I know there's that cheap app game, but not interested. I want to drop a copy in a box for a buddy serving overseas and it looks like the game has grown a bit. I've never played so not entirely sure what I'm looking at here. Multiple base sets? A new edition?
The original basic set is all you need. If he wants to play the 3/4 player options then sure, add in the colony wars set. The promos, booster packs and all that stuff just clutter up the game.