Zombie World (2019) Board Game

Zombie World is a horror board game released in 2019, designed by Miguel Angel Espinoza and featuring artwork by Magpie Games and Pendragon Game Studio. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, where players must work together to survive and complete various objectives.

Game Components of Zombie World

Rulebook: A compact 36-page rulebook.

Player Boards: Wipe-clean boards for character stats and alliances.

Cards:

Past Deck: Hidden cards revealing character backgrounds.

Present Deck: Publicly visible cards providing unique boosts.

Trauma Deck: Cards introducing character problems and stress relief.

Population Deck: Cards for NPC interactions.

Fate Deck: Cards defining relationships between players.

Survivor Deck: Cards determining action outcomes (Miss, Edge, Triumph, Opportunity).

Bite Deck: Cards tracking zombie bites and escalating threats.

Dry-erase Marker: For updating player boards.

How To Setup Zombie World

Setup involves distributing the various card decks and assigning player boards. Characters are created quickly by drawing cards from the Past, Present, and Trauma decks. Players also establish relationships using the Fate deck and add an ally from the Population deck. The game is designed for minimal preparation, allowing for immediate play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card-Based Mechanics: Instead of dice, players use cards to determine action outcomes.

Character Creation: Quick character creation using card draws.

Action Resolution: Drawing from the Survivor Deck to determine success or failure.

Bite Deck: Drawing from this deck can result in zombie bites, escalating threats.

Game Objective: Survivors must navigate a zombie apocalypse, managing resources, relationships, and threats to stay alive.

Player Experience

Playing Zombie World is an intense and dynamic experience. Players take on roles of ordinary people in a zombie apocalypse, facing continuous challenges and making hard choices. The game is known for its social group dynamics under extreme pressure, where death is always a possibility. Character relationships and traumas play a significant role, adding depth to the narrative. The pace of the game naturally escalates as players navigate their enclave and external threats.

Pros

Quick Character Creation: Fast and engaging character setup.

High Tension: The Bite Deck and other mechanics create constant tension.

Dynamic Storytelling: The game encourages improvisation and spontaneous storytelling.

Social Interaction: Strong focus on player relationships and group dynamics.

Easy to Learn: Minimal preparation and simple rules make it accessible.

Cons

High Mortality Rate: Characters can die quickly, which may be off-putting for some players.

Dependence on Cards: The game’s reliance on card draws can sometimes feel unpredictable or unfair.

Need for Downtime: Some players suggest including more downtime for character interactions and NPC engagements.

Personal Thoughts on Zombie World

Zombie World is ideal for players who enjoy intense, story-driven RPGs and are comfortable with the unpredictability and high stakes of a zombie apocalypse. It’s perfect for those who like social group dynamics and the challenge of surviving under extreme conditions. The game’s design makes it easy for new players to join in, and the fast-paced gameplay keeps everyone engaged. If you’re a fan of zombie-themed narratives and enjoy the PbtA system, Zombie World is a great addition to your gaming collection.

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