1849: The Game of Sicilian Railways
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 4.2 / 5
- Year
- 1998
About the game
1849: The Game of Sicilian Railways is an 18xx-style economic game where players lay track and buy shares to build a railway network across Sicily from 1849 to 1922. As a more streamlined entry in the genre, it retains the core 18xx loop of stock holding, auctions, and route-building while trimming playtime compared to bigger titles like it. Three to five players compete to grow the most profitable rail empire. It rewards sharp economic timing and careful investment decisions.
Hobbli's Notes
This scratches the 18xx itch in a shorter package, which we appreciate for groups not ready to commit to a full-length train game. The stock and route-building interplay is classic and satisfying for genre fans. That said, it still demands real economic literacy and isn't a casual pickup.
What we like
- Streamlined, more accessible take on the 18xx genre.
- Classic stock-holding and route-building interplay.
- Rewards sharp economic planning and timing.
- Good entry point for players new to 18xx games.
Keep in mind
- Still a long, complex game at three hours.
- Thin theme beyond the economic railway simulation.
- Niche appeal outside of train-game enthusiasts.
Who it's for
Best for experienced economic-game and train-game fans aged 14 and up, in groups of 3-5.
