Iberia

I've been a fan of the Pandemic series for a while now, having played the original and Fall of Rome extensively. When I saw Iberia, I was immediately intrigued by the historical setting and the promise of a unique gameplay experience. I have to say, it definitely delivers!

The core mechanics of Pandemic are still there, but Iberia adds a whole new layer of depth with its focus on the Iberian Peninsula in the 1840s. The lack of direct flights and the introduction of trains and ports for travel make the game feel more strategic and challenging. The roles are also more balanced, which I really appreciate. I found myself constantly having to adapt my strategies to the new challenges, and the game never felt stale or predictable.

The theme is beautifully realized, with the game pieces and cards looking incredibly classy. The historical context, with the construction of the first railroads in the Iberian Peninsula, adds an extra layer of interest to the game. I particularly enjoyed the "Historical Diseases" variant, which gives each disease its own unique power, making them feel more realistic and engaging.

If you're a seasoned Pandemic player looking for a fresh challenge, I highly recommend Iberia. It's a well-designed game that will keep you on your toes and provide hours of entertaining gameplay. I actually find it more enjoyable than Fall of Rome, simply because the gameplay is more engaging and the theme is more captivating.

One small note: The containers for the game pieces are not included in the package, so you may need to purchase those separately. However, this is a minor inconvenience and doesn't detract from the overall quality of the game.