The board game Marvel Zombies Core Box is inspired by the Marvel Zombies comic book series from 2005. In this game, players take on the roles of zombified superheroes from the Marvel universe, such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, and others. The goal of the game is for players, in their new zombie identities, to spread the infection and fight against surviving superheroes and specially trained S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
During the game, players activate their zombie heroes to move, attack, smash down doors, gain zombie traits, and, most importantly, feed. A new mechanic in the game involves 'gaining zombie traits,' which is similar to the search action from previous versions of Zombicide games. These traits give zombie heroes special abilities that can provide them with an advantage, such as free actions and bonuses on dice rolls. Another new element is the 'Hunger' system—the higher the Hunger level, the more dangerous the zombie heroes become. However, if they don't feed in time, they become uncontrollable and may move or eat, losing health with every turn.
As in other Zombicide games, players complete objectives and defeat enemies, which allows their zombie heroes to gain experience and new abilities. With every level the zombie heroes gain, the threat level also rises, leading to the next phase of the game, the Enemy Phase. Enemies move toward the nearest zombie hero or attack them, and civilians attempt to escape the map or attack the zombie heroes if they are 'combat civilians.' Superheroes get two actions each, with unique abilities that reflect their powers from the comics.
Zombie heroes must also fight against waves of enemies that appear at different spawn points on each mission. A higher threat level means a greater number of enemies appear. The final phase of the game is the End Phase, during which all player effects from that phase are applied, and if any zombie heroes were defeated during the round, the game ends and the mission is unsuccessful.

Awards and Honors:
2023 Golden Geek Best Cooperative Game Nominee