Dead Panic (2013) Board Game

Dead Panic is a cooperative board game that was released in in 2013. It is designed by Víctor Pérez Corbella and features artwork by Edge Entertainment and Fireside Games. The game falls under the category of zombie-themed games and involves players working together to survive a zombie outbreak.

Game Components of Dead Panic

1 game board

1 Cabin deck (29 cards)

1 Events deck (23 cards)

8 Characters and stands

8 player boards with character details and zombie transformations

24 Zombie tokens (3 Creepers, 10 Shamblers, 4 Sprinters, 4 Brawlers, 3 Brutes)

3 Survivor tokens

12 Injury tokens

6 Cabin Walls and stands

6 Crack tokens

3 Radio pieces

1 Rescuer token

1 Bait token

1 Zombie draw bag

2 6-sided dice[3>.

How To Setup Dead Panic

To set up Dead Panic, start by placing the game board in the middle of the table. Set the Radio pieces, Rescuer token, and Crack tokens beside the board. Each player chooses a character and places their player board and Character token on the table. Each player board includes an Injury token and a Character Zombie token. Determine the first player by rolling one die and pass the Bait token to that player. Shuffle the Cabin deck and Events deck, and draw the starting number of cards as indicated in the rules. Finally, place the Zombie tokens in the Zombie draw bag and prepare for the game to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Cooperative gameplay with potential player betrayal

Character special abilities

Dice rolling for combat

Card drawing and management

Modular board with moving zombies

Game Objective

Players must survive long enough to find and assemble the broken radio pieces.

Call for rescue using the assembled radio.

Escape the cabin by getting into the rescuer van.

If a player character dies, they become a zombie with the goal of killing the other players.

Player Experience

In Dead Panic, players take on the roles of survivors fighting to escape a zombie onslaught. The game starts cooperatively, but it can quickly turn competitive if players die and become zombies. Each character has unique abilities, which players must utilize effectively to survive. The game involves moving around the board, fighting zombies, and managing resources. The dynamic of players potentially switching sides adds a thrilling element, especially towards the end of the game when strategic decisions become crucial.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The game shifts from cooperative to potentially competitive, adding an exciting layer of strategy.

Character Special Abilities: Each character has unique skills, enhancing replayability and teamwork.

Exciting Combat: Dice rolling for combat adds an element of unpredictability and excitement.

Thematic Engagement: The zombie apocalypse theme is well-integrated, creating an immersive experience.

Cons

Complex Rulebook: The rulebook is awkwardly formatted, leading to frequent rule clarifications during gameplay.

Rule Overload: Numerous small rules and exceptions can be frustrating to manage.

Steep Learning Curve: The game requires players to memorize several special rules, which can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Dead Panic

Dead Panic is ideal for fans of cooperative games with a twist of competitive elements. It suits players who enjoy strategic gameplay, character-driven mechanics, and a high level of interaction. While it may not be a vast improvement over its predecessor, Castle Panic, it offers a unique and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy the dynamic shift from cooperation to competition. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its complex rules and steep learning curve.

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