Whistle Stop

slow set-up, fun game

Whistle Stop is a great game! It's definitely something that gets you thinking and plotting ahead. I saw it at PAX unplugged and picked it up afterwards for my dad who love train games and tiles. It's definitely been a hit, and we've played it with friends and family since. During the game it is great fun to plan out your routes, hop-frog train lines, and strategically steal each other's upgrades, but most of the games have ended with a surprising winner. Sometimes the best strategy is to go for stocks, and other times you might as well buy all the gold available. Every game is different. I'd say it only suffers from one flaw: it takes a while before you can start; the initial set-up is a bit fiddly, and every time we've played we've had to consult the instructions over what went where. So if you plan to bring it out for a party, set it up beforehand.

Whistle While You Play

Some games are a grind to play, more like work. Others are just plain fun. Whistle Stop falls in the "fun" category. For me, it's a brain burner, but in an enjoyable way. After a game of WS I feel excited and want to play again. There is something interesting about 'designing' your own routes across the board to most efficiently and profitably move your trains from east to west while presenting difficulties for other players. For me - Whistle Stop is a unique game (yes, it's one of over 1000 train games listed on Board Game Geek) in many ways. The gradual design of the rail network, the rush to get to the 'hot spots' first, the ability to block, to constant 'puzzle' element of the game offer and intriguing and satisfying experience. There's a lot to think about on each turn, which could cause some AP (analysis paralysis), but for the most part, the game moves along at a nice clip. I love the complexity of the decisions, combined with the simplicity of mechanics in a game - and this game meets that criteria in spades. On a turn, you simply move one of your four trains (laying track from your hand if necessary to continue forward). Then, you collect the 'benefit' of the new track (space) on which your train now rests. This continues turn after turn until the designated number of game turns ends (varies with player count), or until a single player has moved all four of his trains across the board from the east coast to the west. Total up VP's and the highest score wins. It's as simple as that: move one train, take your reward - until game end! Simple!! Yet, within that simple move/reward action there are a ton of delicious choices! Which train do I move? Which track do I lay (the tracks themselves provide the different rewards/benefits)? How can I get to space "X" before the other players? How can I get the much needed coal? I need whistles; I need cattle; I need cotton; or stone; or steel - what is the best way to get it? Do I use a rails hex in my hand, with minimal results in order to grab that awesome train tile lying on the board? So, so many neat decisions in such a simple game. Yes, I love Whistle Stop and enjoy playing it!

Amazing Customer Service

I had a problem with the delivery of my order right before Christmas. The customer service department shipped a new one right away so that I was able to give the gift in time for Christmas. They were super understanding and extremely helpful!