In its original conception, 18FB design aims to achieve these objectives:

Transmit the flavour of the historical happenings in Italy from the Spanish domination to the Italian Unification

Political cards replace the privates in the classic 18xx games and represent real historical characters that in one way or the other influenced the history of railroad development in Southern Italy.

During the Bourbon period from PH1 to PH4 the Bourbon monarchy first encouraged the development of railroads seeing in this a reason for prestige and style (the Napoli-Nocera line was the first ever built in Italy); then, more or less openly, contrasted the new trasportation mean because concerned that a strong communication network across the reign would have promoted a free circulation of men and ideas in a period of serious ideological attacks against the european monarchies; then, towards the end of its domination in South Italy, gave new impulse to railroad development as an attempt to sustain his claims of being an innovative and effective political guide. So, in the game, it's the Spanish king who authorises players to build and operate railroads by assigning the corresponding concessions. Deposit required for concession vary with the game phase simulating the spanish willingness to favour railroad construction or not. At the very beginning of the game a bunch of concessions are assigned at a discounted price by buying the correspondent political card, other railroads require a full deposit. However, the amount of money required decrease as far as the game proceeds so that in PH4 acquiring a concession is relatively easy if not free.

18FB drastically change with the Italian Unification as effect of Garibaldi's expedition. Concessions and political cards loose any value. Existing railroads are re-assigned to the major shareholders (which could be different from the owners of the bourbon concession). When the new Italian government starts seriously considering the status of railways in Italy, funds are assigned for several developments (Strade Ferrate Meridionali), regional companies form and later on, a new re-organisation take place with the formation of two national companies, the Rete Mediterranea and the Rete Adriatica.

Provide a realistic picture of railroad development in the area if the spanish monarchy favoured the projects presented

Most of the companies in the game were concessions really requested to the king even if only few of them were granted.
Concessions deposit and stations to include in the line reflects true historical bargains.

The destination rules aim to incentive companies to build towards their historical destinations. Some branch-lines provide companies with a share value bonus.
The Napoli-Caserta, Capua-Caserta and Nola-Cancello were the only railroads built by the Bourbon rule and these corresponds to pre-printed tokens on the map in Napoli and Caserta..
The "Valigia delle Indie" rule simulates a real political and transportation ideal project of the century.
The taxes for Pontecorvo and Benevento reflects the fact that those two cities belonged to the Pontificial State and not to the Bourbon crown.
The free concession for the FST railroad when the LTF is launched is based on a real move from the Spanish King to contrast the development of railroads along the Adriatic route
The limitation in building through Monte Conza and towards Salerno are also real events of the time.

Maintain playability at an accept level while simulating the typical financial instruments of the period

The Spanish government used to pay a security interest to the shareholders who invested in the company while the line was in development and therefore no other revenue available. This mechanism has been simplified, adapted and reported in the game.

Deposit for railroad concessions was often a real concern for entrepreneurs willing to build a railroad under the bourbon monarchy

Financing the railroad construction from the italian government was a real measure taken to favour the integration and development of railroads in the new nation. A considerable amount of public funds were wasted in highly criticised investments for supporting and modernising the railroad network


Assure that multiple strategy could result in winning the game

Special attention has been dedicated to the balance of wealth coming from company operations (revenue value of cities, towns, ports and off-map locations, characteristics of trains and bonuses) and the one coming from share value appreciation (values in the stock market, rules for share price advancement, rules for buying/selling stock). A player has to leverage his position to take advantage of both of them as none singularlly can guarantee victory.

Trading in stock certificates on behalf of corporations introduces a new strategic stream in the game as investments have to be leveraged with the need to raise cash for new trains.

Administration of a company budget is also an important element of strategy. Plans to use all the funds in the early phases and then merge into the national company or the attempt to administer wisely trying to stay independent till the end of the game are also crucial.


Keep the game length shorter than the traditional 18xx game of the same size

The new train circulation system and revenue calculation have been introduced to save time for identification of the best route. A company line is now considered as a whole and earnings for the operating round depends on the balance between coverage and service offered by the trains running, and the traffic level and customers expectation of the network.

In 18FB stations are owned by companies and can be used only by trains belonging to that corporation. This avoids sometimes long considerations about connection with other lines. Still, the player has to think ahead to anticipate potential harmful development from competitors.


Provide balanced and open opportunities to all players till the final phases of the game

While maintaining the typical exponential growth of players wealth as in other 18xx games, earnings in 18FB follow a gradual pace and in general differentials among players are limited. Increasing values on the stock market follow a linear trend so that companies paying dividends can appreciate their value of the same amount irrespective of their current position in the market.

The drastic changes from PH-5 on after the italian unification pose new challenge for the leading players and often punish those exploiting the bourbon period rules to accumulate wealth and mismanaging railroads.