Welcome to The Board Game Dialogue, where we sit down with the greatest board games and let them speak for themselves. Today, we have none other than Colt Express—the train-robbing, gunslinging legend of the tabletop world. Let’s see what it has to say about itself!
What is Colt Express?
Before we jump into the interview, let’s briefly introduce Colt Express for those who may not be familiar with it.
Colt Express is a programmed action board game designed by Christophe Raimbault and published by Ludonaute. The game takes place on a 3D cardboard train, where players take on the role of outlaws competing to rob passengers, punch rival bandits, and shoot their way to becoming the richest gunslinger on board. The game is filled with chaos, laughter, and unexpected moments, thanks to its unique action programming mechanic—players decide their moves in advance and execute them in sequence, often leading to hilarious miscalculations.
- Player Count: 2–6 players
- Playtime: 30–40 minutes
- Complexity: Light-to-Medium
- Mechanics: Action Programming, Take-That, Hand Management
- Theme: Wild West Train Heist
Now, let’s let Colt Express speak for itself!
The Interview
A Showstopping Presentation: How Colt Express Hooks Players at First Sight
Me: Welcome Colt Express, the moment you hit the table, people turn their heads. What’s your secret?
Colt Express: Partner, I don’t just sit there quietly—I demand attention! I burst onto the scene like a bullet shot with perfect aim, full of confidence, color, and Wild West action. The second players see me, they know I’m not just another board game.
Me: It’s true! Your box art, title, and overall presentation all scream excitement.
Colt Express: Exactly! From my bold, striking title to my vibrant cover art, I don’t just hint at a Wild West train heist—I make you feel it. My art direction is tight, my theme is strong, and every single piece of my design tells a story. The second you lay eyes on me, you already know you’re about to jump onto a moving train, dodge bullets, and grab some loot.
Me: And then there’s the train itself—your board isn’t flat like most games. Players actually move through a 3D train!
Colt Express: That’s right! Why settle for a boring old board when you can have a real train to rob? My setup is more than just a gimmick—it pulls players into the action. The moment people see bandits running across train cars, ducking inside and out, they’re hooked. It’s not just a game—it’s a spectacle.
Me: And you have unbelievable table presence. When you’re on the table, even people walking by stop to ask, “What is this?”
Colt Express: Oh, you bet! I’m not one of those games that blends in with the scenery. I’m loud, flashy, and impossible to ignore. People see me, and they’re instantly curious. I turn heads, I start conversations, and I get people itching to play.
Me: And that’s what makes you so different—your design isn’t just about mechanics, it’s about creating a feeling.
Colt Express: Exactly! I ain’t some dry, number-crunching game that feels like a tax return. I bring excitement, action, and pure Wild West mayhem from the very first moment. Whether you’re playing or just watching, you’re in for a show.
Me: So in a way, you win players over before they even start playing.
Colt Express: That’s the plan, partner! I don’t just introduce myself—I barge in, guns blazing, and make sure nobody forgets me.
Easy to Learn, Instantly Fun: How Colt Express Turns Every Player into a Wild West Director
Me: Colt Express, you’re not just eye-catching—you pull players in immediately. What makes you so easy to jump into?
Colt Express: Well, partner, I don’t waste time. The moment you sit down, you get what I’m about—a fast, action-packed Wild West train heist. My rules? Marvelously simple. You don’t need to be a hardcore strategist or a seasoned gamer to start having fun.
Me: And it’s not just about playing a game—it feels like directing a chaotic train heist movie.
Colt Express: Exactly! Every player is like a director, but here’s the twist—you can only control one actor at a time. You carefully plan out your action sequence, thinking you’ve got everything perfectly choreographed… then you hit play, and everything goes off the rails.
Me: And that’s where the fun kicks in! Watching your plan fall apart in the best way possible.
Colt Express: That’s the magic! You think you’re about to grab some loot, but—whoops!—someone just punched you off the train. Or maybe you’re lining up the perfect shot, but before you pull the trigger, another bandit jumps onto the roof and blocks your view. It’s like a train robbery gone horribly, hilariously wrong.
Me: So, in a way, it’s chaotic—but in a controlled, incredibly fun way.
Colt Express: Oh, you nailed it! It’s like a Western movie with too many directors, all trying to outdo each other. And since everyone’s plans collide, the result is always unpredictable, cinematic, and laugh-out-loud funny.
Me: And this all comes from your action-programming mechanic?
Colt Express: You got it, partner! Action programming is my heart and soul. It makes sure that every round is a rollercoaster. Players aren’t just moving and shooting—they’re telling a story, one ridiculous mishap at a time. That’s what makes me a Wild West experience like no other.
Me: It’s such a simple concept, but it leads to so much fun.
