Age of Steam Expansion: Holland / Madagascar

About this expansion

Age of Steam Expansion: Holland / Madagascar is a set of two expansions for Age of Steam, with a play time of approximately 60 minutes. Released in 2009, this unusual pairing adds distinct challenges through the Holland and Madagascar expansions.

In Holland, the map introduces a new type of hex: the famous polder. These hexes cannot be built in until the mid game, creating an important restriction as the map develops. The challenge is especially notable because the yellow cities are surrounded by polders.

The Madagascar expansion presents a very different twist. Rather than bidding for positive actions, players must bid for the negative actions. This reversal changes the focus of the bidding and gives the expansion its distinctive character.

• Holland: features polder hexes that remain unavailable for building until the mid game.
• Madagascar: requires players to bid for negative actions instead of positive ones.
• New goods display: Madagascar also introduces a new way to present goods.

Age of Steam Expansion: Holland / Madagascar is a notably limited release. The print run was 200 copies, with the 150 copies released at Essen being numbered. This makes the set especially distinctive for players interested in rare Age of Steam expansions.

With one expansion built around delayed access to key spaces and another centered on bidding for unfavorable actions, Holland / Madagascar offers two sharply contrasting additions to Age of Steam. Together, they provide a compact pair of scenarios with different rules focuses and a memorable limited-edition history.