/pic4118864.png)
Collection Status
Your Rating
Description
In the multiplayer puzzle game Railroad Ink, your goal is to connect as many exits on your board as possible. Each round, a set of dice are rolled in the middle of the table, determining which kind of road and railway routes are available to all players. You have to draw these routes on your erasable boards to create transport lines and connect your exits, trying to optimize the available symbols better than your opponents.
The more exits you connect, the more points you score at the end of the game, but you lose points for each incomplete route, so plan carefully! Will you press your luck and try to stretch your transportation network to the next exit, or will you play it safe and start a new, simpler to manage route?
Railroad Ink comes in two versions, each one including two expansions with additional dice sets that add special rules to your games. The Blazing Red Edition includes the Lava and Meteor expansions. Try to confine the lava coming from the erupting volcano before it destroys your routes, or deal with the havoc brought by the meteor strikes and mine the craters for precious ore. These special rules can spice up things and make each game play and feel different.
Each box allows you to play from 1 to 6 players, and if you combine more boxes, you can play with up to 12 players (or more). The only limit to the number of players is the number of boards you have!
Year Published
2018
Featured Videos
Playthrough
Railroad Ink Playthrough
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 10 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video eOjELA9eHng
Unknown Channel playthrough at 0:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61664 · mention_pk 154311
Click to watch at 0:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Easy to learn and quick to play
- Clear scoring and accessible to new players
- Expansions add variety and new strategies
Cons
- Potential for many open-ended routes, which can lead to negative points
- Some players may find the scoring fiddly without a tracker
Thematic elements
- Railway network construction and route optimization
- Abstract grid representing rail network construction with exits and a central scoring area.
- Procedural puzzle-like playthrough
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- central square scoring — The center area provides points for filled squares.
- dice-rolling and placement — Each round four dice are rolled and must be placed on the player's mat to build roads or rails.
- expansion interaction — Lakes and Rivers expansions modify scoring and route-building with water features.
- longest road/rail bonuses — Bonus points awarded for the longest continuous road and longest rail network.
- Network/route building — Players attempt to connect as many exits as possible in a single continuous route.
- route construction and exit connections — Players attempt to connect as many exits as possible in a single continuous route.
- unfinished route penalties — Open-ended routes that do not reach an edge or an exit subtract points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this comes with two expansions rivers and lakes but we're just going to play the base game
- super easy super simple very fun
- I love a good roll-and-write I'm writing
- it's a beautiful little game
- I hope you enjoyed and I hope you have a lovely day
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video irRXT3p1t9Q
general_discussion at 3:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61640 · mention_pk 154267
Click to watch at 3:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Appears engaging and accessible as a quick puzzle.
- Dice-driven decisions create interesting tension each turn.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Rail transport, network optimization, and spatial puzzle solving.
- A stylized, abstract railway planning world where players draw routes and connect cities across a grid.
- Abstract, score-driven puzzle with a compact, accessible presentation; emphasis on quick decisions and pattern creation.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Dice determine route opportunities and actions for players to mark on their personal boards.
- Pattern Building — Players aim to connect routes and optimize layouts to maximize points while avoiding overlaps and dead-ends.
- pattern-building — Players aim to connect routes and optimize layouts to maximize points while avoiding overlaps and dead-ends.
- roll-and-write — Dice determine route opportunities and actions for players to mark on their personal boards.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Today was such a great day; met so many amazing people at the convention.
- I can't believe I got recognized by viewers in public; it's crazy to me.
- Final Girl is such an amazing game; chatting with the designer was lovely.
- It was incredible to see all the minis and the display stands; the whole experience felt special.
- I'm going to post another mini vlog tomorrow; thanks for watching.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video G0wikase5xM
Unknown Channel top_5_list at 9:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 59704 · mention_pk 152232
Click to watch at 9:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High variability with expansions
- Beautiful map aesthetics
- Strong social appeal across age groups
Cons
- Expansions can overwhelm new players
Thematic elements
- railroad construction and route optimization
- rail network planning across a modular grid
- abstract and puzzle-driven
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Expansions integration — Supports various expansions (e.g., Lakes, Rivers) and variant rules (Pac-Man flavor).
- grid placement — Lay down tracks on a grid while balancing constraints.
- Roll-and-write / dice drafting — Roll dice and record routes on your map grid.
