"Resident Evil Board Game Series: Buying Guide Unveiled"

In the expansive library of Steamforged Games, you'll discover adaptations of iconic video game franchises like Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the soon-to-be-released colossal Elden Ring adaptation. However, our focus here is on the gripping Resident Evil series, specifically Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.

The journey began 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 a core set of mechanics, offering an immersive cooperative experience where players navigate through eerie corridors, burning streets, and sinister laboratories, reliving the narratives of the original video games. These titles come with intricately crafted plastic miniatures, vividly bringing to life both the monstrous adversaries and the resilient survivor heroes.

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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 consists of three phases: the Action Phase, the Reaction Phase, and the Tension Phase. During the Action Phase, players can use four actions to move, interact with doors, search for items, trade with others, use items, or engage in combat. The Reaction Phase sees enemies moving and attacking, prompting players to roll dice to evade threats. The Tension Phase involves drawing from the Tension deck, which can lead to varying outcomes, from benign to catastrophic. After a complete round, players should feel comfortable with the mechanics and can focus on surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Combat is resolved through dice rolls, which are compared to the stats and abilities of the player's equipped weapons. Outcomes can range from pushing an enemy back, defeating it, or missing entirely. Even basic zombies can be challenging to take down, and gunfire can attract additional enemies, enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.

These are campaign board games, featuring multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a continuous storyline. Scenario progression includes inventory management and health checks, which carry over to subsequent sessions. The games are versatile, allowing for both standalone and campaign play, with each scenario providing initial gear and information.

For enthusiasts who own multiple entries in the series, there's potential for crossover gameplay. While not officially supported, players can mix characters and scenario tiles across games, adding a personalized touch to their gaming experience.

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+ See it at Amazon!

The latest and most polished in the trilogy, Resident Evil refines the best elements from its predecessors while introducing innovative mechanics. Players can choose from Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton to explore the enigmatic Spencer Mansion and its grounds. A new feature allows the use of support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can undertake missions to gather supplies, albeit at personal risk.

Resident Evil enhances narrative flexibility, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, unlocking rooms with items and puzzles. The game uses cards for location setup, similar to Betrayal at House on the Hill, which speeds up scenario preparation compared to previous titles. If you're considering just one game from the series, this is the standout choice due to its improvements and engaging gameplay.

Zombies pose a greater threat in this iteration, remaining on the board after being killed until players use Kerosene to burn their bodies, preventing their return as more dangerous Red Zombies. This, along with other refinements, showcases how Resident Evil builds on its predecessors, making it a strong recommendation for new and returning players alike.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

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This expansion adds six new scenarios and introduces two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. It's 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

0See it at Amazon! MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price) Player: 1-4 (Best with 2) Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario) Ages: 14+ See it at Amazon!

As the inaugural title in Steamforged's Resident Evil board game series, Resident Evil 2 immerses players in the zombie-filled corridors of Raccoon City's police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can step into the shoes of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo, facing off 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 may be the second in the chronological order, it's advisable to start here due to some lacking refinements found in later titles. Its campaign is linear, with scenarios following a set progression, and some quality-of-life issues, such as dark tiles and missing parts, may detract slightly from the experience. Nevertheless, it remains a fun and strategic game, especially when played with friends.

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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For those craving more Resident Evil 2 action, the B-Files expansion doubles the scenario count, 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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This compact expansion complements the B-Files, 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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Highly recommended, this expansion introduces five new playable characters, revamped versions of two base game characters, new enemies, and a PVP mode, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion

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This expansion brings fan-favorite characters Hunk and Tofu into play, along with new modes like Extreme Battle, making it a must-have for its unique additions and the iconic Tofu miniature.

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+ See it at Amazon!

Resident Evil 3 builds upon the foundation laid by Resident Evil 2, both in storyline and mechanics. It shifts from a linear narrative to a more open-ended exploration of the ravaged Raccoon City, with players choosing from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the Nemesis's relentless pursuit.

The game introduces a Danger Tracker, reflecting the city's deteriorating state, and a Narrative deck that adds variability to each playthrough. Players must decide whether to backtrack for resources or press forward, enhancing the survival horror experience. The only minor drawback is the scenario map, which feels less robust compared to other components.

For those interested in a more flexible campaign structure, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent entry point into the series.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

0See it at Amazon! MSRP: $44.99 See it at Amazon!

This expansion introduces new playable characters, advanced versions of the base game's cast, and new monsters like Brain Suckers and Giant Spiders. It also includes new rules, cards, and a permadeath variant, challenging players to survive Raccoon City's horrors.

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

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City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios, taking players to new locations like the City Hospital and Dead Factory, where they'll face new enemies and bosses, including the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis. New weapons and items are crucial for overcoming these challenges.