First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

First Class: All Aboard the Orient Express!

Card GameTrains
Players
2-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
80 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
14+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.8 / 5
Year
2016

About the game

In First Class, players build luxury train lines in the early twentieth century, extending rail networks toward Constantinople, upgrading train cars, and serving wealthy passengers to earn fame points. Each round, a limited set of action cards is available to draft, and players use two of five interchangeable action-card decks, so different combinations create distinct challenges and strategies each game. Its modular card-based structure gives First Class strong replayability despite its accessible ruleset.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's team enjoys the elegant way First Class turns train-building into a card game, using drafted cards to represent a growing rail empire rather than a traditional board. The mix-and-match module decks mean every session can play quite differently. A charming, thematic choice for train and set-collection enthusiasts.

What we like

  • Modular action-card decks create varied strategic challenges each game.
  • Charming Orient Express theme with strong thematic flair.
  • Cards visually represent your growing rail empire.
  • Accessible rules despite meaningful strategic depth.

Keep in mind

  • Limited number of action cards each round can create competition bottlenecks.
  • Train theme may not appeal to all groups.

Who it's for

Great for gamers aged 10+ who enjoy train and set-collection games; plays well with 2-4 players in around 80 minutes.

Mechanics

DraftingSet CollectionVariable Set-up

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