With Halloween around the corner we thought we'd start the frights early with some space sci-fi horror. Imagine waking up from cryosleep on a damaged spaceship, surrounded by confused crewmates, only to realize that a bloodthirsty alien intruder is hunting you all down. This isn't the plot of the latest Hollywood blockbuster – it's just another night playing Nemesis, the heart-pounding board game that's taking the tabletop world by storm.

Game art from Nemesis - Lockdown Edition. By Awaken Realms and Rebel.

A Glimpse into the Void

Designed by Adam Kwapiński and published by Awaken Realms in 2018, Nemesis is a semi-cooperative science fiction board game for 1-5 players. Set aboard the titular spaceship, the game combines cooperative mechanisms with confrontational elements and conflicting objectives. Players must survive an alien-infested vessel while being wary of other players and their hidden agendas.

The game draws inspiration from classic sci-fi horror films, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense that keeps players on the edge of their seats throughout the 90-120 minute playtime. Each game tells a unique story, making Nemesis as much a narrative experience as it is a strategic challenge.

Components: Beauty in the Beast

One of the first things players rave about is the game's production quality. The board, cards, and tokens are beautifully designed, but it's the miniatures that steal the show. From detailed crew figures to nightmarish alien sculpts, these pieces bring the game's terrifying world to life.

"I was blown away by the quality," says Mike, a board game enthusiast.

"The alien minis are so detailed, they're almost too scary to look at!"

The game includes over 25 highly detailed miniatures, including different types of aliens, each with its own unique and terrifying design. The attention to detail extends to the room tiles, which create the claustrophobic and eerie environment of the spaceship Nemesis.

Gameplay: A Dance with Death

In Nemesis, players take on the roles of crew members with unique abilities and secret objectives. The game unfolds through a series of rounds where players explore the ship, gather items, fight aliens, and work towards their goals. The alien presence is controlled by a clever card-based AI system, ensuring no two games play out the same way.

Each turn, players have two action points to spend on various activities such as moving, searching rooms, crafting items, or fighting aliens. The game's innovative event system keeps the tension high, as new threats can emerge at any moment, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

Sarah, a regular at her local game night, shares her experience:

"It's like being in your own sci-fi movie. One minute you're creeping down a corridor, praying you don't run into an alien. The next, you're desperately trying to fix the engines before the ship explodes. And all the while, you're wondering if your crewmates are really on your side."

The Paranoia Factor

The twist that sets Nemesis apart is its semi-cooperative nature. While players often need to work together to survive, their hidden objectives can lead to betrayal and sabotage. This creates a delicious tension that has players constantly second-guessing each other's motives.

Tom, another avid gamer, recounts a memorable moment:

"In our last game, I was so focused on stopping what I thought was a traitor that I completely missed the real threat. Turns out, we were all just trying to survive, but our paranoia nearly killed us!"

The game's objective system is particularly clever, with each player drawing two personal objective cards at the start of the game. These objectives might align with the group's goals or require more selfish actions, adding layers of complexity to every decision.

Nemesis - Board Game Trailer by Hexy Studio - Nemesis board game by Awaken Realms and Rebel

from @Hexy.Studio

Learning the Ropes

While the theme and components are immediately appealing, some players note that Nemesis has a steeper learning curve than many other popular board games. The rulebook is comprehensive but can be overwhelming for newcomers.

"The first game was a bit of a mess," admits Chris, a board game café owner.

"But once we got the hang of it, it quickly became one of our most requested titles. People love the stories that come out of each session."

To help new players, many groups recommend starting with the fully cooperative mode before introducing the hidden traitor elements. This allows players to familiarize themselves with the core mechanics and the alien threat before adding the extra layer of player-versus-player tension.

Replayability: A New Nightmare Every Time

With multiple characters to choose from, various ship layouts, and the unpredictable nature of both the alien threat and player objectives, Nemesis offers high replayability. Each game tells a unique story, from heroic last stands to betrayals worthy of a space opera.

"I've played it dozens of times," says Lisa, a dedicated fan, "and I'm still discovering new strategies and experiencing fresh thrills. It never gets old!"

The Verdict: A Stellar Experience

Nemesis isn't just a game; it's an experience. It combines the best elements of sci-fi horror with strategic gameplay and social deduction. Whether you're a fan of Alien, The Thing, or just love a good board game that tells a story, Nemesis delivers an unforgettable adventure

Just remember, in space, no one can hear you scream... but your gaming group certainly will when that first alien appears!

Tips for New Players:

1. Start with the cooperative mode to learn the basics before diving into the full semi-cooperative experience.

2. Don't be afraid to make noise – sometimes, drawing attention is better than being caught unprepared.

3. Communication is key, but remember: not everyone may be telling the truth!

4. Pay attention to your character's special abilities – they can be game-changers in the right situation.

5. Manage your resources carefully – ammo and items are scarce, and you'll need them to survive.

So, gather your bravest friends, dim the lights, and prepare for a gaming experience that's out of this world. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself checking under the bed for face-huggers afterward!

Visit the official website for more information about Nemesis and its expansions.

Sources:

BoardgameGeek.

Shut Up & Sit Down. "Review: Nemesis."

Awaken Realms. "Nemesis Board Game."

Dice Tower. "Nemesis Review - with Tom Vasel."