Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game (2021) Board Game

Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game is a board game released in 2021 by CMON Global Limited. It is based on the iconic zombie movie, Night of the Living Dead, and is designed by Raphaël Guiton, Jean-Baptiste Lullien, and Nicolas Raoult. The game features stunning artwork by Édouard Guiton, Karl Kopinski, Henning Ludvigsen, and Eric Nouhaut.

Game Components of Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game

Highly-detailed miniatures: Representing iconic survivors and ghoulish horrors from the movie.

Modular game tiles: For creating various scenarios and reliving iconic scenes.

Dual Survivor Modes: Zombicide Mode and Romero Mode, each with unique characteristics.

Item decks: Split into starting items, ranged weapons, melee weapons, and common items.

New zombie types: Walkers, fatties, breakers, and relatives.

Character cards: For tracking survivors’ skills and progress.

How To Setup Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game

To set up the game, players first prepare the modular board by arranging the tiles according to the chosen scenario. Each player selects a survivor character and places their corresponding miniature on the board. The item decks are shuffled and placed in their designated areas. Zombie miniatures and their respective cards are also prepared. The game includes a rulebook that guides players through the setup process, ensuring everything is in place for a thrilling game session.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative gameplay: 1 to 6 players work together as survivors against ghouls controlled by the game.

Dual Survivor Modes:

Zombicide Mode: Characters have more powerful abilities.

Romero Mode: Characters are weaker and more vulnerable, simulating the movie’s atmosphere.

Modular board: Scenarios are set up using interchangeable tiles.

Objective-based gameplay: Players must complete objectives linked to the movie’s settings, such as securing a farmhouse.

Resource management: Finding and using items, weapons, and abilities to survive.

Zombie mechanics:

Walkers, fatties, and breakers: Different zombie types with unique behaviors.

Relatives: Special zombies that can switch players to Romero Mode.

Player Experience

Players take on the roles of survivors from the movie, navigating through a series of challenges and scenarios. The game’s design ensures that players must work together to achieve their objectives, adding a strong cooperative element. The dual mode system allows for a dynamic experience, where characters can switch between powerful and vulnerable states, adding a layer of strategy and realism inspired by the movie.

Pros

Immersive theme: Highly detailed miniatures and a setting that faithfully recreates the movie.

Dual gameplay modes: Offers a unique blend of powerful and vulnerable states for characters.

Modular scenarios: Provides varied and replayable game experiences.

Easy to learn: Simplified rules make it accessible to new players.

Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Cons

Mission variability: Some missions may not play as well as others.

Mode switching: Can be clunky and disrupt the flow of gameplay.

Less challenging enemies: Compared to other Zombicide games, the enemies might be less ferocious.

Item limitations: Few items can damage certain zombie types, adding complexity to resource management.

Personal Thoughts on Night of the Living Dead: A Zombicide Game

This game is perfect for fans of both the Zombicide series and George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. It offers a unique take on the survival horror genre, blending cinematic nostalgia with engaging gameplay mechanics. The dual mode system and modular scenarios make it a great choice for players looking for a varied and replayable experience. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a highly complex or challenging Zombicide game, as it is designed to be more accessible and slower-paced.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.