Item: Maglev Metro
Rating: 88
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

88/100

Maglev Metro is a masterclass in digital board game adaptation. Thunderworks Games has managed to translate the complex logistics of building a futuristic transit system into a perfectly optimized mobile experience. The 'programming' mechanic—where you assign robots to specific actions—is intellectually stimulating and rewards long-term planning over impulsive moves.

The UI is clean and minimizes the 'clutter' often found in board game ports, making it easy to see the city layout even on a smaller screen. The solo mode is particularly strong, offering a challenging AI that forces you to optimize your routes efficiently. If you are a fan of 'engine-building' games like Terraforming Mars or Ticket to Ride, this provides a deeper, more technical challenge that feels incredibly rewarding when your high-speed trains finally start humming across the board.

Reviewed on: Fri Apr 19 2024

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. Finally, something with some actual meat on its bones. Maglev Metro isn't for the casual crowd; it’s a rigorous tile-placement strategy game. The mechanics of upgrading your own capabilities using the passengers you've delivered is a brilliant touch. It’s about efficiency, and as a system admin, I can appreciate that.

However, the digital port isn't perfect. The UI for placing those transparent tiles on a smaller screen can be finicky, and the tutorial is a bit of a slog. If you aren't familiar with the board game, expect a steep learning curve. But once it clicks, it’s one of the few games on this platform that actually respects your intelligence. It’s a bit dry visually, but the mechanics are rock solid.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Deep strategy
No predatory IAP
Rewarding progression

Finicky UI
Steep learning curve
Dry presentation

Technical Report

Performance: Best played on a tablet; icons and tiles are too small on most phones.

Accessibility:

Subtitles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You love board games like Ticket to Ride but want something significantly more complex.

Skip if: You want a quick, pick-up-and-play experience or dislike heavy rulebooks.

Similar Games:

Ticket to Ride
Terraforming Mars

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40yo Male, Critical/Conservative
Hardware: iPad Pro M2
Playtime: 10 hours
Status: Won 5 matches against Hard AI

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1616040081

$4.99 4+★4 37 reviews

Author : Bezier Games, Inc.

Pubish Date : Mon Sep 26 2022

Last Update Date : Fri Dec 12 2025

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.0.41Fri Dec 12 2025

Updated age ratings
In Maglev Metro, utilize state-of-the-art magnetic levitation technology to build a metropolitan rail system, transporting workers and robots beneath the city. Replace aging Manhattan and Berlin subway systems with newer, faster, quieter technology. Enhance your rail system's abilities so that your passengers arrive at their destinations first.
Efficiency is your key to success in this pick-up-and-deliver, tile-laying, engine-building game. Transparent tiles allow your route to overlap your opponents' tracks, winding you along from station to station. Robots efficiently upgrade and adjust your abilities, leveraging unique goals to maximize points. By the end of the game, the game board has morphed into a modern subway map, with brightly-colored routes connecting stations all over the city.
Requires iOS 14.4 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
In Maglev Metro, utilize state-of-the-art magnetic levitation technology to build a metropolitan rail system, transporting workers and robots beneath the city. Replace aging Manhattan and Berlin subway systems with newer, faster, quieter technology. Enhance your rail system's abilities so that your passengers arrive at their destinations first.
Efficiency is your key to success in this pick-up-and-deliver, tile-laying, engine-building game. Transparent tiles allow your route to overlap your opponents' tracks, winding you along from station to station. Robots efficiently upgrade and adjust your abilities, leveraging unique goals to maximize points. By the end of the game, the game board has morphed into a modern subway map, with brightly-colored routes connecting stations all over the city.

Ratings & Reviews

4 out of 5 with 37 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

In Maglev Metro, you take on the role of a city planner in the near future. Using state-of-the-art magnetic levitation technology, you must build a network of tracks to connect city hubs. The core of the game involves a clever tile-laying mechanic and a unique worker-placement system where your 'workers' are robots that unlock new abilities and better actions. Balance your resources to transport passengers and earn victory points in this deep, strategic simulation that is perfect for both solo play and competitive matches.

Features

Official digital adaptation of the board game

Pass-and-play and solo AI modes

Beautifully rendered 3D board and tiles

Detailed interactive tutorial

Tips

Early Game Optimization

Prioritize getting your third robot as quickly as possible. Having more actions per turn is vital for laying tracks before your opponents block off key city corridors.

Promotion Videos

Maglev Metro Digital Trailer

Gameplays

Engine Building & Logistics

Players place transparent tiles to build routes. By picking up and delivering passengers, you earn more robots which you 'program' into your player board to increase your speed and capacity.