Resident Evil: The Board Game
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Awards
Rating
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Artwork
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Complexity
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Replayability
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Player Interaction
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Component Quality
You Might Like
- Thematic Immersion: Captures the essence of the Resident Evil universe
- Campaign Depth: Engaging scenarios with branching narratives
- Strategic Gameplay: Resource management and combat offer satisfying challenges
Might Not Like
- Component Quality: Varied quality in miniatures and board pieces. The insert is poor
- Steep Learning Curve: Rules may be challenging for new players
- Combat Complexity: Some may find the combat system intricate
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Description
We’re going back to where it all began. Following the Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Resident Evil 3(2021) board games, Resident Evil: The Board Game (2023) brings the sinister Spencer Mansion to the tabletop in a terrifying open world campaign. Based on the 2002 remake of the original Resident Evil video game, Resident Evil: The Board Game is a cooperative survival horror board game for 1-4 players._x000D_
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Built on the survival horror engine of the previous two board games, Resident Evil: The Board Game introduces a slew of new and updated mechanics to keep you on your toes. Solve ingenious new puzzles to unlock doors, build the mansion map as you explore, send non-player characters on valuable missions, and more. Setup is swift because each scenario begins with just a few tiles. As you explore and open doors, you’ll build out the map, opening new pathways and discovering useful items… and deadly enemies._x000D_
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Resident Evil: The Board Game is a campaign game playable over 27 hours, where every decision counts and has far-reaching consequences. Every resource must be managed, every bullet counted. Fighting isn’t the only way to survive. You’ll have to decide when to attack and when to flee. But you won’t always get a choice! As your campaign goes on, the mansion will evolve and the danger level will rise. The tension and encounter decks will change, adding mysterious new cards and altering the effects of old cards to make them even more dangerous. But effects don’t just happen over time. Tension cards can change enemy behaviours at any moment, making them more lethal from one turn to the next._x000D_
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Short on time? Each Resident Evil: The Board Game scenario is also playable as a 60-90 minute one-shot, for bite-sized nightmare sessions._x000D_
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In the darkness lie your fears. Can you fight them and survive?
Resident Evil: The Board Game from Steamforged Games, designed by Sherwin Matthews, immerses players into the iconic survival horror universe of the video game series. As a dedicated board game enthusiast and Resident Evil fan, delving into this adaptation was a thrilling prospect. Let’s explore the game’s components, gameplay, theme, and artwork to gauge how well it captures the essence of the Resident Evil franchise.
Components
The game’s components are a mixed bag. The miniatures are detailed and capture the essence of Resident Evil’s diverse cast. Each character, from Chris Redfield to Jill Valentine, is meticulously crafted. However, the same level of detail doesn’t always extend to the zombies and other creatures, which can feel a bit generic.
The modular game board pieces provide variability in scenarios but lack the sturdiness found in other board games. Card quality is excellent, ensuring durability with frequent use. The inclusion of item cards, weapons, and other thematic elements enhances the overall gaming experience.
Gameplay
Resident Evil: The Board Game follows a cooperative survival horror format. Players navigate iconic locations in the Spencer Mansion, solve puzzles, and combat hordes of zombies and other monstrosities. The gameplay is tense and strategic, echoing the resource management aspect crucial to the video game series.
The combat system, utilising custom dice, adds a layer of unpredictability. However, it might feel cumbersome to some players, especially during intense encounters. The inclusion of the “Tension” deck, which introduces unexpected events, mirrors the franchise’s knack for keeping players on edge.
Campaign scenarios offer depth and replay-ability, with branching paths based on player choices. However, the learning curve can be steep, and the rulebook could benefit from clearer explanations.
Theme & Artwork
Steamforged Games excels in capturing the Resident Evil theme. The dark and foreboding atmosphere, the iconic characters, and the eerie soundtrack resonate well with the video game series. The game board’s layout mirrors key locations, further enhancing immersion.
The artwork on cards is a highlight, with attention to detail that fans will appreciate. However, as mentioned earlier, some miniatures lack the same level of detail, leading to a slight inconsistency in the overall aesthetic.
Who Might Enjoy This Game?
Resident Evil: The Board Game is tailor-made for fans of the video game series who relish the challenge of survival horror. Board gamers seeking immersive, cooperative experiences with a strategic edge will find this title intriguing. However, it might not be the best entry point for those new to board gaming due to its complex rules.
Final Verdict
Resident Evil: The Board Game successfully translates the tension and horror of the video game series into a tabletop experience. While it has its quirks, the thematic immersion and strategic gameplay make it a compelling choice for dedicated fans and board gamers looking for a challenging cooperative adventure. With careful consideration of its components and rulebook clarity, Steamforged Games could elevate this title to a must-have for any survival horror enthusiast’s collection.
Zatu Score
Rating
- Artwork
- Complexity
- Replayability
- Player Interaction
- Component Quality
You might like
- Thematic Immersion: Captures the essence of the Resident Evil universe
- Campaign Depth: Engaging scenarios with branching narratives
- Strategic Gameplay: Resource management and combat offer satisfying challenges
Might not like
- Component Quality: Varied quality in miniatures and board pieces. The insert is poor
- Steep Learning Curve: Rules may be challenging for new players
- Combat Complexity: Some may find the combat system intricate