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Rise of the Zombies! (2013) Board Game

ByMichail

Rise of the Zombies! is a board game released in 2013, designed by Gordon Napier and published by Dan Verssen Games (DVG). The game falls under the categories of card game, fighting, real-time, and zombies, catering to players aged 12 and above. With a playtime of 30-90 minutes, Rise of the Zombies! offers a thrilling gaming experience for 1-8 players.

Game Components of Rise of the Zombies!

  • 168 Game Cards: Including survivor cards, action cards (location, weapon, item, companion, instant action, skill, and location attachment cards), and zombie cards.
  • Two 6-sided dice: Used primarily for combat.
  • 8 Plastic Stands: For survivor characters.
  • 13 Survivor Counters: Each with unique abilities.
  • Counters/Tokens: For tracking experience, damage, and other game elements.
  • Digital Timer: To manage the real-time gameplay.
  • Rulebook**.

    How To Setup Rise of the Zombies!

    Setup involves placing the safe house card at one end of the table and the helicopter card at the other, with about seven card lengths between them. Each player receives a character stand, a survivor counter, and the corresponding survivor card. The action card and zombie card decks are shuffled and placed off to the side. Players set the digital timer based on the chosen difficulty level and place the appropriate group counter nearby, which adjusts based on the number of players and any player deaths during the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Real-Time Gameplay: Turns occur in real-time, with a ticking timer.
  • Survivor Turns: Players discard and draw cards up to their hand limit, perform actions in any order, and can trade cards or use experience points.
  • Zombie Turns: Zombies move towards survivors, attack if present, and spawn new zombies.
  • Combat: Involves rolling dice and adding bonuses; killing zombies earns experience points.
  • Location Progression: Players place location cards to progress from the safe house to the helicopter.
  • Victory Conditions: Survivors must reach the helicopter before the time limit expires with no zombies present at the helicopter location.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Rise of the Zombies** is a tense and dynamic experience. The real-time mechanics and the constant threat of zombies create a thrilling atmosphere. Players must strategize and work together, yet also have the option to compete individually to reach the helicopter first. The game’s random elements, such as dice rolls and card draws, add a layer of unpredictability, making each playthrough unique. The variety of survivor characters and the different zombie types keep the game engaging and challenging.

    Pros

  • High Replay Value: Randomized elements and multiple difficulty levels ensure varied gameplay.
  • Dynamic Gameplay: Real-time mechanics and interactive actions keep players engaged.
  • Cooperative-Competitive: Allows for both teamwork and individual competition.
  • Quality Components: Well-made cards, counters, and character stands enhance the game experience.

    Cons

  • Complex Setup: Requires careful setup and understanding of the rules.
  • Time Pressure: The real-time timer can be stressful for some players.
  • Character Stereotypes: Some might find the survivor character stereotypes a bit cliché.

    Personal Thoughts on Rise of the Zombies!

    **Rise of the Zombies** is ideal for fans of zombie-themed games and those who enjoy fast-paced, real-time gameplay. It’s a great choice for groups of 1-8 players looking for a cooperative-competitive experience that challenges strategic thinking and quick decision-making. While it may appeal more to seasoned gamers due to its complexity, the game’s unique mechanics and high replay value make it a valuable addition to any board game collection. If you’re ready for a thrilling survival adventure, this game is definitely worth checking out.

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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

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