Paris (2020) Board Game
Paris is a board game released in 2020, designed by Michael Kiesling and Wolfgang Kramer. It is a city-building and economic game set in the post-Napoleonic era. The game is published by Game Brewer and has received positive reviews for its strategic gameplay and beautiful artwork by Andreas Resch.
## Game Components of Paris
– Game board representing Paris after the World’s Fair in 1889
– 6 districts with variable point values
– Building tiles of various values
– Key tokens for players to place on buildings and banks
– 25 unique bonus tiles
– Francs (the game’s currency)
– Action cards (in the case of *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière*, these are postcards with unique actions)
– Cobblestone street tiles (for *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière*).
## How To Setup Paris
To set up **Paris**, start with the main board which represents the city of Paris. Each player chooses their set of key tokens and places them on the board according to the starting rules. The building tiles are shuffled and placed face down on designated areas of the board. The bonus tiles are arranged around the main board, and each player receives a starting amount of francs. In *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière*, the cobblestone street tiles and building pool are prepared, and the postcards are drawn and placed face down.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Area Majority**: Players compete to control districts by placing keys on buildings and banks. The player with the most keys in a district sets its point value.
– **Economic Management**: Players manage their francs to buy buildings and move keys around the board.
– **Building Placement**: Players place buildings in districts and try to maximize their points by controlling high-value districts.
– **Bonus Tiles**: Players can choose bonus tiles when acquiring low-value buildings, which provide various benefits throughout the game.
– **Postcard Actions (*Paris: La Cité de la Lumière*)**: Players can claim postcards that offer unique actions such as introducing new architecture or scoring bonuses.
## Player Experience
**Paris** offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience. Players must balance their key placements, building acquisitions, and bonus tile selections to maximize their points. The game is known for its elegant design and beautiful artwork, particularly in *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière*, where the theme is set during the 1889 World’s Fair. The game requires careful planning and adaptability, making it engaging for both casual and experienced gamers.
### Pros
– **Elegant Design**: The game features beautiful artwork and a well-thought-out theme.
– **High Replayability**: The random draw of buildings, bonus tiles, and postcards ensures each game is unique.
– **Strategic Depth**: The game offers a rich strategic experience with multiple paths to victory.
– **Easy to Learn**: The rules are accessible, making it easy for new players to jump in.
### Cons
– **Component Issues**: The postcards in *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière* lack detailed instructions on their actions, requiring frequent rulebook references.
– **Storage Problems**: The game and its expansions can be challenging to store due to the box size and component layout.
## Personal Thoughts on Paris
**Paris** is a game that appeals to a wide range of players. It is perfect for those who enjoy strategic planning, economic management, and competitive gameplay. While it may not be the best fit for fans of area majority games, the unique twists and additions make it stand out in its genre. For experienced players, *Paris: La Cité de la Lumière* offers a more intimate, two-player experience with deeper strategic layers.
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