TDG: Nemesis

[@morphogigatron4256]

I've had this game for well over a year and have played it a few times. Ultimately it is going on my sell shelf. I love the idea of it and also prefer games that tell a story. At its core, it is a resource and time management game, so trying to attack the intruders all the time is a bad idea. Overall, this game is too random for me (and I don't mind some randomness). Bad dice rolls, low ammo, very unlucky damage and event card draws took me down in five turns the last time I played it. All it took was a larva and a breeder. The larva infected me in the event phase because my dice rolls were bad and a breeder kept following me around dealing several light wounds as well as contamination cards. I understand why people love this game and I really want to love it too because I think the combination of the narrative and the game mechanics are excellent. If there was a way to mitigate some of the randomness, I would keep the game, but I also wouldn't want to disrespect the game by neutering it. I'll stop whining now. Your review is excellent and on point. It may not be the game for me, but I would suggest it be on everyone's list to try it out.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. You make some well considered points. For myself, I know going into it its going to be a bloodbath, and I just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[@deeklerick-gc5zx]

If you haven't heard of it yet, Enormity by Into the Unknown might be the " scifi space horror" game you're looking for.

[@deadfalltropics6422]

My absolute favourite part is the way individual personalities shine through the game play. It really makes you feel like you're playing a horror movie with your friends.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@raymyers700]

This game is definitely an experience. I went through the same thing you did: first play, I was like "oh..that's kind of cool, but I'm not in love with it" but after that...it just clicked for me me. I usually don't like those double win conditions in games. For me, because this game is so thematic...I look a being alive as being a win. Obviously I want to play to be the official winner, but I don't take a loss of my personal objective as utter failure. You are on a damaged spaceship with both possibly crazy crew members and perfect killing machine aliens. Being alive at the end of that seems like a good victory with the objective being frosting on the cake! :) My friend has ALL of it, so that is the ONLY reason I don't buy it.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@bgm-1961]

I enjoyed your comments about Nemesis. It's a great game for all the reasons you expressed. But I'm also glad that you referred to its likeness with the movie "Aliens", and NOT "Alien". That's an important distinction, realized or not. Because if you enjoy both movies, and are looking for a game that does "Alien" as well as 'Nemesis' did "Aliens", then I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend the game, 'Lifeform'! 'Lifeform' IS the movie "Alien" in a box! Whereas in Nemesis you're fighting multiple creatures and can kill them, in 'Lifeform', there's only one creature (controlled by a played), and you can't kill it. Not until after you successfully escape on the shuttle, that is, and only if it got on the shuttle with you. And yes, the Alien is controlled by a player, as this is a "1 vs many" game. Except the many, while working cooperatively, are also each looking out for themselves. Thus in the end, there could be one winner, or multiple winners. And since it's very likely the Alien WILL kill a character, each player controls two characters during the game. And even then, if both your characters die, you can become the ship's cat. It's a very tense and fun game, much in the same style as 'Nemesis', but also very different. Enough so, that it's worth having both, 'Lifeform' and 'Nemesis' in your collection! And oh yeah, 'Lifeform' also has a pretty slick solo expansion available. (And I'm not a shill for the publisher! It's simply a great and true adaptation of "Alien" in a boardgame)!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Interesting. I hadn't heard of Lifeform. Is it still in print?

[@bgm-1961]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer No, not at the time, unfortunately. It was bad form of me to hype a game which isn't currently available! I asked about its next expected print run on BGG. When I get the answer, I'll reply back. The game is produced by Hall Or Nothing Productions, FWIW.

[@attiladukai2121]

One of our favorit. We really enjoy the betray element. A real story teller game.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed.

[@cubsnextyear17]

For myself, I like to play two characters when I play solo with two objectives to compete. Really helps getting things done around the board and lots of tension in picking which part of each objective to complete.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks!

