An economic game of investment in railway companies that operated in the Northwest of Spain throughout the 19th century, based on the “18xx” series and more specifically in 1817.
Although 1855 inherits practically all the financial mechanics of 1817 (short sales, conversions, mergers, -hostile and friendly- acquisitions and liquidations), it presents very innovative variations that break some common patterns in the 18xx. They stand out above others:
The deconstruction of the OR where trains are purchased before running, and in addition, all companies run their trains simultaneously!!!.
In the 18xx, the profit per route is independent of the size of the company, so that the profit per share reduces as the number of shares per company increases. In this game, route profits grow with the size of the company, and earnings per share remain the same.
Fixed interest Loan System based on real life mortages. Five banks offer loans at interest rates 6%, 13%, 20%, 40% and 50% and you have to return them in 6 fixed installments, but the sooner you (partially) return it, the less final interest you end up paying. (Maybe the only game implementing this realistic mechanic).
Other great changes in common 18xx are:
Players start with no money (they ask for loans and pay interest as companies)
No private companies. Every company has different initial bonuses associated with its historic location.
Pass-based player turn order for SR (instead of Priority Deal)
Non-predictable Round scheme: SR + OR + [ CR + OR ] + MR. The second [CR +OR] is not played if a phase change within the first OR; else, a train is exported.
Incremental cost of construction, and cost in border hex (1882-like)
Parallelized and simplified auctions, for presidents in foundations and buying companies. Bid based on market. Only 1 round per OR for buy/sell all converted/merged companies together.
Tiles: no asymmetric. Upgradable towns with crosses. Plain tiles without crosses.
(experimental) 2 player mode and play by teams.
—description from the designer
Economic, Print & Play, Trains, Transportation · Auction / Bidding, Loans, Market, Network and Route Building, Ownership, Stock Holding, Team-Based Game, Tile Placement, Turn Order: Pass Order, Victory Points as a Resource
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