The Age of Steam Begins Anew at Mayfair Games!

Martin Wallace and Mayfair Games have joined together to create a new edition of Warfrog's acclaimed Age of Steam game! Martin has been developing a new set of rules for this instant classic, to streamline play and simplify the learning process. But fans of the original Age of Steam need not worry: all the new components will be fully compatible with the earlier version. Mayfair's new edition will include beautiful new artwork and the top-quality components you have come to expect.

Though we can't yet reveal all the details of the new edition, here are a few glimpses at what is to come:
• Simplified banking rules allow players to take loans whenever they need them.
• The income reduction system has been banished, along with bidding for turn order.
• The track-building costs have been simplified, and a new city growth system has been added.

Martin's efforts will create a new Age of Steam experience that is just as challenging as the original game, but will be more welcoming to new players. It will play faster and have less between-turn downtime, while still bringing all the excitement of building a railroad empire right to your table!

Not since the Union Pacific met the Central Pacific at Promontory Summit has there been a more natural match for train game enthusiasts as Mayfair Games and Martin Wallace's Age of Steam!

-Nick
Mayfair Games, Inc.

Cool. Looking forward to see it.

Hmm, I'm not sure what to think about this.

Which part, Chad? The "we've tweaked the rules to make it easier for those who want it that way" or the "but you can still use the old rules if you desire"?

Or, I suppose, other?

banished?!

Wow, what did the income reduction do to deserve that?

Seriously, bidding for turn order and income reduction both seem like elements I'd want to KEEP. I'm cautiously interested in the changes.

The whole "take out loans whenever you need them" and "no bidding for turn order" seems like it would take a lot out of the game.

Of course, if it came with two rule books, one with the original and one with the revised rules, I guess that would be cool.

I'm just glad I got my Warfrog/Winsome edition when I did. The changes sound like they remove a lot of what I like about the game as it is.

He said you can still play this version using the old rules and that those rules will be included.

Right, I guess I assumed both rulesets would be made available. Hopefully, that's the case. I personally don't feel the game needs any rules tweaks, either, but an alternative ruleset that still works may make it more accessible for others.

No kidding. These changes sound like they remove much of what makes the game challenging and fun. The auction and the tense decision making on getting more cash makes the game, take that away, and you remove the best part.

I am not too stoked about the art changes, either. The sparse artwork of the Warfrog game has grown on me.

Not in the post at the top of this thread, he doesn't. Did you misread the post, or has he posted different info elsewhere?