Pandemic: Reviewed and written by Mustafa Hameed

Image: boardgamegeek.com

Pandemic is a board game that deals with the fact that 4 major diseases have broke out in the world. Each disease threatens particular regions to start and then threaten to spread. The players of the game must work together to contain and eradicate the disease.

The game can be played by 2-4 players. Each must choose to play as one of five possible specialists. This is not a competitive game but rather the opposite. It focuses on teamwork between the 2-4 players. The players must work together to discover the cures for the diseases before the end game conditions are met.

Pandemic includes a board connecting 48 cities of Earth. It includes two decks of cards: a player deck and a deck depicting infections and diseases. There are four coloured cubes, each representing a different disease. There are six research station pieces, and four pawn pieces representing the players. There are also special event cards used during specific times for beneficial actions.

The game also has inspired four expansions and six spinoffs. The first and second editions of the game were updated to replace the old deck with a new one.

As you can see, there is a lot of pieces and a lot of decisions to be made here. First, is the library prepared to possibly consider having to update a game with a proven history of version improvements? Is it worth eventually getting the expansions? Or the spinoffs?

With so many pieces it is almost a certainty some will be lost and frankly the game might be able to survive with improvised or purchased replacements. But this takes time, and resources. Considerations must be made that concern the idea of a cost/benefit analysis.

This is a great game for a collection that seeks to inspire collaboration and communication. Perhaps a good suggestion would be to start with the primary game and see how popular it is. Keep track of its use. And don't be surprised if the patrons themselves request the acquisition of an expansion to the game!