Should I Play Colt Express?

Is Colt Express fun to play?
Colt Express

Players: 2 – 6 players | Game Duration 30 – 40 mins |
Min. Age 10+ | Game complexity: EASY Genre: Air / Land / Sea Travel, American West, Fighting
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: No |
Online Version: No

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Hate Rulebooks? Check out our condensed How to Play Colt Express Rules Guide

What is Colt Express about?

Colt Express is an action-packed board game that’ll have you living the bandit life in the era of train robberies and saloon brawls. 

Game Overview

Colt Express is a multi-award-winning board game designed by Christophe Raimbault that transports players to the rugged American West during the onset of train travel. Players become outlaws set on robbing a Union Pacific train in the 1800s. The game is a mix of strategy, planning, and some chaos, all set against a fun western backdrop.

Gameplay and Game Mechanics

Round Up the Gang

The game can be played by up to six players. You takes on the role of a bandit, represented by a unique character card. Your goal is to  amass the most loot by the end of the game.

Loading Your Ammo

The game board is a beautiful detailed 3D train. You can move within train cars and exit through the rooftops which forces you to adapt your strategies as the game progresses. Game rounds are divided into phases, and each round begins with a Scheming phase where players select their move carefully.

Aim Carefully

The game’s core mechanic revolves around the use of action card, which are used to either move, shoot, punch, steal, or even move Marshals to mess with your opponents. The twist is that you won’t always have a clear shot at your intended target.  All actions are played out in a 3D model of the train and, during the round, these actions can have surprising results as everyone’s cards are executed sequentially.

High Stakes and High Entertainment: What Makes Colt Express Fun?

Colt Express’s excellence lies in its unpredictability. The game’s mechanics ensure that no two rounds play out the same. The 3D train and playing actions out simultaneously add an element of physical play that is unique. It’s fun to to see your plans and those of your rivals unravel in the most hilarious ways possible.

Each bandit also has a special power, so it’s exciting to explore the nuances that each character brings. The game’s visual appeal, high-quality components, and the tactile experience of playing on the train make it engaging.

Who Will Like This Game?

Colt Express is a great family game for those who love a thematic experience, and the joy of play often comes from the stories that emerge naturally rather than winning or losing.

What Have Gamers Said About the Game?

Pros:

  • Universal Family Appeal: The game is lauded for being fun for all ages
  • Strategic Gameplay: There is strategic depth, especially in the scheming phase where players plan moves in advance 
  • Set Game Time: The game lasts five rounds, a fixed duration that fits well into family or group activities.
  • Award-Winning Design: It is a Spiel des Jahres winner 
  • Physical Design: The 3D cardboard train and the overall thematic design enhances the gaming experience.

Cons:

  • Initial Setup Time: Some found the initial setup to be lengthy
  • Accessibility Issues: In games with six players, reaching the game board can be challenging.
  • Planning Phase Complexity: The strategic planning phase may not be fully appreciated by younger players

 

Find out about Colt Express

Rules

Condensed How to Play Colt Express Rules Guide for rulebook haters
Official Colt Express Rulebook

Colt Express Videos


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Award-winning Colt Express uses action game mechanism in its gameplay, find out more about this mechanism

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