Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse (2018) Board Game

Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse is a tabletop board game that was released in in 2018. Designed by Arthur Asa and published by Osprey Games, this game falls under the categories of Horror, Miniatures, and Wargame, with a focus on surviving a zombie apocalypse. Players take on the roles of survivors trying to navigate a world overrun by the undead.

Game Components of Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse

Rulebook: A 108-page hardcover book with full-color interior.

Miniatures: Requires around 20 zombie miniatures and 6-14 survivor miniatures.

Table Space: Recommended 3′ by 3′ table with urban terrain.

Dice: Six-sided dice (d6) for various tests.

Character and Refuge Sheets: Included in the book, with additional downloadable resources from Osprey’s website.

Quick Reference Sheet: Available for download from Osprey’s website.

How To Setup Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse

To set up the game, players choose a leader from three different archetypes, select a refuge, and recruit their starting characters. The leader chosen limits the types of characters that can be recruited. The game is played on a 3′ by 3′ table, preferably with ample urban terrain to enhance gameplay. Players start with a few zombies on the table and their survival group ready with selected miniatures and equipment.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Menace, Action, Shooting, Close Quarters Combat, and End phases.

Menace Phase: Handles noise, ammo, and zombie activation.

Action Phase: Players take turns moving figures using action points.

Shooting Phase: Resolve shooting actions with a roll of a d6 plus firearms skill against a threshold of 7.

Close Quarters Combat Phase: Opposed tests using a d6 and Close Quarters Combat statistic.

End Phase: Conduct Courage Tests if necessary.

Objective: Survive the zombie apocalypse by defending your refuge, managing resources, and fending off zombie and hostile human threats.

Player Experience

In Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse, players experience a simple yet engaging gameplay mechanic. The game allows for character development and refuge building, making each game session unique. Players must manage noise levels to avoid attracting more zombies and balance their actions between movement, shooting, and close combat. The game is designed for fans of zombie-themed games and survival horror, allowing players to use existing miniatures from other games like Zombicide.

Pros

Simple Mechanics: Easy to learn and play.

Character Development: Characters gain experience and develop skills.

Refuge Building: Players can build and develop their base.

Flexible Miniatures: Use any miniatures you have, including those from other zombie games.

Theme: Engaging zombie apocalypse and survival theme.

Cons

Rules Too Simple: Some players may find the rules too simplistic.

Light Content: The book is relatively thin, lacking quick reference pages and charts.

Zombie Irrelevance: Zombies are not very menacing and can be easily dispatched.

Static Gameplay: Games can become static with players staying in starting zones and engaging in long-range combat.

Limited Terrain Interaction: Vehicles and other terrain elements are not interactive.

Personal Thoughts on Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse

Last Days: Zombie Apocalypse is ideal for fans of zombie-themed games and those who enjoy skirmish wargames with a survival twist. While it offers a straightforward and quick-to-learn gameplay system, it may not satisfy players seeking more complex rules or a more intimidating zombie threat. The game’s flexibility in using various miniatures and its focus on character development make it a great option for those who enjoy customizing their gaming experience. However, the lack of menacing zombies and limited terrain interaction might be a drawback for some players.

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