In the Steamforged Games library, you'll discover adaptations of some of the video game world's most iconic franchises, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and their upcoming colossal Elden Ring adaptation. But let's dive into their thrilling Resident Evil series, spanning Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.
Starting with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023, these games share core mechanics while offering unique experiences. Each title allows you and up to three friends to explore eerie corridors, blazing streets, and sinister laboratories, immersing yourselves in the narratives of these classic games. Each game is accompanied by a stunning array of detailed plastic miniatures that bring the terrifying creatures and heroic survivors to life.
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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 move, open or close doors, search areas, trade items, use inventory, or attack. Enemies react during the Reaction Phase, moving toward or attacking players, who must roll a die to evade danger. The Tension Phase involves drawing from the Tension deck, which can result in no effect, a minor setback, or a significant challenge. By the end of the first round, players should grasp the gameplay well enough to focus on surviving the zombie apocalypse.
Combat involves rolling dice and comparing results with the equipped weapons' stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies back to killing them or missing entirely. Shooting can attract enemies from adjacent rooms if doors are open, adding strategic depth and enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.
As campaign board games, each title features multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as a connected narrative, carrying over elements from one session to the next. Scenarios are built using tiles with tokens for locked doors, items, and other collectibles. At the end of each scenario, players assess their inventory and health, which can impact future games. These games can be enjoyed as standalone experiences or as part of a continuous campaign.
For fans owning multiple titles in the series, there's potential for crossover gameplay. Although not officially supported, players can experiment with characters and tiles from different games, like having Leon navigate the Spencer Mansion with Chris. This flexibility adds replay value and creative freedom to the series.
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 entry, Resident Evil, refines and expands upon the mechanics of its predecessors. Players can embody Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. This game introduces support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can undertake missions to gather supplies and support the team, albeit at personal risk.
Resident Evil features a flexible narrative, allowing players to explore rooms in various orders, unlocking them with specific items and solving puzzles. The game uses cards to build the mansion and other locations, streamlining setup compared to earlier games. This entry is recommended for those wanting a standalone experience due to its refined gameplay and engaging mechanics.
Zombies are a more persistent threat in this game, remaining on the board as corpses unless players use Kerosene to burn them, risking their return as more dangerous Red Zombies. This is just one of the ways Resident Evil evolves the series, making it an excellent choice for newcomers and fans alike.
Resident Evil Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
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The Bleak Outpost expansion adds six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, introducing new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. Ideal for fans of the base game, these scenarios can be played as a mini-campaign or standalone sessions.
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
Resident Evil 2 introduces players to the zombie-filled halls of the Raccoon City police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can take on the roles of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo, facing off against Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin over eight scenarios, from the S.T.A.R.S Office to the Umbrella Laboratory.
While chronologically second, Resident Evil 2 is recommended as a starting point due to the more refined mechanics in later titles. Its campaign is linear, with scenarios following one after another, and some quality-of-life issues like dark tiles and missing parts for dials. Despite these, the game remains enjoyable and challenging, requiring strategic planning to overcome scenarios.
Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $54.99USD See it at Amazon
The B-Files expansion doubles the number of scenarios, introducing new items, enemies, and the challenge of escaping 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 small-box expansion complements the B-Files, allowing players to confront Birkin Stage Three before escaping.
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
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The Survival Horror expansion is highly recommended, adding five new playable characters, advanced versions of base game characters, new enemies, and a PVP mode for a fresh gameplay experience.
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
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This expansion introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, along with new modes like fighting through hordes of enemies and the PVP Extreme Battle mode. The Tofu miniature alone is a compelling reason to add this to your collection.
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 on the mechanics of Resident Evil 2, introducing a non-linear approach to exploring the ruins of Raccoon City. Players can choose to play as Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the Nemesis's pursuit.
The game's narrative allows for varied exploration, with areas unlocking as key items are found. A new Danger Tracker mechanic reflects the city's deteriorating state, increasing difficulty as the game progresses. The Narrative deck adds variability to each playthrough, enhancing the survival horror experience.
While the game's components are generally high quality, the scenario map on the dashboard feels less durable than other elements. Despite this, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent entry point for those interested in a more open-ended campaign.
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
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. It also includes new rules, cards, and a permadeath variant for added challenge.
Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $69.99 See it at Amazon
City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses, including Stage 3 Nemesis. New weapons and items help players tackle these challenges, making this expansion a must-have for fans seeking more content.
