Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game is an exciting tabletop experience that combines the thrilling world of Marvel superheroes with the cooperative zombie survival gameplay of Zombicide. Based on information from the Kickstarter campaign, this game features an extensive collection of detailed miniatures representing both heroic characters and their zombified counterparts. As players dive into this universe, they face off against hordes of undead while utilizing the unique powers and abilities of Marvel’s iconic characters.
Marvel Zombies Core Game Miniatures
The core game of Marvel Zombies introduces players to a dynamic set of miniatures divided into several categories. The Zombie Heroes are some of the most iconic figures, including Captain America, Zombie Deadpool, Wasp, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and Hulk. These figures bring a mix of heroism and horror to the game board.
Alongside the Zombie Heroes are Bystanders — important civilian characters who add depth and story elements to the gameplay. Characters such as Okoye, Mary Jane, J. Jonah Jameson, Pepper Pots, Wong, Blind Al, Bob (Agent of Hydra), Sharon Carter, Aunt May, Agent Coulson, Betty Ross, and Thunderbolt Ross fill this role.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents, essential in combating the zombie outbreak, come in large numbers with many Troopers, Guards, and Specialists available to players. Their presence on the board emphasizes tactical gameplay and strategic positioning.
On the other side, the Living Super Heroes like Spider-Man, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, Ms. Marvel, and Black Panther join the fight against the undead. These heroes provide vital powers and hope in the battle to reclaim the world.
Marvel Zombies X-Men Resistance Box Miniatures
Expanding the universe, the X-Men Resistance Box offers an exciting array of characters. The Living Super Heroes include familiar faces like Colossus, Rogue, Wolverine, Magneto, Storm, and Mystique. Their arrival introduces mutant powers into the gameplay and adds layers of strategy and teamwork.
The Bystanders for this expansion enrich the storyline further with characters like Senator Kelly, Abigail Brand, Trish Tilby, Callisto, Ka-Zar, Valerie Cooper, Mariko Yashida, William Stryker, Shanna the She-Devil, Amanda Sefton, Bolivar Trask, and Moira McTaggert.
Players also encounter Zombie Mutants such as multiple poses of Multiple Man, Reavers, and Hellfire Soldiers, each appearing in groups to challenge the heroes with relentless attacks.
The Zombie Heroes lineup in this box features Iceman, Zombie Juggernaut, Cyclops, Dark Phoenix, Psylocke, and Sabretooth, adding variety to the undead threat.
Galacticus and Fantastic 4: Under Siege
The game also includes massive figures like Galacticus the Devourer in both living and zombie forms, alongside the Silver Surfer’s living and zombie versions. These colossal miniatures create epic moments during gameplay.
The Fantastic 4: Under Siege set features Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, The Thing, along with zombified villains such as Doctor Doom Zombie, Super-Skrull Zombie, Namor Zombie, and Black Bolt Zombie. Bystanders like Alicia Masters and Agatha Harkness bring further storytelling depth.
Hydra Resurrection and Clash of the Sinister Six
Hydra’s sinister forces come to life with heroes and zombies such as Black Widow, Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Vision, Hawkeye zombie, Quicksilver zombie, Falcon zombie, Loki Zombie, and the infamous Red Skull Villain. Hydra Troopers, along with Nick Fury and Maria Hill as bystanders, enhance the immersive experience.
The Clash of the Sinister Six introduces classic villains, including Venom, Mysterio, Scorpion, Kraven, Sandman, Black Cat, Green Goblin Zombie, Electro Zombie, Vulture Zombie, Lizard Zombie, Doctor Octopus Zombie, Rhino Zombie, along with bystanders Gwen Stacy and Flash Thompson. This collection promises intense battles with familiar foes.
Guardians of the Galaxy and Sentinel Strike
Players can also command the Guardians of the Galaxy, with miniatures for Gamora, Groot, Mantis, Nova, Star-Lord Zombie, Rocket Zombie, Drax Zombie, Nebula Zombie, Thanos Zombie, and bystanders like Howard the Duck and Cosmo the Space Dog. Special Kickstarter exclusives include Zombie Mantis, Rocket, Drax, and Nebula.
