Resident Evil: The Board Game (2023) Board Game

Resident Evil: The Board Game is based on the popular video game franchise created by Capcom. It was released in 2023 by Steamforged Games Ltd., known for their high-quality miniatures and thematic board games. The game captures the essence of survival horror and cooperative gameplay that the Resident Evil series is known for.

Game Components of Resident Evil: The Board Game

32 miniatures

21 double-sided game board tiles

Over 430 cards

12 tracker dials

6 dice in a test tube

158 tokens

Rulebook and scenario book

High-quality components including cards, tiles, and miniatures.

How To Setup Resident Evil: The Board Game

Setting up the game involves creating the Spencer Mansion by incremental tile placement as players explore. Each scenario begins with a simple setup, where players start at a designated location, and the board expands as they open doors and navigate the mansion. The game includes a detailed rulebook and scenario book to guide the setup and gameplay process. Initial setup may seem complex, but the tutorial helps new players get up to speed quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Resource Management: Every resource, including ammo and items, must be carefully managed.

Exploration: Players build the board by opening doors, which adds tension and unpredictability.

Combat: Engaging enemies triggers their awareness and movement towards the players.

Tension Deck: Random cards drawn during the tension phase introduce unexpected challenges and dangers.

Puzzles and Side Quests: Players encounter puzzles and side quests that require strategy and resource planning.

Game Objective

The objective is to survive the horrors of Spencer Mansion by completing missions and managing resources effectively. Players must balance exploration, combat, and evasion to progress through the campaign, making every decision count with far-reaching consequences.

Player Experience

Playing Resident Evil: The Board Game is an intensely tense and atmospheric experience. The game captures the survival horror essence of the original video game, with a palpable sense of dread as players navigate the dark and eerie mansion. Communication among teammates is crucial for survival, especially during difficult enemy encounters. The game’s difficulty level increases as players progress through the campaign, requiring strategic planning and resource management.

Pros

Faithful to the Source Material: The game remains true to the original Resident Evil video game.

Tense and Atmospheric: The Tension deck and room encounter cards create a sense of urgency and dread.

Resource Management: Tight resource management system adds to the survival horror feel.

Variety and Replayability: Multiple scenarios, puzzles, and side quests ensure varied gameplay experiences.

High-Quality Components: Top-tier miniatures, cards, and other game components enhance the overall experience.

Cons

Complex Rules: The rulebook can be confusing for new players, requiring multiple readings to fully understand.

Dark Tile Art: The dark tile art can make it difficult to visually identify certain elements, such as open or closed doors.

Expansions Necessary: For a full experience, expansions are recommended, which can add significant extra cost.

Personal Thoughts on Resident Evil: The Board Game

Resident Evil: The Board Game is a must-play for fans of the Resident Evil series and survival horror games in general. It offers a challenging and engaging cooperative experience that is perfect for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and high tension. While it may require some time to learn the rules, the game rewards players with a deeply immersive and faithful adaptation of the classic video game. If you’re looking for a board game that combines theme and mechanics seamlessly, Resident Evil: The Board Game is an excellent choice.

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