- tile placement — Lay down tracks on a grid while balancing constraints.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these games are visually striking unique mechanically and that really put fun at the Forefront of any game nights
- I think you really can't go wrong with symbolo if you're into these deduction Cooperative style games
- Dragon Castle as you can see visual appeal 10 out of 10
- this game is such a Serene beautiful experience with just the right amount of tension in the drafting
- Steam Park is the game where you're creating a roller coaster theme park for robots
- Railroad Inc is a rolling right game where you are rolling dice to construct highways
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video N4PlKjio-po
Board Stupid top_10_list at 2:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 36602 · mention_pk 109833
Click to watch at 2:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Relaxing
- easy to teach
- short playtime
Cons
- Limited player interaction
Thematic elements
- rail routing and puzzle
- abstract map of rail networks
- non-narrative, puzzle-driven
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — roll dice to determine available routes and write/draw on the map
- Network/route building — connect routes to maximize points and create efficient networks
- roll-and-write — roll dice to determine available routes and write/draw on the map
- route-building — connect routes to maximize points and create efficient networks
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a nice little roll and write game where you're trying to build the best routes on your map
- it's the easiest one I could possibly teach to anybody
- it's not a game that you need again you don't need someone else that is really into board game you literally explain it in 30 seconds
- it's a classic deck builder very simple One Versus One
- it's the most asymmetric games that you can think about
- Scout is my favorite card game you can play in 15 minutes
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video byc-ce8VFF8
Board Game Garden top_100_list at 5:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31338 · mention_pk 92293
Click to watch at 5:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- very relaxing and satisfying dice-driven experience
- expands with multiple editions and variants (Yellow/Red/Archipelago boards)
Cons
- can be color/design variant heavy; expansions may feel optional
Thematic elements
- relaxing, route-building and path-connecting
- Railway planning and route drawing themed around rail networks
- light, approachable
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- completion scoring — points scored based on how efficiently and broadly tracks are connected
- dice drafting / random event generation — dice rolls determine possible routes and constraints
- solo/full-solo and multi-variant play — supports solo play and various board configurations
- tile/track placement — players place roads and rail lines for points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I love this game so much
- I freaking love it
- you are somebody's reason to smile
- I will see you guys in the next board game video
- bye friends
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SGXvH0p9Tyw
Actualol top_10_list at 7:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11895 · mention_pk 129013
Click to watch at 7:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- easy entry point to the roll-and-write genre
- delightful presentation and compact box
- scales from 1 to 12 players with multiple versions
Cons
- uninspiring theme noted by the reviewer
Thematic elements
- logistics and network building
- world of railways and roads with interconnected networks
- puzzle-like, clean and abstract
Comparison games
- Roll-and-write genre
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- end game bonuses — longest networks and properly connected routes yield points.
- end-game evaluation — longest networks and properly connected routes yield points.
- Flip/Roll and Write — roll dice to determine routes and draw them on your own grid.
- Grid-based connection — connect routes to exits and existing networks for scoring.
- Network/route building — connect routes to exits and existing networks for scoring.
- roll-and-write — roll dice to determine routes and draw them on your own grid.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's intensely thematic as you spend the game drawing on your map trying to eliminate possible areas and deduce where it could be
- Chronicles of Crime is a crime solving game in the vein of Sherlock Holmes consulting detective that uses an app to deliver its clues and story
- the game lets you step into the crime scenes yourself by using virtual reality glasses with the phone app
- Shadows Amsterdam feels like a wonderful combination of Code Names and Mysterium turned up to eleven by introducing the frantic stress of a real-time game
- Detective a modern crime game is a crime solving cooperative game from Portal Games
- the cases are rich and complex and you will feel like real detectives as you take notes, pour over all the information and argue with your friends about suspects and leads
- Railroad Inc hits that perfect spot for a roll and write game of being easy to jump into
- the river is the latest game from Days of Wonder who are famous for beautiful approachable games for newbies like Ticket to Ride
- timing is everything you desperately want to build early as bonuses dwindle
- Western Legends the freedom of sandbox means they can be loose and there's some expectation to balance the game if you don't want someone to achieve a runaway outlaw strategy you need to stop them but that's keeping with the theme
- it's the closest boardgames will come to the video game Red Dead Redemption
- Pictomania is fast fun and chaotic
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 6JVMgTqpZyc
John Gets Games top_10_list at 20:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11862 · mention_pk 121365
Click to watch at 20:17 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, puzzle-like decisions per turn
- highly accessible and quick to teach
- expansion options add significant variability and replayability
Cons
- less thematic depth; more abstract than some other titles
- may feel repetitive without expansions for veteran players
