In the rich library of Steamforged Games, you'll discover a variety of adaptations from some of the video game world's most iconic franchises, such as Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the eagerly anticipated Elden Ring. However, today we dive into their captivating Resident Evil series, featuring adaptations of 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, each game in the trilogy shares similar mechanics, ensuring a cohesive experience. In these titles, you and up to three friends take turns navigating through eerie corridors, burning city streets, and sinister laboratories, unfolding the narratives of each game. Each game is accompanied by highly detailed plastic miniatures, representing both the monstrous adversaries and the survivor heroes you'll control.
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 polished entry in the trilogy, Resident Evil, refines the best aspects of its predecessors and introduces innovative mechanics, resulting in an engaging and tense experience. Players can choose from Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton to explore the mysterious Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. New to this game are support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can undertake special missions to gather supplies and aid the team, albeit at the risk of being compromised.
Borrowing from Resident Evil 3, the narrative structure allows players to explore the mansion's rooms in various orders, unlocked by specific items and puzzles. The mansion and subsequent areas are now constructed from special cards, improving upon the dashboard paper used in RE3, with areas expanding dynamically during play, similar to Betrayal at the House on the Hill, streamlining scenario setup.
This game is an excellent standalone choice for those not interested in the entire series. Standard zombies pose a greater threat here; upon defeating them, their bodies remain on the board unless burned with Kerosene, risking their return as more dangerous Red Zombies. Resident Evil offers numerous refinements and evolutions from its predecessors, making it a highly recommended entry point.
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 introduces two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, sending players to new areas like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This expansion is a fantastic addition for fans of the base Resident Evil game, offering scenarios that can be played as part of a mini-campaign or as standalone experiences.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
See it at Amazon
As the inaugural game in Steamforged's Resident Evil series, Resident Evil 2 immerses players in the zombie-infested corridors of Raccoon City's police station and the horrors of the Umbrella Corporation. Players can embody 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.
Despite its chronological position, Resident Evil 2 lacks some of the refinements and features introduced in later titles. Its campaign follows a linear path without the option to tackle scenarios in different orders, and some quality-of-life issues, such as overly dark tiles and missing parts for life and ammo dials, can detract from the experience. Nonetheless, the game remains a fun and strategic challenge for players.
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
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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
0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $32.99
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This small-box expansion is designed to be used with the B-Files expansion, challenging 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
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The Survival Horror expansion is highly recommended, adding five new playable characters, revamped versions of characters from the base game, new enemies, and a PVP mode for those seeking a competitive twist.
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
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This expansion introduces fan-favorite characters like Hunk and Tofu, along with new gameplay modes, including a PVP race to prevent an outbreak. The unique 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 upon the foundation laid by RE2, enhancing gameplay mechanics and offering a more dynamic narrative flow. Players can choose to play as Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to navigate the ravaged streets of Raccoon City while evading the relentless Nemesis.
Moving away from the linear structure of its predecessor, Resident Evil 3 allows players to explore Raccoon City in various ways, though certain areas remain locked until key items are found. A new Danger Tracker mechanic reflects the deteriorating city, with player actions influencing the pace of this decay. The Narrative deck adds variety and replayability, enhancing the survival horror atmosphere.
The only drawback is the Raccoon City map, which feels less robust compared to other components, being printed on glossy paper. Despite this, Resident Evil 3 offers a compelling starting point for those interested in a more flexible campaign structure.
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
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This expansion adds new playable characters, including advanced versions of the base game's cast, and introduces new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. New rules, cards, and a permadeath variant add further depth and 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 expands the game with nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, introducing new enemies and bosses, along with new weapons and items to aid players in confronting the formidable Stage 3 Nemesis.
Each player's turn in these games is divided into three phases: the Action Phase, where players can move, open or close doors, search for items, trade, use items, or attack; the Reaction Phase, where enemies respond by moving towards or attacking the active player, who must roll a die to evade; and the Tension Phase, where drawing from the Tension deck can lead to various outcomes, from nothing happening to severe consequences. By the end of the first round, players should grasp the gameplay mechanics and focus on survival strategies.
Combat involves rolling dice and comparing the results to the equipped weapon's stats and abilities, determining whether to push enemies, kill them, or miss. Shooting alerts enemies in adjacent rooms, adding strategic depth and enhancing the survival horror experience.
These campaign-based board games feature scenarios that can be played individually or as part of a connected narrative, with progress carrying over between sessions. Players can mix and match characters and scenario tiles across the series, although some adjustments may be necessary for thematic consistency.
Whether you're a fan of the Resident Evil video games or new to the series, these board game adaptations offer a thrilling way to experience the survival horror genre, complete with rich storytelling and strategic gameplay.
