Review of Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike (Kickstarter Exclusive)
Game Title: Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike
Designers: Michael Shinall, Fabio Cury, Guilherme Goulart
Publisher: CMON Limited
Player Count: 1-6 players
Recommended Age: 14+
Playing Time: 60-90 minutes per scenario
Overview
Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike is a Kickstarter-exclusive expansion for the popular Marvel Zombies board game series. This expansion introduces new characters, mechanics, and scenarios that expand the Marvel Zombies universe. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where iconic Marvel heroes and villains have turned into zombies, players must navigate through various challenges while battling massive Sentinels.
Components
Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike includes:
- Detailed miniatures of iconic Marvel characters, both heroes and zombies
- Massive Sentinel miniatures that serve as formidable enemies
- Modular map tiles depicting different post-apocalyptic settings
- Scenario book with multiple missions
- Character cards, equipment cards, and zombie cards
- Various tokens for health, power, and special abilities
The component quality is exceptional, with highly detailed miniatures and vibrant artwork that captures the chaotic and dark atmosphere of the Marvel Zombies universe.
Gameplay
Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike is a cooperative game where players control Marvel heroes or zombies, working together to complete mission objectives while battling against powerful Sentinel robots. The game features scenario-based gameplay with unique missions that require strategic planning and teamwork.
Each character has distinct abilities and powers, providing a variety of playstyles and strategies. Players use action points to move, attack, and use special abilities, managing their resources carefully to survive the onslaught of enemies.
The Sentinels are a key feature of this expansion, introducing new mechanics and challenges. These towering robots have their own AI and action decks, making them unpredictable and deadly foes. Players must use their wits and abilities to bring down these mechanical giants while achieving their mission goals.
Strengths
- Thematic Immersion: The game does an excellent job of immersing players in the Marvel Zombies universe, with detailed miniatures and thematic scenarios.
- Cooperative Gameplay: The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and strategic planning, making it a great experience for groups.
- Variety of Characters: A wide range of Marvel heroes and zombies with unique abilities adds depth and replayability.
- Sentinel Mechanics: The introduction of Sentinels adds a new layer of strategy and challenge, making the game more dynamic and engaging.
Weaknesses
- Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve, especially with the new Sentinel mechanics, which might be overwhelming for new players.
- Setup Time: The game requires significant setup time due to the modular tiles and numerous components.
- Player Count: While the game supports up to 6 players, it can become chaotic with a full player count, potentially slowing down the gameplay.
Conclusion
Marvel Zombies: Sentinel Strike is an exciting and challenging expansion for the Marvel Zombies series. With its detailed miniatures, thematic scenarios, and new Sentinel mechanics, it offers a rich and immersive experience for fans of the Marvel universe and cooperative board games. While it has a steep learning curve and requires significant setup time, the depth and variety it brings to the table make it a worthwhile addition for dedicated players.
