Should I Play Pandemic: Rapid Response?
Players: 2 – 4 players | Game Duration 20 – 20 mins |
Min. Age 8+ | Game complexity: EASY Genre: Cooperative, Medical, Real-time
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes |
Online Version: No
What is Pandemic: Rapid Response about?
Race Against Time: ‘Pandemic: Rapid Response’ Challenges Teams to Save the World in Real-Time
‘Pandemic: Rapid Response’ takes the disease curing of the original Pandemic game and transposes it into a real-time, dice-based frenzy that tests the nerves and reflexes of its players.
Gameplay Overview
‘Pandemic: Rapid Response’ typically plays in about 20 minutes, making it quicker and more intense. Players are crew members aboard an aircraft, specifically designed as a flying lab and response unit, tasked with delivering critical supplies to cities around the world hit by various disasters.
The game is played in real-time, with a sand timer dictating the urgency. Players must roll dice to perform actions such as flying the plane, generating resources, and delivering these resources to cities in need. The dice results determine what actions are possible on a turn, requiring players to think quickly and adapt their strategies on the fly.
Game Mechanics
What sets ‘Pandemic: Rapid Response’ apart is its use of time. The sand timer limits the time players have to complete their objectives, adding a layer of pressure. The timer is reset upon each successful delivery of supplies, but each reset shortens the overall time available in future rounds, creating escalating tension as the game progresses.
Resource management is another critical mechanic. Players must manage the production of supplies, from food to medicine, on their aircraft, deciding together the best allocation of their dice rolls to meet the demands of the crisis spots efficiently.
What Makes It Fun and Different
Unlike the original ‘Pandemic’, where strategy and planning are done in a more measured, turn-based environment, ‘Pandemic: Rapid Response’ thrives on quick decision-making and adaptability. The real-time aspect means that communication among players must be instantaneous and clear, leading to moments of high tension and exhilaration when the team functions like a well-oiled machine.
What do Pandemic Rapid Response players think about the game?
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Engaging and Quick: Many enjoy the game’s faster pace and real-time decision-making aspect
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Strategic Yet Hectic: It is considered less strategic than the original Pandemic due to the real-time element, which adds a layer of hectic and quick thinking to the gameplay.
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Challenging for New Players: The game can be particularly challenging for new players who are not used to making quick decisions under time pressure. A slow player can significantly affect the outcome of the game.
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Mixed Feelings About the Timer: The timer, a central element of the game, received mixed reactions. While it adds to the game’s urgency and excitement for some, others found it stressful and detracting from the enjoyment
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Beautiful Components
Rules
Pandemic: Rapid Response Videos
