September Game Day Recap: Epic Zombicide

Valerie hosted today and Al, Tuna, and myself were there, as usual. We were joined by newcomer Jasmine, who (whom?) we hope will become a regular!

Al had just received his shiny new boxes of Zombicide Prison Outbreak and Toxic City Mall expansion. Prison Outbreak is a standalone game, basically the next installment in the story of Zombicide with new characters, a new zombie type (berzerker), and new scenarios to run. We cracked this one open and set up the first scenario.

Hey good lookin'

The first thing everyone (who was familiar with the game) noticed was how much more there was. The scenario was huge and we had a lot to do. We had to search both in and outside of the prison for blueprints and maps to be able to explore further in prison later. We had 3 different door controls and countless rooms to search.

One new game mechanic that works to the survivors' favor is that when they die, they become zombies... but maintain their free will. Their abilities change but they still fight for the good side. And they're harder to kill now!

Zombies are no match for... zombies!

We had some really tough moments. Jasmine was dealing out huge damage when she was overrun by six running zombies. But her resurrection next turn saw her rise and slaughter them all.

Undead versions are always better

Al decided to become a zombie intentionally but that may have backfired as his skills changed in a way that made it tough for him to do much.

My character stayed behind in the safety of the watchtower with the rifle to pick off zombies on the street while the rest of the team took on the rest of the prison interior.

In the end, it was a bit anti-climactic. The toughest parts of the game were in the middle. And it was long. But it was still great fun and an excellent second installment of the game. I look forward to trying the expansion with the toxic zombies!

Dinner break. Zombies are piled up in the prison (lower left). Mike's lonely survivor in the watchtower (upper right).

It was already late after the one game, so we played Tsuro of the Seas for a quick cool down. Sea monsters and lack of navigable ocean took all but Al.