Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition (2022) Board Game

Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition is a cooperative board game that puts players in the midst of a zombie outbreak during a carnival in Venice. Designed by Matteo Santus and published by Albe Pavo, this updated version of the game offers improved components and gameplay mechanics for an enhanced gaming experience.

Game Components of Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition

Character cards and decks: Each character has a preconfigured deck, ensuring specific items are available to the right characters (e.g., heavy weapons in the expert’s deck, healing items in the medic’s deck).

Board: Representing Venice, with areas that can become submerged and require specific actions.

Miniatures and standees: For characters and zombies, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Player aids: Including a clear, example-filled manual and various aids to streamline gameplay.

Barricades and items: For preparing defenses and managing resources during the day phase.

Zombie cubes: Used to spawn enemies during the night phase.

How To Setup Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition

Setup involves preparing the board by placing the Venice map, setting up the day and night phases, and distributing character cards and their respective decks. Each player selects a character and places their figure on the board. The game also includes scenario-specific setups, such as the “The Blessed Path” which comes with its own fold-out board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Day and Night Phases: The game is split into day and night cycles, with players using the day phase to move, heal stress, search for items, and prepare barricades. The night phase involves battling zombies in a tower-defense style minigame.

Character Actions: Each character has unique abilities and deck compositions that influence their actions during the game.

Resource Management: Players must manage items, barricades, and stress levels.

Scenario Variants: The game includes multiple scenarios and variants, such as different minigames and unique scenario variants.

Objective: The primary goal is to escape Venice while surviving the zombie hordes and the Leviathan’s awakening.

Player Experience

**Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition** offers a highly engaging and challenging experience, particularly suited for solo players but also enjoyable with 2-3 players. The game is known for its high replayability due to the variety of characters, scenarios, and game mechanics. Players appreciate the streamlined gameplay, excellent component quality, and the overall thematic coherence despite some thematic jarring elements.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple characters, scenarios, and variants ensure a different experience each time.

Engaging Mechanics: The day and night phases and the tower-defense style minigame keep the game exciting and challenging.

Excellent Component Quality: Clear manual, player aids, miniatures, and standees enhance the gameplay experience.

Solo and Cooperative Play: Suitable for both solo and cooperative play, though it excels more as a solo game.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex, especially for new players, due to the various mechanics and scenarios.

Player Count Limitations: While it supports up to 6 players, it is less effective with larger player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition

This game is ideal for fans of cooperative and solo board games who enjoy a mix of strategy, resource management, and action-packed combat. It is particularly recommended for those who appreciate a well-themed and highly replayable game. Given its complexity, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those new to board games, but for experienced players looking for a deep and engaging experience, **Carnival Zombie: 2nd Edition** is a standout choice.

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