Nefarious

Indie· Adventure· Action· Villain Protagonist

Released Jan 2017

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.

84% positive · 413 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $14.99

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Evaluation

Nefarious launched on January 23, 2017 as a complete, self-contained action platformer. The developer delivered on their two stated post-launch commitments: Mac/Linux support arrived in Patch 1.1 on March 16, 2017, and the game later received a Nintendo Switch port on October 4, 2018 — the last notable developer communication. The launch FAQ mentioned a future free "villain ball" local versus mode, but this was never followed up on and the developer went silent after the Switch announcement. There has been no developer communication since October 4, 2018, no unreleased DLC on the store, no roadmap, and no announced future content. The only other post-launch activity was a May 2017 Kickstarter for a Nefarious graphic novel — a separate merchandise/media project, not game content. The game shipped as a complete product and has received no meaningful content additions or developer communications in over seven years.

Evidence

Developer announced the game is available now, describing it as a completed journey from concept to Kickstarter to completion.

news post · Jan 23, 2017 source content shipped

high

Nefarious launched on Nintendo Switch. This is the last official developer communication on record.

news post · Oct 4, 2018 source content shipped

medium

Media

Details

Developer

—

Publisher

—

Achievements

Platform

Windows, macOS, Linux

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Not rated

Players

Single-player

Indie Adventure Action Villain Protagonist Platformer 2D

About this game

Unleash a little anarchy! Tired of playing the hero? Experience the adventure from the other side of the coin with Nefarious! Play as the villain for a change and wreak chaos as you kidnap princesses from five different kingdoms who alter game play in unique ways. Stomp on heroes through several iconic battles recreated with you as the boss!

Nefarious is a 2d-animated action platformer, where your objective on each stage is to kidnap a princess and then escape with them! Heroes will attempt to thwart you, and many things may not go quite as expected.

Key Features

Lovingly crafted 2d animation and illustrated backdrops.
Reverse boss fights let you fight the hero.
Globe hop between five different kingdoms and even more distinct locations.
Unlock several ammo types for your grenade launcher
Mix and match customization options for 10+ variations on your explosive punches.
Mystery and Intrigue, that if uncovered, unlocks a secret ending!
Engage in a comedic story exploring and deconstructing the video game trope of princess kidnapping.

Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026