[@TheFatalT]

Have played through solo (using two characters at a time) a couple of times, and have had a blast each time. One of the few games that has evoked real feelings of dread as I made my way through the ship. I was also very pleased with the quality of the components and how I could store everything so easily in the box. Wish all game companies would follow this example (looking at you Avalon Hill with those HeroQuest trays…) Have bought the Carnomorph and Void Seeder expansions but haven’t had time to try them out yet. Waiting on a copy of Aftermath as well.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@ricksanchez5949]

Yaaaaaay! Nemesis!!! Please dont forget the rules and please play them out in order otherwise you might as well be watching Aliens via a mirror projected by car headlights into a canopy of fog in the middle of the woods where the only scream youll be able to hear will be me. Just a pre empt. Looking forward to this!!! Happy new year!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy New Year to you, too!

[@ricksanchez5949]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Really enjoyed the video. Solo is hard work. I was tempted with full co-op but am now convinced semi co-op is the way forward. Just need to establish that you all wake up in the hab, theres a corpse, youre all doomed, this isnt going to be a fun story for anyone involved. That might encourage some cooperation early game. Im looking forward to playing with that one Weyland employee whos hell bent on sending the sucker back to Earth.

[@Puzzu]

Thanks for the review, even if a bit late, because it just reminds of how much fun this game is and how I need to get it back to the table!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Happy to help!

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

I’m glad you mentioned how you felt about solo. It really helped me a lot! I’ll hold off because from what you said, it’s not for me but it still looks great.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Hope you get a chance to play it sometime. It's a great game.

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

@@Horrorhiker I love the work Awaken Realms does. Etherfields is a phenomenal game. Nemesis seems like a really neat game but like you, when it comes to solo play, I’ve heard about an even split of good and bad. Knowing me, I will eventually buy it. I’m pretty sure I’d find enjoyment playing it.

[@KarimTheilgaard]

My over all fav board game ever and spent last year’s lockdown painting up the entire set. Just unboxed Nemesis Lockdown today and can’t wait to see how it compares in experience.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@KarimTheilgaard]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer oops, my last comment had so many typo’s as to be incomprehensible XD I’ve edited it now!

[@harimakenji7608]

@@KarimTheilgaard how was lockdown compared to original?

[@RapidCancel]

Just bought this myself, but haven’t had a chance to play it yet. I think later this month i’ll finally get it to the table, but I’m really excited to try it out!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Great game!

[@geebax8440]

There is a full co-op mode for players who don't like the treachery aspect. I think treachery really amps the tension and makes for a more exciting game but I have played with people who weren't amused by getting stabbed in the back after fighting so hard to survive. Also, I picked this up from the original campaign and got the other two aliens sets. They play differently and add some variety. This game tells an exciting tale every time!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Indeed!

[@dmcd7619]

I think this may be your most requested review ever. I'm glad you liked it! It makes me more confident in getting it now. It was funny, I thought you were going to compare it to BSG and then just a few seconds later you did.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It's what I do. Thanks!

[@harimakenji7608]

Many people complain the board is too dark and the new cloth mat is very popping in colour. Have you tried the mat?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I haven’t. I have heard complaints about the board, though.

[@BadAndy3]

I'm with you Cody. I love Nemesis as a game that tells an emergent narrative. Every time we play it. That being said, we don't love the semi-coop version of the game and much prefer playing fully cooperatively. Working together to try and repair the ship, get it going to the right place, and all along trying to survive the aliens. Just a fantastic game and I'm eagerly awaiting the kickstarter with Lockdown. Thanks for the review!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic! Thanks!

[@alexlyf888]

Love your review and happy new year!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

To you as well, sir. Thanks!

[@DIM0RI]

I noticed that you are putting the noice tokens on the technical corridor entrances instead of putting one on the main technical corridor red circle. The idea of the technical corridor sound is that if one technical corridor entrance has sound, then every entrance has one. This makes the rooms with technical corridors dangerous.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Very good. Thanks!

