Episode 389: Railway Boom, Evenglow, Forest Shuffle – Smokey Mountains

00:01:00 Intro
00:06:45 Mare Nostrum
00:13:30 Forest Shuffle – Smoky Mountains
00:18:15 The Game Makers
00:26:45 TCG News
00:28:15 Arkham Horror News
00:32:15 Taste Buds
00:35:30 Miniature Market
00:36:30 Railway Boom
00:58:00 Evenglow
01:02:30 Game Toppers LLC
01:03:30 Outro

If you love tight, economic engine builders where every resources used wisely feels like a victory during the round, Railway Boom delivers again and again. Players are railway tycoons competing to build expansive networks, connect bustling cities, while strategically bidding during each phase of the round. Tension in the Bidding: The game’s open auction mechanism forces players to constantly read the room. Overpaying might cripple your position as you expand your railway, so it is important to not get suckered in by the other players. Tight Economic Engine: Managing your revenue versus your investment capital is a constant balancing act. Strategic Depth: Over four tightly contested rounds, Railway Boom provides a solid, brain-burning puzzle for players.

Following the success of the original Forest Shuffle (and its journey through Central Europe and Dartmoor), Forest Shuffle: Smoky Mountains transports players across the Atlantic to North America’s iconic mountain range. By adding the River mechanic to the game, players will have an additional slot in the forest but with that addition comes added restrictions that players should be aware of.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, visually stunning puzzle game, Evenglow provides a gentle, satisfying experience centered on balance and symmetry. Players act as alchemists cultivating dual gardens split between Sunlight and Moonlight. But the theme doesn’t carry through to the game. Simultaneous Drafting with a Twist: On each turn, the active player selects two plant tiles for themselves and two for everyone else. This simple choice mechanic keeps play moving quickly with zero downtime while keeping player interaction subtle and clever. Symmetrical Garden Puzzling: When you place a tile on your Sunlight board, you must place its mirror counterpart on your Moonlight board. Balancing your sunlit and moonlit flora requires spatial foresight and careful planning to maximize potion-brewing bonuses.

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