How does this compare with the original? Is the gameplay different?

I've played both the old version and the new version dozens of time (though it's been a couple years since I played the first edition). Most of the changes are cosmetic in nature. The cards and board were redesigned (though they function exactly the same, except as noted). The nice wooden infection cubes have been replaced by a cheaper-feeling plastic. The cards and game look different, but are comparable in quality. The game play is basically the same, with a couple of minor changes. They buffed Light Green - the engineer (who can now charter flight from any city with a research station to anywhere on the board by discarding any card) and White - the researcher (other players in the same city can now take any card from him, as opposed to him having to give the card during one of his turns). I think they also slightly changed Purple - the dispatcher. The buffs are very helpful, as the engineer was previously a virtually useless role. Now he can get anywhere easily by placing a city for one turn, then discarding any card to fly anywhere for his second turn, where he can heal two blocks immediately. This makes the researcher much more effective because she can spend all 4 moves getting to someone else, who can then spend their first three moves taking cards from the researcher and their fourth move developing a cure. The second edition also added 2 new roles: the contingency planner and the quarantine specialist. The former, as an action, can (one card at a time, and once per special event) redraw a special event card from the discard pile back into his own hand that doesn't count against his limit (i.e. He can have 8 cards as long as one of them is a redrawn special event). I typically don't play with the contingency planner because his role completely sucks. The quarantine specialist simply prevents new diseases from being placed in the city she is in, as well as all adjacent cities. If you have 2 adjacent cities with three blocks each, you can avoid a double-outbreak simply by moving her to either of the cities. We often use the dispatcher to move her around as needed. In summary, the second edition simply fixed a few annoying weaknesses of the engineer and researcher, replaced nice wooden cubes with cheap plastic ones, and added one fun new role. If your original version is still in working condition, don't buy a new game. Just print the new rules to buff the old roles. It's not worth a whole new board game just for the one role of quarantine specialist. If your old game is worn, get a new copy, but keep the wooden disease cubes.

What's the youngest age you'd recommend to play?

The box says 8+, the Amazon description says 13-15. The expansions all are 13+, so maybe that's why Amazon is confused. We haven't played any of the expansions yet, but my 5yo and 8yo both love Pandemic. We got it shortly after the 5yo's birthday, and at first it was kind of frustrating at times when he'd insist on doing something completely illogical, but he's gotten better in the past half year. That said, he reads way above grade level, so 8+ is probably a better idea - you want the kid to be able to read the names of the cities, etc. I wouldn't buy the game if you only have kids under 8, unless they're profoundly gifted - we got it for the 8yo, and the 5yo just happened to be able to go along, but there are games that would be more suitable for his age - he isn't yet really able to strategize at the level needed for Pandemic. And really, saving the world can wait until the ripe old age of 8. ;)

How long does a typical game of Pandemic take to play?

I think 45-60 minutes with a strong team who knows the game is a good estimate. The first games with new players will take a while, even on easy, because there are a lot of little nuisances and details to learn... and if you're playing with a few different strong personalities, you may loose time to discussing the best tactics and strategies. When my husband and I play, 45 minutes is a good estimate, but we also work well together and know the rules of the game.

Would like a good two person game. Is this it?

After 7 plays as a 2-player game, I'd say it plays very well. I'd also say that I disagree with those who say it is harder as a 2-player game. Each player has more influence over decisions and potentially twice as many turns as they would get in a four-player game. So in some ways it could be a tad bit easier. The amount of epidemic cards are more of a factor in the difficulty than how many players are in the game. The infections and epidemic cards will come out at a rate irrelevant to how many players are in the game. And one of the game-ending triggers is when all of the player cards are drawn - and that is based on how many turns are taken, regardless of how many different players are taking turns. The disadvantage of playing a 2-player game would be missing out on larger group discussions and interaction. But it's really not a big deal. You will still find this game a great value if you play 2-players 90% of the time and 4-players 10% of the time. That is the situation I am in and I recommend the game.

Product Dimensions	30.48 x 21.84 x 4.32 cm; 907 g
Manufacturer recommended age	0 - 8 years
Item model number	ZM7101
Educational Objective(s)	Develop critical thinking, cooperative learning, and decision-making skills
Language:	English
Number of Game Players	2 to 4 players
Number of Puzzle Pieces	1
Assembly Required	No
Material Type(s)	Paper
Remote Control Included?	No
Color	Multi-colored
Language	English
ASIN	B00A2HD40E

Z-Man Games Pandemic Board Game

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