I appreciate the attempt to create a good game with a small footprint, but this just falls way short.  The abilities on the buildings are very lackluster and you never feel like you are doing more than moving markers up and down a track.  The top hat mechanic also takes it down a notch or two.  The top hats allow you to use an opponents building without paying the fee.  But it is just too easy to get a top hat and it is not unusual for everyone to have one.  That just removes part of the reason for buying the building.  All in all a very dull game that as none of the good type of tension necessary in a good game.