Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side

Ravensburger AG · Board game · 2022
2–4 · best 2 50 min Weight 2.6/5
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
8.0 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

A must-have for Star Wars fans who enjoy playing 'dirty' and love asymmetrical gameplay.

Highlights
  • High-quality 3D miniatures
  • Unique goals for every character
  • Strong direct player interaction
  • Deep immersion in the Sith universe
Keep in mind
  • Heavy reliance on text translation
  • Some win conditions are harder than others
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wondered what it's like to rule the galaxy from the perspective of those who actually run the Empire? In Star Wars Villainous: Power of the Dark Side, you step away from the hero's shoes and take control of one of the saga's most notorious villains. Whether you're the imposing Darth Vader, the lethal Asajj Ventress, the volatile Kylo Ren, the calculating Moff Gideon, or General Grievous, your goal is singular: fulfill your unique win condition before anyone else does.

The game is completely asymmetrical. Each villain comes with their own player board, deck, and a 3D miniature to track their position. The gameplay loop is straightforward yet strategic: move your character across different locations on your board to execute actions, playing allies, items, and effects to advance your sinister plans. But don't think you'll be the only one plotting. The game features the 'Fate Deck,' allowing you to draw cards to sabotage your opponents, placing heroes or obstacles in their way and blocking the very actions they desperately need.

Furthermore, each character possesses an 'Ambition' power, enabling special moves based on the Force, strategic leadership, or sheer luck. To add to the immersion, the game incorporates villain-specific missions and rules for iconic ships and transports, making every session feel like a different episode of the saga. It's a game of hand management and high interaction, where the key is balancing the construction of your evil master plan while throwing a wrench into your opponents' machinery. If you love the vibe of 'who is the most wicked person at the table,' this is the game for you.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
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Game details

Families

Misc: Watch It Played How To Videos Movies: Star Wars Series: Villainous Theme: Villainy
Publisher Ravensburger AG
Designer Michael Mulvihill, Prospero Hall
Artist Lucas Torquato, Piotr Rossa
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game hard to learn?
The core rules are simple, but since each villain plays differently, you'll need to read your character's specific rules.
How many people can play?
2 to 4 players. It's great for small groups who enjoy high competitiveness.
How long does a game take?
Usually around 50 minutes, depending on how much you decide to sabotage each other.
Do I need to know Star Wars lore to play?
It helps a lot with immersion, but the mechanics are clear enough for anyone to play.
Are the components high quality?
Yes, the 3D miniatures and the cards are the highlights of the production.
Is it a complex game?
It's medium-light (BGG weight ~2.5), making it accessible but with enough strategy to keep you thinking.