How it plays
An assembled 3D cardboard train stands on the table, with loot in the train cars. Each round, players draw six cards from their own deck and take turns placing one at a time on a shared pile, usually face up, but face down in a tunnel. The actions on the pile are then carried out in order: moving, switching between the roof and the train car, punching, shooting, taking loot or moving the Marshal. Whoever is hit gets a useless bullet card in their deck. After five rounds, the richest bandit wins.
What it can help develop
Colt Express calls for planning with a moving target. The cards only take effect when they are carried out. Anyone placing a card has to work out in their head what the earlier cards will do to the bandits, for example where the opponent they want to punch will be standing. This calls for working memory and planning ahead. Face-down tunnel cards and the other players’ intentions make the calculation uncertain: if a plan falls apart, players have to think again (cognitive flexibility).
Especially suitable for
- Children from age 10 with a taste for slapstick
- Groups of three or more people who like to laugh
- A first encounter with programming games
Less suitable for
- Children who cope badly with failed plans
- Two-player games: better in a larger group
Our verdict
Colt Express is a worthwhile choice for families who love to laugh, with children from age 10 who like slapstick, ideally with three or more players. Its strength: planning and mayhem collide, and the three-dimensional train draws all eyes; in 2015 it was named Spiel des Jahres. Its limitations are the hard-to-handle cardboard train, bad luck with the cards and an appeal that fades noticeably with two players.
Getting started
- Assemble the cardboard train together before the first game; the parts are small and awkward for large fingers, so allow time for it.
- If possible, play with three or more: with two, each person controls two bandits and, according to one review, the appeal fades noticeably.
In detail
Variants and player count
According to the Ludonaute rules (2016), each person has ten cards and six cards in hand per round; on each turn, players place a card face up on the pile or draw three cards. Each person has a train car; with two players, there are three cars, and each person controls two bandits. The Spiel des Jahres jury gives 2 to 6 people, but recommends 3 to 6.
What reviewers say
Colt Express was chosen as Spiel des Jahres 2015; according to Wikipedia, it also received the As d’Or in the same year. The jury praises the slapstick-style Western parody, the mix of planning and chaos and the three-dimensional train as an eye-catcher. Reich der Spiele praises the three-dimensional components, but calls them fiddly, criticizes bad luck in drawing given the limited number of cards and sees the appeal dropping considerably with fewer than four players. According to Reich der Spiele, with two it is only a stopgap. Meoples Magazine calls it a programming game in which players have to remember what the others will play next. According to Meoples Magazine, the train made of paper and cardboard is small for large fingers. The family review by The Brick Castle calls Colt Express a family favorite, suitable from age 10; according to The Brick Castle, the bullet cards in the deck can be harsh.
How it compares
Colt Express (from age 10, 2 to 6 people, about 40 minutes) has the skill area of logic and planning. The Quest for El Dorado (from age 10, 2 to 4 people, about 45 to 60 minutes) has the same skill area and also calls for flexibility. With two players, each person controls two figures in both games; according to the catalog details, The Quest for El Dorado is particularly suitable for two players, Colt Express rather for larger groups. Harmonies (from age 10, 1 to 4 people, about 30 minutes) shares the age and the skill area of logic and planning with Colt Express, but can also be played solo and suits quiet family evenings without direct attacks. Groups looking for a lot of direct interaction are less well served by Harmonies.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What age is Colt Express suitable for?
Colt Express is recommended from age 10. A child is ready when they enjoy thinking ahead and stay calm if a plan fails; character abilities and events only come into play later.
How long does a game take and how many people can play?
A game takes about 40 minutes. The game is for 2 to 6 people, who play against each other; after five rounds, the bandit with the most loot wins. The recommendation is 3 to 6 people; with two, each person controls two bandits.
What skills can Colt Express help develop?
It can help develop logic and planning. Cards are played first and only carried out later: players have to picture where the bandits will be by then. Face-down tunnel cards and what the other players are planning mean that some plans have to be rethought.
What if a child keeps getting hit?
Whoever is hit receives a useless bullet card in their deck; reviews call this harsh and mention bad luck when drawing. Children who struggle to accept failed plans are less well served here.
