PARIS: LA CITE DE LA LUMIERE (2019)

PLAYERS	TIME	DESIGNER	PUBLISHER
2	30 mins	Jose Antonio Abascal Acebo	Devir

For such a small game, this one has an impressive table presence once it’s set up. From the cobblestone streets of Paris contained within the box, to the authentic looking postcards that surround it, this is one good looking game.

PARIS: LA CITE DE LA LUMIERE is a game of two halves. First you’ll be placing cobblestone tiles on the board while drafting polyomino building tiles.

Once both players are done, you’ll move on to the second half, placing those buildings and trying to get them touching street lights for points.

This game plays quick, but is so crunchy. In phase one you’re doing your best to plan for future placement. But your opponent could mess that up with their own choices.

Following that, in phase two both players are trying to claim spots first and tripping over each other in a quite small play area.

Just placing tiles on its own would be an adequate game, but it’s the bonus post cards that add the cherry on top here.

At the start of phase two there are eight ‘powers’, and it’s first come, first serve. Adding a block to a building, placing an extra street lamp, or placing a fountain, all add to the points.

What I like most about this game is that there are four total actions, and only two in each half of the game. But what you do and when you do it can really matter.

Most turns you’ll want to take both actions, knowing that your opponent will take whatever you leave behind.

Place a building now? Sure, but the other person will then get that awesome post card I also need.

Take the post card now? Sure, but now they’ve built on the only spot that your L-shaped building can go.

Agonising.

PARIS: LA CITE DE LA LUMIERE is a fantastic crunchy game that plays quick, takes up little space, and looks absolutely beautiful. If you want to go head-to-head with a tight puzzle of a game, this one’s for you.