Rise of Nations vs Ticket to Ride
Rise of Nations
Rise of Nations is one of the most iconic yet somewhat underrated, completely unique real-time strategy game that is possibly inspired by games like Risk. Unlike most games where you simply build bases, amass armies and send them to destroy your opponents, Rise of Nations has more of a diplomatic and governing aspect that allows you to forge alliances and break them, as well as a series of Wonders of the World which, when built, will grant your nation unique bonuses. Aside from a ton of maps, the game also has a comparably wide variety of nations, each with their own special abilities and special military units, for you to play as.Although the gameplay in each individual battles are set in real time, the gameplay for the world map view is turn-based, supplemented with ability cards. There are also valuable resources that you can capture to give your nation certain perks. Best of all, you can immerse yourself in historical battles via the game's campaign which consisted of multiple scenarios or you can test your mettle by playing the game via its online multiplayer mode.
Rise of Nations is one of the best classic strategy games that definitely had managed to not only withstand the test of time but also thrive, somewhat, in today's day and age. If you're a fan of nation-building, this is a game you should most certainly play.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a family-favorite board game that's set in the glorious age of big trains and engines - during the railroad boom of the 18th century. In this game, you'll need to claim routes using train cards and the limited number of train cars you have, while completing as many tickets as you can. To claim a route, you'll need to use train cards of the corresponding color, though there are some exceptions to the rules, such as gray routes and wild Locomotive cards.The very strategic, turn-based gameplay mainly centers around competing with the other players in the match to claim routes that you need. If someone else claimed a route you planned on taking, then you'll have no choice but to find an alternative route, which will cost you more time and resources (train cards). However, that's actually where the fun of the game lies. You don't know what routes your opponents planned on taking and sometimes, you may be forced to adapt to the evolving situation and find another way to get to the station you need.
This digitized version of Ticket to Ride doesn't differ much from its physical/original version and that's a plus for fans of the board game. It has multiple game modes and expansions (at a cost though) as well, giving players the chance to compete with other players across the globe and more maps to play on. If you enjoy a solid strategy board game, Ticket to Ride is a game you'll want to try!