In the expansive library of Steamforged Games, you'll discover a rich collection of board game adaptations from some of the most iconic video game franchises, including Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Sea of Thieves, Gears of War, and the highly anticipated Elden Ring. However, our focus today is on their thrilling Resident Evil series, which includes adaptations of Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3.
Steamforged Games kicked off their Resident Evil journey with Resident Evil 2 in 2019, followed by Resident Evil 3 in 2021, and culminating with Resident Evil in 2023. Each game in this trilogy shares a core set of mechanics, yet each offers a unique experience. Players, in groups of up to four, take turns exploring eerie corridors, burning streets, and sinister laboratories, recreating the stories of the video games. These board games come packed with detailed plastic miniatures that bring to life both the monstrous creatures and the valiant survivor heroes.
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 entry in the trilogy, Resident Evil, refines and builds upon the mechanics of its predecessors, introducing new features that enhance the gameplay. Players can step into the shoes of Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield, Rebecca Chambers, or Barry Burton as they navigate the haunted Spencer mansion and its surroundings. New support characters like Albert Wesker, Enrico Marini, Richard Aiken, and Brad Vickers add depth to the game, undertaking missions to gather supplies and aid the team, albeit at personal risk.
This game introduces a flexible narrative, allowing players to explore the mansion in various orders, unlocking new areas with items and puzzle-solving. The setting is built using special cards, improving on the previous games' paper dashboards and allowing for quick setup similar to Betrayal at the House on the Hill. A new resource, Kerosene, is used to burn zombie corpses to prevent them from returning as more dangerous Red Zombies, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.
For those not interested in the entire series, Resident Evil stands out as the most polished and engaging option.
Resident Evil Board Game Expansions
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion
Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost
0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $69.99
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The Bleak Outpost expansion adds six new scenarios and two new bosses, Neptune and Plant-42, introducing players to new locations like the Guard House and Aqua Ring. Perfect for fans of the base game, these scenarios can be enjoyed as a mini-campaign or as 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, the first in Steamforged's series, transports players to the zombie-filled corridors of the Raccoon City police station and beyond. As Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, Ada Wong, or Robert Kendo, players battle Lickers, Zombie Dogs, and Birkin across eight scenarios, from the S.T.A.R.S Office to the Umbrella Laboratory.
While Resident Evil 2 may lack some refinements found in later titles, it remains a fun and engaging game. Its linear campaign requires strategic planning to avoid being overwhelmed by the undead.
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 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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Designed to be used with the B-Files expansion, Malformations of G adds a new challenge against Birkin Stage Three.
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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This highly recommended expansion introduces five new playable characters, revamped versions of existing characters, new enemies, and a PvP gameplay mode for a fresh twist on the game.
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 adds Hunk and Tofu to the roster, along with new modes that challenge players to fight through hordes of enemies or engage in a PvP race to stop an outbreak.
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 foundation laid by Resident Evil 2, offering a more open-ended exploration of the decaying Raccoon City. Players can choose from Jill, Carlos, Mikhail, or Nikolai, each with unique skills to survive the Nemesis's relentless pursuit.
The game's Danger Tracker and Narrative deck add dynamic elements, with the city's deterioration affecting gameplay and increasing the challenge. While the components are generally high quality, the scenario map's material feels less durable compared to other elements.
For those interested in a less linear 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
Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion
0See it at Amazon
MSRP: $44.99
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This 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
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City of Ruin offers nine new scenarios set in locations such as the City Hospital, City Park, and Dead Factory, with new enemies and bosses, including Stage 3 Nemesis. New weapons and items are crucial for players hoping to survive these challenging new environments.
Each game in the Resident Evil series by Steamforged Games provides a unique yet interconnected experience, with detailed miniatures and engaging mechanics that capture the essence of the iconic video game franchise. Whether you're a fan of the original games or new to the series, these board games offer a thrilling way to experience the survival horror genre.
