BoardGame Verdict
87

In Russian Railroads, players compete in an exciting race to build the largest and most advanced railway network. Players acquire locomotives and industry, build tracks, and hire engineers in a worker placement game that offers an excellent ramp-up and rewarding strategic depth.

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87

The Verdict

based on 23 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Engaging engine-building that leads to exciting, exponential scoring in later rounds.
Significant strategic depth and numerous viable paths to victory, encouraging replayability.
Challenging gameplay that requires careful planning and offers interesting decisions.
Tight scoring outcomes, often with small margins, despite players achieving very high point totals.
High replayability due to the various interlocking systems and strategic choices.
The train theme is often considered abstract or "pasted on
with the game feeling more like a mathematical puzzle.
Some early game moves can feel "scripted" or mandatory, reducing initial player choice.
Limited direct player interaction, primarily restricted to worker placement blocking.
Can be overwhelming and feel "mathy" for new players due to its complexity and point explosion mechanics.
100
Board Game BarrageVideo

The reviewer highly recommends Russian Railroads, praising its engaging sense of progression and the constant availability of meaningful actions, despite acknowledging a complex rulebook and the possibility of less impactful turns towards the game's conclusion.

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100
Board Game TipsArticle

“Russian Railroads stands out in the genre of railway-themed board games for its depth and strategic complexity. It's a highly engaging game for those who enjoy a more intense and competitive gaming experience, with a balanced blend of strategy, planning, and adaptability.”

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100
Quackalope, QuackalopeVideo

The reviewer highly praises Russian Railroads as an elegantly simple, deep, and accessible game that offers a fulfilling experience without overstaying its welcome, making it a perfect choice for fans of Euro games.

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95
UndeadVikingVideos, Undead VikingVideo

The reviewer highly praised "Russian Railroads" for its engaging worker placement, efficient point-building engine, and well-integrated mechanics, noting it became a preferred game over other strong titles in the genre.

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95
The Opinionated Gamers, Greg J. SchloesserArticle

“For me, it has been one of the highlights of 2013, and even the past several years.”

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90
Board Gamers AnonymousArticle

“Our feature review is of the extremely satisfying new worker placement game (and point bonanza), Russian Railroads.”

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90
BoardGameCo, Joel Eddy (Drive Thru Review)Video

The reviewer highly praises 'Russian Railroads' as an excellent Eurogame, highlighting its engaging mechanics and the consistently enjoyable experience it provides to all who play it.

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90
Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the BoardVideo

The reviewer was extremely impressed with Russian Railroads, calling it an outstanding and immensely deep experience where every turn feels great, offering many viable paths to victory and high replayability.

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90
Board Game Dad, Board Game Dad (Ben)Video

Board Game Dad highly praises Russian Railroads as a pure and strict worker placement game with almost no luck, where players focus on building an efficient point-generating engine by advancing tracks and upgrading locomotives.

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90
Shut Up & Sit Down, Quinns & MattArticle

“Shut Up & Sit Down found "Russian Railroads" to be a demanding and deeply mathematical Eurogame that will intensely engage players who enjoy complex strategic puzzles and optimizing multipliers, though it may be too taxing for others.”

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90
slickerdrips, TomVideo

The reviewer highly praises Russian Railroads, calling it an excellent Euro game that he truly enjoys for its engaging worker placement mechanics and strategic railway development across different lines.

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90
Drive Thru Games, Joel EddyVideo

The reviewer expresses strong enthusiasm for 'Russian Railroads,' calling it an excellent Euro game that he and others thoroughly enjoy. He particularly appreciates its engaging worker placement mechanics, strategic depth, and the satisfying ability to set up powerful, high-scoring combos.

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