1-5 Players
Designer: Stephen Kerr
Artist: Ignacio Bazán Lazcano
Publisher: Thunderwork Games
Thunderworks stepped out of the Roll Player universe and allied with designer Stephen Kerr to have a go at the classic cyberpunk big corporations world with Metrorunner. But is this job a hit or bust?
Gameplay
On a player’s turn, they will first move one or two spaces clockwise on the track, then either do the space action or a district action. Space actions are simple, like getting resources, getting more jobs, or playing a route mini-game to get resources and some track advancements. A district action is getting resource cubes and finishing jobs from that district.
Whenever a player completes a job, they tuck the completed card on one of three spots (each holding three cards). This gives additional resources or advancements, and also allow the player to compete for majorities and specific combinations.
Players keep going until someone crosses either the notoriety or the influence, every one has one last turn and the game is over.
Solo Gameplay
The AI system is very simple. You play with two tokens to represent them, and after you turn you turn over one AI card. They will move to block spaces, take jobs away, and or remove cubes, and advance on tracks depending on how it’s notoriety compares to you. However, the Automa does not score, instead the game has a beat your own score system.
Components
Everything has a classic cyberpunk look, with lots of acrylics and pseudo code flying around. However, the presentation never superceeds usability, and the iconography is simple and objective.
One thing I highly highly highly appreciate is how the players board are made. They have elevated slots on the back that you can easily tuck the cards with messing everything around. Having played a lot of games with cards being tucked behind player boards, that is a very welcome addition.
Just one additional note, you have the option to get the metal version of the hack tiles. It’s totally unnecessary, but wow is it satisfying to manipulate!
Conclusion
Metrorunner is an incredibly well produced game, but, most importantly, it’s engaging and fun. It’s a fairly light and quick game, but it takes that spirit and runs with it, pun intended. Rules are easy to understand, that game doesn’t overstay its welcome, but I do feel it rewards repeated plays to learn the efficiency puzzle. If you’re into this weight, it’s a great addition to your collection.
Score: 8.5/10
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