Contrary to Merric, I'd say it has replay value. Now, once you've played it 3 or 4 times you'll realize why. Because you keep thinking, "we were this close to winning, let's try again!"
I've played at least half a dozen times and I think we've only won once and if I recall correctly we think we screwed up the final turn, (to our advantage).
The game is challenging, and certain roles absense or presense have something to do with that. The medic removes more cubes than the others and the researcher can cure strains with 1 fewer card. I've been told, (but haven't actually read the rules) that if you play as written you randomly pick the roles and that table talk should be "in character" i.e. instead of saying "I can cure black with 1 more card" you say "If someone could meet me at Egypt and assist with their trouble..."
I personally suspect that last part is our own house rule, but again I haven't read the rules, so whatever.
I think it is important with the timing of when you use your special cards, but I haven't read anything online about hints or suggestions.
Cosmetically the game looks nice. I think somebody in our group put their cubes in petri dishes for that extra touch.