[@RiffLair]

What a game to end the year with.! Good question since you love the Alien theme. Which one would you pick for Solo? Nemesis or Legendary encounters: ALien? Happy new year! :)

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Solo I’d go with Legendary hands down.

[@RiffLair]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Awesome! Thank you!

[@tomharding4095]

Thank you for your review. Different reviews really build up a common set of pluses and minuses for a game. I enjoy your reviews and am happy that you did this. I've owned the game for 6 months and haven't had a chance to play it completely. Anyway, your review just speaks to me. Just get it out and play it. By the way, yes, this game needs to be played with a group. Again, thank you for your insight.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thank you, sir. Happy to help!

[@Salixalba1000]

I wish I felt the same you do. There was nothing about this game any of the 4 of us liked. I was very surprised how little of a game there was in the box.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Interesting. First time I’ve heard something like that.

[@Bieranti]

Have you tried any of Untold stories comic-book campaigns? I played it once solo with 2 characters and liked the experience quite a bit.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have not. Sounds interesting.

[@jimsmith7445]

Great review, by the way... game looks like fun... one question fires me up... why not add The Predator? He was always my personal favorite... components look great, mini's look amazing.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Thanks. It's a great game.

[@stormquiver]

Looking forward to Lockdown coming soon. love Nemesis.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Fantastic!

[@GPlewright]

How many games fall through the cracks of the modern gaming market because they require a few too many plays to reveal their gold?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Good question.

[@Another_opinion_]

Happy New year and thanks for all your content. How much of a learning gap would you say there is between nemesis and zombicide black plague? I'm thinking of a new game for my family and my kids love zombicide. I just don't know if it's a bit too much to chew for them.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I think Zombicide is an easier game to learn, but with that said I don't think Nemesis is especially difficult. Thanks!

[@GGdeTOURS37]

So I'm gonna do like the guys with Nemesis but with the 6 CCN expansions: Cody, please make a review with the 6 other Command & Colors Napoleonics expansions! Cody, please make a review with the 6 other Command & Colors Napoleonics expansions! Cody, please make a review with the 6 other Command & Colors Napoleonics expansions! 7 boxes! Imagines the numerous changes! And if to choose only one: the 5th Expansion introducing the second deck of cards!

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! Maybe some day!

[@rk2331]

Thanks for the review! You mentioned how it reminds you of Battlestar Galactica in some ways. If you already own BSG or Unfathomable, do you feel that Nemesis is different enough that it warrants owning both?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

It reminds of BSG in how highly thematic it is and the fact that it’s a well done sci-fi game. They are very different playing experiences. Thanks.

[@rk2331]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer Thank you for the reply. Looks like I’m buying Nemesis (don’t tell my wife!).

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha!

[@davedogge2280]

I heard that Grumpy Cat has a new arch-enemy... ... .... ... ... .. It was his memesis

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

First rate!

[@crowe4646]

Nice review, do you think this game would be a good 2 player game? I mostly just play board games with my wife.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

I have not yet played it as a two player, but I suspect it would work. There are some objective cards that are specifically for two players, so I think the same paranoia about your other player would be there.

[@crowe4646]

@@TheDiscriminatingGamer good to know, thanks for the reply!

[@tofathi195]

Played again today, i decided to pursue the second goal, to destroy the ship and be the only to survive, i did not survive but i destroyed the ship, my friends(if they still call me their friend) hated me.

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ha! The greatest 'lose friends' game since Diplomacy!

[@przemekbozek]

Thanks for the review Cody, I really wanted to try out this one - as you say, sounds very similar to BSG / Unfathomable😁 Heard it's better kn the narrative side but worse on balance, an issue for one of my players. Any comments on that?

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

So far that hasn’t been my experience. But I’ve only had two solo/two multiplayer plays.

[@samuelliberty949]

100% my fault for being unable to read for why first play through was meh

[@TheDiscriminatingGamer]

Ah. It all worked out. Your ultimate faith in this game was well placed. Glad you introduced me to it.