Carnival Zombie (2013) Board Game

Carnival Zombie is a cooperative board game designed by Jocularis and released in in 2013. Set in a post-apocalyptic Venice during the Renaissance era, players must work together to survive and escape from the hordes of zombies that have overtaken the city.

Game Components of Carnival Zombie

Game board depicting the city of Venice

Miniature player figures

Zombie miniatures

Player boards

Action cards

Dice

How To Setup Carnival Zombie

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player chooses a character and takes the corresponding player board and miniature figure.

Place zombie miniatures on designated spaces on the board.

Shuffle the action cards and place them face down.

Each player receives a starting hand of action cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players must work together to navigate the city, defeat zombies, and collect resources in order to reach the escape boat at the end of the game board. Each player has unique abilities that can help the team overcome challenges. The game is played in rounds, with players taking turns to move, fight zombies, and use action cards to their advantage.

The objective of the game is to reach the escape boat and leave the city before time runs out, while surviving the relentless attacks of the zombie horde.

Player Experience

Pros:

Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Unique player abilities add depth and replay value.

Engaging theme and setting that immerses players in the post-apocalyptic world of Venice.

Cons:

Game can be challenging for new players to grasp all the mechanics.

Setup and cleanup can be time-consuming.

Limited player count may not accommodate larger gaming groups.

Personal Thoughts on Carnival Zombie

Carnival Zombie is a unique and immersive board game that offers a challenging and thematic experience for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay and zombie survival themes. The build quality of the components is impressive, and the artwork by Albe Pavo and Raven Distribution adds to the atmospheric setting of the game.

While the game may not be suitable for casual gamers or those looking for a quick and easy play experience, it is definitely worth the time and investment for fans of action/dexterity games, horror themes, and cooperative gameplay. The pricing and availability of the game, both new and used, may vary, but it is worth exploring for those who appreciate the genre.

As for alternatives and similar games, Carnival Zombie stands out in its unique combination of Renaissance setting, zombie survival mechanics, and cooperative gameplay. Fans of games like Zombicide or Dead of Winter may find Carnival Zombie to be a welcome addition to their collection.

In conclusion, Carnival Zombie is a game that offers a deep and engaging experience for players who enjoy immersive themes, challenging gameplay, and cooperative strategy. It is a must-try for those who appreciate the genre and are looking for a game that offers both thematic depth and strategic gameplay.

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