The cards are different - a couple of old favourites, but all new graphics and mostly new characters, too. But it's a complete Ruckus deck, so you can still play the original game. What the board game version adds is basically a way of keeping score. However, it is somewhat complex way of recording points and other than creating a few new ways to get additional points, it's not really necessary. ON the downside, as our tseters point out the board tends to get in the way and scoring process slows down gameplay. Our testers who'd played the original version say they prefer the regular card game to this. Still as one kid-tester notes, this version gives you the choice  - although we'd add: as long as yo don't mind spending a little extra. 

NOTE: Some of our testing parents were concerned about the disclaimer on the box that states "WARNING: Contains lead. may be harmful if eaten or chewed. May generate dust containing lead." The lead is likely in the ink, and the amount of lead is no doubt within safety limits (or it couldn't be sold). It should be noted that many available products are still not entirely lead free - whether or not they volunteer disclaimers.