Gilded Rails

Gilded Rails is a 340,000-word, text-based interactive novel about managing a railroad business and finding a spouse before time runs out. Your father has given you his railroad line, but you must marry a suitable partner to gain control of the family business; otherwise, you could lose it. Your choices shape the story, which follows business expansion, family life and romance.

Run the railroad

You decide how to lead the company and respond to its challenges. You can honor contracts or betray your enemies and principles, confront corruption or become a tycoon, and choose whether to champion reform or stand in its way. Strikes, sabotage and social scandal also test your business acumen and connections. The story reveals your father’s checkered past, and you can embrace either a robber baron’s ambitions or a Robin Hood approach.

Romance and identity

You can play as a man, woman or non-binary character, and pursue men, women or both. Eleven romance options include your childhood best friend and the head of a rival company. You can choose between romance and a business partnership, but finding a marriage partner is necessary to secure control of the family business.

Choices and details

The game is entirely text-based, with no graphics or sound effects. You can also pet your kitty.