/pic3472683.jpg)
Game Info
Year
2017
Players
2-5
Playtime
60 min
Collection
Ratings
Mechanic profile
Not enough video data yet
Vibe profile
Not enough video data yet
Description
With the driving of the golden spike in 1869, the first transcontinental railroad was completed in the United States — but really it was only the beginning of a rapid expansion of railways that would crisscross the entire country.
In Whistle Stop, you make your way west across the country, using your fledgling railroad company to build routes, pick up valuable cargo, and deliver needed goods to growing towns, creating a network of whistle stops that you and your competitors can leverage as you continue to expand your networks. Along the way, you gain shares in other railroads and watch your reputation soar with each successful delivery before making a final push to complete long hauls to the boom towns of the West.
This design is a new twist on pick-up-and-deliver games. As players move their trains west and pick up goods, they can deliver those goods to small towns to gain shares in railroads, or hold on to them for a bigger payout when they reach the west coast. At the same time, they try to optimize their actions (and gain extra ones), lay down new track tiles, block the other players, gather and use valuable whistles for special moves and abilities, and carefully manage their coal resources.
—description from the publisher
Featured Videos
Ask a Rules Question
All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 14
This page: 14
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–14 of 14
Video VhX4BPVexv8
Board Game Sanctuary Top List at 0:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 109867 · mention_pk 316079
Click to watch at 0:45 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Evokes nostalgia of building transport routes as a kid.
- Combines Euro game elements of collecting resources and planning connections.
- The pickup and delivery aspect is satisfying.
- The puzzle of navigating trains to the right destination is mind-bending and interesting.
- Allows for the creation of different combo engines by using whistle tokens.
- Incredibly thinky game that encourages exploiting new routes.
- Variability in route building and destination goals.
Cons
- If a train ends on a destination tile but cannot satisfy the order, players lose victory points.
- Upgrades can be stolen by other players.
- Engines become removed from the board once they reach their destination and are parked, meaning they cannot be reused.
Thematic elements
- Building transport route networks and collecting resources to deliver to destinations for victory points and fame and fortune.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Point Allowance — Players can take up to four actions per turn, such as moving trains or placing tiles.
- Pick-Up and Deliver — Players pick up different types of resources and deliver them to destination tiles on the west side of the board.
- Resource Management — Players collect coal, whistles, and various colored resource cubes to fuel actions and satisfy delivery requirements.
- Route Building — Players place track hex tiles to explore and plan routes across the board, connecting to stations and destinations.
- Set Collection — Players collect specific combinations of resource cubes to deliver to destination tiles for victory points.
- Tile Placement — Players place track hex tiles to build out the routes and connections on the board.
- Variable player powers — Players can purchase upgrade cogs that attach to their player board, providing abilities and earning victory points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- hi my name's annie and i'm from board game sanctuary and welcome to this month's top three board game vlog
- i love train games i'm a huge euro fan um and this taps into both of those areas
- whistle mountain is a worker placement game where players are going to be building a scaffold building machines and try to trigger actions and promote their workers by placing airships blimps and hot air balloons
- tiny towns is a beautiful bingo-style pattern building game with a very cute theme
- this game is definitely a game that would absolutely like to play a lot more of its three-dimensional abstract and puzzling nature really lifts off the table
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YF9_Tk3je6c
Board Game Sanctuary Analysis at 12:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 109842 · mention_pk 315971
Click to watch at 12:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Intuitive use of hexagons for connections
- Rotatable tiles create dynamic pathways
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- train delivery
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Route Building — Players pick and place tiles in gaps to bridge connections and move trains across a board to deliver colored cubes. Hexagons are used to join edges, and tiles can be rotated to create different pathways.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- When it comes to board game packaging most board games are square shaped so that they can be catalogued stacked and displayed easily on your shelf
- When it comes to designing a game and translating it into a fully fledged board game the shape of a game is the first thing that designers often think about
- Squares are really good because they can be easily joined together with other squares to make rectangles
- The idea that moving one space diagonally is not the same distance as moving one space orthogonally is an interesting dilemma that game designers have to contend with
