Black Death (1993) Board Game

The Black Death board game, released in 1993, is a game that takes players back to the medieval times when the deadly bubonic plague ravaged Europe. Designed by Greg Porter and published by Blacksburg Tactical Research Center, the game provides a simulation of the impact of the plague on society and challenges players to navigate through the chaos and uncertainty of the time.

Game Components of Black Death

A board featuring a stylized map of medieval Europe’s trade routes

A 3-page rulebook

Punch-out cardboard counters

A deck of Event cards

Two 6-sided dice

How To Setup Black Death

To set up the game, players start by choosing their diseases, either historical plagues like measles or dysentery, or designing new ones. Each disease has a Virulence and Mortality rating, which together sum up to 6. The board is placed in the middle, and the Event cards are shuffled and distributed. Players position their disease counters on the board according to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Player Roles: Players take on the roles of diseases spreading across medieval Europe.

Movement: Diseases move across the map, infecting population centers.

Event Cards: Random event cards can aid or hinder players.

Dice Rolling: Players use two 6-sided dice to determine movement and outcomes.

Variants: Includes variants like Fast Game, Slow Game, Mutations, and a 1665 scenario set in Germany.

Game Objective

The objective is to be the first player to infect an agreed-upon number of victims:
– For 2 players: 30 million victims
– For 3–4 players: 20 million victims
– For 5–6 players: 15 million victims

Player Experience

**Black Death** offers a unique and somewhat darkly humorous experience where players compete to spread their diseases as efficiently as possible. The game is praised for its simplicity yet critiqued for walking a fine line between being simple and simple-minded. Reviews suggest that while the game is fun for initial plays, its long-term appeal might be limited.

Pros

Unique Concept: Players take on the roles of diseases, offering a fresh and intriguing twist.

Simple to Learn: The game has relatively few rules, making it easy to pick up.

Replayability: The inclusion of Event cards and variants adds replay value.

Cons

Limited Long-term Appeal: The game may not remain engaging over multiple plays.

Simple Mechanics: Some critics find the game too simple or simple-minded.

Personal Thoughts on Black Death

**Black Death** is ideal for those who enjoy quirky, thematic games and are looking for something different from the usual strategy or cooperative games. It’s a good fit for casual gamers who appreciate a light, fun experience but may not be the best choice for those seeking complex, deep gameplay. The game’s dark humor and unique premise make it a standout, but its simplicity means it might not hold the attention of more serious gamers over time.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.