Undead (1981) – Board Game Guys

Undead

“Undead” is a board game published by Steve Jackson Games in 1981. The game is designed for 2-3 players, with one player taking the role of Dracula and the other players playing as Professor van Helsing and other vampire hunters. The game aims to prevent Dracula from spawning more vampires by tracking the movement of coffins at night and investigating them by day.

Why is Undead Popular?

Undead is a popular and significant board game for several reasons:
– Engaging Gameplay: The game is absorbing and habit-forming, offering a tactical and skillful experience for players.
– Excellent Value: The game provides a high level of entertainment for its price, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of strategy and horror-themed games.
– Strategic and Cooperative Play: The game encourages strategic thinking and teamwork among players, as they must work together to defeat Dracula and his minions.

Game Components of Undead

Map of 1890’s London: Divided into regions for movement.

Counters: Representing Dracula’s coffins and dummy counters.

Cardboard counters: To be cut out with scissors.

Dice: Required but not included.

Player tokens: For Dracula and the vampire hunters.

Game master (GM) materials: For the neutral party and referee.

How To Setup Undead

To set up the game, players start by placing the map of 1890’s London on the table. The Dracula player and the GM place the coffin and dummy counters around the map, ensuring they are face down so the hunters do not know which are actual coffins. Each player selects their tokens, and the GM prepares the necessary materials for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Roles: One player is Dracula, one is the GM, and the others are vampire hunters (Van Helsing and his party).

Turn Structure: Dracula makes moves and actions at night, such as distributing coffins and searching for servants, while the hunters investigate and search for coffins during the day.

Combat: When Dracula and the hunters meet at the same location, they engage in combat using dice on a smaller map.

Victory Conditions: The game ends when either Dracula achieves his objectives (e.g., raising enough female vampires) or the hunters eliminate Dracula.

Advanced Actions: Dracula can perform day moves, hunt hunters, raise female vampires, or shape-change into a wolf, bat, or mist. Hunters can perform night moves, transfusions on victims, or hold vigils.

Player Experience

Playing **Undead** offers a unique blend of strategy and role-playing. The secret moves and the use of a GM add a layer of suspense and intrigue, making the game feel immersive and dynamic. The game can be quite lengthy, varying from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the strategies employed by the players.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The use of a GM and the secret move system creates a thrilling experience.

Atmosphere: The game successfully captures the horror and suspense of the vampire theme.

Replayability: Various strategies and the randomness of dice rolls ensure each game is different.

Value for Money: Praised for its good value in reviews.

Cons

Luck-Based: Some actions, like hunting for coffins, are based on luck rather than strategy.

Complex Setup: Requires careful placement of counters and preparation by the GM.

Outdated Mechanics: Some mechanics may feel dated compared to modern board games.

Personal Thoughts on Undead

**Undead** is ideal for fans of horror and vampire lore, as well as those who enjoy complex, strategic gameplay with role-playing elements. It is best suited for players who appreciate a mix of luck and strategy and are willing to invest time in setting up and playing the game. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its dated mechanics, it remains a classic and engaging game for the right audience.

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