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Dawn of the Dead (1978)

ByMichail

Brief History and Background Information of Dawn of the Dead

Dawn of the Dead is a science fiction board wargame published by Simulations Publications, Inc. (SPI) in 1978 that is based on the zombie film released the same year, Dawn of the Dead. The game can be played as a two-player game (humans vs. zombies), as a solitaire game, or as a cooperative game.

Why is Dawn of the Dead Popular?

Dawn of the Dead is considered a classic game of zombie mayhem. It is popular among fans of the zombie genre and board game enthusiasts. The game is significant because it was one of the first board games to feature zombies as the main theme.

Game Components of Dawn of the Dead

Rulebook11″ x 17″ map of the mallCounters representing four humans and fifty zombies

Game Setup of Dawn of the Dead

One player controls four humans — two SWAT team members armed with M16 rifles and a man and woman armed with pistols — trapped in the mall and surrounded by zombies. The other player controls the zombies that try to either kill the humans or infect them, causing the humans to become zombies themselves.

Gameplay Mechanics of Dawn of the Dead

The game is played on a map of a shopping mall. The human player moves their characters around the mall, searching for weapons and ammunition while trying to avoid the zombies. The zombie player moves their zombies around the mall, trying to corner and kill the humans. Combat is resolved using dice rolls.

Game Objective of Dawn of the Dead

The human player wins if the human team can arm the civilians with hunting rifles, lock all the mall doors to prevent new zombies from entering, and then kill all the zombies left in the mall. The zombie player wins if they can kill all the humans or infect them all.

Player Experience

Dawn of the Dead is a tense and exciting game that captures the feel of the zombie genre. Players must work together to survive while also trying to outsmart their opponent. The game is challenging and requires strategic thinking to win.

Buy Online

Dawn of the Dead can be purchased online from various retailers, including Amazon and eBay.

Are “Dawn of the Dead” and “Crescendo of Doom” related in any way?

Yes, “Dawn of the Dead” and “Crescendo of Doom” are not related in any way. The former is a classic zombie horror film, while the latter is a term used to describe a musical peak. There is no connection between the two. For more information, you can read the “crescendo of doom article” for further details.

Conclusion

Dawn of the Dead is a classic board game that is popular among fans of the zombie genre. The game is significant because it was one of the first board games to feature zombies as the main theme. The game is challenging and requires strategic thinking to win. It can be played as a two-player game, a solitaire game, or a cooperative game. The game can be purchased online from various retailers.

Game Components of Dawn of the Dead

  • Map:** An 11″ x 17″ map of the mall
  • Counters:** Representing four humans and fifty zombies
  • Rulebook:** Detailed rules for gameplay
  • Other Components:** Includes rules for solo play and various zombie types (e.g., hidden zombies, frenzied zombies, and super zombies).

    How To Setup Dawn of the Dead

    To set up the game, players start by placing the human characters at pre-set spaces within the mall. The zombie player allocates a base number of zombies, some in the open and some hidden within the mall. The humans begin armed, with the two SWAT team members carrying M16 rifles and the two civilians carrying pistols. The mall doors are initially open, allowing zombies to flood in during each turn.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Objective

  • Human Player:** Arm the civilians with hunting rifles, lock all the mall doors, and eliminate all the zombies inside the mall.
  • Zombie Player:** Kill or infect three humans (or two if one is the woman).

    Mechanics

  • Turn Structure:** Alternates between the human and zombie players.
  • Human Actions:** Spend action points for movement, attacking, picking up rifles, and locking doors.
  • Zombie Actions:** Random reinforcements, hidden zombies, frenzied zombies, and super zombies.
  • Combat:** Resolved based on the combat strengths of the humans and zombies, with special rules for zombie behavior.

    Player Experience

    Playing Dawn of the Dead is a suspenseful experience, particularly for the human player who must balance holding positions and clearing areas of zombies while more zombies pour in from the outside. The game offers several strategies, such as banding together for high firepower but slow movement or splitting up for increased mobility. The zombie player must use tactics like hiding zombies and creating frenzied zombies to outmaneuver the humans.

    Pros

  • Suspenseful Gameplay:** Offers a thrilling cat-and-mouse experience.
  • Strategic Depth:** Multiple strategies available for both human and zombie players.
  • Solitaire Option:** Includes solo play rules, enhancing replayability.
  • Thematic Fidelity:** Faithfully adapts the theme of the 1978 film Dawn of the Dead.

    Cons

  • Game Balance:** Criticized for favoring the human player in two-player games.
  • Complexity:** Rules can seem complicated at first, though they become easier after a few plays.
  • Availability:** Out of print for many years, though printable versions are available online.

    Personal Thoughts on Dawn of the Dead

    Dawn of the Dead is a game tailored for fans of the zombie genre and the 1978 film. It offers a unique blend of strategy and suspense, making it a great choice for those who enjoy themed board games. While it may present some balance issues in two-player games, the solo play option and the ability to download and print the game make it accessible and enjoyable for a dedicated audience. If you’re a fan of zombie apocalypse scenarios and are looking for a classic, thematic game, Dawn of the Dead is certainly worth the effort to download, assemble, and play.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl