With the same opponents Elfenland doesn't exactly whizz along, but it is considerably faster. We find it takes around 75 minutes which is just about ideal. A turn where you lose three cities advantage to your rivals is a costly one, so you try and make sure everything gets used. In truth, with a large hand and a lot of options, you can sometimes get confused or bogged down which leads me to question slightly whether it is ideal family game fare, but the view seems to be that it is. The components are superb, and for a game that weighs in high on the heft scale it is not expensive.
Presentation is excellent, the usual wooden bits and quality cards add to the whole quality feel.
Artwork is by Doris, thankfully, since I can't imagine anyone else doing it justice or having a chance of following her seminal board for the earlier edition. One in the eye for the majority there. As it is, we already have the designer's approved translation in The Rules Bank. Elfenland will be a different horse for different riders. Those familiar with Elfenroads can now buy a Lite version and, I think, will enjoy it just as much.