Reprinted by Permission

Virus Alert! by ZenoGames
by Scott Bolderson

December 7, 2001

Virus Alert! is a very fast-paced card game in which all players are computer users, or should I say hackers?  Basically, the goal of the game is to get ten virus free objects on the table.  But it is very hard to get virus free objects on the table, with all of the viruses and virus generators flying around.  You always have the trusty anti-virus programs to make sure your objects stay clean, but watch out for the AV Killer!  The main question is this: Is Virus Alert so addictive that it will spread through your gaming group like the Anna Kournikova virus (and don’t lie to me, I know you ALL clicked on that one...)

Setup Time: 

Shuffle, deal, and go.  At most it takes five minutes to read the rules and start playing.

Learning Curve: 

This game has a slightly higher learning curve than I initially expected.  This is mainly due to the fact that the only text on the cards themselves are the card names.  All rules text is left in the rulebook.  This is a little frustrating for the first 2-3 games, as not all players will be able to memorize what each card does the first couple times around.  Fortunately, the card effects are not that difficult to understand, and after a couple of games the rules are no longer needed.  The designers do get some extra points for making objects and action cards have different colored borders, it’s a simple thing that helps out immensely.

Design:  1/2

The cards are very clear, with large text, and the aforementioned differently colored borders to distinguish objects from actions.  Artwork is very colorful, and the cards are fun to look at.  As I stated before, I would have liked seeing the rules text on the cards themselves, but all of the actions are explained twice in the rulebook so this is a minor gripe.  In addition, it is likely that a text box would have caused the designers to have to shrink the art, and that would be a shame.  I guess it’s true that you can’t have it all.

Rules: 

Extremely easy to read.  The rules are laid out very well, the quick reference for the action cards is the very first thing you see, and fits on 1 page of the whole book.  The actual game is really nothing more than draw a card, play a card, discard down to 5 cards in hand, done.  This leaves plenty of room in the rulebook for an in-depth explanation as to the function of each of the action cards.  Nice to see a game every once in a while that doesn’t bog itself down with too many rules.  I also really appreciated the card list that was included in the box, it really helps me keep track of my cards (especially after I accidentally, and unknowingly dumped them all on the floor, and kind of left them there for a week or two).

Gameplay: 

Turns usually take about 20 seconds, so it is a very quick game.  Despite that, there is a good bit of strategy involved.  Timing of card plays is absolutely critical to winning.  There are several actions which are usually automatic plays when drawn, but if held until a certain point when nobody is expecting it, they can absolutely disrupt the entire game for everybody.  But it is also very possible to overwhelm even multiple virus threats with a mountain of objects in play.

Overall: 

The only way I can describe this game is solid and fun.  It isn’t difficult to learn, it’s even easier to play, and it looks very nice.  Virus Alert! is ZenoGames first release, and it is an extremely well thought out and put together game.  If every game was put together as well as this one, the game industry would be a far better place.  I highly recommend Virus Alert! for your next gaming party, you might also catch the bug...(sorry). 

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