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 Norway

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Description

🌌 Conquer the cosmos or get left behind — your alien empire awaits!

ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY - With 50 alien races and customizable Cosmic Combos, no two games ever feel the same.
CLASSIC MEETS CUTTING EDGE - 4th Edition revitalizes a beloved classic with new tech cards and alien powers for fresh strategies.
GALACTIC DIPLOMACY MASTERY - Forge shifting alliances and outwit rivals in a dynamic interstellar battlefield.
IMMERSIVE PREMIUM COMPONENTS - Includes 100 translucent ships, detailed alien sheets, and vibrant cosmic tokens for tactile engagement.
STRATEGIC DEPTH MEETS ACCESSIBILITY - Perfectly balanced 1-2 hour gameplay for intense yet manageable sessions.

Cosmic Encounter 4th Edition is a strategy board game for 3-5 players aged 14+, featuring 50 unique alien races, 100 premium plastic ships, and dynamic gameplay blending diplomacy, alliances, and conflict. With customizable Cosmic Combos and a 1-2 hour playtime, it offers endless replayability and immersive intergalactic conquest for both casual and dedicated gamers.

Specifications

ASIN	1589944968
Age Range Description	Adult, Young People
Best Sellers Rank	#271,871 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #6,190 in Board Games (Toys & Games)
Brand Name	Asmodee
Color	Multicolor
Customer Reviews	4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,265)
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
Item Dimensions	2.91 x 11.65 x 11.65 inches
Item Part Number	FFGCE01
Item Type Name	board game
Item Weight	1.76 kg
Manufacturer	Asmodee
Manufacturer Part Number	CE01
Manufacturer Warranty Description	Guaranteed against manufacturer defects
Manufacturer recommended age	15 years and up
Material Type	Plastic
Model Number	CE01
Number of Packs	1
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 Count

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