Sentinel Strike features Sentinels in different poses along with Professor X and his zombie counterpart, adding an extra dimension to the mutant fight against the undead.
Artist’s Special Edition and Stretch Goals
The Artist’s Special Edition Set includes fan favorites like Daredevil, Old Man Hawkeye, Marshall Bullseye, Spider-Man, Daredevil Elektra, and Old Man Logan, giving players access to unique versions of beloved heroes.
Stretch goals unlocked during the campaign introduced a vast number of Zombie Heroes and Super Heroes, including Luke Cage, Beast, Winter Soldier, Kingpin, Daredevil, Moon Knight, Gamora, Bullseye, Elektra, Nova, Gambit, and many others, ensuring that the game offers extensive content and variety for fans.
Daily Rewards and Additional Bystanders
Daily rewards bring even more miniatures into the mix, including Zombie Heroes like Ms. Marvel, Rogue, Wolverine, Storm, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, Zombie Mystique, Colossus, Magneto, and Zombie Kraven. Super Heroes such as Iron Man, Wasp, Sabretooth, Hulk, Deadpool, Cyclops, Psylocke, Juggernaut, Captain Marvel, and many others also join the fight.
Additional bystanders like Jimmy Woo, Vanessa Fisk, Ben Urich, Happy Hogan, Dum Dum Dugan, Claire Temple, Karen Page, Foggy Nelson, and Harry Osborn add personality and story to the gameplay.
Exploring the Depths of Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game
The world of Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game is vast and continually expanding, offering players a rich mix of characters and challenges that keep gameplay fresh and exciting. Building on the core sets and expansions, this part explores the intricate details of many unique miniatures, their thematic significance, and how they influence the cooperative experience. It also dives into the special edition sets, Kickstarter exclusives, and how these elements come together to create a dynamic and immersive tabletop environment.
The Importance of Miniatures in Marvel Zombies
Miniatures play a crucial role in bringing the Marvel Zombies universe to life on the tabletop. Each figure is carefully sculpted to capture the essence of its character, whether it is a heroic figure fighting against the undead or a terrifying zombie mutated by dark forces. The range of miniatures includes heroes, zombies, bystanders, and special units that provide players with diverse tactical options during gameplay.
The attention to detail in the sculpting reflects the personality and abilities of each character. For instance, zombie versions of heroes often have grotesque features that emphasize their undead nature, while living heroes retain their iconic costumes and poses. This visual contrast enhances the narrative of the game, reminding players of the tragic fall from heroism to horror that defines the Marvel Zombies setting.
The Role of Zombie Heroes and Living Super Heroes
Among the miniatures, the Zombie Heroes stand out as a unique group. Characters like Zombie Deadpool and Zombie Juggernaut not only offer an interesting aesthetic but also provide distinct gameplay mechanics. These zombie heroes blend the abilities of Marvel’s superheroes with the relentless nature of the undead, creating hybrid challenges for players.
Conversely, the Living Super Heroes bring hope and powerful abilities to the battlefield. Figures like Spider-Man, Thor, and Scarlet Witch represent the resistance fighting to reclaim their world. Their inclusion allows for cooperative strategies where players must use their unique powers to navigate hordes of zombies and complete missions. The tension between the living and the zombified versions of these heroes is a core theme that drives the game’s narrative and player engagement.
Bystanders and Their Narrative Importance
Bystanders are often overlooked in many tabletop games, but in Marvel Zombies, they carry significant weight. Characters such as Aunt May, Sharon Carter, and Mary Jane add depth and emotional stakes to the story. Their presence reminds players of the human cost of the outbreak and gives added motivation to protect innocent lives amidst the chaos.
These non-combatant figures are more than just decorative. They can become objectives in missions or catalysts for special events, forcing players to make critical decisions about prioritizing defense, rescue, or attack. Including familiar faces from the Marvel universe also strengthens the connection between players and the story, making each scenario more impactful.
