In the Steamforged Games library, you will find adaptations of some of the video game world's biggest franchises, from Monster Hunter to Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves to Gears of War, and their upcoming gigantic Elden Ring adaptation. Today, we delve into their Resident Evil series, featuring 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 a core set of mechanics. Players, in groups of up to four, navigate through dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs, reliving the iconic stories of each game. Each title is enhanced with intricately detailed plastic miniatures, representing both the terrifying creatures and the brave survivor heroes.
Featured in this article
Resident Evil: The Board Game
1See it at Amazon
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
0See it at Amazon
Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion
0See it at Amazon
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 areas for items, trade with other players, use inventory items, or attack. In the Reaction Phase, enemies move and attack, prompting players to roll dice to evade danger. The Tension Phase involves drawing from the Tension deck, which can lead to nothing happening, something bad happening, or something really bad happening. By the end of the first round, players should grasp the gameplay mechanics and focus on surviving the zombie apocalypse.
Combat involves rolling dice and comparing the results with the equipped weapon's stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies to adjacent squares, killing them, or missing entirely. Shooting can attract enemies from nearby rooms, adding a strategic layer to combat and enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.
As campaign board games, each title includes multiple scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a continuous narrative. Levels are constructed using tiles with tokens indicating locked doors, items, and other discoveries. At the end of each scenario, players manage their inventories and health, which may affect future games. The games can be played as standalone sessions or as a campaign, with each approach offering a satisfying experience.
For those who own multiple entries in the series, there is potential for crossover play. Although some adjustments may be necessary, mechanics and scenario tiles can be mixed and matched between games, allowing players to combine characters and themes creatively.
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 newest and most refined of the trilogy, Resident Evil enhances and builds upon the mechanics of its predecessors while introducing new features. Players can choose from Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton to explore the Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. 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 survival.
Resident Evil introduces a more flexible narrative flow, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, with rooms unlocked by different items and puzzle solutions. The game uses special cards to construct the mansion and other locations, improving upon the paper dashboard used in Resident Evil 3. This setup is reminiscent of games like Betrayal at the House on the Hill, making scenario setup quicker and more engaging.
This game is highly recommended for those seeking a comprehensive experience without committing to the entire series. The zombies pose a greater threat this time, as their corpses remain on the board unless burned with Kerosene, potentially reanimating as more dangerous Red Zombies. Resident Evil refines and evolves its gameplay, making it a standout choice among the trilogy.
Resident Evil Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $69.99 See it at Amazon
The Bleak Outpost expansion adds six new scenarios and introduces two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations such as the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This expansion is a great addition for fans of the base game, offering both mini-campaign and standalone 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
Resident Evil 2, the first of Steamforge's Resident Evil adaptations, introduces players to the zombie-filled corridors of the Raccoon City police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players take on the roles 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 is chronologically the second game, it lacks some of the refinements found in later titles. Its campaign follows a linear path, and some quality-of-life issues, like dark scenario tiles and missing parts for life and ammo dials, may detract from the experience. Despite these flaws, the gameplay remains engaging and fun, especially in scenarios that demand strategic planning.
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: $54.99 USD See it at Amazon
The B-Files expansion doubles the number of scenarios in Resident Evil 2, 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
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $32.99 See it at Amazon
This small-box expansion complements 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
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $54.99 See it at Amazon
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 more competitive experience.
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: - 4th Survivor Expansion
0See it at Amazon MSRP: $32.99 See it at Amazon
The 4th Survivor expansion introduces fan-favorite characters Hunk and Tofu, along with new modes that challenge players to fight through hordes of enemies and engage in PvP races to stop the outbreak. The Tofu miniature alone makes this expansion a must-have.
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, offering a more open-ended exploration of Raccoon City's ruins. Players can choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the Nemesis's relentless pursuit.
Unlike its predecessor, Resident Evil 3 features a non-linear narrative, allowing players to choose their exploration path, though some areas remain locked until specific items are found. The game introduces a Danger Tracker mechanic, reflecting the city's deteriorating condition and increasing difficulty. The Narrative deck adds variety and replayability, enhancing the survival horror experience.
The game's components are generally high quality, though the scenario map on the dashboard feels less durable compared to other elements. For those interested in a more open-ended campaign, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent starting point for 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
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, featuring new enemies and bosses. New weapons and items are provided to help players confront the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis.
