Board Game Geek Rating: 6.34
Board Game Geek Avg Player Rating: 8.06
Players: 2 to 6
Published: 2022
Content Notes: Kickstarter Edition of Shikoku: 1889 Board Game by Grand Trunk Games. Includes core board game and all unlocked stretch goals. Please note: unless otherwise stated paid add ons from the Kickstarter Campaign are not included.
1889, an 18xx game in the series originated by Francis Tresham’s 1829, is set in Shikoku Japan. The rules are similar to 1830: Railways & Robber Barons on a smaller and terrain-heavy map.
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/604/176/6a47140199a44b1af7182ae9a1c04fd0_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637091155&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=3ab6f276c71ed80acf6301cf532d1c29)
Japan’s period of sakoku (鎖国, “locked country”) has ended. The Meiji Restoration is underway and an explosion of technology has overtaken the country, with the locomotive as the leading symbol of modernization. The island of Shikoku is no exception as railway operations emerge around the island and entrepreneurs attempt to make their fortune.
In Shikoku 1889, you play the role of these entrepreneurs, starting and operating railways corporations to build Shikoku’s railway network with the hopes that you will have amassed more wealth than any of your competitors by the end of the railway revolution.
Shikoku 1889 is a re-release of the classic 18xx title “1889: History of Shikoku Railways”. For nearly 2 decades, 1889 has been considered to be the best introduction to the 18xx genre for its short playtime and simplicity to teach. Even though Shikoku 1889 is simple enough to be your first 18xx experience, it has an incredible depth that will take many plays to unpack.
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/604/180/b793255d71c0a3651b9d33de809e5d46_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637091192&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=bf07fa335505134713dec757fe59fda6)
- A new name: While this game has had the title “1889: History of Shikoku Railways” for many years, I made the decision to change the name to “Shikoku 1889”.
- New graphic design and illustration: We spent nearly a year to bring you the most aesthetically pleasing and functional 18xx presentation to date.
- Full rulebook rewrite: This rulebook comes packed with written and visual examples, a game overview section, and clearly written rules. This rulebook was written to be the best way for any new player to learn 18xx.
- High-quality components: 1889 for many years has only been available as a hand-made game. This will be the first mass-produced edition and will be made by manufacturers who are industry leaders for component quality.
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/604/195/fff413ea1a448d37f456bcdbe4b7fe7b_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637091267&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=cf9c5cea149877482e1fd261dce29441)
![shikoku 1889 kickstarter board game the game steward thegamesteward](https://cdn.shopify/s/files/1/1915/6645/files/shikoku-1889.jpg?v=1643281547)
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/604/201/acdc26370fbafb0ff01aaba1ca9a6064_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637091296&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=39a03f44f3c446997494fbbd66f9d2c4)
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/963/788/0e057b442918d5062bb2273958fa9aad_original.png?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1641054214&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=c48e553b70973bd1f36003657a2d6675)
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/684/152/5d8148b57091e673104bc3df34e6edbd_original.png?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637803496&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=c3e857474f536ee26fbdcebf14012bdf)
Prints for Erik Frobom’s “Rusted Blossoms” will be available for purchase as an add-on in the pledge manager. Add-on price TBD.
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/684/179/d4fa72a49d683c0883900569c0d85e2a_original.png?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637803840&auto=format&gif-q=50&lossless=true&s=3101d32f7c7faf241e8d512f05d38fad)
![](https://ksr-ugc.imgix/assets/035/604/185/6500ab24f315505b97030a059680837c_original.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.0.2&w=680&fit=max&v=1637091212&auto=format&gif-q=50&q=92&s=c4cd68c68ca3e22b71021bbd7da90870)
18xx is a game system that you may have heard of but may have not yet tried due to its reputation for being long and complex.
