If I’m Going Down… (2012) Board Game

If I’m Going Down… is a board game released in 2012, designed by Gary Simpson and Aaron Wong. It is a cooperative game that falls under the horror and zombies category, published by Van Ryder Games. The game is designed for 1-2 players, with a runtime of around 30 minutes and recommended for players aged 15 and above.

Game Components of If I’m Going Down…

55 Zombie cards

41 Fate cards

6 Character cards

6 Inventory Tracker cards (2 ground, 2 hand, and 2 body)

50 tokens (representing damage and various player predicaments)

3 large Scenario cards (double-sided)

2 large Turn Reference cards (double-sided)

1 large Zombie Ability Reference card

1 Scenario book

Artwork and book layout are of high quality

Necessary but not included: pad of paper, pencil, or 10-sided dice for scoring.

How To Setup If I’m Going Down…

To set up the game, start by shuffling the Zombie deck and distributing the cards face-down at the noted entry points, which represent where the zombies will appear. Next, shuffle the Fate deck, set aside the Story Item card, and draw 3 cards to determine the starting weapons and equipment for each player. Any “No Luck” cards drawn are ignored and placed in the Fate deck’s discard pile. Players then place their starting resources on the Character Inventory Tracker cards. Ensure all players agree on the initial placement of resources in a 2-player game. Finally, place the game tokens and reference cards within easy reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card drawing and resource management

Action phases with player choices

Random outcomes determined by card flips

Game Objective

The game is about survival rather than victory; players aim to survive as long as possible and take down as many zombies as they can before their inevitable demise.

Each round is divided into four phases: Zombie Entrance, Player Actions, Zombie Actions, and Cleanup.

During Player Actions, each player can take two actions, such as shooting or moving, in any order and repeated if possible.

Player Experience

**If I’m Going Down…** offers an intense and brutal gameplay experience, whether playing solo or with friends. The simplicity of the game mechanics belies its complexity and intensity, making each decision critical. Players must constantly manage resources and make tactical choices to prolong their survival. The game’s atmosphere, enhanced by high-quality zombie illustrations, adds to the thrilling and often terrifying experience.

Pros

Intense and Immersive: The game creates a gripping atmosphere with its professional and terrifying artwork.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Replay Value: Different scenarios and random card draws ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Solo and Multiplayer: Supports both solo and 2-player games.

Cons

Inevitable Death: The game’s design ensures that all characters will eventually perish, which can be demotivating for some players.

High Complexity in Details: While the core mechanics are simple, the rules and gameplay can be quite involved and detailed.

Personal Thoughts on If I’m Going Down…

**If I’m Going Down…** is ideal for Gamer Geeks who enjoy a good zombie game and are looking for a challenging, intense experience. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate strategic gameplay and can handle the inevitability of their characters’ demise. The game’s ability to create a tense and immersive environment makes it a standout in the horror and zombies game category.

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