Should I Play Pandemic Legacy: Season 2?
Players: 2 – 4 players | Game Duration 60 – 60 mins |
Min. Age 14+ | Game complexity: MEDIUM Genre: Environmental, Exploration, Medical
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes |
Online Version: No
What is Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 about?
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 is an innovative sequel in the renowned Pandemic Legacy franchise, offering a mix of cooperative gameplay, strategic depth, and evolving narratives that hooks players from start to finish.
Setting and Theme
The game is set in a dystopian future, 71 years after the first season, where most of the world has succumbed to a series of plagues. The remnants of humanity cling to survival in a few known cities, isolated from the rest of the world which is covered by an uncharted, plague-ridden wasteland. Players take on roles as members of a disease control team, navigating this post-apocalyptic world, aiming to save humanity by maintaining supply lines and staving off diseases.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core mechanics revolve around a unique system of maintaining supplies in cities to prevent outbreaks of diseases. Unlike the original Pandemic, where players cure diseases, in Season 2, they need to deliver supplies to cities to keep them from slipping into chaos. This shift adds a layer of resource management that’s both challenging and rewarding.
The game map starts partially obscured, inviting players to explore and uncover parts of the world themselves. This exploration aspect is thrilling as each decision to reveal a new city or route can have long-term consequences. The game’s board evolves based on player actions, with new cities being stickered onto the board, routes being drawn, and characters gaining new abilities or suffering detrimental effects.
Legacy Elements
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2’s legacy system is designed to be played over 12-24 sessions, with each session representing one month of game time. Decisions in one session affect all subsequent sessions. This includes permanent changes to the game, such as stickers that alter the abilities of characters or rules of the game, and opening sealed boxes that introduce new elements and twists to the gameplay.
What Makes It Fun?
The fun of Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 lies in its narrative depth and the permanent, impactful choices players must make. Each game feels unique, driven by a strong narrative that unfolds in response to player actions. This creates a compelling story that players feel genuinely a part of.
What Pandemic Legacy Season 2 players are saying?
Players appreciate the evolution from the original Pandemic and Season 1. Here’s a summary of the key points.
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Learning Curve: The game is considered challenging, with a steep learning curve. It’s recommended to have experience with the original Pandemic or Season 1 before tackling Season 2.
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Gameplay Mechanics: Unlike the original game, where players fight disease cubes, in Season 2, players manage supply cubes to prevent outbreaks. This strategic shift introduces new gameplay elements like resource management and exploration.
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Legacy Elements: The legacy aspects of the game, where decisions in one session impact future gameplay, were highly praised. This includes evolving game rules, a narrative that develops through play, and permanent changes to the game board and components.
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Replayability and Value: While it’s a legacy game meant to be played over 12-24 sessions, some players noted they played through the game multiple times, finding new strategies and enjoying the evolving challenges.
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Cooperative Play: Reviewers loved the cooperative aspect of the game, which requires significant teamwork and strategy.
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Narrative and Theme: The thematic depth and storyline were highlights, with the post-apocalyptic setting providing a compelling backdrop.
Rules
Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 Videos
Awards Won by Pandemic Legacy: Season 2
2018 Spiel des Jahres Special Prize Winner
2018 RPC Fantasy Award Board Game Winner
2018 Origins Awards Best Board Game Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Nominee
2017 Board Game Quest Awards Game of the Year Nominee
2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game Nominee
2016 Dragon Awards Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game Winner
