18Cuba (2023)

About this game

18Cuba tells a fictional story about railroading in Cuba. The game features six minor and eight major companies as well as a state company. The minor companies transport sugar cane from the sugar fields to the sugar mill. The large companies transport in addition to the usual 18xx income generating system the sugar to the harbors. The state railway operates with discarded trains and fixed stations on the map. Sugar plantations are represented by small companies and special tiles that produce sugar cubes, which can be picked up by the large companies with special railroad cars and add to their income by ferrying them off at a port. Although the state railway controls most of the station tokens, you can pay it off and use them for your own company. As usual in 18xx games, the wealthiest player at game end is the winner.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 3.5/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.