Is this a different game than the Avalon Hill game with the same title?

Differences: The Avalon Hill version only supports up to 4 players. The Fantasy Flight version goes up to 5 in the base box (and up to 8 with expansions). The AH version has only 20 aliens, but the FFG version has 50 in the box. The AH version does not include flare cards, but the FFG has them for all 50 aliens. The FFG also comes with a variant called Technology, which is new to the game. There are also more components in the FFG version.

Does this version have different rules or components from the FFG release whose cover has only the logo and nothing else?

The answer from Ryan is talking about the original edition from the 1970s. The answer to your actual question is, the second edition (parasite cover) is almost identical to the first FFG edition (no-alien cover) although they did tweak the texts on a very small number of aliens/cards. Basically they implemented about five errata listed in their FAQ.

Isn't the retail actually $59.95 as indicated on Fatasy Flight's website?

Hello Joe,$59.95 is the publisher's suggested retail price. But, retailers are free to sell the game at any price they want (above or below that).-- Respectfully,Robert S. Solow, Ph.D.CLS GamesAtlanta's Board Game WarehouseLAND: (770) 966-8340CELL: (770) 310-2498

Recommendations for my first expansion?

we recommend Conflict and Incursion. Have fun playing this game.

Cosmic Encounter | Desertcart UK

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Description

🚀 Conquer the cosmos or be left in the cosmic dust!

INFINITE REPLAYABILITY - 50 alien races and customizable Cosmic Combos ensure no two games ever feel the same.
GALACTIC DIPLOMACY MASTERY - Forge and break alliances in a constantly shifting interstellar political landscape.
PREMIUM COMPONENTS DESIGN - Includes 100 translucent plastic ships, 197 cards, and detailed tokens for a tactile, immersive experience.
EPIC INTERGALACTIC CONQUESTS - Lead your species to colonize 5 planets beyond your home system through negotiation or war.
STRATEGIC DEPTH MEETS ACCESSIBILITY - Moderate complexity with intuitive rules perfect for game nights and competitive play.

Cosmic Encounter 4th Edition is a strategy board game for 3-5 players aged 14+, featuring 50 unique alien species, 100 plastic ships, and a rich blend of diplomacy, alliances, and tactical combat. With 1-2 hours of dynamic gameplay, it offers endless replayability through customizable matchups and evolving strategies, making it a must-have for millennial professionals craving social, strategic, and memorable game nights.

Specifications

ASIN	1589944968
Age Range Description	Kid
Best Sellers Rank	#254,516 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #6,447 in Board Games (Toys & Games)
Brand Name	Asmodee
Color	Multicolor
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,261)
Educational Objective	Strategy
Global Trade Identification Number	09781589944961
Included Components	1 Quick-Start Guide 1 Rulebook 1 Warp 1 Hyperspace Gate 25 Player Planets (5 per player) 100 Translucent Plastic Ships (20 per player) 51 Alien Sheets 197 Cards 51 Tokens 1 Genesis Planet 1 Alternate Filch Flare
Indoor Outdoor Usage	Indoor
Is Assembly Required	No
Item Dimensions	2.91 x 11.65 x 11.65 inches
Item Part Number	FFGCE01
Item Type Name	board game
Item Weight	1.76 Kilograms
Manufacturer	Asmodee
Manufacturer Maximum Age (MONTHS)	1188.0
Manufacturer Minimum Age (MONTHS)	178.0
Manufacturer Part Number	CE01
Manufacturer Warranty Description	Guaranteed against manufacturer defects
Material Type	Plastic
Model Number	CE01
Number of Players	3-5
Operation Mode	Manual
Power Source	Manual
Set Name	Cosmic Encounter
Size	12"Wx12"L
Subject Character	Alien
Supported Battery Types	No batteries required
Theme	Adventure
UPC	090052920661
Unit Count	1.0 Count

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