Nefarious similar games & best alternatives

Nefarious - Trailer
Nefarious - nefarious_1.avif
Nefarious - nefarious_2.avif
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Nefarious - nefarious_5.avif
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Nefarious

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

Should you play it?

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.

What works

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

Things to keep in mind

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

What to play next

Top picks

Games that feels the closest overall

  • URUZ "Return of The Er Kishi"

  • Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

  • Underhero

  • Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap

  • Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut

  • Super Chibi Knight

More continuation-driven

Games that feels like Nefarious but with an even stronger pull to keep playing

  • Skul: The Hero Slayer

  • Dunjungle

  • Hollow Knight

  • Songs for a Hero - Definitive Edition

  • FLARE NUINUI QUEST

  • Lone Fungus

Less expressive

Games that feels like Nefarious but with less self-expression and customization

  • TEMBO THE BADASS ELEPHANT

  • Terrian Saga: KR-17

  • Viktor

  • Gunbrella

  • The Mummy Demastered

  • MindSeize

Less story-driven

Games that feels like Nefarious but with less narrative immersion

  • Berserk Boy

  • Cally's Caves 3

  • Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2

  • Flynn: Son of Crimson

  • UDONGEIN X

  • Foregone

Choose your own criteria ->

Similarity map

How to use the graph

Similarity map

Each dot is a game placed from its motivation profile relative to this page’s game. Direction shows which motivation differs most; distance along that axis shows how large the gap is.

  • Purple star: this page’s game at the centre — everything is relative to it.
  • Direction: each axis is a main motivational difference vs this game (e.g. more / less competitive).
  • Distance on an axis: how large that difference is (ring scales show +/− points).
  • Coloured chips: click to highlight games that mainly differ on that motivation; click again to reset.
  • Dotted line: link between this page’s game and the one selected for comparison.
  • Hover a dot to preview that game in the panel on the right; click to keep that comparison.
  • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom.

How to read the map This is a polar difference map: direction = which motivation differs, and distance = how much (same units as the sidebar deltas).

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

Last update: 03/08/2026