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1830, set in the northeastern United States, is probably the best-known game
of the series, though not the earliest. 1830 covers the period from the
beginnings of railroading in the United States to the post-WWII introduction
of Diesels, which was the high water mark of American railroading. Of all
the series, 1830 has had the most staying power. Published in 1986, it is
still possible to discover new strategies (or at least tactics) after many
years of play. 1830 should be considered a game for the moderately
experienced player, as the ruthless stock manipulations are liable to be a
turnoff for the novice.
1830 is the premier game of stock manipulation. Although it is very balanced
in the sense that railroad management (laying track and establishing good
runs) and technology management (getting the right trains on the right
companies) are as significant as stock management, a significant element of
strategy consists of driving down other people's stock values during the
stock round, while trying to ensure that you do not suffer the same. 1830
was the first published game in the series to have a dynamic stock market
and to some degree the dominant nature of stock manipulation is a product of
this pioneering aspect.
Companies are fully funded when floated, and can start at any of six initial
values, as well as in any order. This was also a great innovation from the
predecessor games, where companies started in a fixed order at predetermined
initial values. 1830 also pioneered the concept of special powers for
private companies, and allowed them to be purchased by major companies in
order to simulate the "looting" aspect of the rather chaotic American stock
market. |