Game On! Marvel Zombies Review
Marvel Zombies
Superheroes & Zombies. What’s Not to Like?!
Publisher: CMON
Year Published: 2023
BGG Page: Marvel Zombies
Downloads:
Last Updated: January 21st, 2024
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Game Overview
Marvel Zombies is one of the best CMON Zombicide games to date. The game introduces an interesting system that is based on two core box sets (Zombies and Heros) with optional expansions that leverage each core box. This is a genius marketing and packaging strategy by CMON. In effect, you can choose to play as the bad or good guys leveraging one of the two core boxes. You also need both core box sets if you intend to play the optional player versus player mode, which also requires the Clash of The Sinister Six expansion.
This new Zombicide system gives players choices in regard to which modes and side of the battle they envision playing and then contributing their hard-earned dollars respectively. This makes for an extremely unique and compelling board game experience. I hope and expect CMON to offer future games based upon such systems.
In terms of core gameplay, this is a cooperative strategy skirmish game. You pick a mission, which is made up of a collection of tiles, select Zombies or Heros, setup the game and begin play. Game is played over a standard series of rounds. The game is based on a series of one-shot skirmish sessions that you can optionally play sequentially via campaign style fashion.
Marvel Zombies was originally launched and funded on Kickstarter. Because of this, there are several optional components including the ginormous Galactus the Devourer expansion. And while overly large and nothing your spouse is likely to appreciate in life, Galactus the Devourer may become a collector’s item. Addtional optional buys include the plastic tokens, the Artists Special Edition Set and several expansions including Sentinel Strike. You can easily spend upwards of $600+ on the complete Marvel Zombies board game system.
*This Board Game Review is Based on Marvel Zombies Retail Edition with Expansions including Sentinel Strike, excluding Galactus the Devourer Expansion, and the Optional Plastic Tokens & Artists Special Edition Set
*CMON recently launched the DCeased crowdfunding campaign. If you enjoy Marvel Zombies, I recommend you check it out.
Adaptability
Of the four rating categories, I am going to give this one the lowest score, for Marvel Zombies. You may of course wonder why? While Zombicide is not an overly difficult game to play, learning the core game mechanics takes a bit of time. That is not atypical in the board game scene, but there is also not a system in place to help new players progress slowly into the rules set. In effect, you need to commit to learning the entire system at the outset.
In addition, the game’s difficulty I have always found to be quite high. And while I do appreciate a harder game than an easier one - the cool and elegant mechanic of hunger leading to damage often results in an overly challenging gaming experience. The individual missions are rated by difficulty, and this helps with progressive difficulty. And when playing with five or six characters, the missions do get more difficult (spawn points increase). You can house rule the game to help with difficulty, if needed. And if you pair up with a more experienced Zombicide player this will greatly help as well.
Engagement
Game mechanics are very well done excluding a few side effects such as the difficulty impact I mentioned in the above section. Zombies devour bystanders to reset their hunger, characters get stronger through the game session, you get to play as either the zombies or the superheroes, what more can be said. Theme is integrated very well throughout the game mechanics.
Human Connection
The game capitalizes on and demands players and characters cooperate. Chances of success are slim-to-none otherwise. Theme integration is very well done here, we have Hulk smashing new guards being spawned while Captain America is securing an objective, for example. For me, this game knocked the cover off the ball when it comes to this category. Bravo!
Immersive Experience
Marvel Zombies is a compelling and engaging experience to say the least. Theme integration is very well done thoughout. Artwork and components are top notch. Like most CMON games, expect a ton of plastic. Zombies and soldiers get spawned in masse as the game progresses. There can be a metric ton of plastic on the table before all is said and done. Available modes of play include cooperative and competitive, across both zombies and superheroes.
What I Liked
Amazing Board Game Tour of the Marvel Universe
Bosses (Superheroes) & Galactus (Super Boss!)
Expansive & Compartmental Game System
Elegant Hunger (Zombies) & Power (Superheroes) Game Mechanic
Plastic Tokens
Competitive Mode (Clash of The Sinister Six Expansion)
What I Disliked
Game Difficulty - See Our House Rules Section Below. Zombicide is known for its difficulty.
Setup Time
Total Cost of Ownership
*It's worth mentioning that you are receiving (2) distinct games by purchasing both core box sets
Who Should Buy Marvel Zombies
Marvel Zombies is ideally suited to existing Zombicide fans and cooperative board game strategy players. If you generally enjoy board games and are also a Marvel fan this is a great buy as well. The game not only facilitates but effectively mandates players highly cooperate if they wish to be successful. You should be someone who does not shy away from a bit of setup. Like most big-box games today, setup can consume the better part of thirty minutes.
House Rules & Mods
Bring It! - Use your character’s first locked skill at start of the game.
Fasting is Good! - No damage incurred for zombies when ravenous. Highly recommend this house rule for everyone who is not a Zombicide expert.
Marvel Zombies Strategy
Choose Wisely - Select the right character combinations for the mission!
Level Up! - Be strategic when your characters level up (more zombies).
No Knock-Knocks - Never end a turn in spawn zones.
Slightly Hungry - Hunger is good (more attack dice) until it’s not (ravenous).
Marvel Zombies Ratings
Adaptability: 7
Includes Complexity, Difficulty & Learning
Engagement: 8
Includes Mechanics, Strategy & Theme
Human Connection: 9.5
Includes Family Fun, Player Interaction & Theme
Immersive Experience: 8.5
Includes Artwork, Components, Replayability & Theme
Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
*For a review of the rating system please see here
Marvel Zombies Closing Thoughts
I thoroughly enjoy Marvel Zombies which is why it was an early selection for our game reviews. It can be a sizeable commitment, both time and money, but for the right person the full experience is well worth it. The system is quite rewarding through additional purchases via CMON’s compartmental and optional game modes and zombies and superheroes.
Until Next Time, Enjoy the Tabletop.
Marvel Zombies Core Box Sets
Optional Plastic Tokens
Optional Artist Special Edition Set