Die Tore der Stadt (2nd expansion to Alhambra)
I got the second expansion set to Der Palast von Alhambra for Christmas. This expansion is called Die Tore der Stadt (ie. The Gates of the City) and contains for new modules which can be added to the game. As with all Alhmabra expansion sets, the players may choose which modules they want to include, i.e. you can include one, two or even eight. The game will of course take much much longer if you include all eight modules from the first and the second expansion set.
The four modules are:
1. The Gates: Two tiles which would be separated by a wall can be connected by a gate. There are three gates in the game. You have to draw a gate just like you would normally draw money. There is absolutely no drawback with this, in fact it offers some great opportunities when used together with the camps (another module in this expansion).
2. The Camps: Camps are built next to the palace, i.e. they connect to a palace wall. During a regular valuation round, they score points for each tile placed in line next to the camp. Some camps allow for scoring in multiple directions. Camps have to be bought with money just as any other tile.
3. The Characters: Fascinating new characters are introduced. They are auctioned off and give a very useful skill or special ability to the highest bidder. Some are (of course) more powerful than others.
4. The Diamonds: A new kind of universal currency which can be used for any other currency. Diamonds cannot be combined with any other currency. This new module is great when you are looking for that one particular tile. Assume this has been placed on the Ducats field. But you cannot buy it because you just paid a fortune in Ducats to get that 13 point tower. Diamonds will help you here. Does have some nice interplay with the vizier from the first expansion.
I very much liked playing with this new expansion and so did the other players. It adds a lot of fun and new opportunities to the game. While at the same time the duration of a game increases drastically as you have to go through so many more alternatives and possibilities, it is still a lot of fun and a nice addition to the basic game. I recommend buying this expansion rather than Die Gärten der Alhambra which is a completely new game. Look here for more.