One notable point to make about video games, is that you inevitably end up assuming the role of the protagonist. The stereotypical good guy defeating the bad guy routine has become synonymous with pretty much all forms of media, including books, movies and the like. It’s always satisfying to emerge from you adventure victorious, having swatted aside the villain to rapturous applause from whatever universe you’re currently indulged in. But what if there was an option to play the bad guy? You know, kidnap the Princess, fight the forces of good and generally be a nuisance to those with moral integrity. Well now you can with Nefarious.
Heading into Nefarious, I knew very little aside from the fact it was a massive role reversal, allowing you to be the bad guy and wreak havoc on all of the world’s good guys, and to be honest, it makes a refreshing change from the usual humdrum antics of a protagonist striving to save the day. Instantly throwing you into the action of a side-scrolling platforming game, you are given the opportunity to kidnap the Princess and escape to you flying ship up in the clouds, all while the Police are giving chase in an attempt to thwart you. But this time, defeating a villain is not the end game mission, oh no.
Nefarious is certainly one of the more entertaining platform games I’ve come across in my time, due in large part to the humourous dialogue between characters who fit each other like a jigsaw. Banter aplenty, unique individuals who will rile your man Crow with threats, diva antics and bickering, not to mention a spontaneous dating show should you interact with the correct character. This is a genius inclusion and damn funny to boot. Even more so should you assume ownership of a love letter and take full credit.
Gameplay is perfect, and split second timing may be required at times, but it’s not too tough in the grand scheme of things. Sloppy reactions will see you punished, but pay attention and you will have no trouble. Hidden areas of course play a part here as you get to hunt down the elusive collectibles strewn throughout the game, with vinyls allowing to to choose music for your listening pleasure.
Naturally it doesn’t just end there, as upgrades to your weapons allow you to create more chaos as the journey unravels, making progression slightly easier. Whichever suits you best, as there is some good choices. The graphics are colourful and cartoon-like, with some pleasing attention to detail. There’s really not much to dislike about Nefarious so far. Not even the music which has unique tracks for each of the games levels.
If you’re of the achievement hunting persuasion, then you may find a fairly challenging list ahead of you. Beating several boss fights without taking damage, completing the game without upgrades, and a few others may prove a problem, but don’t let this put you off, as Nefarious is a thoroughly enjoyable title from the ID Xbox program and publisher Digerati, who have an excellent track record of providing us gamers with some fantastic games. If good humour, well written dialogue and platform action stir your interest, grab it.
Verdict
Nefarious has a lot going for it, and provides plenty of replay value, especially if you fancy hunting down all of them achievements. Well worth the admission price, and offering plenty of content and excellent level design. You’d be rather silly to miss out or avoid altogether. Definitely a hit.
Developer: Starblade
Publisher: Digerati
Release Date: 14th September 2018
Price: £11.99
File Size: 1.83GB
Xbox One copy provided for review purpose.
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One & Steam