Colt Express: That’s the beauty of it! I don’t overcomplicate things—I just give players the tools for chaos and let ‘em run wild. And trust me, they always do.
Dynamic Player Interaction: How Colt Express Turns Every Heist into a High-Stakes Battle
Me: You keep players engaged with constant interaction. What makes your gameplay so dynamic?
Colt Express: Well, partner, what’s a train heist without a little good ol’ fashioned competition? Everyone wants the loot, but there ain’t enough to go around. That means every decision you make is one step closer to riches—or a knockout punch to the face!
Me: Tell us more about the competition. I know that there are multiple ways to make money, but none of them are easy.
Colt Express: That’s right! You got three main ways to make a fortune:
- The Safe Route – Picking Up Small Loot.
Players can grab scattered wallets and gems, but here’s the catch—you only have one card that lets you pick things up. So if you keep stopping for small change, you’re wasting valuable actions. - The High-Stakes Play – Stealing the Strongbox.
The real jackpot is up in the engine car, but it’s guarded by the Marshal. If you’re bold enough to grab it, you’ll be filthy rich—but you’ll also paint a giant target on your back. Every other bandit will come for you like you just won the Wild West lottery. - The Gunslinger Bonus – Shooting the Most Opponents.
Why just steal money when you can shoot your way to victory? The player who lands the most shots gets an end-game cash bonus. So even if you’re light on loot, you can win by being the biggest troublemaker.
Me: And let’s not forget punching—because in Colt Express, no one is safe!
Colt Express: Oh, absolutely! You see, when you punch someone, they drop their most valuable loot, like the world’s best piñata. So even if you didn’t grab the biggest prize yourself, you can knock it loose and yoink it before they recover. It turns every round into a fist-flying, train-hopping frenzy.
Me: So whether you’re playing cautiously or aggressively, there’s always a way to win?
Colt Express: Exactly! You can sneak around and pick up loot, go big and steal the Strongbox, or go full Wild West and start shootin’ everything that moves. No matter what, the action is fast, unpredictable, and downright hilarious. But remember, you must look at what others are doing and adapt your plan.
Me: So it’s not just about what you do, but what your opponents do too?
Colt Express: That’s the key, partner! Every decision you make affects the entire table. If you play it safe, someone else might grab the Strongbox first. If y’all gunning for the big prize, the hard-working bandit gonna make a fortune gathering all the wallets and gems. And if you hesitate? Well, let’s just say you’re gonna get punched and your lunch money stolen.
Me: It all leads to one thing—a gun-blazing robbery full of shooting, punching, and absolute mayhem!
Colt Express: That’s the only way to do it, partner!
Lighthearted Chaos: Why Colt Express is Silly, Hilarious, and Never Feels Mean
Me: Sounds like you’re filled with “take that” mechanics—players are constantly shooting, punching, and stealing from each other. Do you ever get worried that some players might find you too mean?
Colt Express: Aaah, you’re worried on the behalf of those soft-spoken bandits. I see. Plenty of “take that” mechanics but I’m never too mean because I make sure every hit, every robbery, and every knockout is downright hilarious! Sure, you might get punched off the train or shot in the back, but with my wild West setting, cheeky characters, and ridiculous situations, it all feels like a comedic brawl, not a grudge match. This strong thematic association makes everyone understands from the get-go that I’m not a battle of wit, I’m a fun mayhem generator
Me: And it helps that players aren’t exactly heroes—they’re bandits, after all!
Colt Express: Exactly! You expect to get double-crossed because that’s the whole point—you’re outlaws! And my character illustrations drive that home. Just look at ‘em—every single one of my bandits has that smug, mischievous grin, like they’re just asking to be punched. So when you land a perfect shot or knock the loot right outta someone’s hands, it doesn’t feel unfair—it feels perfectly in character.
Me: And then there’s the train roof, which naturally turns into an all-out shootout!
Colt Express: You better believe it! See, when you’re up on top of the train, you can move further and shoot further. It automatically turns into a shooting gallery, where the best gunslinger gets a cash reward at the end. So, of course, everyone is trying to land as many shots as possible—but not because they want to ruin someone’s game. It’s just part of the chaotic fun!
Me: And then we have the tunnel mechanic, which keeps things unpredictable.
Colt Express: Oh, I love my tunnels! Every time you enter one, you have to play your action face down, adding a layer of mystery and pure, unfiltered silliness. Nobody knows exactly what’s about to happen, so when the reveal happens, it’s always a surprise. It’s not about outwitting your opponents—it’s about embracing the madness. This unpredictability further highlights the fun nature of the gameplay.
Me: That ties into how well-paced you are—you don’t overstay your welcome.
Colt Express: Exactly! I run for just the right number of rounds—enough for drama, strategy, and big moments, but not so long that players feel like they’re just shooting aimlessly. By the time the last action plays out, everyone’s had their fun without it turning into a slog.
