Looking for a game that is quick and easy to pick up and simple to follow yet gives a different experience each time and can be leave you feeling like you could have scored just that slightly bit better? Subway Squeeze could be your game.
Gameplay
The gameplay is fairly simple. Your job is to get as many passengers on the carriage, in the most advantageous way possible for you. Different pieces will have different criteria to satisfy to enable you to score the most points possible, and it is your job to place them in such a way that benefits you most. For example, a Pregnant lady must be placed on a seat to score points, tourists must stay in a group, and so on. Sounds simple enough? Well, it is- however simple doesn’t mean easy! Pieces come in a number of different shapes and sizes often meaning you need to sacrifice a space on the board- spaces that are left empty at the end of the game deduct against your score.
In Subway Squeeze, the game has 9 rounds, each symbolising a stop on the trains journey. At each stop, the conductor (this changes each stop) fills the station by picking pieces from the supply to fill the platform. These are the pieces that the players then take in turns that round to place. The conductor therefore has a slight advantage in determining which pieces are able to be played that stop, and can be chosen to suit their needs, or to hinder an opponent.
Play continues like this until you have reached the final stop, at which point the scores are totted up. Gameplay is quick and you often end up playing multiple games as you become eager to avenge your loss last time round…
Complexity
For experienced gamers, the game may feel a bit simple. Personally, I love having it in my collection. I find it is a great entry game for people only used to the ‘classics’- Monopoly, Scrabble etc, and for younger family members too. Sometimes it’s nice to play a game that you do not have to commit to for hours but still offers a competitive edge. The game also has a harder mode- flip the board over for the advanced ‘night side’ mode where you are faced with broken seats, graffiti, spillages etc. And let’s be honest, who hasn't been on the subway later at night and cannot relate to the slightly seedier side of the subway!
Replayability
I’d rate it reasonably highly for this- yes, it is a simple game, but where your route to victory is dependant on the tiles available to you, and this often isn't within your control, games can range from a smooth and easy procession to victory to a real scramble just to field a decent score. Having said this, it is fairly one dimensional, in that theres ones objective, one set of scoring. There are no expansions, no tie ins that can extend or change the game play. As said previously, it isn’t going to tie you down for hours on end, but you will often come back to it.
Artwork
The artwork in this game is fun. Commuters look suitably stressed, Tourists are just happy to be there, and who doesn’t love having a smiling dog looking up at you? The artwork in Subway Squeeze really does contribute to the whole vibe of the game and does make it relatable to a real life subway. The colour palette is a little grey but then, so are subways!
Player Interaction
Subway Squeeze is a good game for player interaction. With each player taking it in turns to be the conductor and choose the pieces for that round- with all the other players watching- the opportunities for banter amongst players is obvious and very natural. There are no hidden cards etc and all play is done ‘in the open’ and you will find that when the carriage gets more full, and your options become more limited, the interaction between players may heighten!
Component Quality
Ok, so no dressing it up- the game is just cardboard tiles and boards. Subway Squeeze has no Meeples, no cute accessories or fancy dice. Just lots of colourful tiles. In themselves they are well made and nothing to complain about, but there is nothing within the game that will make you think that you have just purchased a piece of art or craftsmanship that just happens to be a game. This is not an issue, and the game certainly doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is, but if you see your games as investments of quality then this is something to consider.
Overall Thoughts
Subway Squeeze is a fun game that can easily find it’s way into any collection. It’s biggest strength is that within minutes of opening the box, you can be deep in some high stakes fun interaction. It is not a daunting game to get into and this makes it the perfect addition for anyone looking for a fun game to play that is easily accessible. This strength also means it is unlikely to ever be the jewel in your boardgame crown- however this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t squeeze a place for it in your collection!
