Board Game Junkies Will Not Be Disappointed With The App Version Of Ticket To Ride

Having wanted to try the game for a while now, we have never gotten around to purchasing the board game. So, naturally when I saw it was available for iPad in the app store, my interest was piqued.

Having never played the board game, I had nothing to compare the app to, but having heard avid players boast that the app was even better than the board game I had high expectations for game play.

Thankfully, for those of us who are new to the game, there is a thorough, walk-through tutorial newbies can participate in. I learn games best by just jumping in and learning on the fly so I really like this approach. The game can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once I understood the concepts, it was a cinch. Honestly, rather than try to explain it, I've included Days Of Wonder's short tutorial video if you want to know more about how the game is played.

Ticket to Ride currently allows users to play either a computer or can match you up with a partner via GameCenter or their own network. I chose to use GameCenter and have rarely had to wait more than a few seconds for the game to pair me up with a match. It's so much more fun to play a real person. Things move very quickly and an entire game can be played in nearly 5 minutes. It's fast, it's fun and a great game for strategic thinkers.

There are several in-app purchases you can buy. If you get bored of the US map, you can buy Europe and other maps to play. I do wish all the maps were included in the game itself, but like the board game, they all must be separately purchased.

Pass 'n Play mode is not yet available, but the developer assured me they are nearly finished with an update that will allow this feature. Fans of the game are thrilled this will soon be an option.

In short, it's colorful, well organized, smooth and I'm completely addicted. I cannot wait for the update so pass 'n play will be enabled.