Plague Inc.: The Board Game (2017) Board Game

Plague Inc.: The Board Game is a tabletop adaptation of the popular mobile game Plague Inc. by Ndemic Creations. Released in 2017, this strategy game allows players to take on the role of deadly diseases, aiming to infect and wipe out the world’s population.

Game Components of Plague Inc.: The Board Game

Game board featuring a world map

Country cards

Trait cards for evolving symptoms

DNA points and DNA track

Event cards

Player boards

Pips (tokens) for each player

Death dice

Rulebook

How To Setup Plague Inc.: The Board Game

To set up the game, each player selects a type of pathogen (virus or bacteria) and a color. They draw a starting country card, place it on the corresponding continent on the game board, and put one of their colored pips in that country. Each player also draws an opening hand of five trait cards and places their DNA marker on the DNA track. The game is easy to learn and fast to set up, making it accessible for new players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

DNA Phase: Score points based on controlled countries.

Country Phase: Select a new country card or discard and redraw trait cards.

Evolution Phase: Purchase trait cards using DNA points to evolve symptoms.

Infection Phase: Spread disease by placing pips on country cards.

Death Phase: Attempt to kill countries under your control using death dice.

Objective: Be the first player to wipe out humanity by evolving deadly traits, spreading the disease, and scoring the most DNA points.

Player Experience

Plague Inc.: The Board Game offers a unique and engaging experience where each player takes on the role of a deadly disease. The game scales well from 1 to 4 players, with the option for solo play. It boasts little downtime, with each turn consisting of five quick phases. The randomized setup ensures high replayability, making it a fun and strategic addition to any game night.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Clear game rules and fast setup make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: Randomized setup and multiple strategies ensure a different experience each time.

Strategic Depth: Experienced players can enjoy the complexity of evolving traits and using event cards.

Quick Gameplay: Turns are short, keeping the game tempo fast and engaging.

Solo Play Option: Available rules for solo gameplay.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players find the components, such as the boards and card art, to be functional but not exceptional.

No Cure Mechanic: Some players miss a cure mechanic, which could add another layer of challenge and strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Plague Inc.: The Board Game

Plague Inc.: The Board Game is ideal for fans of strategic games and those who enjoy thematic games with a twist. It’s perfect for game nights with friends or family, especially those aged 14 and up. The game’s unique theme and mechanics make it stand out, offering a engaging and puzzle-like experience that challenges players to be the deadliest disease. While it may not be for everyone due to its theme, it is a well-crafted game that provides hours of fun and strategic gameplay.

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