Nicodemus is an intense, strategic duel, perfect for those who love two-player games with high interaction and blocking. The mechanic of building your production engine while trying to sabotage your opponent creates constant tension until the very last second. It is a fast, clever game that demands your absolute attention to every move your opponent makes.
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Highlights
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Highly intense tactical duel
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Rewarding engine building
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Constant direct interaction
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Fast and dynamic gameplay
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Keep in mind
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Can be frustrating for some
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Requires total focus on opponent
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Very little room for error
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About the game
What you do in a play session
If you enjoy the Imaginarium universe, get ready to return to the Dream Factory, but this time in a tight duel. Nicodemus puts two players in the shoes of assistants competing to succeed Nicodemus Gideon. The goal is clear: be the first to reach 20 points by repairing machines and completing projects. Forget any cooperative vibes; this is a pure tug-of-war. On each turn, you have two main choices: play a machine card into the Bric-a-brac to gather resources, earn charcoalium, or trigger special effects, or repair one of those machines to bring it into your workshop and score points. The key is that as you repair machines and add them to your workshop, they start generating resources that make repairing subsequent machines easier, creating an efficiency engine that you must manage carefully. But watch out: your opponent is watching everything and will constantly try to block you. Any miscalculation can be fatal, as the game is a frantic race where the advantage can swing from one side to the other at any moment. It is a fast-paced game where hand management and the timing of your actions define who will be the new master of the factory. With moderate complexity, it delivers a deep tactical experience, perfect for those who enjoy two-player games that leave no room for errors and require constant adaptation to what the opponent is doing. If you are looking for a challenge that mixes strategy, blocking, and a race against time, Nicodemus is the right choice for your table.
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Gallery
Box and component photos
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Digital Implementations: Board Game ArenaPlayers: Two-Player Only GamesTheme: FactoriesTheme: Steampunk
businessPublisherBombyx, Hobby Japan
editDesignerBruno Cathala, Florian Sirieix
paletteArtistFelideus Bubastis
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Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
777owners
175wishlist
10want to play
quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
6 questions
Is the game strictly for two players? expand_more
Yes, Nicodemus was designed specifically for a 1v1 duel, which makes the interaction between players much more direct and punishing.
How long does a game last? expand_more
On average, between 45 to 60 minutes. It is a fast game, ideal for when you want something strategic without spending the whole afternoon at the table.
Do I need to know Imaginarium to play? expand_more
Not at all! Although they share the same thematic universe, Nicodemus works perfectly as a standalone game.
What is the difficulty level? expand_more
With a weight of around 2.38, it is considered a game of medium complexity. The rules are easy to learn, but mastering the strategy against an experienced opponent is challenging.
What happens if I make a bad move? expand_more
Since it is a race to 20 points with a 'sudden death' mechanic, one mistake can cost you the game. It does not forgive hesitation or neglect regarding what your opponent is building.
Is there a lot of luck involved? expand_more
There is a card draw factor, but the focus is entirely on hand management and strategic blocking. Your ability to adapt matters much more than luck.
