Virus & Co (2002) Board Game

Virus & Co is a card game that was released in in 2002. It is designed by Theiss Heidolph and Frank Stark, with artwork by Zoch Verlag. The game falls under the categories of Card Game and Medical, and it is suitable for players aged 11 and above. The game involves auction/bidding and take that mechanics, making it an interactive and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Virus & Co

Organ Cards: 68 colorful cards, including 5 of each color and a multicolored wild card.

Virus Cards: 17 cards, with 4 of each color and a multicolored virus.

Medicine Cards: 20 cards, including 4 of each color and 4 multicolored ones.

Treatment Cards: 10 cards, such as spreading cards, organ thief cards, transplant cards, latex glove cards, and medical error cards.

How To Setup Virus & Co

To set up the game, shuffle the cards and deal three to each player. The remaining cards form the draw deck, placed centrally with a discard pile beside it.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Actions: Players can discard and replace cards, play one card per turn, or use treatment cards.

Organ Collection: Players collect organ cards, ensuring no duplicates of the same color.

Virus Infection: Players can infect opponents’ organs with virus cards or destroy vaccines.

Medicine Use: Players can cure infected organs, vaccinate healthy ones, or immunize protected ones.

Treatment Cards: Cards like transplant, spreading, latex glove, and medical error can significantly alter gameplay.

Objective: The first player to collect at least four healthy organs wins.

Player Experience

**Virus** is a fast-paced, entertaining game suitable for both children and adults. It is easy to learn and play, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The game’s portability and affordability add to its appeal. Players enjoy the strategic element of protecting their organs while trying to disrupt their opponents’ progress.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules allow for quick start-up.

Portable: Easy to carry and play anywhere.

Affordable: Good value for money.

Entertaining: Addictive gameplay with opportunities to sabotage opponents.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults.

Cons

Short Games: Games can be too short, but this can be mitigated by playing multiple rounds.

Personal Thoughts on Virus & Co

**Virus** is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick, fun game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. Its simplicity and interactive nature make it an excellent choice for social gatherings or family game nights. However, it may not appeal to players seeking more complex or lengthy gaming experiences.

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