Should I Play Pandemic: On the Brink?
Players: 2 – 5 players | Game Duration 40 – 50 mins |
Min. Age 8+ | Game complexity: MEDIUM Genre: Cooperative, Medical
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes |
Online Version: No
What is Pandemic: On the Brink about?
As an enthusiast of cooperative board games, there’s always a thrill in discovering expansions that breathe new life into beloved classics. “Pandemic on the Brink” does exactly that for the base game “Pandemic,” a staple in the cooperative game genre where players work together as members of a disease control team trying to save the world from four deadly diseases. This expansion not only enhances the core gameplay but also introduces new challenges and strategic dimensions, making it an essential addition for fans of the original game. Here’s how “Pandemic on the Brink” expands and improves the base game:
New Roles and Events
One of the most immediate enhancements that “On the Brink” offers is the introduction of new role cards and event cards. The expansion adds seven new roles, including the Containment Specialist, who can help better control disease cubes; the Field Operative, who can collect cubes on their card to discover a cure more efficiently; and the Generalist, who can perform up to five actions each turn. These roles not only allow for a greater variety of playstyles but also increase the game’s replayability.
The new event cards, such as “New Assignment” which allows a player to change roles in the middle of the game, add further depth to the strategic choices players face. These additions are particularly effective in providing more dynamic interactions and tailored strategies based on the players’ preferred roles.
Enhanced Game Modes
“Pandemic on the Brink” introduces three new ways to play, each adding a distinct layer of complexity and excitement:
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The Virulent Strain Challenge — This challenge makes one disease particularly dangerous and unpredictable with new Epidemic cards. These cards replace the standard Epidemic cards in the deck and each comes with unique effects that make this disease more difficult to treat and contain.
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The Mutation Challenge — An additional, fifth disease (the purple disease) that behaves differently from the original four is added. This requires players to adapt their strategies to manage another threat. This mode often requires more resource management and forward planning, making it a test of adaptability and teamwork.
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The Bio-Terrorist Challenge — This mode changes the game’s dynamics by adding a one-versus-many element, where one player operates secretly against the other players. The bio-terrorist moves secretly on the board, spreading disease and chaos, creating a thrilling cat-and-mouse dynamic.
Components and Quality
The expansion includes new pawns, petri dishes for storing diseases, and cards, all of which are of high quality and enhance the overall aesthetic and practical aspects of the game. The inclusion of petri dishes for better organization of the disease cubes not only improves the visual appeal but also enhances the gameplay experience by making setup and play more streamlined.
Strategic Depth and Interaction
With the new roles, events, and challenges, “Pandemic on the Brink” significantly increases the game’s strategic depth. Players must think more critically about their role selection and their strategic approach to the game’s challenges. The expansion encourages deeper collaboration and communication among players, which is the core of what makes “Pandemic” a standout in the cooperative board game genre
Rules
Pandemic: On the Brink Videos
Awards Won by Pandemic: On the Brink
2009 Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion Winner
2009 Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion Nominee
