In the expansion review series, we take a look at a game expansion to discuss whether it is a necessary purchase/addition to one’s collection.
This preview is for a board game accessory, something we almost never review. However, I saw the call for reviewers for something that could easily be added to one of the best-selling board games of all time and had to see what it entails.
This is a set of plastic trains that can be used in multiple train-style board games (the publisher lists Ticket to Ride, Empyreal, Railways of the World, and others). This set specifically, The Mercury, will replace the blue trains from Ticket to Ride (TTR), which is the game I have tested with this upgrade.
It is a simple switch out of original trains for these new bits. Easy as pie. They add no mechanical differences or special rules. They are merely a component upgrade.
Is this accessory necessary? Absolutely not. If you enjoy the look of base TTR or other train games, then this is just a luxury. However, just look at how nice these things are! Such detail! Each set is also promised to showcase a different model for each color as well, so one could easily pick up an entire collection of these and trick out their Ticket to Ride, along with the absolutely necessary 1910 expansion.
Official recommendation: I think that since I have never really blinged out any of my board games to date that this hits me in an interesting way. If I upgrade my trains for TTR will I play it more often? You know what… Probably yes. There is a certain amount of prestige that goes along with upgrading a well-loved copy of a loved game. If you are someone who enjoys having upgraded components for that “deluxe” feel, then grab these trains (and the others that will be Kickstarted as well). I think now that I have The Mercury I will at least be watching the campaign and more than likely backing the rest. I love these little trains!
