Steamforged Games boasts an impressive collection of board game adaptations based on beloved video game franchises. From *Monster Hunter* and *Devil May Cry* to *Sea of Thieves* and *Gears of War*, their catalog is vast. Their highly anticipated *Elden Ring* adaptation is on the horizon, but let's delve into their successful *Resident Evil* trilogy: *Resident Evil*, *Resident Evil 2*, and *Resident Evil 3*.
Launching with *Resident Evil 2* in 2019, followed by *Resident Evil 3* in 2021, and concluding with *Resident Evil* in 2023, this trio shares core mechanics. Up to four players navigate shadowy corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs, reliving the iconic stories. Each game features meticulously detailed miniatures depicting terrifying creatures and courageous survivors.
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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 turn unfolds in three phases: Action, Reaction, and Tension. Players have four actions per turn—move, open/close doors, search, trade, use items, or attack. Enemies react, pursuing and attacking, prompting dice rolls for evasion. The Tension phase involves drawing from a special deck, introducing unpredictable events—from nothing to minor setbacks to catastrophic consequences. After the first round, players grasp the core gameplay and focus on survival strategies.
Combat involves dice rolls, comparing results against weapon stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies back to kills or misses, highlighting the unpredictable nature of even basic zombie encounters. Successful attacks can attract nearby enemies, adding a strategic layer to combat decisions, emphasizing the survival horror theme.
As campaign board games, each title offers multiple scenarios playable individually or as a connected narrative. Modular tile-based maps feature locked doors, items, and hidden elements. Players track inventory, health, and other information between scenarios, impacting subsequent gameplay. Standalone scenarios provide pre-set starting gear and information.
The series encourages crossovers. Players can mix and match characters and scenario tiles across games, creating unique combinations (though thematic consistency may be slightly compromised). The rulebooks don't explicitly forbid this, making it a viable option for creative players.
Resident Evil: The Board Game
Resident Evil: The Board Game
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**MSRP**: $114.99 USD
**Players**: 1-4 (best with 2)
**Play Time**: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
**Ages**: 14+
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The most refined entry, *Resident Evil*, enhances previous mechanics and introduces new elements. Players explore the Spencer Mansion and surrounding areas as Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton. Support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers add strategic depth through optional missions, balancing risk and reward.
Borrowing from *Resident Evil 3*, the narrative is flexible, allowing players to explore rooms in various orders, unlocking areas through item acquisition and puzzle-solving. The game uses cards to represent the mansion and locations, streamlining setup compared to *Resident Evil 3*. This creates a more dynamic and quicker experience, similar to *Betrayal at House on the Hill*.
Zombies pose a greater threat, with their corpses remaining on the board unless burned using kerosene, potentially returning as stronger Red Zombies. Other refinements and additions enhance the gameplay experience. If you're only purchasing one, this is the recommended choice.
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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This expansion introduces six new scenarios, two bosses (Neptune and Plant-42), and new locations (Guard House and Aqua Ring). It's a perfect complement to the base game, offering standalone sessions or a cohesive mini-campaign.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
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**MSRP**: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
**Player**: 1-4 (Best with 2)
**Play Time**: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
**Ages**: 14+
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The inaugural title in Steamforged's *Resident Evil* series, *Resident Evil 2*, plunges players into the Raccoon City Police Station, facing Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios. Players take on the roles of Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo.
While chronologically the second game (or third, considering *Zero*), it's recommended to start with *Resident Evil* instead. *Resident Evil 2* lacks the refinements and features found in later entries. The tiles are darker, making details difficult to discern, and some components are missing fasteners.
Despite these minor flaws, *Resident Evil 2* remains a fun and engaging game, particularly in scenarios requiring strategic planning to avoid being overwhelmed.
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**: $54.99USD
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This 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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**MSRP**: $32.99
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Designed for use with the B-Files expansion, this adds a confrontation with Birkin Stage Three.
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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Highly recommended, this expansion adds five playable characters, enhanced versions of existing characters, new enemies, and a PvP mode.
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 introduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, adding new modes focused on escaping the police department and a PvP "Extreme Battle" mode.
Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
Resident Evil 3: The Board Game
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**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* builds upon *Resident Evil 2*, offering a more open-ended campaign. Players choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills. The game's difficulty dynamically increases as Raccoon City deteriorates, influenced by player choices and successes/failures.
A new "Danger Tracker" mechanic reflects the escalating threat. The Narrative deck adds variability to each playthrough. The decision of whether to backtrack for resources or press onward enhances the survival horror atmosphere. The game's only drawback is the scenario map, which feels less refined than other components.
If you prefer a more open-ended campaign, *Resident Evil 3* is a great 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
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**MSRP**: $44.99
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This expansion adds new playable characters (Barry Burton, Brad Vickers, etc.), advanced versions of base game characters, new enemies (Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders), and a permadeath variant.
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 provides nine new scenarios in locations like the City Hospital and Dead Factory, featuring new enemies and bosses, alongside new weapons and items.
