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Nefarious similar games & best alternatives

Nefarious

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Linux • 2017

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Quick resume

Play as the villain in Nefarious! An action platformer where you globe hop between several kingdoms kidnapping princesses who alter gameplay in unique ways. Then thwart various heroes in reverse boss fights, recreated iconic battles where you control the boss.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique villain protagonist concept
    • Engaging characters and humor
    • Varied boss fights and gameplay twists
    • Strong narrative and multiple endings
    • Colorful art and memorable soundtrack

    Cons

    • Clunky and imprecise controls
    • Short game length
    • Some sound design issues
    • Lack of polish and missing sound effects
    • Some frustrating platforming sections

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Expression, Story, Violence.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players control Crow, the villain, with freedom to choose upgrades and approach levels; some scripted elements but overall player-directed actions."

    • Competence
      2

      "Gameplay involves platforming and combat with some skill challenges, though controls can be clunky and some sections are easy or frustrating."

    • Competition
      -3

      "Focus is on single-player experience with no mention of multiplayer or leaderboards; players set personal goals."

    • Continuation
      1

      "Some replay value from multiple endings, collectibles, and achievements, but game length is short and some players lose interest after completion."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player with no cooperative gameplay elements."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Creative twist on villain protagonist and reverse boss fights; some customization with upgrades; level design varies."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No evidence of exerting control over others; game is single-player and narrative-driven."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players enjoy humorous, imaginative villain role and story, providing distraction and entertainment from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun and interest; no indication of obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      2

      "Some experimentation with different gameplay mechanics per level and upgrades, though core gameplay is consistent."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Collectibles and secret areas encourage some exploration beyond main path."

    • Expression
      2

      "Character upgrades and some customization available; portraits and art style allow some player expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Strong fantasy theme with villain protagonist, giant robots, and parody of classic hero tropes."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No multiplayer or social community features; primarily solo play."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players learn platforming skills, boss fight patterns, and upgrade Crow's abilities."

    • Health
      -5

      "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and skillful platforming; not a casual or idle experience."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited to character interactions in story; no close social relationships or multiplayer bonding."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management gameplay elements."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players collect money to buy upgrades and unlock abilities, progressing Crow's power."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Humorous story and music provide enjoyment, but some platforming sections cause frustration and tension."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Colorful art, music, and sound design provide sensory stimulation, though some sound issues noted."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or ranking systems present."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative focus with engaging characters, humor, and multiple endings."

    • Strategy
      1

      "Some planning needed for boss fights and upgrades, but mostly straightforward platforming."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some challenge and tension in platforming and boss fights, but overall moderate intensity."

    • Value
      1

      "Generally positive value for price; some complaints about short length but overall worth the cost."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat involves punching, grenade throwing, and boss fights with destruction, fitting villain theme."

    • Survival
      1

      "Players must avoid hazards and enemies to progress; some challenge in staying alive."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026