Carla and Jeff Horger (the creators of Thunder Alley) designed Orient Express as a sequel of sorts to their earlier 20th Century Limited (see “New 'Race for the Galaxy' Expansion, 'Caylus' and 'TransAmerica' Reprints”).  Like the earlier game, players are building networks or rail lines across the map board, but this time the setting is in Europe.  Their goal is to create a network of rail lines that connect the various regions of the continent, making their railroads as profitable and as extensive as possible. 

But, the various countries of Europe desire their own railways, and they will nationalize them as the players score for each region, taking them away from the moguls who constructed them.  The players must therefore balance the private needs of their own railroads with the public demands of the national governments.

Orient Express can be played by 2 to 5 players, ages 14 and up, and takes 45 to 90 minutes to play.  MSRP is $49.95.