Fresco: Expansion Box

[ImageID=5722769small] I've only played the Dome and Dames module so far.

Domes: 6/10 Dames: 7.5/10

[b]Pros:[/b] The Dome module is very simple, so I used it when teaching new players and it's nice to have to mix things up when introducing players to the game, so you don't always play with the same modules.

The concept of the Dome is very simple, it adds value to the middle spots on the fresco by giving you tiles that award more points than average, but you don't know what you're going to get and you can't paint them until the end, so they don't e.g. give any income.

The Dames module is slightly more advanced, but still not very complex.

I like that the Dames add a reason to get points early, and I like the mind game of matching dame colours or not depending on player order.

[b]Cons:[/b] I really disliked how the Dome module affected the endgame. It meant that in the last round, barely anyone painted the fresco and just focused on their own little personal tableau of Dome tiles, partly because it was easier to plan for since no-one could interfere but also because they were better than the last few remaining tiles.

This removed from the last round a lot of the tension of pushing your luck with regards to what and how much you could get done and this also removes a lot of player interaction.

The Dame action to swap market tiles makes it a bit too good to go first, especially combined with cancelling out opponent actions. It guarantees you a great market that's worth it to spend money on and can be used to mess with opponents.