Greenbrier Games sent us a review copy of Zmergency and I couldn’t be happier. Zmergency is an expansion of sorts for Zpocalypse. You can read my review of that here. I say Zmergency is an expansion of sorts because while it does add more components it doesn’t add additional gameplay. Rather it simplifies things to just the combat phase, and that’s ok.
In my review of Zpocalypse I talked about how much I really loved that game and the sense of accomplishment and relief I felt when we finally won a game. That relief, however, is limited compared to the relief I got from winning a game of Zmergency. In the original game you win by surviving 4 nights at which point the game is over and you declare victory. But, the thing is, you, or rather your character, is still in the bunker. Sure, the game is over, but it was only a segment of your existence in the Zpocalypse. You will have to continue to fight, four nights at a time for the rest of your life. You can breathe easier, but the weight of your zombie filled situation still weighs on you; still nags at you in the back of your mind.
Create your own Scenario and Daily Goals
In comparison, when you reach the hospital in Zmergency you not only breathe easier, but you also feel lighter. You feel your muscles start to relax when you first break out of the darkness that is the original tile set from Zpocalypse into the Zmergency tiles. Your hopes start to rise and you can almost feel the sunlight falling on your face as you “Get To The Choppa!”(one of the scenarios in the game)
The Doctor and his bag of goodies
One issue I have with Zmergency is the set of rules. I feel like they are missing context and a connection to the original game. I suggest just jumping in and following the instructions for Enhanced Quick Play Rules to get a feel for the game and then see where things take you. Additionally, I feel like the box could have been smaller. When I first opened it everything fit just in the middle four inches of the box with spacers on either side.
I highly recommend getting Zmergency if you are a fan of Zpocalypse. It adds some fun gameplay and expands the world. You can use the quick play rules or add the tiles from Zmergency into the original game to change things up. You also get a new survivor-The Doctor. No, not that one. A medical doctor with a medical bag full of healing goodness. And you get two blank cards to create your own Daily Goal and Scenario. Very cool.
You can purchase Zmergency through Greenbrier Games here and even add some additional miniatures for fun here.
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