- The hexagon is a very common shape used in many modern board games in fact it's a shape that tessellates extremely well
- When it comes to emulating the geography and topography of the true natural features of a map in a board game using a hex grid based system is actually particularly effective
- I'm always truly fascinated when it comes to tile laying games and the sorts of shapes that game designers use in their games to create a fun experience
- Just because a game uses a square shaped tile in its design doesn't actually mean that that game is any less complex
- Just when you think that the square has finally relished in its glory in terms of one-upping a hexagon in terms of its design shape well the game gods love dinosaurs takes domino's to a whole new level
- Polyhexes have an interesting shape to them and when you attach a polyhex to an established map they provide players with up to 10 different options of different ways they can be connected together
- Henceforth you could even rotate the tile so that it fits in spaces like this one here
- What this has consistently shown so far is that hexagons always provide that extra flexibility the extra level of option that squares don't often provide
- I personally gravitate towards the hexagon just because the shapes feel more organic when it comes to map building
- When games can kind of marry the shape of the game to the mechanisms and their theme and they can do it well then that says to me that it doesn't really matter what shape the game is the game is going to be fun regardless
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Cp5yMVz_-1g
Board Game Sanctuary Top List at 5:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 109027 · mention_pk 314620
Click to watch at 5:55 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Taps into the fascination with trains.
- Interesting tile placement for route building.
- Ability to create cool combos.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Trains, picking up and delivering goods
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Pick-Up and Deliver — Taps into that pickup and deliver mechanism.
- Set Collection — Delivering a certain combination of goods.
- Tile Placement — Placing hex tiles to connect railroad lines.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- after all these years I'm finally ready to share my top 50 board games of all time
- I love the Egyptian theme in this game and how it carries through into the mechanics.
- The game has a really interesting post-apocalyptic environmental Focus to its theme.
- It is quite a relaxing chill satisfying experience with just enough Frills to give me that enjoyment Factor.
- This is super satisfying and I just love how it gives you opportunity to score along the way.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video H5vy_L6xvjc
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Discussion at 14:11:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 93533 · mention_pk 253910
Click to watch at 14:11:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Simple to learn, good entry-level game.
- A step above Ticket to Ride with more complexity.
- Enjoyable tile-laying aspect for strategy.
- Trains are a beloved theme for the host.
- Adds variability through tile placement.
Cons
- Some special upgrades can slow the game down.
- Can lead to analysis paralysis due to tile placement decisions.
- Might not be suitable for players seeking a heavier game.
Thematic elements
- Trains
Comparison games
- Ticket to Ride
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action selection — Players choose between spending coal or whistles to move their trains.
- Pick-Up and Deliver — Players move trains to specific locations to buy stocks or trade resources.
- Resource Management — Players collect and use resources to buy stocks or other resources.
- Stock Holding — Players buy stocks in companies, which award victory points at the end of the game.
- Tile Placement — Players place tiles on the board as they play, influencing movement and strategy.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The best place to go shopping for games right now is it fun again games not got fun again game calm is fun again getting Wow
- Well I'm glad they paid for that spot Well you need a game to put that insert into and what the best place go get games right now is fun again calm
- The only place you can get it correct me if I'm wrong is Walmart
- we were told that it's like hey if you guys like the north north market wait till you check out the Reading Terminal Market and how was it I have to eat crow
- This is the Waffle House dude I thought okay you know I'm sure the waffles here are big thick and fluffy no they're thin hard and crispy yeah
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video S19NdyHdTBQ
Rolling Dice & Taking Names Review at 155:30:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 93534 · mention_pk 253917
Click to watch at 155:30:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Highly anticipated, with a scheduled wider release.
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card Play — Mechanics likely involve playing cards to perform actions or gain advantages.
- Limited Release — Initially had limited releases at conventions and was scheduled for a wider release later.
- Resource Management — Implied by the need to manage resources or tokens within the game's progression.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's like putting together just a perfectly fit puzzle.
