Black Death v1.01 (2008) Board Game

Black Death v1.01 is a board game released in 2008 by designer Greg Porter and artist Alvin Helms. Published by Blacksburg Tactical Research Center, this game falls under the categories of Medical, Medieval, and Print & Play. The game is set during the time of the Black Death, a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing widespread death and chaos.

Game Components of Black Death

Board: A stylized map of the trade routes in medieval Europe.

Rulebook: A 3-page guide.

Counters: Punch-out cardboard counters.

Event Cards: A deck that can help or hinder players.

Dice: Two 6-sided dice.

How To Setup Black Death

To set up the game, each player selects a historical plague or designs a new disease. The game board is placed in the center, and each player receives their corresponding disease counters and Event cards. The Virulence and Mortality ratings of each disease are noted, as these ratings are crucial for gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Disease Roles: Players take on historical plagues like measles or dysentery, or create new diseases.

Virulence and Mortality: Each disease has a Virulence and Mortality rating between 1 and 5, summing up to 6.

Movement: Players move their disease counters across the map of Europe, infecting population centers.

Event Cards: Random events can aid or hinder player progress.

Victory Conditions: The first player to reach a specified number of victims wins:
– 2 players: 30 million victims
– 3-4 players: 20 million victims
– 5-6 players: 15 million victims

Variants:
– Fast game: Diseases have a combined Virulence and Mortality of 7.
– Slow game: Combined score of 5.
– Mutations: Virulence and Mortality can increase or decrease during the game.
– 1665: Set in Germany in 1665, using a variant board.

Player Experience

Playing **Black Death** offers a unique blend of strategy and luck. Players must navigate the map, managing their disease’s spread while dealing with random events. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible, but the varying outcomes keep it engaging. Each game session can be different due to the Event cards and the strategic decisions players make.

Pros

Unique Premise: The game’s concept of playing as diseases is intriguing and different.

Simple Rules: Easy to learn, making it accessible to new players.

Replayability: Random events and player choices ensure varied gameplay.

Cons

Limited Depth: Criticized for being simple-minded with relatively few rules.

Short-Term Fun: May not be as engaging in the long term.

Personal Thoughts on Black Death

**Black Death** is ideal for those who enjoy light, strategic games with a touch of dark humor. It’s perfect for game nights where you want something different and easy to explain. While it may not offer deep, complex gameplay, it provides an entertaining and unpredictable experience that’s sure to spark interesting conversations. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to pick up but still offers some tactical depth, **Black Death** is a great choice.

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.