Many 18xx games however, are actually fairly straightforward, take 3-4 hours to play, and are absolutely fantastic gaming experiences. You play the role of an investor who starts, operates, and purchases shares of railroad companies. The railroad companies build their networks across the map and purchase trains that will be used to generate revenue and pay dividends to the companies’ investors. Company values are tracked on a stock market, which players will use when making their investment decisions. At the end of the game, a player’s score is determined by the value of the shares and cash in their hands.
What makes 18xx games so compelling to play is how players are able to affect the game and each other with seemingly insignificant decisions. Since games typically have perfect information, the outcome of the game is completely driven by the actions of the players.
In 1889, 2-6 players will use money to purchase shares in railroad companies during Share Dealing Rounds. Between subsequent Share Dealing Rounds, railroad corporations then conduct operations on the game board, with the decisions being made by the player who is the major shareholder. The game simulates the progression of railroad development during an historic period on Shikoku. Old trains become obsolete while the revenue earnings from cities grows over time. Players will try to purchase the most profitable shares at the right times of the game to maximize earnings in dividends and stock value gains. In the end, the player with the highest value of personal cash and held stocks is the winner.
The game was originally available in kit form from Wild Heaven, and is now being published by Grand Trunk Games.
–from the publisher
We’re glad to back campaigns to bring you games like Shikoku 1889: Core Game Kickstarter Game to buy online at TheGameSteward. We will use a hefty percentage of every dollar you spend on Shikoku 1889: Core Game towards backing fantastic new games on Kickstarter! Just a reminder, if you have purchase questions on Shikoku 1889: Core Game (Kickstarter Special Edition) game, how to buy online at The Game Steward or just need a game advice, please contact us at The Game Steward.
Anonymous –
Wrangler Men's Classic Button Down Geo Print Long Sleeve Shirt – Red Wrangler
Oz-Mate Seafin Roof 10×40 Binoculars Oz-Mate
Car Vent Dash Storage Container for Mitsubishi Montero 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 TrueLine Automotive
Facial Corrector LeClerc (12 ml) LeClerc
FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE (2020) #14 IMAGE COMICS
Pointed Knit Bonnet- Blue Feltman Brothers
womens jordan heavyweight chicago pants (legend coffee) jordan
Hunter Green Tulle Maxi Dress with Criss Cross Back Maniju / m27450 – Hunter Green $19
Battery For ASUS Eee PC 1001HA, Eee PC 1005, Eee PC 1005H, CS-AUL32NB
Janet Collection Color Me Lovely 6" Deep Part Lace Synthetic Wigs JANET
GREY PNEUMATIC 1140T SOC T40 3/8D IMP INT TRX MALE GREY PNEUMATIC
Arki+ 74 Reverse Knob by FROST Frost
Bralette Curvy Con Spalline Incrociate Cosabella
STRAY DOGS TP IMAGE COMICS
Hot Pink Shawl Collar Blazer Heimish
Universal Kilerem 15,9 mm x 139,70 cm (55") Oregon
DORMAN 973-300 PIGTAIL 7 WIRE DORMAN
STEERING WHEEL, SS. 15-1/2" Poseidon Marine
GATES 36093 DRIVEALIGN IDLER/TENSIONER PULLEY BRISTOL AUTOMOTIVE PARTS
2-Pack Replacement Filter Compatible with PurePro LUX-106UV-P Activated Carbon Block Denali Pure
Dash Wire Clip Organizer for BMW M6 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 TrueLine Automotive
Delta 79730-PN Cassidy 30" Towel Bar – Polished Nickel Delta
Hawk 20-21 Corvette C8 Z51 Street HPS 5.0 Front Brake Pad Hawk Performance
WONDER WOMAN EVOLUTION #2 CVR B MEGHAN HETRICK CARD STOCK VAR DC COMICS
Battery for KENWOOD TK-3212M KNB-29, KNB-29N, KNB-30, KNB-30A, KNB-53, KNB-53N 7 Cameron Sino
Sightmark SM18030 Wraith 4K Max 3-24×50 Digital Riflescope Sightmark
La Croix Cerise Limón Beauchamp