In order to maneuver around river bends, the first 60-degree change of direction in a player's turn (1 hex face) is free.

Each ship that was hit is moved into an adjacent water hex, possibly causing issues for the owning player on their next turn.

Mississippi Queen was created by independent German game designer Werner Hodel, and was published by Goldsieber Spiele in 1997 with artwork by Franz Vohwinkel.

Rio Grande Games published an English version for the North American market the following year.

[1] Goldsieber followed up with a sequel in 1998, The Black Rose, in which a sixth ship was added to the game, as well as new river tiles with dangerous spots and coal depots.

"[3] Twenty-five years after its publication, Jochen Corts called Mississippi Queen "A game that is also accessible to casual gamers right away and can be mastered equally quickly in the family circle of young and old alike."

He noted that the game is well balanced between skill and luck, commenting, "While clever driving maneuvers and tactical skill characterize the fight for the lead, the fact that the next section of the river and its orientation is determined by rolling the dice ensures a balancing element of chance.