Mayfair Games has announced plans to release a faster-playing version of its perennial favorite Empire Builder in May.  Empire Express, this simplified version of the rail-building classic, is intended as an introduction to Mayfair’ ever-growing line of “crayon rail” games.

 

Like its bigger cousin, Empire Express pits players in the role of railroad barons, drawing track directly on the erasable game board using crayons, then moving their trains from city to city delivering goods that fulfill the “demands” showing on their cards.

 

In this variant, a number of pre-programmed routes are already on the board, allowing players a jump-start for the game.  The board covers the Northeastern portion of the United States, shrinking the geographical area covered.  The demand cards are also simplified, only offering two options for players instead of the normal three.

 

Empire Express is intended for two to four players and plays in about 90 minutes.  The suggested retail price will be $30.00.