S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents and Hydra Troopers: Tactical Forces in the Battle
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents provide a strong tactical element to the game. With multiple types like Troopers, Guards, and Specialists, these miniatures represent organized resistance against the zombie threat. Their inclusion adds layers of strategy, as players can use these forces to control the board, create defensive lines, or launch coordinated strikes.
Hydra Troopers and other villainous forces offer a dark counterpoint. These zombie-infected soldiers often appear in squads, overwhelming players with numbers and aggressive attacks. Facing off against Hydra Troopers requires players to balance risk and resource management, ensuring that every move counts as they fend off waves of enemies.
Galacticus and Silver Surfer: Epic Miniatures and Their Impact
Among the more spectacular miniatures are Galacticus and Silver Surfer, both featured in living and zombie forms. These colossal figures bring epic scale to the game, serving as major threats or powerful allies depending on the scenario. Their presence on the board can shift the flow of gameplay dramatically, requiring players to adapt their strategies and work together closely.
The design of these miniatures emphasizes their cosmic nature, contrasting with the more grounded characters in the game. Their inclusion expands the thematic scope of Marvel Zombies beyond street-level battles to cosmic confrontations, broadening the game’s appeal to fans of different Marvel storylines.
Fantastic 4: Under Siege Expansion
The Fantastic 4: Under Siege expansion adds one of Marvel’s most beloved teams to the fight. Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing all appear as miniatures, providing unique abilities and teamwork dynamics. The expansion also features zombified villains such as Doctor Doom and Super-Skrull, increasing the challenge for players.
Bystanders like Alicia Masters and Agatha Harkness enrich the narrative, highlighting the stakes of the Fantastic 4’s struggle. This expansion deepens the gameplay by introducing new objectives and scenarios focused on the Fantastic 4’s world, offering players fresh content to explore.
Clash of the Sinister Six and Villainous Forces
The Clash of the Sinister Six expansion brings some of Spider-Man’s most notorious villains into the mix. Venom, Mysterio, Scorpion, Kraven, Sandman, Black Cat, and others join the zombie ranks, creating formidable opposition. Their inclusion emphasizes stealth, ambush, and high-threat gameplay elements that require players to be vigilant and cooperative.
With zombified versions of Green Goblin, Rhino, and others, the Sinister Six offers diverse miniatures that challenge players with different attack styles and abilities. Bystanders Gwen Stacy and Flash Thompson add emotional weight to the expansion’s missions, reminding players of the personal stakes involved.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Heroes and Zombies
The Guardians of the Galaxy expansion transports players to a cosmic setting with heroes like Gamora, Groot, Mantis, and Nova. Zombies such as Star-Lord, Rocket, Drax, Nebula, and Thanos provide formidable antagonists. This set blends the spacefaring adventures of the Guardians with the horror of the Marvel Zombies outbreak.
Unique bystanders like Howard the Duck and Cosmo the Space Dog add charm and humor, balancing the darker themes of the zombie apocalypse. This expansion appeals to players who enjoy both superhero action and cosmic Marvel lore.
Sentinel Strike and Mutant Powers
Sentinel Strike introduces powerful Sentinels and Professor X, along with his zombified version. These miniatures highlight the mutant dimension of the Marvel universe, integrating mutant abilities and themes into the zombie survival experience.
The inclusion of Sentinels brings a mechanical and imposing presence to the board, while Professor X offers leadership and psychic abilities. Their dynamic adds a fresh tactical layer, making the game appealing to fans of the X-Men and mutant stories.
Artist’s Special Edition and Unique Characters
The Artist’s Special Edition set includes special versions of beloved heroes such as Daredevil, Old Man Hawkeye, and Old Man Logan. These unique miniatures often feature alternative designs or poses that make them stand out in any collection.
This set is a testament to the artistic creativity behind the game, offering players highly detailed and collectible figures that celebrate iconic Marvel characters in new ways. Their inclusion adds prestige and variety, encouraging collectors and players to expand their gameplay options.
Stretch Goals and Expanding Content
The Kickstarter campaign’s stretch goals unlocked a wealth of additional miniatures, including both Zombie Heroes and Super Heroes. Characters such as Luke Cage, Beast, Winter Soldier, Kingpin, and Moon Knight broaden the game’s roster significantly.