Colt Express: Nope! My character powers are flavorful and fun, but they don’t force players into one playstyle. Think of ‘em like hot sauce—they spice things up, but they don’t define the whole dish.
Me: And lastly—your scalability is incredible. You work at any player count!
Colt Express: Oh, absolutely! More players means more chaos, more laughter, and bigger moments. But at 2 players, I get even sillier! Each player controls two bandits and draws from a shared deck, which means you might end up punching your own character! And let me tell ya—there ain’t nothing funnier than shooting yourself in the foot—literally!
Is Colt Express the Perfect Fun, Silly Game? A Wild Ride with One Bumpy Track
Me: Colt Express, you bring pure fun, chaos, and cinematic moments to the table. But even the best rides have a few bumps. Let’s talk about your biggest double-edged sword—your train.
Colt Express: Ah, my beloved cardboard train—my biggest asset and my biggest flaw! I mean, let’s be real: I look incredible. That 3D train centerpiece makes me stand out in a crowd. But I can’t deny it—it takes up a ton of space, and for some players, it’s more fiddly than it should be.
Me: Yeah, your train literally takes up 70% of the box!
Colt Express: Ain’t that somethin’? Most of my space goes to big, punchboard train cars, which means my box is way bigger than it actually needs to be. I mean, I appreciate the extra legroom, but let’s just say I ain’t the easiest game to fit on a packed shelf.
Me: And while your train looks amazing, it’s a bit small, making it tricky to move pieces around.
Colt Express: You got it, partner. With a fast-paced game like me, players want to slam down actions, grab loot, and move their bandits quickly. But sometimes, moving meeples and tokens through my tight train cars can slow things down. Nobody wants to be delicately nudging pieces around when they’re supposed to be robbing a train at full speed!
Me: And that’s where the pacing issue sneaks in. You’re supposed to be a fast, chaotic filler game, but sometimes the fiddliness extends the playtime.
Colt Express: That’s right—it’s a wild ride, but sometimes it lingers just a bit too long. My best moments are when players are laughing, dodging bullets, and pulling off ridiculous heist moves. If I drag on too much, it’s like watching fireworks every night—exciting at first, but eventually, you just start seeing the same explosions.
Me: But to be clear—you know exactly what you are, and you own it.
Colt Express: Oh, absolutely! I ain’t tryin’ to be some ultra-balanced, deep strategic masterpiece. I know I’m here for fast, theatrical, punch-filled fun. If you love big moments, cinematic surprises, and a game that makes the whole table erupt in laughter, then I’m the best train in town. If you’re lookin’ for flawless mechanics with zero hiccups? Well, you might want to catch the next train.
Final Verdict: Is Colt Express Worth Playing?
Me: So, do you recommend people buy you?
Colt Express: Hmm… I love being played, but honestly? You can play me on Board Game Arena, I’m even better there. No fiddling, no setup, just pure, high-speed Wild West action! But if you’re looking to own a lighthearted, chaotic, and thematic game that delivers laugh-out-loud moments, I’m one of the best out there. I know exactly what I am, and I own it.
Me: Well, Colt Express, it’s been a blast chatting with you. Any last words before we ride off into the sunset?
Colt Express: Just one—keep your boots on tight, your gun loaded, and your wits about ya. There’s always another train to rob!
Me: I’ll take that as a challenge. See you at high noon!
Conclusion
Despite its minor flaws, Colt Express remains a fantastic experience, particularly when played online via Board Game Arena, where its physical quirks are removed.
If you’re looking for a fun, thematic, and accessible game, Colt Express is an excellent choice. However, if you’re put off by fiddly components and unnecessary physical clutter, it may not be the best purchase for your shelf.
Looking for Similar Games? Here Are Some Great Alternatives. If you love the hilarious chaos and strong theme of Colt Express, then For Sale is an absolute must-play—offering brilliantly funny moments wrapped in a slick auction game. If it’s the action programming mechanics that hooked you, then look no further than the Eyrie faction in Root, which delivers a deeply strategic and satisfying take on pre-planned actions. And if you love Colt Express but find the fiddly train setup a dealbreaker, then Colt Super Express might be your perfect match. This leaner, battle royale-style sequel strips down the experience, shifting the focus from robbing loot to pure survival—because this time, it’s not about getting rich, it’s about being the last one standing on the train.
Final Rating: 8/10
✅ Pros:
Highly thematic and fun gunslinging action
Easy to learn, accessible to all players
Hilarious action programming mechanics
Player powers add variety without imbalance
Scales well, even at 2 players
❌ Cons:
The 3D train is more of a gimmick than a functional board
Moving meeples inside train cars is frustrating
Game feels slightly too long due to fiddly components
Best Way to Play? Board Game Arena
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