As a hardcore Race for the galaxy fan (I rank it third in my collection), I was eagerly awaiting the expansion, to see if it could improve an already great game.

I must admit that my anticipation somewhat shrank when I heard that it would only contain a limited number of new cards and when I saw the price I seriously thought for at least three seconds to jump off the wagon. Then I bought the game.

I will divide up the parts of this review in to different sections, as the game actually contains different parts, which if wanted, may be seperatly included.

The Anders' way is to rate the parts in stars, ranging from to .

1. New cards -
We wanted cards and we got some pretty usuful ones. We get four start worlds and 18 game cards. Still I guess many will consider twice before spending 20$/€ before getting it. The cards are well balanced and adds a bit to each of the strategies in the basic game. No super changing stuff here but some neaty ones can be found and it clearly can help on your face to become a galactic emperor.

2. Goal Tiles -
Perhaps the most signaficant introduction is the goal tiles, where you may collect bonuspoints along your way. There are two different kinds: goals you need to achieve first of all (i.e. first one to play a 6-developement) and the goals where you need to strongest in an area. I.e. Military.

When I first heard about them I became excited about the idea, but after playing some games I find them a bit distracting as they tend to reverse my tactics a bit. I'm not sure if I will include them in the fututre, but it may be a personal taste as well. It might be that you enjoy them more than I do.


3. Five Players option.
Yes, thank you!

4. Soloplay against a "robot".
Surprisingly neat feature. There are some heavy stuff to read and learn before you can take on this opponent. But the rules are well written and after a while you are ready to take on the AI. Three different levels of difficulty and it seems to be well balanced. The use of dice may prevent full happiness but in my opinion this might pretty well. More games are needed though.

5. Blank Cards -
There were no human words that could describe my feelings for this, so I took a little help from my friend:

There are 17 of them. Why, I tell ye, WHY?!


Overall:
I believe that the game got better with the new stuff, but I also strongly believe that it could have been so much better with focusing on the stuff we fans want: (pre made) C-A-R-D-S.

I have to agree that the lack of new cards is rather distressing. I'm not really interested in the blank cards and expect most of the players out there agree.

But like many I will pick it up. The new cards are a must and what I'm spending the $25 for. The solo sounds like it might be fun and the goals I'm on the fence. But will try them to see how much they bog down the game.

I'm sure if this expansion was $10 cheaper people wouldn't complain so much. Players want the new cards, the rest is of lesser value so the high price is turning people off.

I imagine that I'll be saving the blank cards for when they release previews of the cards for the next expansion.

Thats pretty vague:

The problem is we've paid for those blank cards to be printed as if they were useful. The card design is the cheapest part of the manufacturing process and (for us) the most valuable. In essence we are now paying more for a worse product.

My thoughts exactly.....if they had provided blank cards in the original set, then I would be using them right now to try out the cards for the new set (which would sadly almost be able to cover the whole set) while the game is working it's way through the distribution chain for the next month or so.

The blank card thing is starting to look like one of those "good ideas" that just doesn't fly well with the consumers.....but then again, all this griping is going on before we have had a chance to use then.....like before expansion set 2 comes out.....then we may like them a little more. And who knows, the community may come up with good design ideas. So for now, I guess I'll work on keeping my emotions in check.

How many games with and without the expansion had you played at the time you wrote this review?

It seems our initial impressions of the interim goals are the same. I wonder if that will change with more play. I hope so. The playtesters seem to think it is a huge improvement - of course, relying on them could be a little bit of backwards thinking as their preferences helped to shape the final result.

To be honest not many save Carcassone, Alhambra, Power Grid and some others.

Ah my avatar doppleganger again!

Thanks for the review Anders. I think most will agree regards the overpriced and 'underdelivered' nature of this expansions contents but the game is just too good for most of us to say no too.

I guess one upside is that the base game and expansion will fit in one box for transport. Then again that initial box will likely hold the base game and all 3+ expansions if they are all sized like this...

Cheers for the Doh! video too. Had my 3 boys laughing away for 4 x 58 seconds!

Thanks matey, we're getting some good results lately, spare the dreadful stoke game!