- If you enjoy doing Excel spreadsheets, this game is for you.
- This game feels a lot like an RPG for miniatures.
- The math spreadsheet thinking part of the game, Oh My Heavens, our heads were hurting.
- It is it is is a social game it is a bidding game it is very much a economic game it's a bunch of different things crammed together that I think actually works pretty darn well.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kfoEnFAoXKM
Getting Games Discussion at 1:25:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 92054 · mention_pk 247164
Click to watch at 1:25:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fun on convention floor; fast-paced
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- railway / trains
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- puzzle-like tile placement / drafting — place hexes to form routes; manage color/resources; stock endgame victory
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- your videos are great I love your YouTube channel especially your playthroughs
- Lisboa is a beautiful game
- this was the funnest moment that I had at the convention
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video creGsTAg7kQ
Meeple University Promotion at 0:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 90554 · mention_pk 242087
Click to watch at 0:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Referenced as an example of other games with boxes that could fit the deluxe train set pieces
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- for deluxe board game train sets from the little plastic train company
- like inside ticket to ride box
- the design that won't break when your cat or child dropped them on the floor
- a wooden stackable skull marker
- 48 train pieces
- check out deluxe board game train sets on kickstarter
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _F_cJRXe4Ts
All You Can Board Top List at 17:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62959 · mention_pk 156103
Click to watch at 17:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful components and art
- gorgeous presentation
- novel tile-placement approach with a train theme
Cons
- listed as 75 minutes; can extend with 4-5 players; may feel longer than expected
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Whistle Mountain
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Compound Scoring — collect coal and whistle tokens, cash in resources for points
- progressive endgame tiles — end tiles are randomly set, creating variability each game
- resource collection / scoring — collect coal and whistle tokens, cash in resources for points
- tile laying / route building — lay tiles to create a board path for trains; connect to resources and end tiles
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a real gem of a game
- it's a really unique game
- the art in this game is phenomenal
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video DymS5XSCiHY
All You Can Board Discussion at 26:17 sentiment: negative
video_pk 62939 · mention_pk 156001
Click to watch at 26:17 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
- solid design
- interesting mechanics for resource gathering and cashing in
Cons
- long play time
- setup and rule explanations with new players
- not hitting the table as often as other games
Thematic elements
- railroad/stock and trade
Comparison games
- Imperial Steam
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is an amazing game. It's high up on my top 50 of all time.
- Bees is a great game, but it is very much a family game and I might say I don't play family games but I have very few of them in my collection.
- New York Zoo definitely is trying to do something new with the animals.
- Gizmos is a really really good game.
- Whistle Stop is a solid design.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video xbibw-ZdCko
Board Game Spotlight Review at 35:42 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12052 · mention_pk 88903
Click to watch at 35:42 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Phenomenal game
- So much fun
- Great designer
- Love trains
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Building railroad networks
- Train network building
- Transportation themed
Comparison games
- Sorcerer City
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- map traversal — Move from one side of map to other
- resource collection — Collect cubes and resources
- route connection — Connect different routes on map
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Agricola is one of those games that you just got to have in your collection if you like euro style games
- Porta is one of my favorite underrated games
- Broom service I absolutely love food service one of the coolest mechanics in board games 100 percent recommend this game it is a hoot
- Barron Park is my favorite polyomino Tetris in a board game game
- Orleans is a top 5 game for me period just one of my favorite games to play ever
- Power grid this was the game that got me into board gaming y'all
- Seven wonders this is a modern-day classic
- Betrayal at house on the hill every game is different
- King of Tokyo one of those games that you have to have in your collection
- If you like board games one or percent recommend this game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video q6wLlGJGZ4E
3 Minute Board Games Discussion at 2:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10755 · mention_pk 112749
Click to watch at 2:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- First train game for the speaker; expresses interest in the mechanics