This expansion of content ensures that players have a constantly growing selection of characters and scenarios. It also allows players to customize their experience, mixing and matching heroes and villains to create unique gameplay challenges.
Daily Rewards and Ongoing Engagement
Daily rewards introduced through the campaign added even more miniatures for players to collect and use. This included Zombie Heroes, Super Heroes, and additional bystanders, further enriching the game’s diversity.
This system encourages ongoing engagement with the game, giving players a reason to explore different characters and strategies. It keeps the gameplay experience fresh and dynamic, with new options always available for players eager to experiment.
Bystanders and Supporting Characters
The inclusion of bystanders such as Jimmy Woo, Vanessa Fisk, and Happy Hogan throughout the expansions adds a layer of human drama to the game. These characters help flesh out the Marvel Zombies world, providing narrative context and emotional stakes.
Supporting characters often serve as mission objectives or story triggers, increasing the complexity of scenarios and forcing players to make difficult choices. This narrative depth is a hallmark of the game, setting it apart from more straightforward zombie survival games.
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game: Gameplay Mechanics and Cooperative Strategies
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game is renowned for its exciting gameplay mechanics and the emphasis it places on cooperative play. The game’s design encourages players to work together as a team of superheroes struggling against overwhelming zombie hordes. This section delves into the core mechanics that drive the game, the flow of play, and how players can best coordinate their efforts to survive and complete missions. It also explores the role of special abilities, resource management, and the unique challenges posed by different expansions.
Core Gameplay Loop and Turn Structure
At the heart of Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game is a turn-based system where each player takes their turn to move, attack, and perform actions. Players begin by choosing their heroes, each with specific powers and abilities that reflect their Marvel universe counterparts. These characters navigate a modular board made up of interconnected tiles, representing different locations threatened by zombie outbreaks.
Each turn follows a structured sequence where players first take their actions, such as moving across the board or attacking zombies. After the players’ actions, the zombie phase begins, where new enemies spawn and existing ones move towards the heroes, attempting to overwhelm them. This cycle repeats, creating a tension-filled dynamic where players must balance offense and defense, carefully planning moves to minimize risk.
Cooperative Play and Team Dynamics
The cooperative aspect is central to the game’s appeal. Players must communicate and strategize together to efficiently use their heroes’ abilities. For example, some heroes excel in ranged attacks while others are stronger in close combat or have healing capabilities. Coordinating these strengths allows the team to cover weaknesses and maximize its effectiveness.
Players often divide roles such as tanking zombies to protect weaker heroes, securing objectives, or rescuing bystanders. Working together is critical because the zombies increase in number and difficulty as the game progresses. A coordinated team can control the board, manage threats, and complete mission goals more effectively than individual players acting alone.
Abilities and Special Powers
Each hero comes with unique powers that add depth and variety to gameplay. Some heroes can perform multiple attacks, while others may have special movement abilities or support powers like healing or boosting teammates. These powers often have limited uses, forcing players to decide the best time to activate them.
The zombie miniatures also possess different traits and abilities. Some zombies move faster, others are harder to kill, and special zombie heroes bring additional challenges. Understanding these abilities is key for players to prioritize targets and develop strategies that mitigate threats.
Resource Management and Equipment
Resource management is an important aspect of the game. Players collect various equipment cards that can improve their combat abilities or provide other benefits, such as health recovery or additional movement. Equipment is usually limited and must be used wisely to survive increasingly difficult encounters.
Some scenarios reward players with special items or allow upgrades to characters, adding a light RPG element to the game. Deciding when to use these resources or save them for critical moments adds a layer of tactical decision-making.
Mission Objectives and Scenario Variety
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game offers a wide range of missions and objectives, keeping gameplay fresh and challenging. Some scenarios focus on rescuing bystanders, while others require players to reach certain locations or defeat specific zombie leaders.
The modular nature of the board and the variety of miniatures mean that each mission can feel unique. Players might face ambushes, limited visibility, or other obstacles that require adaptation and teamwork. The diversity in objectives helps maintain excitement and replayability.
