u/RuhRoh404

Hello.

I'm hoping to get some answers from some Zombicide veterans or people who are at least familiar with Zombicide Fantasy and other versions of Zombicide.

So, I'm new to Zombicide. When researching it, most people recommend going with a theme you like. The problem is most of the themes appeal to me and I doubt I'll be able to get every version I want to the table enough to justify collecting all of it. I don't think Zombicide is the type of board game that comes out with a new and greater edition every few years, it's more like, a new edition with a new theme with a few tweaks to the rules and new mechanics that differentiate it from the other editions, so it's hard to choose a few from the many editions if you can't spend a fortune to collect it all.

I love DC so, I went all in and backed DCeased, and who knows if and when that will get to me.

About 2 months ago I found an Undead or Alive Steampunk pledge on The Game Steward with stretch goals along with the retail expansion that adds horses. I decided to order it, and I am really loving it. It is the only Zombicide I have played and own until DCeased gets here, if it does.

I know I can get the retail versions, but my collector's mindset makes me hate that I'm missing out on so much gameplay content by missing out on all the stretch goals and exclusives. Comparing the backer campaigns to retail, the retail versions look so stripped down.

Now, I do prefer the medieval fantasy themes, but I missed out on all the previous fantasy campaigns: Black Plague, Green Horde, and the newest one White Death.

Originally, I was excited for a pirate themed Zombicide, then later noticed it is part of Fantasy Zombicide. To me the themes seem to clash a bit as it doesn't go full medieval fantasy or pirate. It kind of tries to do both and doesn't lean too heavily in either direction. I'd have preferred a full pirate theme with pirate lore and references and sea themed creatures for zombies and crews. The orcs and stuff feel out of place in a pirate setting.

But, looking at it more as a Fantasy Zombicide instead of a Pirate Zombicide, I think I may have another chance at acquiring a Fantasy Zombicide with all the stretch goals and stuff. However, since it's paired with pirates, I feel like theme-wise, it isn't as great as Black Plague, Green Horde, or White Death.

The campaign comments seem to have people complaining about not enough pirate theme and not enough fantasy theme.

On the other hand, I would prefer a Fantasy Zombicide with the most refined and fun gameplay, and since this is the newest iteration of that theme, perhaps this is the best choice, since I've seen some posts elsewhere of people calling the Fantasy formula a bit dated. So, I'm looking to those who are more knowledgeable to help me decide.

Also, would Zombicide 2nd Edition be worth getting at this point, even at retail? I see a lot of expansions and crossover packs that seem cool, but if mechanically it is too similar or inferior to all the other themes, I think I might pass. I originally chose DCeased and Undead or Alive over 2nd Edition due to the aforementioned recommendations to get the themes you like most, and I already own Dead of Winter which is a "modern" zombie game (completely different gameplay I know).

Thanks for any help, I'd really appreciate it.