- Compactness and novelty noted through interest in trade/postal themes
Cons
- No specific gameplay depth details provided in transcript
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Kia ora Lotou and welcome to my shelf of Shame update for July 2019
- it's ballooned up to about 25 at the moment
- this is the mechanically most complex game in the set
- I really should give it at least one go over
- this ties into that whole getting a campaign together exactly we want it to play the whole damn thing
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video K5xSPyZUxYU
3 Minute Board Games Discussion at 9:38 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6062 · mention_pk 18026
Click to watch at 9:38 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- By buzzer games
- Host likes their stuff
Cons
- Sequel already released
- Haven't even opened original
- Got from math trade 5 years ago
Thematic elements
- Network building
- Railroad routes
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I used to call this a shelf of shame that was a pretty common thing to call it back in the day and I don't never really liked that term because I don't feel shame that I haven't got to these games
- this is mostly work like this is just a backload of things I probably should get to
- people will still be looking for it
- it doesn't matter if the game is like 20 years old people will still be looking for it
- I've painted this one and I spent a lot of time doing it
- there's no point putting them on the channel I think both of them have been out of print for like a decade
- one of the worst kickstarters by one of the worst studios in board gaming history
- Golden Bell Studios did everything wrong you could possibly think of
- purely toxic company run by incredibly terrible people
- it would be kind of a joke that I'd be able to do a three minute video of feudum
- this game has a tutorial video online that's like 40 minutes long
- The Rose explanation video feels like a parody but it's actually how the game is played
- nothing personally to me puts me off playing a game that then sitting down unboxing it and having a craft assignment
- stop making me spend hours assembling your damn games
- this is an uncontrollable mess right now
- I'm a full-time dad and I'm really doing this in the evenings
- I have a finite space and also it just puts pressure and stress on me having a whole bunch of crap there that I know I'm not going to get to
- I'm going to do a big cull
- I will be published by this company but that doesn't mean I'm going to be slavishly devoted to every single game they put out
- I am a sucker for cute animal games like I really am
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VQBA5LlihA0
3 Minute Board Games Discussion at 21:12 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 2552 · mention_pk 7485
Click to watch at 21:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
none
Cons
- Not interested in train games
Thematic elements
- train
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the fastest-growing boardgame community in the world
- I'm a big fan of Kitchen rush
- why isn't this an everybody toy store this should be sold alongside uno
- I think one of the best low-complexity games over the plate
- my favorite board game reviewer is a channel called alas board games
- so bloody good game
- wow this is I should have played at ages ago
- reckoners is really cool game
- this is a fabulous looking game real-time submarine warfare game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SykgVk2l9yA
The Broken Meeple Top List at 7:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1543 · mention_pk 4435
Click to watch at 7:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Simple rules
- Easy to teach
- Good depth from strategy
- Dynamic map creation
- Different player paths
- Replayability with random town tiles
- Optional expansion adds minimal complexity
Cons
- Requires rethinking routes as opponents place tiles
Thematic elements
- Building rail routes and transporting goods
- Train network across a map
- Pick up and deliver transportation
Comparison games
- Ticket to Ride
- Tessuro
- Metro
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action Points — Limited action points to spend on train movement
- Pick up and delivery — Moving trains to collect and deliver resources
- Pick-Up and Deliver — Moving trains to collect and deliver resources
- resource collection — Collecting resources and converting to points
- Set Collection — Collecting shares/resources for points
- Tile Placement — Building the map with hex tiles containing routes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a nice quaint little puzzle game that most people have probably never heard of
- there's a lot of different ways to approach it but the rules pretty straightforward
- this is another underrated gem in my book
- area control game in 90 minutes or less there's not many of those around really
- really has kind of won me over as a really solid deck builder and i didn't think i'd be saying that very often
- it is so good in fact that this has the easy chance of hitting my top 100 next year
- i love how simple this game is but you've got a lot of decision making to do
- in terms of a modern cluedo there is no better version to get than this
- one of the easiest games to teach especially if you already know how to do trick taking games
- really low complexity ratio with a pretty decent amount of depth
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–14 of 14