TrekkingTrekking Board Game Review – Time Travel

with Wayback Tours Going back in time – that's our mission Journeys – time travel. Why we embark on a three-day journey through human history in this board game was not clear to me – perhaps because we can learn a lot here – for example, that the origins of surfing go back a very long time (1195!!!).

We will meet many interesting events and people on our journey…

Karina Brachter

Game description

Journeys – time travel We play in three rounds, each symbolizing a day in our journey through time. Each round we play a new deck of cards containing events from early to modern times. The date index shows the years available in the lot.

When it's our turn, we choose one of the six face-up cards and place it on our timeline – as long as it fits the order. A dated card should always be closer to the present than the card that preceded it.

If we cannot choose a card that meets this condition, we must end the current timeline and start a new one. Or we choose one of the ancestor cards that is still available, which corresponds to some kind of undated bridge so that we can, if necessary, create an appropriate history card on our next turn to continue the timeline.

Each card has a timestamp printed on it that the event continues. These are the values ​​between 1 and 4. Using our pocket watch marker, we advance the corresponding number of spaces on the face of the tachometer clock. It is always the turn of the one who is furthest from the face of the clock. Once we get to No. 12, we have to wait for everyone to get there. Then the next day and the next round begins.

All cards have printed experience boxes and/or time crystals, which we get if we choose this card. Additional bonuses may also be possible, depending on the position of the card on the screen and the corresponding footprint on the game board. Crystals allow us to take fewer steps on the dial than specified. We collect experience squares on the “Travel Plan” board that changes every round and from which we can also obtain prestige points and/or crystals by covering certain fields in front of us.

After the end of the third day, the schedules are evaluated. Depending on the number of cards in the respective timeline, you will receive points according to the selected rating bar. Whoever manages to score the most points at the end is the best time traveler and wins Journeys – time travel.

Author: Charlie Pink ■ Illustrations: Eric Hebeler
Publisher: Game Factory ■ Release year: 2023

1-4 players

From 10 years

About 45 minutes

Game rules (External link to Game Factory)

Gaming feeling

Journeys – time travel It is an easily accessible game that can be learned or explained quickly, and is therefore ideal as a gateway game for those who play less. The rules are not very broad and are easy to understand. It's worth taking a look at the demo video – one of the few game instructions you can actually access with a printed QR code that gets to the point in 10 minutes.

Each card has a little story

The game's movement options are quite controllable, so it doesn't really offer a purpose for depressed people. Due to the theme alone and the many historical events and people featured in the game, the game is also quite educational, which also makes it a good family game. Each of the included cards has explanatory text on the back that can provide further information about events and people. Of course, no one here will delve deep during the game. But if you want to take a closer look at it, you can also use the game this way.

Everything has its perfect place there

Absolutely outstanding Journeys – time travel It is equipment that can almost be described as “ultra-production”. Unfortunately, it's quite plastic heavy, but basically there's nothing else to complain about here.

There is a playing mat on which the displayed cards are protected and on which the cards can be optimally captured. A marker tray with a lid so nothing falls out, the embossed markers themselves, an accessory where everything has its perfect place. This makes everything a lot of fun when packing and unpacking – and saves a huge amount of time.

Let's do time travel again

Gameplay that allows us to create interesting and new timelines. The idea of ​​evaluating the right card for our schedule while skipping as little time as possible to give us more room for additional options in later rounds is a great challenge.

The same goes for evaluating whether you could choose a less convenient time card, but instead take the valuable rewards that will give you a lot of points and/or time crystals when used in your travel plan. Individual decisions involve constantly juggling schedule and grades, some of which earn you more points than the schedule you're currently working on.

You depend on luck

However, luck plays a role here! Are there currently cards from a similar period on display or are the ranges far apart? Are other players traveling in a similar time frame as me or are there centuries between us?

What's currently on the screen can be a matter of luck – especially since the screen often changes as the number of players at the table increases. If you have just made a move and paid “too much time”, it may also take a few moves from others before it is your turn again. During that period, the entire offer can change and all my plans and expectations regarding certain cards may be lost. With two players it's more predictable and the screen changes less dynamically. This can have advantages but also disadvantages, depending on what you are after.

Please always pay attention to your travel plan!

But you shouldn't always just look at the schedule. Obviously, the points you earn are important, but the rewards and points earned through a travel plan can sometimes be more lucrative.

Not every timeline expansion has the same value: for example, with many expansions that include an additional card, it only adds up to 3 points to the timeline's rating. However, if you jump from 9 to 10 cards, the effect is 9 points. Therefore, you should always carefully consider what benefits you the most.

Ancestors and time crystals

Likewise, you shouldn't be afraid to use one of the Ancestral Cards! Although they offer almost no bonus, they can, if chosen at the right time, represent an important bridge so that you can reach a more attractive offer on the next turn and thus expand your timeline better again.

Don't forget the crystals too! They are dealt at the right time so that you don't have to advance so far on the clock face, so you can make two consecutive moves if necessary – if the card width is just right, this is invaluable. This way, you can have a specific influence on the game – for example, if you see that someone else can really use the card you want.

Expanded bonus “Luxury Tour”

To add more excitement or variation to the game, you can also incorporate bonus expansions into the game later. Here one card from this extra suit is played each round. It provides the opportunity to use the effect permanently throughout the round or to perform an action once instead of taking a card. There can be nice effects here that make some of the game choices more interesting. However, some regulations are not completely clear to me and are not explained in the booklet. This is a bit unfortunate, but if all players have the same explanation, it's not a big deal.

summary

Journeys – time travel It is a very successful and “universal” family game. It is excellently equipped and provides great tabletop playing material that enhances the challenging character.

Manageable options make it easy to get started and gameplay flows smoothly. However, it makes good decisions, as you often have to evaluate the path and which considerations are more profitable. The necessary replay appeal comes from the variety of game-changing elements, so it doesn't get boring quickly.

• Very accessible rules and recommended rules video
• Great features with play mat, tray and perfect filling
• It requires players to make decisions and provide challenges at a fun level

• Unfortunately, the equipment contains a lot of plastic
• The factor of luck can be frustrating and, unfortunately, in exceptional cases it can be decisive in the game
• Sometimes point bars leading up and down remove points in the wrong direction

From my point of view as a player: For me, it is one of the best family-level games of the year, and it is also very suitable for mixed gaming groups, as it does not overwhelm those who do not play a lot and is also interesting for those who play a lot. I especially love the great facilities and therefore always love bringing excursions to the table.