Impact of Expansions on Gameplay
Expansions bring new layers of complexity and excitement to the base game. For instance, the Fantastic 4: Under Siege expansion introduces unique scenarios involving the Fantastic Four and their villains. These missions often require players to use new strategies to overcome powerful foes like Doctor Doom and Super-Skrull.
Similarly, the Clash of the Sinister Six expansion challenges players with stealthy and aggressive enemies, encouraging more cautious and coordinated play. Guardians of the Galaxy expands the setting to cosmic locations, adding new environmental effects and mission types that require adaptation.
Each expansion integrates seamlessly with the core mechanics while introducing fresh challenges that keep the game engaging for veteran players.
Handling the Zombie Hordes
The increasing number and strength of zombies are a constant threat that forces players to think critically about their actions. Zombie hordes spawn in large numbers and move relentlessly towards the heroes. Some zombies have special abilities that make them particularly dangerous, such as exploding upon death or regenerating health.
Players must prioritize targets and decide when to engage or avoid combat. Controlling choke points or using terrain to funnel zombies can be effective tactics. The game rewards clever use of the environment and team coordination to survive the relentless onslaught.
Role of Bystanders in Missions
Bystanders add an important narrative and tactical element to the game. Players may need to rescue or protect these characters while fending off zombies. This adds an extra layer of difficulty, as heroes must balance offensive actions with defensive tasks to keep bystanders safe.
Certain missions center entirely around bystander rescue, requiring players to move quickly and efficiently across the board. The presence of familiar Marvel characters as bystanders deepens the emotional connection to the game’s story and raises the stakes for success.
Using Special Characters and Hero Variants
Special characters and hero variants provide unique gameplay experiences. For example, some expansions include alternative versions of heroes with different powers or stats, allowing players to customize their teams to suit their playstyle.
Hero variants may have strengths in particular situations, such as increased durability or enhanced attack capabilities. Mixing these variants with standard heroes encourages experimentation and keeps gameplay interesting.
Strategic Use of Terrain and Environment
The modular board tiles include a variety of terrain types that influence movement and combat. Some tiles may provide cover or slow down zombies, while others create bottlenecks that heroes can exploit.
Understanding how to use terrain strategically is essential for success. Players can position heroes to guard narrow passages or use elevated areas to gain tactical advantages. Adapting to the changing environment during a mission adds depth and realism to gameplay.
Encouraging Teamwork Through Game Design
The game’s mechanics are designed to promote teamwork naturally. Abilities that boost allies, scenarios requiring coordinated objectives, and the threat of overwhelming zombie numbers all push players to collaborate.
Teamwork becomes especially important in harder difficulty settings where mistakes can quickly lead to defeat. Players learn to communicate effectively, share resources, and plan their turns carefully, creating a rewarding social experience.
Challenges of Scaling Difficulty
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game offers various difficulty levels to accommodate new and experienced players. Higher difficulties introduce tougher zombies, faster spawn rates, and more complex mission objectives.
As difficulty scales up, the need for careful planning and cooperation increases. Players must optimize their use of powers, equipment, and movement to survive. The game’s challenge ensures that even seasoned players face meaningful obstacles.
Replayability and Long-Term Engagement
The combination of modular boards, diverse heroes, numerous zombie types, and varied missions contributes to high replayability. Players can approach the game differently each session, testing new strategies and team compositions.
Expansions and special editions further extend the game’s lifespan by adding content and fresh challenges. The continuous addition of new miniatures and scenarios keeps the Marvel Zombies experience exciting and engaging over time.
Conclusion:
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game delivers an intense cooperative experience that combines tactical gameplay, thematic storytelling, and a wide variety of characters. The game’s core mechanics emphasize teamwork and strategic planning as players face growing zombie threats. Expansions enrich the gameplay with new heroes, villains, missions, and environments. Whether managing resources, coordinating attacks, or rescuing bystanders, players are constantly challenged to adapt and collaborate. This dynamic, immersive experience makes the game a standout in the cooperative zombie genre, offering both depth and excitement for players of all skill levels.