Pandemic: Rising Tide (2017) Board Game

Pandemic: Rising Tide is a cooperative board game that was released in in 2017. It is part of the popular Pandemic series, which is known for its challenging gameplay and strategic decision-making elements. In this particular version, players must work together to prevent flooding in the Netherlands by building dikes and controlling the flow of water. The game is designed by Jeroen Doumen and Matt Leacock, and published by Z-Man Games.

Game Components of Pandemic: Rising Tide

7 Pawns

7 Role Cards

78 Player Cards

56 Dike Failure Cards

4 Hydraulic Structure Tokens

1 Sea Level Marker

1 Reminder Marker

5 Reference Cards

1 Population Loss/Setup Summary Card

50 Dikes

5 Pumping Stations

12 Objective Cards

36 Water Cubes

36 Population Cubes

5 Ports

1 Board

How To Setup Pandemic: Rising Tide

To set up the game, players first place the board in the middle of the playing area, representing the Netherlands. Each player chooses a role and takes the corresponding pawn and role card. The sea level marker is set to the starting position, and the necessary cards and tokens are shuffled and distributed according to the rules. Players must also determine the starting player and set up the initial water and population cubes on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to achieve common goals.

Water Management: Players must manage water levels by building dikes, constructing ports, and using windmills to pump water out.

Hydraulic Structures: The ultimate goal is to construct four hydraulic structures to secure the Netherlands from flooding.

Objective Cards: Each game features a unique set of objective cards, adding variability to the game.

Role-Based Abilities: Each player has special abilities based on their chosen role.

Population Expansion: Players may need to expand the Dutch population into areas threatened by storms.

Player Experience

Playing **Pandemic: Rising Tide** is an engaging and challenging experience. Players must strategize and work together to overcome the constantly rising water levels and other obstacles. The game captures the essence of the Netherlands’ historical struggle with water management, making it both educational and fun. The varied objectives and role-based abilities ensure each game is unique, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Pros

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

High Replayability: Unique objectives and roles ensure no two games are the same.

Educational Element: Teaches about the Netherlands’ water management challenges.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines water management with strategic planning.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and objectives.

Components: Requires a lot of setup and can be cluttered with many components.

Learning Curve: New players may need several games to fully understand the rules and strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Pandemic: Rising Tide

**Pandemic: Rising Tide** is perfect for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic planning and teamwork. It is ideal for players who appreciate complex, challenging games with high replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to board games due to its complexity and extensive setup. If you’re looking for a game that combines history, strategy, and teamwork, **Pandemic: Rising Tide** is an excellent choice.

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