"Resident Evil Board Game Series: Ultimate Buying Guide"
In the vast library of Steamforged Games, you'll discover captivating adaptations of iconic video game franchises. From Monster Hunter to Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves to Gears of War, and the highly anticipated Elden Ring, Steamforged has brought many beloved worlds to the tabletop. Today, we focus on their thrilling Resident Evil series, encompassing Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.
The Resident Evil board game series kicked off with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023. Each game in this trilogy shares core mechanics, allowing players to navigate through haunting settings like dark passages, burning streets, and sinister labs. The games are designed for up to four players, who take turns moving through the scenarios, fighting off gruesome creatures represented by intricately detailed plastic miniatures, alongside their survivor hero counterparts.
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Resident Evil: The Board Game
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Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
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Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
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Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
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Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion
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Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
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Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
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Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
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Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
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Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
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Each player's turn in these games is divided into three phases: the Action Phase, the Reaction Phase, and the Tension Phase. During the Action Phase, players have four actions to use, which can include moving, opening or closing doors, searching areas for items, trading with other players, using items from their inventory, or attacking. The Reaction Phase sees enemies moving towards or attacking the active player, who must roll a die to dodge the danger. Finally, the Tension Phase involves drawing from a special Tension deck, which can result in nothing happening, something bad happening, or something really bad happening. After a full round, players should have a solid grasp of the gameplay and can focus on strategizing their survival in this zombie apocalypse.
Combat in the Resident Evil series involves rolling dice and comparing the results to the equipped weapons' stats and abilities. Outcomes can range from pushing an enemy to an adjacent square, killing them, or missing entirely. Even basic zombies can be tough to defeat with unlucky rolls. Additionally, shooting can alert enemies in adjacent rooms, adding a strategic layer to the survival horror experience.
These games are designed as campaign board games, featuring multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a connected storyline, with progress carrying over between sessions. Scenarios are constructed using tiles, marked with tokens for locked doors, items, and other elements. At the end of each scenario, players review their inventories, health, and other factors that could influence future games. The flexibility of the series allows for one-off games with provided starting gear and information.
For those who own multiple entries in the series, there's potential for crossover, though some adjustments might be necessary. The shared mechanics allow for characters and scenario tiles to be used across different games, enhancing replayability and creativity.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
Resident Evil: The Board Game
1See it at Amazon!
MSRP: $114.99 USD
Players: 1-4 (best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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The latest and most refined game in the trilogy, Resident Evil, builds upon and improves the mechanics from its predecessors, introducing new elements that enhance the tense atmosphere. Players can take on the roles of Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the mysterious Spencer mansion and surrounding areas. New support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers can be deployed on special missions, adding depth to the gameplay at the risk of their own peril.
Resident Evil introduces a more flexible narrative flow, allowing players to explore the mansion's rooms in various orders, with access determined by item collection and puzzle-solving. The game uses cards to represent locations, improving on the paper dashboards of previous entries and allowing for quicker setup, similar to Betrayal at the House on the Hill.
Zombies pose a greater threat in this game, as their bodies remain on the board after being defeated, requiring players to use Kerosene to burn them or risk facing them again as more dangerous Red Zombies. This game refines and evolves the gameplay from its predecessors, making it an excellent choice for those looking to experience the best of the series without committing to the entire set.
Resident Evil Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
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MSRP: $69.99
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The Bleak Outpost expansion adds six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This expansion is a must-have for fans of the base game, offering both standalone and mini-campaign play options.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
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MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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The first in Steamforged's Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 2 introduces players to the zombie-infested corridors of the Raccoon City police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can choose from Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo to battle against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, from the S.T.A.R.S Office to the Umbrella Laboratory.
While Resident Evil 2 is the second game in the series chronologically, it may be better to start here due to its straightforward campaign structure and the absence of some refinements found in later entries. The game's tiles can be overly dark, and some components might need assembly, but these minor issues don't detract from the engaging gameplay that requires strategic planning to avoid being overwhelmed by enemies.
Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
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MSRP: $54.99 USD
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The B-Files expansion for Resident Evil 2 doubles the number of scenarios, introducing new items, enemies, and the challenge of escaping from Mr. X.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion
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MSRP: $32.99
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This small-box expansion enhances the B-Files expansion, allowing players to confront Birkin Stage Three before making their escape.
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
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MSRP: $54.99
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The Survival Horror expansion adds five new playable characters and advanced versions of base game characters, along with new enemies and a PVP gameplay mode, offering a fresh take on the Resident Evil 2 experience.
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
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MSRP: $32.99
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This expansion adds fan-favorite characters Hunk and Tofu, along with new modes that challenge players to fight through hordes of enemies and a PVP race to stop an outbreak. The Tofu miniature alone is a compelling reason to pick up this expansion.
Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon!
MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge’s website)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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Resident Evil 3 picks up where Resident Evil 2 left off, both in storyline and gameplay development. It retains most of its predecessor's mechanics but introduces a non-linear scenario approach, allowing players to explore the ruins of Raccoon City in various ways. Players can choose to play as Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to aid their survival while being pursued by the menacing Nemesis.
The game's narrative is more open-ended, with areas unlocking as key items are found. A new Danger Tracker mechanic reflects the deteriorating situation in the city, increasing the challenge as the game progresses. The Narrative deck adds variability and enhances the survival horror atmosphere, making players weigh the risks of backtracking for resources against pressing forward.
While the game's components are generally high quality, the scenario map on the dashboard feels less robust than other elements. Nevertheless, Resident Evil 3 offers a compelling entry point into the series for those interested in a more dynamic campaign flow.
Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
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MSRP: $44.99
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The Last Escape expansion introduces new playable characters and advanced versions of the base game's cast, along with new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. New rules, cards, and a permadeath variant add challenging twists to the gameplay.
Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
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MSRP: $69.99
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City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios set in locations such as the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses. Players can utilize new weapons and items to face the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis, ensuring an intense and engaging experience.
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