Thematic elements
- network-building with dice-driven outcomes
- fictional rail/road network construction world; a map-like grid to connect lines
- puzzle-like, competitive but largely abstract network-building
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — points come from the length/quality of connected lines and network exits
- connectivity scoring — points come from the length/quality of connected lines and network exits
- expansions for variability — blue/red versions with additional expansions (lakes/rivers or meteors/lava) alter scoring and layout
- Flip/Roll and Write — roll dice and use results to draw rail and road networks on a dry-erase board
- roll-and-write / draw-and-plot — roll dice and use results to draw rail and road networks on a dry-erase board
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the asymmetries which are really wonderful
- every turn is the main engine; you're trying to build up these combos
- this game is a big winner
- holy cow this is amazing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1KoFar5WVnw
Latvian Board Gaming Channel top_10_list at 0:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11254 · mention_pk 129284
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fantastic travel game
- Can play on plane or bus
- Hard cardboard drawing board
- Portable filler game
Cons
- Quite difficult to get points
Thematic elements
- Drawing rail and road networks
- Train network building
- Abstract puzzle
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Roll dice and draw results on maps
- Pattern Building — Connect all dice results together
- Roll and Write — Roll dice and draw results on maps
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Does your wife ever tell you what to do all the time especially what board games to play
- My wife loves games where she beats your ass
- This was the game we took to the hospital when my son was born
- I'm afraid for the calendar its days are numbered
- What does a sprinter eat before a race? Nothing, they fast
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1EbgyhVJAFM
Actual general_discussion at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9761 · mention_pk 126923
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegant core mechanic with tight, quick rounds
- minimal setup, strong quick-play appeal
- draft mode adds strategic variety without overhauling base rules
Cons
- expansion dice and extra boards can feel bloated and optional
- certain expansions may slow or complicate the gameplay flow
Thematic elements
- rail transport planning and route optimization
- abstract rail-network puzzle on a grid-based map where players draw routes to connect exits and maximize coverage
- procedural, data-driven evaluation of routes; emphasis on puzzle-solving over story
Comparison games
- Railroad Ink (base)
- Railroading Challenge (expansion)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — Specific goals (e.g., complete a 3x3 grid, connect opposite sides) offer additional scoring opportunities.
- draft/variable play modes — Draft-like mode (in Railroad Ink Draft) lets players select from a pair of dice combinations to shape their turn strategy.
- expansion variants — Expansion components introduce new icons (rivers, volcanoes, etc.) that modify scoring and route choices.
- Flip/Roll and Write — Players roll dice each turn and transfer the results to their personal map by drawing symbols representing routes and intersections.
- Goal-based scoring — Specific goals (e.g., complete a 3x3 grid, connect opposite sides) offer additional scoring opportunities.
- grid-based route building — Players attempt to connect map exits while balancing the risk of dead-ends and blocked paths.
- Network/route building — Players attempt to connect map exits while balancing the risk of dead-ends and blocked paths.
- roll-and-write — Players roll dice each turn and transfer the results to their personal map by drawing symbols representing routes and intersections.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- railroad inc and burgle brothers are two of my favorite board games of all time
- the appeal of a board game sequel is that at heart it's the same game you know and love
- you will enjoy their sequel the problem is that at their heart they're the same game
- the basic game of railroad ink is fun
- i'm not sure i need extra stuff
- less is more
- i will never play with challenge and an expansion
- original burgle brothers didn't need them to make an entertaining replayable game
- these tokens are totally in keeping with the game's vibe but they add more randomness to an already lucky game
- the finale acts like a third floor
- there's a trend with reviewers to say burgle brothers 2 fixes all of the problems with burgle brothers
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4Z8_t2e4MEY
Before You Play top_50_list at 11:59 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4734 · mention_pk 119121
Click to watch at 11:59 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast gameplay; great for large groups
- portable editions; multiple versions available
- easy to teach and quick to play
Cons
- can feel repetitive across plays
- may be less satisfying for players seeking thematic depth
Thematic elements
- transportation planning; abstract grid-building
- Railway/road network development
- procedural, utilitarian
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Flip/Roll and Write — Roll dice to determine track options and write them on your sheet to build routes.
- Network/route building — Create interconnected road and rail networks across a shared map.
- Roll and Write — Roll dice to determine track options and write them on your sheet to build routes.
- Route creation — Create interconnected road and rail networks across a shared map.
- Scoring per route — Score points for efficient network reach and connections.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we are embarking on our top 50 journey
- the games for the most part are going to be shipped directly from the publishers
- we have excluded games that we've only played one time
- crossovers obviously because we share a collection a lot
- please keep in mind we are not here to sway you one way or the other but we do have to disclose
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–10 of 10