Tiny Epic Zombies (2018) Board Game

Tiny Epic Zombies is a board game released in 2018 by Gamelyn Games. Designed by Scott Almes, the game falls into the horror and zombies category, appealing to fans of the genre. With a playtime of 30-45 minutes, it is suitable for 1-5 players, making it a great option for both solo play and group settings.

Game Components of Tiny Epic Zombies

Fully equippable meeples

Zombie and human player tokens

Various zombie-killing items (Chainsaw, Golf Club, Shotgun)

Mission tokens

Supply cards

Room ability cards

Search deck cards

Character cards with unique abilities

How To Setup Tiny Epic Zombies

Setting up Tiny Epic Zombies involves organizing a multitude of pieces and shuffling several decks. Players must lay out the mall board, shuffle and deal character cards, prepare the mission tokens, and set up the supply and search decks. The setup, while somewhat time-consuming (approximately 10 minutes), is manageable with the help of an online video guide available through an app, which is highly recommended for first-time players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Modes: Supports 1-5 players with various modes including Team vs. One Cooperative, Team vs. Game Cooperative, Free for All vs. One Competitive, Free for All vs. Game Competitive, and Solo.

Objective: As humans, complete three random missions before the zombie horde overwhelms you. As zombies, aim to kill the survivors or outlast them until their supplies run out.

Turn Efficiency: Players must manage their turns efficiently, using room abilities and collecting supplies while fending off zombies.

Zombie Rush: After each player’s turn, the “Check for Noise” mechanic triggers, where zombies move based on noise symbols, adding tension and suspense.

Item Usage: Weapons and items can break rules or provide special abilities, such as reducing bullet count or interacting with mission tokens.

Player Experience

Playing Tiny Epic Zombies is a thrilling experience marked by rapid gameplay and high stakes. Players must balance completing missions with managing the ever-encroaching zombie threat. The game’s design ensures a built-in timer through the search deck, limiting the total number of turns and adding a layer of urgency. This mechanic, along with the randomization of the board and character cards, significantly enhances replayability.

Pros

High Replayability: Multiple play modes, random board setup, and unique character cards ensure each game is different.

Accessible Price: The game is priced attractively, making it an excellent addition to any game collection.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of turn efficiency, board management, and the “Check for Noise” mechanic creates a suspenseful and engaging gameplay experience.

Portable: The game is neatly packed in a small box, making it easy to take on the go.

Cons

Setup Time: The initial setup can be somewhat lengthy and requires organizing many pieces.

Competitive Balance: In competitive modes, the zombie player can sometimes feel overly powerful, leading to frustration among human players.

Complexity: While the game is generally accessible, it has a bit more complexity due to the various play modes and mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on Tiny Epic Zombies

Tiny Epic Zombies is ideal for fans of zombie-themed games and cooperative gameplay. It suits players who enjoy strategic planning, efficient turn management, and a dash of horror-themed suspense. The game’s versatility in play modes makes it appealing to both solo players and groups. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a simple, casual game due to its medium complexity and setup requirements. Nonetheless, for those willing to invest time in learning the rules, Tiny Epic Zombies offers a deeply rewarding and exciting gaming experience.

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