Rate the Fun: Pandemic
You can save the world. Or at least help a fictional CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) stops swine flu, SARS, and other global health risks. Pandemic is a cooperative game, the players working together against the board. It’s been nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2009 (the German Game of the Year Award same award as Settlers in 1995) as well as number of other nominations and winnings. It was relased in 2008 by Z-man is a 2-4 person game (but I think could be modified to 5 players).Players are specialist seeking to cure four global virulent diseases out breaks. The possible roles are the Scientist, Medic, Dispatch, Researcher, and Operations Specialist. Each role has a “special ability” that helps the group better cure and eradicate diseases. The play goes four actions (that help the group), pick up two cards normally good but could be and “Epidemic”, and progress evil by choosing two city cards where the virus springs up next.
The game can go very fast, we lost it in ten minutes when we played Saturday or stretch out to 45 minutes. It all depends on how fast the Epidemic cards come up and outbreaks happen. I’ve played four times (1 win 3 losses). Even defeat is fun, and failed rounds make the victories that much sweeter. I also love the group dynamic and team interaction.
The Scores:
Pandemic = 8.2
10 = Outstandingly Awesome Game; Always want to play it and I expect this will never change.
9 = Excellent Game; Always want to play it.
8 = Very good game; I like to play. Probably I'll suggest it and I'll never turn down a game.
7 = Good game; Usually willing to play.
6 = Okay game; There is some element of fun or challenge; will play sporadically if in the right mood.
5 = Fair game; Slightly boring, take it or leave it.
4 =Not so good; It doesn't get me but I could be talked into it on ccasion.
3 = Bad; Likely won't play this again but could be convinced.
2 = Extremely annoying game; Won't play this ever again.
1 = Clearly broken; You won't catch me dead playing this.
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