Fit check
Is Nefarious worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Action-platformer fans who want to play the antagonist rather than a conventional hero
- Players who enjoy boss encounters from the boss's side
- Players seeking a comedic campaign built around kidnapping princesses across multiple kingdoms
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a conventional hero-led platforming campaign may bounce off the villain-centered objective of capturing princesses.
- Players wanting a straightforward run-and-gun structure may find the capture-and-escape stage format and reverse boss fights interrupt their preferred rhythm.
- Players looking for a large role-playing system may find the listed combat customization narrower than a full RPG progression system.
Our take on Nefarious
The likely bounce point is the reversed objective: each stage asks players to kidnap a princess and escape, then places them on the boss side during hero battles. Players expecting familiar rescue-platformer goals may lose interest when the game repeatedly makes villainy its central mechanic.
What is Nefarious?
Nefarious is a 2D action platformer in which the player controls a villain kidnapping princesses across five kingdoms.
Each stage centers on capturing a princess and escaping while heroes interfere, and each princess changes gameplay in a distinct way. The game reverses the usual boss structure by placing the player in control of the boss during recreated battles against heroes. Combat includes several grenade-launcher ammunition types and customization choices for explosive punches, with more than 10 variations available. The campaign uses illustrated backdrops and 2D animation, alongside a comedic story about the princess-kidnapping trope. Investigating the game's mystery can reveal a secret ending. Locations vary across the five kingdoms, providing the setting for the kidnapping and escape objectives.
How Nefarious plays
- 01Princess Capture Stages
- Each level requires taking a princess and getting away while opposing heroes create obstacles.
- 02Reverse Boss Battles
- Players take the role of the boss in battles modeled on familiar hero encounters.
- 03Five Kingdoms
- The campaign moves between five kingdoms containing additional distinct areas.
- 04Explosive Combat Options
- Grenade-launcher ammunition and over 10 punch configurations provide alternate attack setups.
- 05Secret Ending
- Uncovering the game's mystery can unlock an additional ending.
Nefarious compared to similar games
Nefarious combines 2D platforming with capture-and-escape objectives and boss-side battles. SUPER CHICKEN JUMPER is described as a runner with shooting elements, while Sundered®: Eldritch Edition is a chaotic metroidvania rather than a campaign structured around kidnapping princesses and reversing boss encounters.
Nefarious: platforms & release
Is Nefarious worth it?
It is worth it if: action-platformer fans who want to play the antagonist rather than a conventional hero. Skip it if: players seeking a conventional hero-led platforming campaign may bounce off the villain-centered objective of capturing princesses.
Where can I download Nefarious?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Nefarious's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Nefarious on?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
