7.9
rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Perfect for those who have mastered the base game and want more strategic depth and variety. The unique power system is the highlight.
Highlights
- New powers add great variety
- Significantly increases replayability
- Historical theme is well integrated
- Clever power-swapping dynamic
Keep in mind
- Requires the base game to play
- Increases game complexity
RECOMMENDED
You know that feeling of having conquered everything and now needing a new challenge? That's exactly what happens in Paris: l'Étoile. A few years have passed since you dominated the French capital's real estate market, but don't think things have gotten easier. Now, shrewd foreign investors have arrived with a hunger for power, eager to take a slice of the Parisian pie. And where are they focusing? On the most coveted spot of all: the Place de l’Étoile, with the iconic Arc de Triomphe overlooking the Champs-Élysées.
This expansion isn't just about aesthetics; it shakes up the base game's dynamics. The highlight is the new collection of bonus tiles, which bring much more variety and ensure that no two games feel the same. But the real icing on the cake is the strategy tiles. These grant each player a unique power, fundamentally changing how you plan your moves. And if you feel your current power isn't working? There's a way out: if you manage to place one of your keys on the Arc de Triomphe, you can swap your ability and adapt your strategy on the fly.
If you already enjoy the area control and economic management of the original game, l'Étoile adds that layer of depth that transforms the experience. It's your chance to use your veteran experience to block the foreign newcomers and reaffirm who really runs the City of Light. Get your keys ready, plan your investments, and prepare for the battle for the center of the world.
This expansion isn't just about aesthetics; it shakes up the base game's dynamics. The highlight is the new collection of bonus tiles, which bring much more variety and ensure that no two games feel the same. But the real icing on the cake is the strategy tiles. These grant each player a unique power, fundamentally changing how you plan your moves. And if you feel your current power isn't working? There's a way out: if you manage to place one of your keys on the Arc de Triomphe, you can swap your ability and adapt your strategy on the fly.
If you already enjoy the area control and economic management of the original game, l'Étoile adds that layer of depth that transforms the experience. It's your chance to use your veteran experience to block the foreign newcomers and reaffirm who really runs the City of Light. Get your keys ready, plan your investments, and prepare for the battle for the center of the world.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Game Brewer, Broadway Toys LTD, Czacha Games, Delta Vision Publishing, Dexker Games, Grok Games, Maldito Games, TLAMA games
Designer
Michael Kiesling, Wolfgang Kramer
Artist
Andreas Resch
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you need the original Paris game to use these new components and rules.
Does it make the game much harder?
The complexity increases slightly (3/5 on BGG) because the new powers and bonuses require more planning, but it's manageable for those familiar with the original.
How long does a game take with the expansion?
Expect around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of players and the level of competitiveness.
How many players is it for?
From 2 to 4 players. The area struggle becomes much more intense with more people.
What exactly does the expansion add?
It introduces new bonus tiles and strategy tiles that grant unique player powers, focusing on the Place de l’Étoile region.