Paris (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

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 featuring 6 Parisian districts and the Arc de Triomphe

Building tiles

Keys (10 for 2-player game, 7 for 4-player game)

Victory Point tiles

Bonus tiles (30 in total)

Prestige tokens

End game tiles

3D model of the Arc de Triomphe

How To Setup Paris

To set up **Paris**, players first place the game board, which includes the 6 districts and the central Arc de Triomphe. Each player receives a set of keys based on the number of players. Building tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Bonus tiles are laid out around the edge of the board, and Victory Point tiles are set aside to be assigned later in the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Placement: Players place keys on the Arc de Triomphe or in district banks to plan their building purchases and developments.
– Keys can be moved from the Arc de Triomphe to any district or from a bank to a building within that district.
– Only one key can occupy a building or landmark at a time.

Building Purchase: Players can purchase buildings by moving their keys onto available building tiles in a district.
– Upgrading to higher-value buildings involves paying only the difference in cost.

Victory Points: Points are earned by dominating districts, matching prestige tokens to developed landmarks, and fulfilling bonus tile conditions.

Bonus Tiles: Players claim bonus tiles by occupying buildings of value 1, 2, or 3. These tiles offer various benefits but are laid out in a track, preventing backward movement.

End Game: The game ends when the building tiles run out. Players score points from district domination, bonus tiles, and end game tiles.

Player Experience

**Paris** offers a complex yet engaging experience, requiring strategic planning and adaptability. Players must balance flexibility and monetary bonuses when placing keys. The game is visually appealing, with a beautiful board and 3D Arc de Triomphe. The bonus tile system adds a layer of strategy, as players must weigh immediate benefits against future opportunities.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and key management.

Visual Appeal: The board and 3D components are aesthetically pleasing.

Replayability: The bonus tile track and variable setup ensure different experiences each game.

Engaging Mechanics: The key placement and building upgrade mechanics are multi-layered and challenging.

Cons

Complexity: New players may find the rules and bonus tile system confusing.

Component Management: Managing keys and bonus tiles can be cumbersome.

End Game Abruptness: The game ends quite abruptly once building tiles run out.

Personal Thoughts on Paris

**Paris** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic games with deep mechanics. While it can be complex for new players, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in understanding its intricacies. It is not suited for casual or family gaming sessions due to its complexity and length. However, for fans of economic and city-building games, **Paris** is a must-play.

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