What's in a Theme?

How much does the theme really matter in a game? Short answer is it depends on the game.

The theme really matters when the game is built around the game. In this case the game is theme dependent. If the theme is a secondary characteristic that can be swapped out with another and the game still works as is, then the theme does not matter as much.

Examples.
1. Dominion. It's medieval theme is really independent of the game play. In this case the them doesn't matter as much whether it's medieval or pirates.

2. Agricola. It's farming them is so intwined with the game, that if you switched the theme to pirates, it wouldn't work.

3. Vinci/ Small World. As evident by the updated version, Vinci/ Small World can transcend its theme reality/ fantasy war game.

4. TV Wars. Again another game, where if you change the theme to say pirates, the game play would fall apart.

5. St. Petersburg. This game, although theme oriented, is not theme dependent.

6. Vinhos. Wine making just would not work as a pirate game. (What pirates are awesome!) ... Even if it was a pirate rum-making game.

Furthermore, a game that is built around a theme must be more detail-oriented towards the theme. Example: If you're playing a French game, the money should Francs or Euros, not Dollars. The game should also feature uniquely French things like the Eiffel Tower, wine, French phrases, etc.

Expansions

Back in the day games didn’t have expansions. There was just the game. Sure you could modify the rules, make your own cards, etc. but there was nothing official. The game maker may even have a theme to their games, but the game was what it was.

In more recent times (starting with perhaps Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne?), expansions have basically become a requirement.   Sure for some games this can be good, but in the end there are always expansions that seem half-assed, too outrageous, break the game, etc.

One good example of this would be St. Petersburg, specifically the Banquet mini-expansion more so than the New Society.   The Banquet added special powers to the game, which I think broke the game. St. Petersburg did not need special powers. This modifies the game too much. At least the New Society’s additional cards attempted to fix some broken elements of the base game by replacing some of the cards like the Mistress.  Allowing for a fifth player was unnecessary though.

On the flip side, I love the Small World expansions… mostly.  (Partly I love the expansions, because I love the game itself so much.) The expansions with the new Races and Powers, like Be Not Afraid, Cursed! And the Grand Dames, are fantastic.  Tales and Legends were interesting, but adding event cards added a new element to the game that was unnecessary.

My theory on game expansions is they should expand, but not over extend the original game.  Expansions should also be limiting. A new game with a similar theme should be created.

Yes all game maker want to create an empire, but endless expansions are over done.  Case in point is Dominion.  There have been so many expansions, so quickly. It’s too much.  Then again I wouldn’t mind more Small World expansions, but maybe that’s just because I love the game.

What are your views on expansions?