Should I Play Pandemic The Cure?
Players: 2 – 5 players | Game Duration 25 – 35 mins |
Min. Age 8+ | Game complexity: EASY Genre: Dice, Environmental, Medical
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: Yes |
Online Version: No
What is Pandemic The Cure about?
‘Pandemic: The Cure’ is a standalone spinoff of the widely acclaimed board game ‘Pandemic’. This version transforms the cooperative gameplay of its predecessor into a faster-paced, dice-based format. Ideal for 2 to 5 players, the game typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Gameplay Overview
In ‘Pandemic: The Cure’, players take on the roles of disease-fighting specialists, each with unique abilities, to combat four diseases threatening the world. Instead of a game board and cards used in the original ‘Pandemic’, dice are used to represent diseases, treatments, and the outcomes of various actions. The goal is to discover cures for all four diseases before any of the game-ending conditions are met, such as running out of dice representing disease cubes, having too many outbreaks, or not being able to draw enough infection dice.
Key Game Mechanics
- Dice Rolling: Dice are rolled to determine a player’s available actions, such as treating diseases, moving between regions, or flying to critical areas. Each role has a specific set of dice, adding a layer of strategy based on the characters’ unique strengths.
- Location Management: The world is divided into six regions, each represented by a different section of a ring around the central treatment center. Managing the spread of disease across these regions is crucial.
- Risk Management: Players must decide when to push their luck with re-rolls and when to play it safe. Risky rolls can lead to more infections or potential outbreaks.
Differences from ‘Pandemic’
While the core theme of disease control remains, ‘Pandemic: The Cure’ differs notably from its board-based predecessor:
- Dice-Based Play: The shift from a static board with preset locations to a dynamic, dice-driven system introduces a higher level of randomness and speed, making each game feel unpredictable and tense.
- Simplified Setup and Gameplay: Without the need to shuffle and manage decks of cards, setup is quicker, and gameplay flows more smoothly, focusing more on immediate decision-making.
- Portable and Quick: The game’s components are fewer, and its quicker setup and playtime make it more accessible for casual gaming sessions or as an introduction to new players.
What Makes It Fun
The dice in ‘Pandemic: The Cure’ adds suspense and unpredictability that can dramatically change the state of play with each roll. This variability ensures that no two games are the same, providing excellent replay value. Like the original Pandemic, the game maintains its strong cooperative spirit, making it a fun collaborative game session.
What are Pandemic The Cure players saying about the game?
There is generally high praise for its engaging, fast-paced gameplay that appeals to both seasoned players and newcomers. Reviewers appreciate the cooperative aspect and the game’s ability to cater to various age groups, making it a versatile choice for family game nights.
Quick Gameplay: Players like quicker pace and potentially more unpredictable gameplay. The rules are straightforward, making it easy to learn, especially for those familiar with the original ‘Pandemic’. The game’s ability to be set up and played within about 30 minutes is highly appreciated.
Preferred over the Original Pandemic: Many reviewers prefer ‘The Cure’ over the original ‘Pandemic’ due to its faster setup and gameplay. The dice mechanics are seen as a fun twist on the classic formula.
Expansion and Replayability: The dice mechanics and the role-specific abilities contribute to the replayability, encouraging multiple playthroughs. There are also available game expansions.
Portability and Ease of Play: The game is noted for its portability, fitting easily into a medium-sized bag or box, which is ideal for travel.
Rules
Pandemic The Cure Videos
Awards Won by Pandemic The Cure
2014 Golden Geek Board Game of the Year Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Solo Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee
2014 Board Game Quest Awards Best Coop Game Nominee
