Steamforged Games has made a significant impact in the board game industry with their adaptations of iconic video game franchises. From Monster Hunter to Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves to Gears of War, and the upcoming Elden Ring adaptation, their portfolio is impressive. Today, we delve into their Resident Evil series, which includes Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and the latest, Resident Evil.

Starting with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and the most recent Resident Evil in 2023, these games share a core set of mechanics, offering a cohesive gameplay experience across the series. Each game supports cooperative play for up to four players, who take turns navigating through eerie environments, from dark corridors to burning streets and sinister labs, as they relive the stories of each game. The series is renowned for its detailed plastic miniatures that bring the horrific creatures and survivor heroes to life.

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 newest entry, Resident Evil, refines and enhances the mechanics of its predecessors, delivering a tense and engaging experience. Players can take on the roles of iconic characters like Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they explore the mysterious Spencer Mansion and its surroundings. A novel addition is the inclusion of support characters such as Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers, who can be sent on missions to gather supplies, adding a layer of strategic depth.

This game introduces a flexible narrative flow, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, with rooms unlocked by items and puzzles. The use of special cards to construct the mansion and its areas makes setup quicker and more dynamic compared to previous games. If you're looking to invest in just one game from the series, Resident Evil stands out as a refined and comprehensive choice.

A notable gameplay change is that zombies no longer disappear upon defeat; instead, their bodies remain on the board until players use Kerosene to burn them, preventing them from returning as more dangerous Red Zombies. This mechanic adds to the survival horror atmosphere, making every decision crucial.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

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MSRP: $69.99
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The Bleak Outpost expansion introduces six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, taking players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. This expansion is a must-have for fans of the base game, offering both a mini-campaign and standalone sessions.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

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MSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)
Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)
Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)
Ages: 14+
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Resident Evil 2, the first in Steamforged's Resident Evil series, immerses players in the zombie-infested hallways of the Raccoon City 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 as they face Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, from the S.T.A.R.S Office to their escape from the Umbrella Laboratory.

While Resident Evil 2 may be chronologically second, it lacks some of the refinements and features found in later entries. Its linear scenario progression and darker tiles can detract from the experience, but it remains a fun and strategic game to play with friends.

Resident Evil 2 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: B-Files Expansion

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MSRP: $54.99 USD
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The B-Files expansion for Resident Evil 2 doubles the scenarios, introduces new items, enemies, and a new goal—escaping from Mr. X.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game - Malformations of G B-Files Expansion

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MSRP: $32.99
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Designed to complement the B-Files expansion, Malformations of G adds the challenge of facing Birkin Stage Three before escaping.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

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MSRP: $54.99
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The Survival Horror expansion is highly recommended, introducing five new playable characters, advanced versions of characters from the base game, new enemies, and a new PVP gameplay mode, adding variety to the experience.

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

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MSRP: $32.99
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The 4th Survivor expansion brings Hunk and Tofu into the mix, along with new modes like Extreme Battle, making it a fun addition for fans of the video games.

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+
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Resident Evil 3 builds on the foundation laid by Resident Evil 2, introducing a non-linear scenario approach that allows players to choose how they explore the ruins of Raccoon City. Players can take on the roles of Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to navigate the city while evading Nemesis.

A key feature is the Danger Tracker, which escalates the difficulty as the city deteriorates, influenced by player actions and objectives. The Narrative deck adds replayability, and the decision to backtrack for resources or press forward enhances the survival horror feel.

The only minor drawback is the scenario map, printed on a glossy paper that feels less durable than other components. If you're looking for a more open-ended campaign experience, Resident Evil 3 is an excellent entry point into the series.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

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MSRP: $44.99
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The Last Escape expansion adds new playable characters and advanced versions of the base game's cast, along with new monsters like Brain Suckers, Giant Spiders, and crows. It introduces new rules, cards, and a permadeath variant, challenging players to strategize carefully.

Resident Evil 3 The Board Game: City of Ruin Expansion

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MSRP: $69.99
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City of Ruin expands the game with nine new scenarios set in locations like the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, featuring new enemies, bosses, and weapons. Players will need all their skills and resources to confront the new Stage 3 Nemesis.

Each game in the Resident Evil series by Steamforged Games offers a rich, cooperative experience that captures the essence of the video game franchise. Whether you're a fan of the original games or new to the series, these board games provide a thrilling way to explore the world of survival horror.