Shikoku 1889
- Players
- 2-6
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 240 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2004
About the game
Shikoku 1889 is an 18xx-style stock and railway game set on Japan's Shikoku island, where players buy shares in competing rail companies and guide their operations to build track and generate revenue. As the game progresses, trains grow obsolete and city revenues climb, driving a constant tension between share investment and railway operations. Major shareholders make the operating decisions for each company, tying personal profit to collective corporate success. It's a deep, historically grounded entry in the beloved 18xx family of train games.
Hobbli's Notes
Shikoku 1889 offers a smaller, more terrain-heavy take on the classic 18xx formula, making it a slightly gentler entry point into the genre than sprawling titles like 1830. Still, the stock-and-operations interplay demands careful long-term planning and a real appreciation for economic simulation. Best suited to groups already fond of train and stock-market games.
What we like
- Terrain-heavy map offers a distinctive spin on the 18xx formula.
- Deep interplay between stock investment and railway operations.
- Rewards careful long-term economic planning.
- Beloved by fans of the historic train-game genre.
Keep in mind
- Very long playtime demands a dedicated group and evening.
- Steep learning curve typical of 18xx-style games.
- Not accessible for players new to stock-holding mechanics.
Who it's for
Best for experienced gamers, ages 14+, in groups of 3-6 who enjoy stock-market and railway economic simulation.
