Base Santorini was a fantastic abstract, with great production value (relative to its cost)... a beautiful game on the table, quick to play, quick to reset, and a ton of variability right in the box itself.

Do you NEED this expansion? No. It doesn't change the core experience like some other expansions do, but this expansion never needed to do that. Here's a summary of the new content:

1. Wackier god cards -- compared to the base game. More complex doesn't mean better, because the main complexity of the game is in the creativity of the players (like you would want in an abstract). These powers aren't so over the top that they change the fundamentals of the game though.

2. Hero cards -- like god cards, but one time use, and generally simple. A good way to play the game if you want something in between vanilla and with powers for every turn. Also, a good way to bridge the gap between skill levels (where stronger players get a hero card instead of a god card).

3. Golden Fleece statue -- the modular addition which changes the core game slightly. You get this power as long as you have a character touching the statue.

Easy to pick up in addition to the base game.

They add play value and the water board from the KS. Sure its not necessary, but it adds sooo much to the experience.

Wonderful new god cards!