Pandemic board game, released in 2007, is one of the best games that has attracted millions of gamers from various parts of the world. The game was created by Matt Leacock and is available on various top gaming platforms.
The game is set in a world where gamers have to come together to battle infectious diseases and also prevent outbreaks in various cities. Gaming enthusiasts even claimed that the pandemic game went viral during the recent covid19 outbreak.
In this Pandemic board game review, you’ll learn its pros, areas that need improvement, the game’s impact on the industry, and the target gamers. Keep reading to find out more details that you probably didn’t know about the Pandemic board game.
Game Overview
Pandemic puts players into task, challenging them to join forces to curb the outbreak of infectious diseases in various cities. Each of the players take specialised roles aimed at ensuring they altogether stop the outbreak.
As the game starts, you will see coloured cubes on the board which represent the cities attacked by the outbreak.
During the game, players have to move from one city to another trying hard to survive with the resources they recognize, treat infections, and set up some disease control facilities aimed at finding the cure.
It involves a lot of planning and even coping with the situation as they find ways to get rid of the Disease Cubes.
However, the game has its fair share of pros and cons too. Let us now take a look at the strengths of the game and the areas that could be improved.
Strengths of Pandemic
Here are the main pros of the Pandemic board game:
- Cooperative gameplay: The game has a way of uniting gamers to work together for a common goal. Through teamwork, the gamers can come up with strategies for dealing with the infection. Thus, it is a nice game for players who enjoy gaming together for a common cause instead of just competing for prizes. The game has been used to teach students and professionals the importance of teamwork.
- Variety of roles: This game offers some form of diversity when it comes to the gaming roles. It allows players to assume various roles such as the Medic and Scientist. This aspect makes it easy for gamers to choose the role they deem right for the mission.
- Accessibility: Many players prefer board games that are easy to learn and play, and the pandemic offers exactly this. Besides, it has clear rules that are ideal for both gaming newbies and experts.
- Unique theme: The Pandemic offers one of the most impressive themes. The theme appeals to gamers who like curbing serious challenges and makes the game great.
- Replayability: It is a game that involves assessing risks and adapting to changing outbreak circumstances in each city. Besides, players can choose the level of difficulty they would like to experience in the game. You can choose from levels 4 to 6 if you want to experience a more thrilling session.
Potential Drawbacks
Here are the potential cons of the Pandemic board game:
- Urgency: The game has a time limit, which makes the player feel pressured to make quick decisions before running out of time. This urgency can often feel overwhelming, especially for new gamers. Certain players like games that offer more leisurely gameplay, an aspect that the Pandemic board game lacks.
- Scalability concerns: You can enjoy the game with just one more player. Remember, the game requires a team of players. However, you will find out that the game scales faster when you play as a team of four or more gamers.
Pandemic’s Impact on Board Gaming
Before the Pandemic board game was released, most games centred on competitiveness. Every other game was about who would be victorious, but this game changed that once and for all.
The game brought about cooperation in a bid to achieve a common goal. Therefore, this game paved the way for more cooperative board games, making it easy for players to unite often in various gaming sessions.
Target Audience and Accessibility
The Pandemic board game caters to various players, including casual gamers. It is also an excellent game for families looking for something fun to cooperate on.
The game is accessible on various top gaming platforms, major retail shops, and specialty game board stores. You can also play it on your desktop and mobile phone.
Conclusion
The Pandemic board game is great; it allows friends, family, colleagues, and online pals to come together and have a thrilling moment. Its theme and the gameplay are all amazing. The game has multiple pros and a few cons.
You can find it on top gaming platforms and online retail stores.