiences each time it is played, with multiple paths to victory and variable setups. The presence of expansions adds new content and gameplay elements, further enhancing the replay value. The game allows players to improve their strategy over time, discovering new tactics and strategies. It adapts well to different player counts without compromising its appeal or balance. While it may take some time to learn, the depth it offers makes it worth the investment.

Luck profile

Shikoku 1889 has a moderate level of luck involved in the game. Random elements like dice rolls or card draws have a notable but not exclusive impact on the game outcome. However, players have substantial ability to mitigate the effects of randomness through strategic decisions and planning. The game outcome is primarily determined by player strategy and decisions, with luck playing a minor role. Overall, Shikoku 1889 strikes a good balance between luck and strategy.

Overview

What ABG knows about this game

1889, an 18xx game in the series originated by Francis Tresham's 1829, is set in Shikoku Japan. The rules are similar to 1830: Railways & Robber Barons on a smaller and terrain-heavy map. In 1889, 2-6 players will use money to purchase shares in railroad companies during Share Dealing Rounds. Between subsequent Share Dealing Rounds, railroad corporations then conduct operations on the game board, with the decisions being made by the player who is the major share holder. The game simulates the progression of railroad development during an historic period on Shikoku. Old trains become obsolete while the revenue earnings from cities grows over time. Players will try to purchase the most profitable shares at the right times of the game to maximize earnings in dividends and stock value gains. In the end, the player with the highest value of personal cash and held stocks is the winner. The game was originally available in kit form from Wild Heaven, and is now also being published by Grand Trunk Games.

Media

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Editions

Versions and regional releases

Edition Year Language Publisher / Region
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Files and documents

Rules, aids, translations

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Commerce mapping

Buying signals

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Credits

People and publishers

Designers

1
Yasutaka Ikeda

Artists

1
Karim Chakroun

Publishers

3
Deep Thought Games, LLC Grand Trunk Games Wild Heaven

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