Zombies!!! (2001) – Board Game Guys

Zombies!!!

Zombies!!! is a tile-based strategy board game for two to six players that was first released in 2001. The game was created by Todd Breitenstein and Kerry Breitenstein and published by Twilight Creations. The game board is a zombie-infested town built by the players as the game progresses. Players take on the role of a survivor amid city streets sprawling with zombies.

Why is Zombies!!! Popular?

Zombies!!! won the 2001 Origins Award for Best Graphic Presentation of a Board Game, and Zombies!!! 3: Mall Walkers won 2003’s Origins Award for Best Board Game Expansion. The game has been praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating a chaotic and fun gameplay experience. It is also significant for being one of the first zombie-themed board games and for its influence on the genre.

Game Components of Zombies!!!

30 map tiles

50 card event deck

6 human figures (shotgun guys)

Life and ammunition tokens

100 plastic zombies in different poses

Two dice (one for character movement, one for zombie movement)

Event cards

How To Setup Zombies!!!

To set up the game, players start by creating the town map by drawing and placing tiles randomly. Each tile has specific features such as named locations, road access points, and the helipad. Named locations require placing the specified number of zombies, bullets, and hearts. Unnamed tiles get zombies based on the number of road access points. Players choose their starting location, typically the town square, and each player starts with a set amount of life and ammunition tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players draw and place tiles to expand the town map.

Zombie Placement: Zombies are placed on tiles based on the tile’s features.

Character Movement: Players roll a die to determine how many spaces they can move.

Zombie Movement: Players roll a die to determine which zombies move and where.

Combat: Players roll a die to kill zombies; a roll of 4, 5, or 6 is required to kill a zombie.

Event Cards: Players can use event cards to enhance their abilities or hinder other players.

Game Objective: The game can be won by either collecting 25 dead zombies or being the first player to reach and clear the helipad.

Player Experience

**Zombies!!!** offers a dynamic and chaotic gameplay experience, perfect for fans of zombie-themed horror. Players must balance survival with strategic thinking, as the game requires constant adaptation to the evolving map and zombie movements. The inclusion of event cards adds a layer of unpredictability and player interaction, making the game both competitive and thrilling.

Pros

High Replayability: With random tile placement and event cards, each game is unique.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires critical thinking and strategic planning.

Competitive Fun: Allows for competitive play with a “Take That” theme.

Expansions: Over 15 expansions available, adding new mechanics and scenarios.

Cons

Long Game Time: Games can extend beyond an hour and a half, especially with more players.

Luck Factor: High chance element can lead to frustration if luck is not on your side.

Potential for Stagnation: Large games can lag if players keep holding each other back.

Personal Thoughts on Zombies!!!

**Zombies!!!** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games with a competitive edge and a horror theme. It’s a great addition to any game night, especially around Halloween, offering hours of fun and challenging gameplay. While it may appeal more to fans of competitive games, the new cooperative play options in the third edition make it accessible to a wider range of players. If you’re looking for a game that combines survival, strategy, and a bit of chaos, **Zombies!!!** is an excellent choice.

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