Resident Evil: Board Game Franchise Expansion Explored

Steamforged Games' board game adaptations of iconic video game franchises are a hit with fans. From Monster Hunter to Elden Ring, they've captured the essence of gaming's greats. This article focuses on their Resident Evil trilogy: Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and Resident Evil 3.

Released in 2019, 2021, and 2023 respectively, these games share core mechanics. Up to four players collaborate, navigating perilous environments – dark corridors, burning streets, and sinister labs – to survive the narratives of each game. Highly detailed miniatures bring the terrifying creatures and heroic survivors to life.

Featured Games:

### 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

Gameplay unfolds across three phases: Action, Reaction, and Tension. Players have four actions per turn (move, interact with doors, search, trade, use items, or attack). Enemies react, moving and attacking, prompting dice rolls for evasion. The Tension phase involves drawing cards with varying consequences. The system quickly becomes intuitive, allowing players to focus on survival strategies.

Combat uses dice rolls against weapon stats and abilities. Outcomes range from pushing enemies to kills or misses. Even basic zombies pose a challenge, and gunfire attracts nearby enemies. This risk-reward system enhances the survival horror atmosphere.

Each game features multiple scenarios, playable individually or as a connected campaign. Modular tile-based maps depict locations, items, and obstacles. Inventory, health, and other data carry over between scenarios in campaign mode; one-off games provide starting gear and information. The flexibility caters to different play styles.

Crossover elements exist between games. Characters can be mixed and matched, and tiles can be used across different titles (though thematic consistency might be compromised).

Resident Evil: The Board Game

### Resident Evil: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USDPlayers: 1-4 (best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at AmazonThis refined entry improves upon its predecessors. Players explore the Spencer Mansion, using characters like Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield, and also support characters like Albert Wesker who can be sent on missions. A flexible narrative allows for varied room exploration orders. The use of cards for map building streamlines setup. The persistent threat of zombies (corpses remain unless burned with kerosene) adds tension. This is a great standalone entry point to the series.

Resident Evil Board Game Expansions:

Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost Expansion

### Resident Evil: The Bleak Outpost

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $69.99See it at AmazonAdds new scenarios, bosses (Neptune and Plant-42), and locations.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge website price)Player: 1-4 (Best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at AmazonThe series' inaugural title, featuring Leon Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and others battling Lickers and Mr. X. The linear scenario progression and some minor component issues (dark tiles, missing dial fasteners) are less refined than later entries, but the gameplay remains engaging.

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 AmazonMSRP: $54.99USDSee it at AmazonDoubles the scenarios, adding new items, enemies, and the goal 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 AmazonMSRP: $32.99See it at AmazonA smaller expansion for use with B-Files, introducing a Stage Three Birkin encounter.

Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

### Resident Evil 2 The Board Game: Survival Horror Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $54.99See it at AmazonAdds 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

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $32.99See it at AmazonIntroduces Hunk and Tofu as playable characters, along with new escape and PvP modes.

Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

### Resident Evil 3: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $114.99 USD (Steamforge’s website)Players: 1-4 (Best with 2)Play Time: 60-90 minutes (per scenario)Ages: 14+See it at AmazonBuilds upon RE2, offering a non-linear campaign and a "Danger Tracker" mechanic that increases difficulty as the city deteriorates. The map's presentation is less polished than other components.

Resident Evil 3 Board Game Expansions:

Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

### Resident Evil 3: The Last Escape Expansion

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $44.99See it at AmazonAdds new characters, 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

0See it at AmazonMSRP: $69.99See it at AmazonFeatures nine new scenarios, new locations, enemies, and a Stage 3 Nemesis encounter.