Nefarious

Ascora Games, FoxGames, Hobby World · Board game · 2011
2–6 · best 4 30–45 min Weight 1.7/5
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Buy
7.7 rating Ludopedia
6.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Want to be the most stylish villain in sci-fi? Nefarious is your jam! A fast-paced, funny invention-building game, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of controlled chaos.

Highlights
  • Fun mad scientists theme
  • Quick and dynamic gameplay
  • High replayability with twists
Keep in mind
  • Competitive and chaotic
  • Victory can be close
  • Theme might not suit everyone
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Get ready to take over the world in Nefarious, a fast-paced and hilarious card game where you and your friends step into the shoes of mad scientists on the verge of causing chaos! Forget humanity; your goal here is to prove who's the most brilliant (and terrifying) of them all. Each player tries to build outlandish inventions, like freeze rays or killer robots, before their rivals do.

The gameplay is straightforward: each round, everyone secretly chooses an action to perform. Need more money? Require a blueprint for your next weapon? Or perhaps you have the resources and want to build your masterpiece? You'll assign your loyal (and somewhat disposable) minions to do the dirty work in your lair. The catch is that your neighbors' actions can influence your earnings, so keep an eye on what the other scientists are plotting!

To win, you not only need to build inventions totaling 20 points or more but also have more points than any other lunatic in the room. And to ensure no two games are the same, two random 'twist' cards change the game's rules each time. This forces players to adapt their mad strategies and guarantees the fun never ends. Nefarious is perfect for those who enjoy games with a touch of humor, science fiction, and a dash of cutthroat competition, all without taking up too much of your evening.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
6 REC
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Theme: Mad Science / Mad Scientist Theme: Retro Theme: Villainy
Publisher Ascora Games, FoxGames, Hobby World, Magellan, The Op Games
Designer Donald X. Vaccarino
Artist Glenn Gustafson, Marty Elmer, Nick Acosta, Shaun Lindow, Tatiana Maifat
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average playtime for Nefarious?
A game of Nefarious usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, making it quite fast!
How many players can join?
Nefarious is for 2 to 6 players, ideal for small to medium-sized groups.
Is the game complicated to learn?
No, the rules are quite straightforward and easy to grasp. It's a light-weight game (1.72/5 on BGG), great for beginners or those looking for something less complex.
Do I need to know English to play?
The text on the cards is minimal and easy to memorize, making the language dependency very low.
What makes each game different?
At the start of each game, two 'twist' cards are drawn, altering the conditions and requiring new strategies each time.
Is it more of a strategy or luck game?
There's a good balance. Simultaneous action selection and hand management require strategy, but the twist cards and player interaction bring an element of unpredictability.